THANKFUL FOR My Study Group

Without my study group, this photo above would be me... all the time. Seriously. Nursing school has so much information to retain and learn, and often in a short amount of time. Learning the material requires lots of time and without my study group of five folks counting me, I would be alone with a pile of books and a cup of coffee regularly.

Instead, I am joined with four other classmates regularly, talking through and hashing over all the concepts, body systems, and nursing skills we are taught. I am thankful for my study group. We lean on each other and teach each other along the way. Plus, this group sure makes nursing school more fun.

THANKFUL FOR Friends

When times are busy, tough, and hard, the amazing blessing of friends comes more fully into focus. It's not doubt that Mr. McGoo and I have some wonderful friends.

We are blessed with some awesome people in our lives that we call friends! God regularly uses them to encourage us, challenge us, entertain us, love us, uplift us, pray for us, and enhance our daily life on this earth in many ways!!! We're so blessed! I am thankful for friends.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Two are better than one,
   because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
   one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
   and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
   But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
   two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

THANKFUL FOR Kodi

This morning we received some very hard and unexpected news. Our fur baby, Kodi passed away. 

Mr. McGoo and I are so thankful for the time we had with Kodi. For 12 years, Kodi Bear has been my husband's greatest companion. For the less than 6 years that I've known Mr. McGoo, I've had Kodi within my life. The greatest of dogs.

I'm lacking words today, but know that I can say... I am thankful for Kodi. Thankful that the Lord blessed us with him and many great memories of his life with us.

Life in the McGoo house is going to be different without this alpha pup. It's proving to be a tough transition, but we're so thankful for his loyalty and friendship for so many years! This fur baby is one that will most definitely be missed!

To read the entire story of Kodi's passing and hear from Mr. McGoo, definitely check out his blog post about Kodi. Here.

THANKFUL FOR Fall Leaves

With the changing of the seasons comes my favorite change of the year... the change of the leaves into beautiful colors of yellow and red. So peaceful. So beautiful. 

I am thankful for the fall leaves.

THANKFUL FOR My Family

I've mentioned it in a previous thankful for post that I love and am thankful for my parents. This is still fact, but I think I need to more fully extend the thankfulness. I am thankful for my family!

God has blessed me abundantly with an amazing support system in this group of 5, now 7 individuals. Dad, Mom, Middle sis- Robin, Youngest sis- Kelsey, Hubs- Mr. McGoo, and Brother in Law- Brent. They are all fabulous in their own special way.

I look forward to family time whenever I can get it. They can be a crazy bunch at times, and be careful when you get the Wilson ladies laughing, we can't breath and the high pitched nature of the tones coming from us definitely increase... but the men folk in good fashion simply shake their heads and smirk or laugh with us.

It's time for some updated photos - I will have to work on that this December - but for now... here are some fun ones from 2006 forward.

Family Cruise - 2006

Family Cruise - 2006

Reba Concert Night - 2007

Hmmm... I think 2009 August Family Bday Celebration

July 2010 Family Vacation

And when I mention family, I cannot really stop at this group of 7... I am so blessed to have an amazing in-laws and extended family too! From grandparents to aunts to uncles to cousins and more on both my side and Mr. McGoo's... I grew up with tons of love and support. Now that I'm an "adult", I really enjoy spending time with these folks, even though the availability to do so is less frequent than we'd like.

I am thankful for my in-laws and extended family, too! Not everyone can say that - so I know I'm blessed!

THANKFUL FOR Healthy Family Rivalries

They won't say it out loud, but my Uncle and my Hubby love each other. They enjoy many of the same things, sans golf, and frequently bond over electronic discussions, sports talk, tv shows, movie reviews, and everything in between. Putting this duo together can sometimes be bad news for the wives. They are truly a mess.

Ironically, one of their favorite past times is debating over UK vs KU. It's definitely a rivalry. They make me laugh and often shake my head as they debate and battle about which program is best. I am thankful for healthy family rivalries, never a dull moment.

THANKFUL FOR My Parents

If Mr. McGoo and I are able to one day be half the parents my folks are, we will do alright. I love my parents. They have taught me so much throughout my life and I continue to learn from them!

For Christmas, my sisters and I decided to give an early gift to my folks. We paid for a photo shoot for them with the same photographer that did photos of us in 2009 that we gifted to my rents. You can see some of the fun shots from their shoot by going to the photographer's blog: http://katiedunlapphotography.com/blog/2011/11/l-c-32-years/

I am thankful for my parents. Aren't they super cute!?
Thanks Katie Dunlap Photography for capturing their awesomeness!

THANKFUL FOR Freedom

This weekend we celebrated FREEDOM through the acknowledgement of Veterans Day -  a day to thank all of the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country - and the Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. It's so easy to take our freedom for granted.

On Sunday, Mr. McGoo and I woke up and went to church without any fear of being captured or found out by the authorities. We do not have to hide the Bibles in our home or worry about the Bible in my purse. We have the freedom to worship Jesus Christ with a multitude of believers. To sing His praises without fear.

I am thankful for freedom. I am thankful for the men and women who have fought for those freedoms.

I want to remember my brothers and sisters in Christ who are not living in a land of religious freedom. Men and woman who are courageous about their faith in Christ. Give them strength and perseverance, Lord!

THANKFUL FOR My Car

Although it can be expensive keeping up with its needs and filling it with gas, my car is something to be thankful for. It's reliable and gets me from place to place with ease. I don't have to walk to work 22+ miles away, or journey on foot for food or water for hours. I do not have to think through the lacking public transportation schedule of Memphis when I want to go somewhere... when I need to get from point A to point B I jump in my vehicle and go.

I am thankful for my car. Now here's to hoping I remember that the next time it's in need of repair.

THANKFUL FOR Literacy

I am a book lover. To curl up with a delicious cup of coffee and enjoy a good book is one of my favorite things to do.

I would not be able to enjoy this joy and pleasure without the ability to read, or literacy. It's such a blessing. Not only does it allow me to read for pleasure, but it opens up multiple doors through further education. I was blessed with parents that read to me as child. I grew up watching my mother enjoy reading... and I have fallen in her footsteps.  

I am thankful for literacy. I do not want to take this gift for granted.

THANKFUL FOR The Forsaken Children

The Lord used an organization called The Forsaken Children to rock Mr. McGoo and my world. This ministry works to care for, equip, and share the love of Christ with Ethiopia's children at risk. It's an awesome ministry.

If you have not gone to their website recently, definitely check it out because changes and additions have been made. Also, for those Facebook users out there, you can follow The Forsaken Children at http://www.facebook.com/theforsakenchildren.

I am thankful for The Forsaken Children. God used this ministry to capture my heart for a population of people greatly outside of my typical network of interaction. People He greatly loves and cares for immensely.

I bet He wants to do the same with you. Rock your world for people He loves outside of your comfort zone. Will you let Him? It may not be people in Africa or China or India, but it might be those in a town a few communities away or those living downtown.

Trust me, it's worth it!

THANKFUL FOR a Sense of Safety

I was thinking about it the other day, how thankful I am that I do not have to be in a state of fear at my home or in my neighborhood. Throughout the city, the United States, and the world there are people that sleep in fear with one eye open or walk around with the uncertainty of harm to come. Always concerned, am I or my family next? There are neighborhoods that have regular drive by shooting issues, there are countries and villages that are in fear of slaughter by the rogue forces, and many more unstable situations all throughout the world.

I am so blessed. I do not live in this sense of fear and uncertainty when I am home or going from place to place in my community. I am thankful for a sense of safety and the ability to live without fear. I don't want to take that sense and feeling for granted.

THANKFUL FOR My Electric Blanket

It's no secret that the McGoo house does not turn on their heat until late January, so the way this lady gets through the cold days and often colder house is with my electric blanket. I have an electric throw for the living room and an electric blanket for my bed. Both were gifts.

I am thankful for my electric blanket. It keeps me warm and toasty even if the house is like an igloo. Chilly Willy know what I'm talking about.

THANKFUL FOR the Clouds

Rushing from work to let the furbabies out, only to rush to meet my advisor at school by 5pm and class at 6pm can get a little hectic... thankfully the Lord has blessed us with beautiful things called clouds. I am thankful for the clouds.

They speak of God's comfort and peace to me.

THANKFUL FOR Running Water

I am thankful for running water!

THANKFUL FOR Time with My Man

With our current work and school schedules, time with Mr. McGoo can be limited. This weekend, although it was in the middle of a many to dos, we were able to enjoy some time together Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Saturday we visited with friends to watch the Alabama vs. LSU football game. Good food, good company, good defensive football... we had a good time. It was nice to go do something social together.

Today after a long 5 hour kickball tournament journey - Go Underdogs - Mr. McGoo and I wrapped the night up with homemade dinner together and time vegging on the couch watching a few TV shows and going to bed early. Much needed for us both.

I am thankful for time with my man. I'm sure I'll be mushy and share a "thankful for my husband" post one day this month where I can brag on a few things I like about him. Until then, I'll just say that I'm blessed to spend time with him.

THANKFUL FOR My Health

Today I had my first clinical rotation at the hospital. I was able to touch, feel, talk, assist, and work with my first patient. It was an eye opening experience. I still have lots to learn but I couldn't have asked for a better first patient.

Being at the hospital for 6 hours, reminded me how blessed I am for my health. There are many who are battling illness on a daily basis, and I am currently very healthy. I am thankful for my health! I do not want to take that/it for granted because it is not guaranteed.

Thank you Lord for being the healer you are! I pray for those I touched and saw Saturday. Comfort them, their families, and give the medical staff around them wisdom as they care for them. Amen.

THANKFUL FOR Small Happys

I'm enjoying this THANKFUL FOR "series" on the blog. It's requiring me to think through things that I'm thankful for and the many ways I am so blesesd.

I was surprised today at the office by a quick visit from my youngest sis and fabulous mom. I needed it today - so it was perfect timing.

Besides giving me a smile by  just coming to say hi, they dropped off a little happy for me. I am thankful for small happys. You know, those small things that don't cost much but cause you to smile.

This little guy is solar powered and bobs his head from side to side and moves his body from side to side. It puts a smile on my face every time I glance at it to the right of my computer screen.

THANKFUL FOR My House

I woke up this morning, stretched out in my comfy bed and leisurely made my way to let the furbabies out for a potty break. As I opened the back door I was greeted with the chill of the morning and the wetness of the rain that had fallen while I was comfortably asleep in my bed, under the roof of my home. It hit me... I was completely oblivious to the chill and the rain while in my house - a luxury many people in this world do not have and too often I take for granted. This thought brought two emotions simultaneously... I ached for my friends in Ethiopia and others around the world, and even in my own city that are without a roof over their heads in the rain and chill of the night... and at the same time I smiled for my blessings and thought, I am thankful for my house. 

Although it might be considered modest by some in the United States, Mr. McGoo and I are abundantly blessed with our house. It's perfect for us and has room for us to grow in it as a family one day.

To give some perspective of how blessed we are... When we described our home to our Ethiopian friends, Nega and Emu this past December, they were shocked to hear that someone would own a 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 2 living rooms, a kitchen, laundry room, and office for just 2 people. I remember them looking at us with inquisitive eyes, saying "for just two?". Really, why would we need anymore? Thankful for our blessings!

THANKFUL FOR My Job

As with everyone, I imagine... there are days when my jobs adds stress or frustration to my day. Nevertheless, I am very thankful for my job. 

I am blessed with a steady paycheck. A great employer. Good coworkers that care about me and my family. And a daily job to go to five days a week that the Lord uses to provide for Mr. McGoo and my every need.

THANKFUL FOR a Relentless God

Can you believe that November is upon us? I'm not quite sure where October went, I think I blinked and missed most of it, but November is definitely here!

Considering how the Lord has blessed me beyond measure, I want to take the entire month to daily note something I am thankful for... starting with today.

I am thankful for a relentless God!
The Lord knows how my heart and mind becomes so easily distracted and misleading. He knows that when I'm left on my own, I am weary, wandering, and often going the wrong way. But He does not leave me. I do not have to do it on my own! He chases me... He comes after me relentlessly. I'm thankful for that!

We sang this song on Sunday and I cannot shake the words... the keep resonating in my heart and mind this week. Thank you Lord for your relentlessness!

What is something you're thankful for today?