Christmas!!!!

11 days 3 hours 22 minutes until CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thankful | 11-20

My health. Although I get sinus infections and have problems with joints from my hips down, I do not have any serious health condition that threatens my life. I can go day to day and not be overly concerned with whether or not I will be around tomorrow due to a medical condition.

Clothing. The fact that I own clothing and shoes mean that I am far more blessed than other people throughout the world, and I have way more than enough to get me by day to day without worrying about it keeping me warm or safe enough. I am also very thankful that not only do I have a lot of shoes and clothes, but I like the ones I own. Most of them were picked out and bought by me, so I wear what I choose, not just what I have been given. For lack of better words/thoughts: I am not a beggar, I am a chooser. Add on to that the cute purses, scarves, jewelry, makeup that are not needs, only wants, to make myself look and feel pretty.

Scenery. The mountains of Northern Georgia, Lake Gaston, beaches in Mexico, and the cliffs in Greece, Volcanos in Hawaii and Rainforests that I have only seen beautiful pictures of. The fact that we live in such a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing world.

Memories. The fact that even though they are no longer on this earth I can remember times spent with my Mimaw and GG, and listen to others share their memories of them. That I can look back on fun times with my family, friends, and Cody, and smile.

History. As a people we have a past and we have so many ways of studying it and learning about people who lived before us and learning about how they lived, what they believed, advances they made, and we are able to hopefully learn from their mistakes and reflect on and expand on their successes. Personally, that I can learn from my own past, and handle similar situations better than I had when I previously experienced them.

Learning. At work I am able to see a human learn new things each day and become smarter and more well-rounded as a person. It is phenomenal. As I grow older each year I learn more and more. I love it.

Generosity. In others and in myself. I am thankful that there are people who give so much and expect so little or nothing in comparison. Also, for the joy I am able to receive as a result of giving.

Tradition. There as set aside days of each year specifically to embrace tradition. The holidays, 4th of July, Memorial and Labor Day Weekend. I love that in our calendar we are given days to have fun and embrace our family and friends.

Texting. So I can conveniently communicate with people throughout the day as wanted or as needed.

Pampering and Relaxation. Times where I can take a long, hot shower and scrub all the scratchy nastiness off my feet so they are smooth. Painting nails, but especially toenails. Getting a back or head rub. Sometimes it is very good and healthy to take some time for yourself. I am thankful I have opportunities to do that.

Thankful | 1-10

Yesterday at church we were challenged to think of 10 things we are thankful for each day for a week, I immediately turned to Cody and asked if we could do it together. After doing our first ten tonight via Skype he told me I needed to blog it... so here are my first ten things:

I'm thankful for...

Seasons. Sweltering heat and afternoon rainstorms in the summer, crisp air and changing leaves in the fall, cold, snowy nights in the winter, and renewal and blooms in the spring.

My senses. That I can hear beautiful musical arrangments, children's laughter, whispered love in my ear from my wonderful boyfriend. That I can see the sunrises and sunsets, gorgeous mountain views, and smiles on warm faces. My taste, that I eat delicious foods and there are so many scrumptious flavors to be combined together - and coffee. That I can smell the scents of candles, that I can smell something foul and know that it's probably not a good idea to consume, and that I can be girly and pamper myself with good smelling things. Touch, that I can hug people, hold hands, kiss, cuddle, feel the softness of a baby's cheek when I kiss it, or the scruff of Cody's face against mine, and show my love and affection to people physically.

Cody. That I have the most wonderful boyfriend beyond what I could have ever imagined or hoped for. Who treates me like a princess, but still challenges me to be better. Who loves me enough to know when to push, and when to hold. Who makes sacrifices to make me happy and to make our relationship strong.

My family. Together we are a rock. There is no way to adequetly describe how much I love them and am thankful to have grown up being a part of the Furgerson's.

New Life. The "family members" I have gained throughout the years. The love, support and accountability. Also the knowledge I have gained, and relationship I've grown with God through the teachings and conversations at center around New Life.

Perspective. That I know the facts when it comes to death and I can be confident in my Savior. That I can cherish the time I have on this earth, while still having hope that there is more.

Jesus. For dying a slow, torturous, painful death - all so I can not pay the price and accept the punishment for my own wrongdoings and evil actions and desires. Because his love for me that I will never quite understand. For loving a terribly flawed human race and creating and sacrificing everything in the name of love for people who spit in His face every single day.

My Job. That I get to help raise a child for a short while each day, and instill in her moral values, teach her basic knowledge of letters, numbers colors, and play things that little girls play while getting paid. I have the greatest responsibility, to take care of someone else's child while they are away. It's humongous. I have to prove that trust everyday and get to love on the sweetest little girl in the process.

My friends. The ones I know I will always have and love, who will always have my back, near and far. No matter if I talk to them every week or every couple of months. The ones that have taught me valuable lessons and what it truly means to be a true friend. I don't have many, but I wouldn't trade the ones I do have for anything in the world.

Modern Technology. Cars, indoor plumbing, electricity, phones, tv, humidifiers. Things I take for granted everyday, but have never known how to really live without.

***Disclaimer: these are absolutely in no particular order. Obviously I love Jesus more than the seasons... enough said.***

Love You

What will I say to Jesus?

What will He say to me?

When in heaven we meet

And His face at last I see?

Will we meet as strangers?

Will I feel quite out of place?

Will He say, "I never knew you."

While, in shame I hide my face?

Praise God the Father and Good Shepherd,

It won't be that way at all,

Because he knows me by my name,

And I have recognized His call.

Perhaps I will have been with Him

On earth, just a moment ago, in prayer,

Only the scene changes in a twinkling

And I'm no longer there.

Norma W. Furgerson 1999

We wouldn't be who we are without you. And your amazing faith and love. God gave you 95 years to be with us, it's no wonder He wanted you back. You are Great and you are Grand. Love you.

Great is Thy faithfulness, oh God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
to Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

These days

If you are one who has not heard, please please please pray for MACU. This past Sunday there was a fatal shooting in an argument between two students, being that it is such a small school it has affected everyone personally. Sone students had never known someone who died. There is serious hurt and brokenness there. And they need prayer for strength, forgiveness, hope, and healing. Please please when you think about this pray for all the students, staff, communities where the two involved were from, the two families, and anyone else who has been hurt and affected through this act. There are several news reports if you google it.

In the midst of this I've been able to spend time with my grandparents in my mom's side who I have not seen since my freshman year of high school. It's been nice. I also got to spend some time with my other grandparents, who even though we only live a couple miles away from each other I rarely see.

And my love is coming up today :) we're going to go to Cox's Farm and do a corn maze tomorrow and carve our pumpkins on Sunday after church maybe while watching the colts game :) I'm in the process of making him one of those big fleece "no sew" blankets, but I am sewing on his name and a few stars. Since he goes to Newport News so early to get parking for work and then sleeps in his car until it's time for him to actually go in I thought I'd make him a blanket so he could be warm. And I'm really excited about what I'm sure will end up being only one of the things I'm getting him for Christmas.

Kisses,

S

Road Trip :)

Well this weekend was long, exhausting, wonderful, and full of love and happiness.

I was definitely stressed out on Friday, I was so excited to finally see Cody after our 12 days apart, I know... We're babies, but it's hard and it sucks to be away from each other for that long. Anyway, he got here right when I got off of work, so I looked and felt super tired, probably smelled like sweat, poop, and pee, and all I had eaten all day was a piece of string cheese... So that's what my breath smelled like, I know it's gross. I'm just bein real. So I went to the bank and deposited my awesomely fantastic paycheck for the week and then met my love at Starbucks. We were technically supposed to leave right when he got there but we both needed gas and I needed a shower... And I needed to pack... Me? Procrastinate? On packing?? No! :) well, to finish packing I had to finish my laundry too, luckily it was already in the dryer so it could finish while I was getting cleAn, and Cody got to nap.

So finally when we do get on the road 2 hours late for our 7 hr drive I still had not eaten and I was driving first cause I didnt ant to drive in the dark. I got all the way to haymarket before Cody made me stop and get food in my belly Because I was CRANKY! And he doesn't like being in the car while I drive because I drive like a grandma... So my love took over and drove the rest o the way himself, I did help by navigating better than the gps and staying awake with him.

We had an interesting encounter with a stereotypical old black man at a gas station "hey yAll a real pretty couple. Y'all real pretty. You need to marry that girl. That girl is gunna make you real happy" it's so much funnier to hear Cody tell it. But it made us laugh and helped us wake up our brains a little.

When we finally got to Charlotte at like 1:30 am we were soooo tired, Cody had been awake since like 4 and I had been since 5. We were excited to get some sleep.

Seeing tories was fun and Kaitlyn is so precious and adorable and sweet and not evil at all. Cody and I got to babysit in the morning while Tories bought some last minute suff for the party. It was a fun, great experience to share with him. Kaitlyn seemed a little apprehensive with Cody at first but she warmed right up and he was wonderful with her. He even changed a diaper :) he's so cute. And I didn't sleep so great that night so he watched her while I got reAdy and played with her while I supervised from my nice, comfortable laying down position. He's great. Really, truly the best. I'm the luckiest.

The party was fun, I got to eat a hot dog which was exciting and made me really happy and excited, its really the little things that make me haply and excited... Usually little things dealing with food. What can I say? :) any way... It was great to see tories and kaitlyn and Tories mom.

when we got back to my house Cody did homework while I made food and when he was done we watched the first half of the Colts game. 2-1, baby. I hate watching him go though. It's the worst :( and I hate leaving him when it's my turn. But we had a great weekend and I was so happy with how everything was. We make a really good team.

Oh and for the record, I got Kaitlyn a microphone that records your voice and plays some little kids songs (think the itsy bitsy spider, old McDonald... That stuff) and a card with monkeys on it that sings "taking care of business " when you open it :) she loved both.

this weekend

I get to meet a baby girl who is turning one! One of my best friend's daughter is celebrating her first birthday so Cody and I are making a trip to the beautiful NC mountains :) I can;t wait to meet Kaitlyn and see Torie!!!!!!! :) :) :)

Oh and you know I got the best presents, you know... the loud ones that make parents hate you. It's my specialty :)