Happy

These are some of the things that made me happy this week:

1. African Children's Choir
I've seen this choir several times and am always awed by their energy and enthusiasm. Last Sunday evening was no exception. They sang and danced joyfully. We also heard stories of past choir members and how, because of this program (Music For Life), they have completed college and are working in their home countries to make this world a better place. It's a good reminder for me to think about how I can impact my part of the world for God.
(African Children's Choir)

2. Weather
The weather in west Michigan this past week has been absolutely beautiful. It seems more like summer than fall except for the beginning color changes in some of the trees. But it's been so nice to have sunny days, cool mornings, and warm afternoons.

3. Medication
Along with the beautiful weather comes fall allergy season. Since I stopped getting allergy shots last March it's been fine until the last month. I finally gave in and was retested for allergies this week and will begin getting shots again next week. I also have several prescriptions which help.

4. Surprising My Parents
My dad turned 70 this past Tuesday and I surprised him and my mom by dropping by with a card and gift from my sister (and her family) and me. It was fun to surprise them and then celebrate with a birthday dinner at a local restaurant. (It did help that I arrived at dinner time!)

5. Church Choir Rehearsal
We had a guest clinician, Pearl Shangkuan from Calvin College, conduct our choir rehearsal last Wednesday evening. She gave us some great suggestions to help with our sound.

6. Second Graders
I have really been enjoying getting to know my new class. They are a great group of kids and make going to work fun each morning.

6. Walking
While walking with my dog, Tosca, this week I saw a young father playing baseball with his child. It was also fun to see houses and lawns being prepared for the new season. And Tosca's joy when I take her leash down is the kind of joy I want when I think of spending time with God. (Unfortunately I don't always have that joy yet ... that's my goal for this year.)

7. Church
I was so blessed by our worship service at church this morning. The whole service was based on Psalm 1. We had a guest artist from Hope College who painted a tree during the service; it was beautiful. Our songs and scripture were filled with images of trees rooted deep; our roots must be deep in God's word. We'll be memorizing a verse from each book of the Bible during the next 66 weeks dealing with trees and growing strong in Christ - each week we'll receive a new verse to learn based on that week's sermon topic.

8. Anticipation
The Wizard of Oz movie will celebrate it's 70th anniversary this week as movie theaters across the nation will show the film on wednesday evening. I've seen it once before on a big screen and it's like a new movie; there are so many little details that you miss on television. I'm excited to see it again with my cousin! (although I will be skipping church choir just this once).