IT is Going to Happen for me....!

I'm going to jot down the quotes and other tid-bits from the book that really stand out to me from Write It Down, Make It Happen:  Knowing What You Want--And Getting It! by Henriette Anne Klauser....

"The first step in all of them [books] is to write down your goal" (16).

Write down my fears:

Memoir--rejection; no one will want to read it; it will be a book that will fade quickly into obscurity

Going to England--CVCC will say no; b/c of the changes in curriculum, it won't be seen as a beneficial trip; cost; others will try to take the credit; others will tell me it's not worth it--it's crazy and other words of discouragement

Yiddish for "ranting and raving" is "kvetching"--"Kvetching is therapeutic" (97).

"Start from the destination, and then figure out how to get there" (113).

"...let your writing uncover why this goal is so important to you" (117).

"Create your own list of what is meaningful to you" (139).

"journalizing" (144)

"Write a list of the accomplishments in your life of which you feel especially proud" (155).

Jingle:

   As you amble on through life, friend,

   Whatever be your goal--

   Keep your eye upon the donut

   And not upon the hole!  (162)

"The impression I am left with is strong:  Some else has confidence in me; why shouldn't I?"  (163)

"It's not a magic feather, it's you.

   Sometimes in order for your dream to come true, it is you who need to take the initiative" (168).

"...when you write something down, you begin to define what you know, and therefore, what you want.  you can't have what you want until you know what it is.  Writing clarifies what it is that you are asking for.  God can give you what you want, ...but you have to be clear on what you want.

   Writing [gives you] the courage to act" (178).

*a home "with a hug around it" (179)*--my favorite!

"It's not a magic feather; it's you who can fly" (180).

"Praying on paper is a way of acknowledging God's presence in your life, asking for help, and giving thanks" (181).

"It's you who is keeping you from completion" (195).

"..'.you're scared to act on it, because you worry, If I touch it, is it going to break?    It is hard to do because it is exactly what I want.'"  

"Resistance has meaning, and getting behind resistance, not just around it, will set you free" (199).

RESISTANCE

"When you are honest, shackles drop."

"Once you identify the meaning behind your resistance, the block disintegrates, leaving you wide open for fulfillment.  When you own the life you live, you open the way to claim the life you want" (201).

"RESISTANCE HAS MEANING."

"What in your life are you resisting?  Where are you digging your heels in?  Write down the reasons behind your reluctance.  What is it about moving forward does not seem safe?   ...keep writing until you come to the truth.  What is it about you that resists taking this next step?

   The truth shall set you free, and free the world to help you along a little" (202).

"Adding ritual to the writing of your goals makes the message more meaningful.  It sets something in motion" (203).

"'What do we want in our lives and out of our lives?'" (206).

Pledge:  "not do anything [she] did not enjoy" (211).

"'It's the motive that matters, not the particulars'" (213).

"Our intent was to focus on our deepest desires, what we wanted deeply and what we no longer would tolerate, and we were appealing to something bigger than us to help us out" (214).

   "A wise teacher once told me, 'Becoming a master means willingness to let go of whatever isn't working in your life.  Letting go of the familiar is hard.'

   Relinquishing what isn't working is tied to taking responsibility for your life" (217).

"THERE IS NO FAILURE; ONLY A DELAY IN RESULTS" (233).

"When everything is falling apart, it is a good sign that everything is about to come together" (234).

"...don't minimize your dreams and don't lose heart. . . .It's okay to be scared.  Do it anyway" (240).  

Oops, I read it again!

OK, so TWILIGHT won't ever be considered "great" literature.  It won't become part of the literary canon.  It isn't even close to the level of the HARRY POTTER books or Jodi Picoult.  But let's face it; TWILIGHT is a FUN read.  I can't help it.  It draws me in even though it's not serious reading.  I call it my "guilty pleasure" reading, just like my Mary Balogh books.  I know it's sappy and, in many ways, just plain ridiculous, but I love it.  I find some of the story just plain embarrassing and others simply unrealistic, but even at that, I am drawn to the story like a moth to a flame.  I won't apologize for enjoying TWILIGHT or any of the other books in the series.  It is what it is.

I think we all need some things that we read that are just for pure enjoyment rather than having to THINK so hard about the symbolism and deeper meanings and theme and setting and so on and so forth.  Sometimes we readers just want to read something for the sake of reading.  It's kind of like how I'll read even the backs of shampoo bottles or deodorant cans in the bathroom when I don't have a book in there with me.

Do I believe in vampires?  Absolutely not.  I do believe that there are people who want to be vampires so much that they'll go to great lengths to become as close to a real vampire as they possibly can.  I think that's pretty ridiculous, but to each his own.

Do I believe even for a second that if Bella smelled as incredible to Edward the Vampire as he clams that he honestly would have been able to control his vampiric urges and keep from killing her?  Not even for half a mili-second.  Really?!  I just don't think so.  Bella was dead the second Edward caught her scent.  But it's fun to imagine that Edward is strong enough to withstand his basal vampiric urges and ultimately to fall in love with the one person who is his "brand of heroin."

Would Edward really be able to suck the venom out of Bella after James' bit her?  Not a chance.  That's too easy.  She'd have been a vampire right then and there.  But if she'd become a vampire this early in the series, we never would have the triangle between Jacob, Bella, and Edward.  Bella would never have a chance to get to know Jacob better if she were already a vampire by the end of the first book.  And what fun would that be?!

Let's face it....for all those nay-sayers about TWILIGHT, they're right that TWILIGHT isn't GREAT.  But my response is that it doesn't have to be GREAT to be FUN to read!!!!!

Now on to MIDNIGHT SUN!  Yeah, I'm gonna read that before I get to NEW MOON!  I haven't looked up MIDNIGHT SUN on Goodreads yet; it'll be interesting to find out if it has it listed!!!

August 19, 2012 to August 22, 2012
February 11, 2014 to February 20, 2014

Polly's Major Dreams: Publish my Memoir & Go to England

Another great read by John Maxwell:  PUT YOUR DREAM TO THE TEST:  10 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU SEE IT AND SEIZE IT.

 Polly's Dream Board:  http://www.dreamitalive.com/pandapaw48

1.  The Ownership Question:  IS MY DREAM REALLY MY DREAM?  My dream really is my dream.  I have several dreams, but I'm going to focus on two for this posting.  And yes, both of these dreams are my own and both are things that I really and truly do want and want to do.

2.  The Clarity Question:  DO I CLEARLY SEE MY DREAM?  I do clearly see my dreams.  My first major dream is to write a book and have it published--and actually be a book that makes a difference in the lives of the people who read it.  This book is my memoir based on the tragedies that have happened in my life, but yet how I continue to search for--and find--God's loving JOY in my life.  I have had a vision of the cover of the book since the loss of my first son almost 16 years ago.  I have a rough draft of it ready and I am in the process of revising.  I am also in the process of trying to figure out if I want to self-publish, publish digitally, or try to go for a publisher like Tommy Nelson.  I have a goal of seeing some real progress made on this dream by the end of 2014.

The other dream I am going to focus on for this posting is the dream I've had since I was a teenager to go to England.  I want to travel the whole country---north to south (or south to north) and east to west (or west to east)--LOL!  Of course I want to spend a lot of time in London, but I want to be able to travel the whole country and visit as many homes of authors as possible as well as see a play performed in the new Globe Theater--and, yes, see a major play on the London stage!  What a dream come true that would be!!!!

3.  The Reality Question:  AM I DEPENDING ON FACTORS WITHIN MY CONTROL TO ACHIEVE MY DREAM?  The factors within my control to achieve my dream of being published are simply to be sure that I keep at it.  It is within my control to write and revise my memoir.  I am very capable of doing so not only because of what I have been through and I know my story is worth telling, but also because I have a degree that enables me to have the qualifications not to mention the fact that I simply love to write anyway!

The factors within my control to achieve my dream of going to England are a little more difficult because of the financial costs, but I am hoping and believing that I will be able to convince CVCC to agree to make it class credit for students to take such a trip which means that I will be able to go not only as a participant/traveler, but also as a teacher and enjoy the trip with others--which will make the trip that much more awesome!  I simply have to follow the procedures necessary and hope and pray to get the approval needed.

4.  The Passion Question:  DOES MY DREAM COMPEL ME TO FOLLOW IT?  My dream of writing and publishing my memoir does comple me to follow it.  I have had the dream of writing SOMETHING and publishing it since I was a little girl, so that part of it has always been with it.  I not only want to do this, I NEED to; I HAVE to.  It is something I know the Lord has laid on my heart and every time I don't focus on it for days or weeks at a time, something happens to bring it back to focus and make me realize that it's a dream that isn't going to go away until I succeed!

My dream of going to England has been, in years past, something that I would do "some day."  As we all know, "some day" quite often never comes if we don't actually DO something about it.  I want that "some day" to become a reality, so yes, it does compel me to follow it.  It's going to be difficult getting the approval needed, but something tells me that if I do it early enough and allow enough time for preparation, etc., the school might just actually agree to it.....

5.  The Pathway Question:  DO I HAVE A STRATEGY TO REACH MY DREAM?  Strategy is something I have lacked on both of my major dreams, but I am working on that part.  My major strategy for finishing and publishing my memoir is to revise and begin working on publishing--getting an agent or self-publishing--by early summer and then going from there based on the decision that I made (or is made for me)--regarding an agent or self-publishing.

The strategy to reach my dream of going to England is to begin making phone calls and putting together a budget, tour guide/group, etc., and then begin filling out the paperwork that's going to be necessary.  I'll have to find out what paperwork is going to need to be filled out beyond the co-curricular paperwork because I want the trip to count as class credit for the students who attend.  I don't know what's all involved with that so I will have some real research to do, but I know that I'll have the information I need and that I will get what I need.  I just have to stay on it and not give up!

6.  The People Question:  HAVE I INCLUDED THE PEOPLE I NEED TO REALIZE MY DREAM?  I am working on including the people I need in order to realize my dream of publishing my Memoir.  Devon is helping put together a cover for me--whether it's the actual cover used for the final copy or not, it will be great motivation to keep me working on it.  I will begin shopping for agents within the next few weeks and hopefully find one who will be someone who will fight for my Memoir and help me get it published.  My counselor, Shirley, is on my team.  Mom and Katie will help me, I know, by reading a draft whenever I am able to send them one.  I will probably even be able to get a few folks from school to help me if I just ask.

I haven't spoken to anyone about the dream of going to England through CVCC, yet, but I will have a great list of those to help once I get the ball rolling.  Kristy will be happy to work on the project with me.  I'll need Donna, Keith, and Arlene.  As long as Mona stays, she'll be on the team.  And anyone else who is needed, especially whoever I work with to make the travel arrangements--my tour guide.

7.  The Cost Question:  AM I WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE FOR MY DREAM?  The major cost/price for both of my dreams is time--something I don't have an awful lot of.  I know, though, that if I break the work down in smaller chunks of time rather than trying to do everything at once, I will be able to get done what I need to get done.  The most difficult obstacle I have is keeping up with my grading.  I feel guilty working on anything else when I have so much grading to do.  But even if I do just a little bit of SOMETHING every day, my two major dreams will come to pass.  At this point in time, I am not sure of any other costs involved with achieving my two major dreams, but I know that I will deal with each as it becomes important necessary to do so.

8.  The Tenacity Question:  AM I MOVING CLOSER TO MY DREAM?  I am moving closer to my dream of having my Memoir published because I at least have a really good draft written.  It needs a lot of work, but it's more than I've had previously!

Up to this point, I have not moved any closer to my dream of going to England, but I am going to begin working on it as soon as I possibly can.  I will begin doing the research necessary and begin putting the bug in the ears of my superiors and start the ball rolling.  This is going to be a long, uphill climb just to get the approval, not to mention planning the actual trip, but I know it will all be worth it in the end!!!

9.  The Fulfillment Question:  DOES WORKING TOWARD MY DREAM BRING SATISFACTION?  YES!!!  YES!!!!  YES!!!!  YES!!!!  I have always tried to tell the people around me to find what they love to do and do it because it bring the greatest joys in life--doing what you love to do!!!  Teaching is something I LOVE to do even to the point of having the "itch" (like gun-fighters) to be back in the classroom between breaks!!!  And working toward both of my major dreams brings me great satisfaction because with my Memoir, I get to write--which I LOVE to do and I get to plan a trip to a place where I've dreamed of going for as long as I can remember!

10.  The Significance Question:  DOES MY DREAM BENEFIT OTHERS?  The dream of publishing my memoir does benefit others in that I hope and pray my story is something that inspires others who are struggling and/or who are having a difficult time dealing with LIFE that there is JOY in Jesus Christ.  In the midst of our deepest pains, hurts, and struggles, God is with us and He loves us.  It is my job as a Christian to help others see Christ for who He is--to be a witness--and my Memoir is one of the best ways I have of being that witness to others.

My dream of going to England benefits others because students will be able to get credit for going and participating!  Those who go will get to get out of the United States and see another part of the world.  We'll get some great culture.  It will be a wonderful learning experience.  It will be fun.  It will be a wonderful social experience not only in being with others from the same school, but also in meeting others in a different country with a different way of speaking than what we're used to--so language will be a major part of that!  Oh, I can't wait!

*One final comment, one dream I have right now it to participate in World Book Night on April 23, 2014.  CVCC (Catawba Valley Community College) has been accepted as a Group Giver, so now we just need to receive the books and actually give them out!  I've requested 100 cases of books--the largest number of books requested by Group Givers according to Carl!  Here's hoping we get them all and that we are able to give them all out!  What an awesome opportunity!!!!

http://www.us.worldbooknight.org/

The title is not the only great part about this book.....

Truly, Laurie Halse Anderson's THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY deserves much more than 5 stars....more like 10, just for starters.  Wow.  From the moment I started reading this book, I was hooked.  After a day or two of reading small chunks, I couldn't stand it anymore; I couldn't put it down and I finally just kept reading until I finished it!  This is a book that you will WANT to stay up late to read--if not all night.  This is a book that will tear your heart out, but make you believe in Love and Life and Hope and the eternal power of the fact that no matter how bad things get in life, life does go on and we just have to hang on for the ride, doing the best we can--one day at a time.

I love so much about THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY.  Yet it's difficult to say that this is a great book because the subject matter is so difficult and powerfully heart-wrenching.  While I am not a soldier who has seen the horrors of war, I am a woman who has SUFFERED horrors of life.  I understand the coping mechanisms that drive people to do things they never would have done if they hadn't SUFFERED the things they've suffered.

Hayley is an incredible young woman who simply wants LIFE with those she loves around her yet she fights on a daily basis to keep a tenuous grasp on LIFE.  She is stumped by normalcy, including school and dating while being drawn to normalcy as a moth to a flame.

Like Anderson's book SPEAK, THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY is a book that will be with you long after you close the book.  This book is sure to become an instant classic and be at the top of any avid reader's reading list and is definitely added to my list of books I suggest that EVERYONE read....Truly.

Now.

What are you waiting for?  Do you need a copy of the book?  I'll loan you mine, but you have to promise to give it back to me as soon as you finish.

Then again, you might as well buy your own copy because you're going to want a copy of your own.....Seriously.

My obsession with the Countess continues

A book about the Countess!!!!!  Awesome!  Several years ago, my husband was up late into the night because, obviously, he couldn't sleep.  The next day, he told me about this documentary he'd watched about this woman who had bathed in the blood of virgins to stay young.  She'd killed upwards of 600 girls!  Fascinated, I began doing some research and I've been researching, reading, and studying Countess Elizabeth (Erzsebet) Bathory--and obsessed--ever since!  I just can't seem to read enough about her.  I don't know why she fascinates me as much as she does, but I find myself buying one book after another about her and even talking about her to anyone who will let me talk about her.

Needless to say, when I ran across Linda Lafferty's book HOUSE OF BATHORY while searching in Amazon, I bought it immediately.  Because I'm also read the GAME OF THRONES series, it's taken me a little longer than usual to finish this book, but it certainly quickly became my top reading priority as I delved deeper into the story of the Countess along with a modern-day parallel.

I've heard that other authors seem to have begun using a plot device where they have two separate stories happening at once in a book, so it did not come as much of a surprise to find that Lafferty did something like that in her book.  Granted, this is the first book I personally have read with that plot device, so for me, it was a new feature.  I liked it ok.  In one chapter, I read about the Countess in 1610 during her last days before she was "arrested."  In the next chapter, I read about a psychologist in 2010 who is treating an extremely unbalanced Goth girl.  It is difficult to see how the two stories will interact, but it is obvious, even from the beginning, that the stories will eventually come together and make sense.

For anyone who is a "fan" (that's not the right word--but it fits anyone who's as fascinated by the Countess as I am) of Countess Bathory, the portion of the book that follows her story is nothing new except that it is told is narrative form which isn't new either except that this is the first time Lafferty has ventured into that realm.  It does not take away from the interest level of the read when reading the Bathory chapters, though.  It's simply interesting to read much of what I've already read and have much of the information confirmed--again.

The story that takes place in 2010 is interesting, but not as interesting as the story of the Countess.  Regardless, if you are a "fan" of the Countess and/or of mysteries, you'll more than likely enjoy Linda Lafferty's HOUSE OF BATHORY.

Polly's List of Gifts (in progress)

ONE THOUSAND GIFTS by Ann Voskamp--Polly's List of Gifts (I'm not at 1,000 yet, but I'm working on it!)--in no particular order:

1. voices raised in worship
2.  the ability to worship & praise my Lord and Savior
3.  good friends
4.  good times with friends--memories
5.  laughter among/with friends and loved ones
6.  pregnancy--every part of it
7.  smiles shared between two people
8.  knowing looks shared between two people
9.  private/inside fun jokes
10.  music
11.  ability to read and hold the Word
12.  the Word
13.  Marked pages/verses in my Bible
14.  beloved Bible verses
15.  the feel of the pages of my Bible
16.  writing with a pretty pink pen
17.  feeling the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit
18.  driving
19.  Samuel (my beloved son)
20.  my very pretty pink purse
21.  pretty shoes
22.  sunshine
23.  cardinals
24.  clouds--seeing shapes in the clouds
25.  family time
26.  playing games--the laughter--the joy--the togetherness
27.  movies
28.  books--especially the feel of a book in my hands
29.  gifts given in love and appreciation
30.  finding a simple gift--a surprise
31.  chocolate--with nuts
32.  God's provision
33.  God's peace that passes all understanding
34.  God's grace, love, and mercy--His understanding--His continued working in me, not giving up
35.  sisters
36.  brothers
37.  niece & nephews
38.  pets--Misty, Phoebe, Kayla, Cole, Sadie
39.  parents
40.  grandparents
41.  work that isn't work because I LOVE what I do
42.  my students
43.  notes in the margins & spaces of my Bible
44.  sitting beside my Precious, Beloved son
45.  Samuel and his Legos
46.  the presence of the Holy Spirit
47.  writing
48.  typing
49.  playing a game on the computer
50.  reading
51.  sleeping
52.  snuggling
53.  pandas
54.  orcas
55.  tigers
56.  giraffes
57.  laughter--body shaking
58.  tears (He holds them ALL)
59.  I am MOMMY (4x)
60.  journaling
61.  sharing
62.  touch
63.  Hugs--nice, long hugs given with whole bodies and hearts
64.  kisses on the cheek
65.  hearing "I love you"
66.  saying "I love you"
67.  massage
68.  words
69.  JOY--acts of
70.  holding hands
71.  prayer
72.  the feel of my favorite clothes
73.  discovering a new wonder
74.  Coke
75.  soft curly hair
76.  flowers
77.  purple
78.  rainbows
79.  green
80.  hearing--sound
81.  images in my head on the page
82.  a full belly
83.  a soft, warm blanket
84.  a comfortable couch
85.  playing games
86.  fancy candles--lit, glowing
87.  pictures--family photos
88.  being caught up (especially on school work)
89.  Mail.  real mail--a card or letter or package in the mail box!
90.  working intestines
91.  hair being brushed, fixed--especially by someone else
92.  finger and toe nails freshly manicured and painted
93.  scrapbooks--looking through the ones I've made
94.  scrapbooking--creating
95.  heat on a cold day
96.  air conditioning on a hot day
97.  the feel of sand between my toes
98.  the ocean
99.  sunrises
100.  sunsets
101.  the moon--especially when it's full
102.  books.  books!  books!!!
103.  a story long remembered
104.  knowledge
105.  learning
106.  wisdom
107.  mistakes
108.  all things Disney
109.  Tigger
110.  Pooh
111.  Mickey Mouse
112.  Minnie Mouse
113.  Disney World
114.  Eyes--color--windows to the soul
115.  seeing
116.  tenderness
117.  warm hugs--long warm hugs
118.  afternoon naps
119.  crying while laughing
120.  musicals
121.  dancing
122.  freedom
123.  playing the piano
124.  Samuel sleeping
125.  James rubbing/massaging my feet
126.  juicy fried chicken
127.  chocolate marshmallow ripple ice cream
128.  trains
129.  mountains
130.  caramel apples with nuts!
131.  granny smith apples
132.  journaling
133.  oreos
134.  Chocolate & marshmallows
135.  doctors
136.  counselors
137.  prayers
138.  someone taking my suggestion to read a book
139.  a good sneeze
140.  finding something that was lost
141.  my house
142.  my house being a home
143.  nurses
144.  computers
145.  technology
146.  fire/flames
147.  quiet
148.  time alone
149.  rest
150.  peace
151.  water at night (lakes, oceans, rivers, streams)
152.  a waterfall
153.  Enough.  Having.  Being.  Knowing.
154.  swimming
155.  someone "getting" a reference to a book, movie, tv show--no matter how short or long
156.  soldiers
157.  vets
158.  wives of soldiers & vets
159.  dreams--dreaming
160.  eye candy
161.  poetry
162.  the Dome
163.  building the Dome
164.  building the Dome together as a family
165.  the feel of soft, fluffy, thick, carpeting on my feet
166.  friendship
167.  my co-workers
168.  a good cry
169.  wondering
170.  feeling His strength
171.  wearing my full armor of God and STANDING--watching as He defeats my enemies--as He fights my battles
172.  tax refunds
173.  Linda Barnette doing our taxes so we don't have to!
174.  Samuel in his taekwondo do-bot
175.  knowing I make a difference
176.  remembering
177.  pizza
178.  a nice, long, warm shower
179.  a long, soaking bath--bubbles, listening to music--candles--reading a good book
180.  a washer and dryer in my home
181.  a Spanish accent
182.  a Scottish accent
183.  an English accent
184.  freckles sprinkled across my beloved son's nose
185.  seeing/watching my beloved son read
186.  my beloved son sharing his joy of reading with me
187.  acceptance
188.  giving away books
189.  receiving (hearing/reading) good news
190.  babies
191.  meatballs

192.  finishing a book

193.  starting a new book

194.  discovering something new in a book I've read previously

195.  re-reading a favorite book

196.  quirkiness

197.  eccentricity

198.  being different

199.  standing out

200.  not accepting mediocrity/status quo

201.  Christmas

202.  wrapped packages

203.  Easter

204.  my car--Lady Gray

205.  salvation

206.  forgiveness

207.  cajun filet biscuit--Bojangles

208.  the sound of my mom's voice over the phone

209.  the sound of my dad's voice over the phone

210.  the sound of Katie's voice over the phone

211.  the sound of Samuel's voice over the phone

212.  Samuel sharing his Lego creations and modifications with me

213.  movie buttered popcorn

214.  singing--worshipping--from deep down--from the heart & soul

215.  seeing a friend after an extended absence

216.  a day without a headache

217.  a day without anger

218.  a day without depression

219.  a day without anxiety

220.  my panda shoes

221.  faith

222.  not throwing up every day

192.  finishing a book

193.  starting a new book

194.  discovering something new in a book I've read previously

195.  re-reading a favorite book

196.  quirkiness

197.  eccentricity

198.  being different

199.  standing out

200.  not accepting mediocrity/status quo

201.  Christmas

202.  wrapped packages

203.  Easter

204.  my car--Lady Gray

205.  salvation

206.  forgiveness

207.  cajun filet biscuit--Bojangles

208.  the sound of my mom's voice over the phone

209.  the sound of my dad's voice over the phone

210.  the sound of Katie's voice over the phone

211.  the sound of Samuel's voice over the phone

212.  Samuel sharing his Lego creations and modifications with me

213.  movie buttered popcorn

214.  singing--worshipping--from deep down--from the heart & soul

215.  seeing a friend after an extended absence

216.  a day without a headache

217.  a day without anger

218.  a day without depression

219.  a day without anxiety

220.  my panda shoes

221.  faith

222.  not throwing up every day
223.  SNOW!!!
224.  SNOW Days!
225.  Loved ones getting jobs
226.  Mexican food
227.  Peanuts
228.  Praise & Worship
229.  New worship /Praise songs
230.  Old worship/Praise songs
231.  Sound of my son singing
232.  JOY that can't be contained
233.  Flowers blooming in the snow
234.  Flowers blooming
235.  humanity of man
236.  good deeds
237.  anticipation
238.  JOY in others
239.  JOY in me
240.  The JOY of my Lord
241.  Steak
242.  Loaded potatoes
243.  Lazy Saturday afternoons
244.  Respect
245.  Giving away books!
246.  Sunbeams streaming through dark, angry clouds
247.  Cardinals He sends across my path
248.  Laughter
249.  New shoes
250.  His comfort
251.  Movies in a theater with others who enjoy it as much as I do
252.  getting what I want
253.  writing
254.  Being/having inspired/inspiration
255.  Panda dolphins
256.  birth
257.  holding a baby in my arms
258.  holding a child in my arms
259.  holding a loved one in my arms
260.  spring
261.  flowering trees blooming
262.  sunset at the beach
264.  sunrise at the beach
265.  Piano & Cello &  Violin playing together in perfect harmony
266.  grading a set of assignments
267.  gentle breeze
268.  free books!
269.  participating in World Book Night!
270.  my husband's hands
271.  family time--spending time together
272.  the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit
273.  hellos
274.  Jana
275.  breathing
276.  fall
277.  leaving changing:  orange, yellow, read
278.  cooler weather
279.  my swing my daddy made me
280.  Kristy Wooten
281.  Jimmy Rumple
282.  Teresa Snow
283.  Robert Canipe
284.  Robert Womack
285.  Susannah Blanchard
286.  Ryan Johnson
287.  Arlene Neal
288.  Krysten Buchannan
289.  Dr. Garrett Hinshaw
290.  Justin Ganser
291.  Scott Owens
292.  Adrian Rice
293.  God-given, Holy Spirit anointed Epiphanies!
294.  Breakthroughs
295.  A new dress that makes me feel pretty
296.  People complimenting me on my new dress that makes me feel pretty
297.  when I read a book that makes an impact--a change in/on my life
298.  Devon Baker
299.  Brandi Baker Wall
300.  Brandon Wall
301.  Blake Wall
302.  Isabella Wall
303.  Brian Baker
304.  Seeing old students and they're actually glad to see me!
305.  Achieving a goal
306.  Doing SOMETHING to get me on step closer to fulfilling my dreams!
307.  The sound of my son's pure, free, loud, heart-felt Laughter!!!
          
308.  Samuel reading
309.  Jessica King
310.  Kristi King [Knapp]
311.  Mamaw Jean Baker
312.  Getting to see Gone with the Wind on the big screen!
313.  Getting to see Gone with the Wind on the big screen with my great friend, Jana Baker!
314.  A surprise visit from Dr. Hinshaw
315.  Being a mom
316.  The Word
317.  Reading the Word.
318.  Receiving a Special Word from the Lord as I read the Word
319.  Samuel discovering & doing & exploring new things
320.  Gifts from my students
321.  Gifts from my parents
322.  Family togetherness
323.  Pitzels (a Jewish cookie--old family favorite!)
323.  Family cooking [pitzels] together
325.  Family playing games together
326.  Sharing stories
327.  God's Light
328.  Finishing.
329.  Joy in others--the smiles on their faces
330.  Healing touch/hand of God
331.  God's protection
332.  Slow miracles of God
333.  Having enough money to pay my bills
334.  Samuel's voice raised in worship
335.  Samuel singing
336.  Life.  I AM ALIVE.
337.  The soft touch/feel of my stuffed pandas & blanket
338.  Misty sleeping snuggled next to me
339.  The weight of Misty snuggled on me
340.  The Nativity
341.  Christ came to earth as a baby
342.  My Precious Moments Nativity
343.  My Precious Moments Nativity lit with Christmas lights
344.  Shoes
345.  Cajun filet biscuit from Bojangles
346.  Candlelight service on Christmas Eve to honor Christ & His birth
347.  Breath
348.  Gray hair
349.  My hair.  It really is beautiful.
350.  Sight
351.  Barnes & Noble gift cards!
352.  My new purple frying pan
353.  Samuel made it through the official wrestling season without getting hurt
354.  In-laws.  Yes, my in-laws!
355.  Free stuff!
356.  Free movies
357.  Free popcorn at the movies
358.  Free drink at the movies
359.  Being comfortable
360.  Comfortable temperature--not too hot & not too cold
361.  The fact that there is POWER in the BLOOD of JESUS CHRIST
362.  The fact that there is POWER in the NAME of JESUS CHRIST
363.  Dad sticking to his word
364.  Midnight conversations with Samuel
365.  Doctors
366.  1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc., etc., etc. chances with God
367.  1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc., etc., etc. chances with family
368.  Music--listening to
369.  Music--singing it
370.  Music--worshipping with
371.  God's perfect, wonderful, amazing PEACE
372.  Blankets--soft
373.  Pillows--soft, full, fluffy
374.  A Word from the Holy Spirit
375.  Finding something lost
376.  Samuel not hurt worse (during wrestling practice)
*377.  Samuel's true laugh of pure JOY--he throws his head back, scrunches up his eyes, smiles, and giggles, laughs, and/or guffaws loud, from deep inside--I LOVE that!!!
378.  Whole days spent with Samuel
379.  Samuel agreeing to see a movie I want to see with me
381.  Samuel wanting to watch Frozen & then watching it with me
382.  No sickness in my body
383.  The living, breathing Word of God
384.  A job wherein I get paid for sick days
385.  A warm, safe place--home
386.  Working water
387.  Heat in my home
388.  Heat in my car
389.  Coats--sweatshirts, etc.
390.  Air conditioning in my home
391.  Air conditioning in my car
392.  Heat at church
393.  Air conditioning at church
394.  Heat at my job/school
395.  Air conditioning at my job/school
396.  Hot water!
397.  Working washing machine in my home
398.  Working dryer in my home
399.  Moisturizing lotion
400.  Chap-stick
401.  Finding/selecting my favorite candy in a box of Russell Stover Chocolates
402.  Family being there for one another
403.  God's hand [of protection] on my family and loved ones
404.  Dad not hurt worse (his fall in the snow/on ice)
405.  Running water
406.  God's presence--sweet presence during church prayer
407.  God's sweet presence during/in Sunday School
408.  Samuel appreciating the New Book Smell!
409.  Being called "Beautiful"
410.  God healing/being with Dad
411.  Kilwin's milkshake
412.  Great times with great friends
413.  Co-workers being more than just co-workers--Friends
414.  I do not have to work in a factory or at a fast-food restaurant
415.  God has provided a job--a wonderful job--for me in the field wherein I am able to use the gifts He has given me
416.  James wearing his white sneakers
417.  James wearing his light, baby-blue sweater
418.  Having known & loved my Baba
419.  Having known & loved Grandpa Keefer
420.  Being told that I am a witness to the amazing wonder of trusting in God
421.  The amazing beauty of the moonlight shining through the branches of a leafless tree
422.  Dirt (Ms. Donna)
423.  "God gave me back my giggle."
424.  God's healing of my body--coughing
425.  James & Samuel willingly going with me to events (concert at school)
426.  James giving me space--time to myself
427.  Ketchup
428.  Happy Birthday, Mom!  
429.  Choices--free will
430.  Being able to be playful with James
431.  Samuel's obedience
432.  Broken chains!  (spiritual)
433.  Freedom!
434.  Satan IS defeated!!!
435.  Satan is under my feet!
436.  God's authority to STOMP on the enemy
437.  God's hands of protection on me
438.  God's hand of protection on my loved ones
439.  He does NOT give up on me
440.  He's still working on me!
441.  Adult coloring books
442.  Coloring in my adult coloring book
443.  making memories
444.  family time
445.  bowling [with family]
446.  getting a strike in bowling
447.  getting a spare in bowling
448.  being with my parents and James--all of us together
449.  Sales!  especially 50% off sales!
450.  My new Coach purse!  It's so pretty!
451.  Kilwin's
452.  Cool weather
453.  God continuing to work in--heal--my marriage
454.  God continuing to work in--heal--the rift between James & my parents
455.  Absence of rage!!!!
456.  Marriage restoration!
457.  Marriage rekindling
458.  Only having to attend 1 of the 3 graduation ceremonies
459.  God is going to fulfill an old promise to me--I feel it--I KNOW it!  He ALWAYS fulfills His promises!
460.  I'm broken, bruised, battered, destroyed, but I'm still STANDING!
461.  Brian finding his personal "prayer closet"
462.  The blood of Jesus Christ
463.  A mother's blood--birth blood & metaphorical blood (literal & figurative)
464.  Food to satisfy my hunger
465.  the crystal clear water of a pool
466.  the crystal clear water of a pool caressing my skin
467.  the movement of the crystal clear water of a pool as I move [my hands] through it
468.  attempting to part the waters in a pool and realizing the true miracle of God in His parting the Red Sea for the Israelites
469.  the clean, fresh, rejuvenating, invigorating feeling after a swim
470.