In(courage)

What encourages me, you ask?

• A game of Bible Baffle trivia with new people, well on the road to becoming my friends - that feeling when I've found a new niche in the world and I'm about to belong...
  

• Finishing teaching a six-week summer program for students with special needs, and at the end of the program a little girl, who wouldn't sit still at circle time, a little girl who averaged 3-6 tantrums a day the first week, now not only follows our routine to a "T", but also reminds other children to come to circle. In the end she would arrive at school each morning giving teachers big hugs and said, "Good Morning, Susannah" - her name is Susannah, but this is what she heard us say to her, so it is what she repeats back to us.

• Falling into bed at the end of a day completely exhausted and completely happy - feeling like I would not have spent a moment of the day differently if given the chance

• When my kitten, Lexie, runs to the door to greet me and meows until I pick her up, then her meows become purrrrs

• The mountains of Colorado

• God's Word, especially His Word in season

• Stay-at-home wives and mothers

• The middle and high school students who attend the youth group where I serve

• Picking up with old friends or friends far away without missing a beat.
  

• My parents - always encouragement or wisdom and sometimes both :)
  

• Paul (my boyfriend in Nashville who makes an effort to encourage me everyday despite the distance and communication barriers)

This post is inspired (or encouraged) by the (In)Courage blog.