Just the good stuff

Today I was moderately stressed for a couple of reasons and some things didn't turn out like a I thought they would, and yet it has been an immensely good day. Sometimes I am so wrapped up in the small (or sometimes large) stresses that I miss out on all the blessings God is sending my way. So right now I am thanking God for:
-The New Orleans Saints, aka best team in the NFL. They were down by 21 but came back and won by 12. The bless you boys saved the day again.
-My friend Brittany got baptized this afternoon. I am so excited about God's possiblities in her life. She is just starting on this amazing journey and I can't wait to see how she will transform.
-I got to see pictures of Carrollton's fall fest thanks to the lovely Jenny who is a true facebook guru. They looked like they were having such great fun, and more so there were all different kinds of people there- young, old, black, white, rich... well middle class, and poor. They are such a beautiful reflection of the Father's grace. I miss them so.
- I bought a book today called "How do dinosaurs say I love you?" and I can't wait to give it to the little boy I babysit, Wade. He will love it, and its SO funny.
- A deaf man knocked on my front door today and asked me if it was okay to pick our pecans that had fallen off the tree. I don't know sign language so we did a lot of writing. He was a lovely person and I wish I could have gotten to know him more. He was so peaceful and picked up pecans off the ground with such great care. I know that sounds silly, but he did. He reminded me of Jesus, and the way Jesus is our comfort, without having to try particularly hard or say anything brillant. He just is our peace. His life is our hope and his death is the very definition of agape, which casts out all fear. I was glad to meet a new friend and happy to supply him for pecans to make pie for thanksgiving.
- My lifegroup is constanlty surprising me and God continues to show me that he is moving even when I'm not expecting it.Sometimes God answers prayers that you already forgot you prayed, sometimes people bond over tragedy, and sometimes a good belly laugh is all we really need. I'm definitely thankful for those girls.
- We talked about psalm 23 at church today, and it is and will forever be one of my favorite passages. I love it becuase it reassures me that life with God means rest for the weary, peace for the scared, protection in danger, comfort in hard times, discipline and guidance, and that the Lord's great love will pursue me all the days of my life. What could be better than that?
The Lord is my shepherd;I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NLT