10 on Tuesday

I realize that today is Wednesday. I meant to post this last night, but ... well ... I didn't. So I am posting it now. I've seen this on other blogs--people make various lists of 10 things and post them on Tuesday. Pretty self-explanatory, I suppose. Mine will be very random thoughts. So here you go ... my first 10 on Tuesday ... on Wednesday.

1. It's Operation Christmas Child season--time to start getting your shoe boxes ready! National Collection Week is November 16-23--less than a month away. I went to Macy's just yesterday (Tuesday) to get some more shoe boxes. I need to start wrapping them. Per uuush (my new saying ... not sure how it should be spelled ... feel free to suggest something. It's an abbreviated version of "usual." Sorry about the random punctuation in this parenthetical note.) Anyway, I have been collecting things all year for our boxes. They are stuffed and stashed in various nooks and crannies in our abode. I need to start pulling them out to ensure that I don't forget anything. I LOVE Operation Christmas Child! Please consider filling a shoe box (or 10) this year. The above photo was taken after a shoe box distribution in Kosovo in 1999.
   
   
   
   
   
2. It's almost Pink Pig time! When I was at Lenox yesterday, I saw the big white tent. Upon closer inspection, I saw Pink Pig pieces and parts waiting for setup. Such an exciting time! We love The Pink Pig!
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. The fall colors were beautiful when I drove through Sam's Gap a few days ago. It took me a bit by surprise because the leaves here aren't quite ripe just yet. I love driving between Asheville and Johnson City. God's handiwork there really is gorgeous. On my way back to Atlanta on Sunday, there was snow up in the higher elevations. I couldn't get a good picture because I was driving, but I snapped a quick one. This photo is horrible--IRL, the view is beautiful!
   
   
4. We finally got the hospital bill from my D&C--which took place in May--earlier this week. We got plenty of other bills months ago, but this one just came. What a sweet surprise.
   
   
5. I got my hair cut yesterday. I am so bad about keeping up with my hair. This is one reason I have never had any highlights or coloring done. I am so bad with maintenance. Seriously, this is only the second time I have had my hair cut this year. It is a lot shorter than I thought it was going to be, but that's OK. It will grow.
   
   
6. I really need to go to the dentist. I'm embarrassed that it's been three years now since I've been in for a cleaning (or anything, for that matter). This is probably the longest I have ever gone between appointments.
   
   
7. I got a seasonal flu shot last week (at Kroger, of all places!) and took Kate to get the first round of the H1N1 vaccine. I'll take her back in three weeks for her second round. I took her to the health department. Tanna got his seasonal flu shot at work. We are in favor of getting the H1N1 for ourselves, too.
   
   
8. I like living in the city, but sometimes living in a building is not so fun. Like when it's freezing outside and the heat hasn't been turned on yet. (Yes, we live in a building where either the heat is on or the air is on.) There are lots of pros and cons about where we live, but lately I am feeling more cons than pros. Maybe I am just being moody. I am thankful that the heat was finally operational Monday evening. Yay! And I am thankful that we have a roof over our heads. Thank You, Lord.
   
   
9. My heart hurts for friends (and friends of friends) who are going through horrible, horrible things. One of my blogging friends lost her husband this month. Friends of friends lost their two boys (Kate's age) a month ago. My friend Janna has lost two friends in recent weeks--one died just a few hours after giving birth to a healthy baby last week. I don't understand why these things happen, but I am trusting in God and leaning on His Word and His promises. And trying to be thankful for every minute that we have with our loved ones. Because life truly is fragile. I hope and pray that anyone reading this knows Jesus as your Lord and Savior. He came so that we might have life--and have it abundantly. We never know when our last breath might be, so please don't wait to make a decision for Christ. God loves us so much--more than we could ever imagine--and He longs to have a personal relationship with each of us.
   
   
10. My heart is grateful for God and His blessings. That sounds so cliche, but it is true. He is our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in time of trouble. I thank Him for my family and friends and for His provision. I especially thank Him for my mother's health right now. She is cancer-free! Praise the Lord!
    
    And ... on a lighter note ... don't forget:
    
    
    IT'S COMING!