Thanksgiving

For the month of November, I noticed a trend of people on social networking sites writing things for which they were thankful.  I decided to join in.  Most days, it was easy to determine quickies, but some were harder.

All in all, I'm glad that I did this exercise.  As I was telling a friend the other night, I NEEDED to go through this process. In the beginning, I needed to get affirmation from people EVERY DAY to feel needed, wanted, significant.  Let's just say I've been struggling with some insecurities.  Anyway, now, by the end of the month, I am finding that it doesn't matter if anyone likes my status at all.  It isn't there for them.  It's there for me. For my journey, and another journey of healing for my heart.

1. Tonight, fetal surgery>voting. I am so incredibly thankful for my job!! And I will vote tomorrow :)
2. Tonight, I'm thankful for the beautiful sunset that I get to enjoy while standing in line to vote...I'll be even more thankful when I get to go home and eat dinner! — at Champion Forest Baptist Church.
3. Today I am thankful for weekends which bring rest and recuperation. (btho ms st!)
4. Today, I'm thankful for the extra hour to sleep in until the sun came up, and then being able to take advantage of the opportunity to talk with one of my dearest friends. What a blessing! — with Katy Britten.
5. Today, I am incredibly thankful for my parents. They are extremely supportive, offer unconditional love, and always there for me when I need them the most. I would have to say they are pretty much the best parents in the world! — with Bart Canon Jr and Susan C Canon.
6. Even though I've already exercised my right to vote, I'm thankful I am given the opportunity! You should do the same if you haven't already.
7. Today, I am thankful for the metro system. Although some days are better than others, I'm grateful I do not have to fight Houston traffic each and every day.
8. Tonight, I'm thankful I was able to eat a hot meal for dinner. Let's face it: a lot of people around the world don't get that blessing every day. Thanksgiving should be about the small things.
9. Thankful for my chiropractor, who isn't afraid to let me know what's what and whips me back into shape. 3 weeks to run again? You betcha that's a challenge! It's on.
10. Soooo thankful this test(abd registry) is now over! Woohoo! (Now, BTHO Bama!!) 
11. Thankful for those who have served and sacrificed so that I have the opportunity to enjoy freedom. Many thanks to our veterans!This also includes those who are currently serving, like my cousin, Matt Canon! SOOOOO thankful!
12. Thankful for my best friend from college. She's stuck through the good, the bad, and the very ugly with me. Friendships like this just don't happen and words can hardly begin to describe the meaning of this relationship in my life. Love you, Leslie Marie Shelton!
13. Thankful that the weather is finally starting to act like it's November! Bring on the the scarves and comfy sweatshirts!
14. Today, I'm thankful for patients who make my job worthwhile!
15. Thankful for my "3". Without them, I would completely and utterly lost. Here's to hoping they realize how valuable they are to me! - with Amy Maddox, Diana Bauhof, and Meagan Duffy Littlejohn
16. Thankful for friday nights, this new ice cream, and the excitement of getting to see this precious face tomorrow :) p.s. check out those eye lashes! gorgeous!! — with Allison Canon Pailes.
17. Thankful for the ability to see my favorite niece this weekend! — with Allison Canon Pailes.
18. Thankful for the Aggie family and the opportunity to be a part of one of the most spirited university student bodies. Gig 'em. 11.18.99.
19. After a day like today, I am reminded of the miracle that is pregnancy, birth, and life. Thankful for these precious gifts!
20. Pregnant ladies: please make sure you get a proper anatomy scan around 20 weeks of gestation! Thankful for my job, thankful for the miracle of life, but bummed that some of my patients will have some of the hardest holiday seasons in their lives. There aren't really words to express my sorrow.
21. As of today, I've officially been working at UTHealth for 6 months! My co-workers surprised me with an early birthday celebration, which served as encouragement that I am accepted, included and loved! I am thankful for them. I love my job!
22. Turkey Trot, take 2! Thankful for this new tradition :) — with Amy Maddox at The Water Wall.
23. I am thankful for the consistency of friendships like the one with Chisom Agada. Also thankful for a relaxing afternoon away from the frantic crowds of shoppers. Thanks for spending time with me, Susan C Canon!
24. Thankful for all of the birthday wishes! Thank you all so so much! Now, BTHO mizzou!! — with Cindy Diaz at Kyle Field.
25. Reflecting back on my 26 years of life, I've come to value several women who have mentored me. Without their influence in my past, I would not be who I am now or who I am meant to become in the future. Thanks, ladies! You mean a lot to me :) — with Pam McGowan McNatt, Pam Shapiro, Kerri Greer, Meg King, Nikki Powers.
26. Thankful for encouraging messages. — with Leasha May.
27. Thankful to be accepted by friends who take me as I am. Everyone should experience this kind of love!
28. Thankful for intentional conversations that serve to encourage you and challenge your daily walk with Jesus all at the exact same time. — with Sarah S. W. Branham.
29. Thankful for a God who is much bigger than I...
30. Thankful for a God who is consistent when I am not, faithful when I am not, gracious when I am not, merciful when I am not, loving when I am not, forgiving when it's hard to even fathom forgiveness, and sent His own Son to die for me. I do not deserve His Love. "But God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life." -John 3:16. Thank you, Jesus!

Throughout this process, it's helped my attitude by being grateful...even though I don't always see the blessings in life! The last few months have been hard. If that word even begins to describe it. 

I am going to continue to be thankful.  I have some exciting adventures coming soon - and I can't wait to see where this next chapter is going to lead.

...9 months later...

It's been 9 months since I last wrote here.

And I'm not looking at this year in the same light as I once did.

2012 will always be remembered as the year that I fell in love with a great guy and then he broke my heart into a million pieces.  

He was supposed to be "the one".

And now I'm stuck trying to figure out the next move.

Because I can't stay here and heal.

I've been hurt too immensely to fathom stagnant placement.

So I try to heal, in my own way, because nothing in my life could have prepared me for these days.  

The Lord is sovereign. And He alone allowed these events to occur. 

At times, my faith falters. But I'm desperately attempting to grasp for something steady in this turbulent ocean of emotion.

2012

This isn't going to be the post you think it is.

I'm not making resolutions.

I'm just continuing.

      Continuing to pursue God.
      Continuing to strive to follow where He leads.
      Continuing to simplify my life to bring it back to the basics of the Gospel.

And I am expecting big things from 2012.
Because God's faithfulness in 2011 completely blew me away.

A few things that I am anticipating this year:

1. Meeting my precious niece in April!
2. Graduating from my sonography program in May.
3. Finding a full-time job shortly after graduation.
4. Moving out on my own.

As exciting as these things are, it can be sort of overwhelming to look at all the changes happening at once.  

The good news is that this year will happen one day at a time.

And that gives me the ability to daily seek God's face.

For His guidance, His plan, and His glory.  

Bring on 2012!