Welcome to My Website

MY WEBSITE LAUNCHES ON TUESDAY (or tomorrow, depending on when you read this)! 

And guess what!? 

I wanted YOU, my readers, to be the first to see it! YOU CAN'T TELL OR SHOW ANYBODY, THOUGH! This is top secret stuff so before we continue, I'm going to need you to raise your right hand and repeat the following phrase: 

"I, (insert name here), solemnly swear to not show ANYBODY Kristin's new website because it does not launch publicly until Tuesday, January 26th. This is for MY EYES and MY EYES ONLY. I am one of the Chosen Ones. Although there would "technically" be no consequences if I were to fail to keep this promise (unless I am one of Kristin's friends...she might make me watch Simon Birch), it is my duty as a human being to withhold honesty, just as my forefathers did before me."

Thank you. You may now lower your hand and continue reading!

This is my way of expressing my appreciation to you. I cannot tell you how much your loyalty means to me! I wouldn't be where I am today without you. I'M SERIOUS! Some of you have been with me since the very beginning (Mom); some of you joined along the way. Regardless of when you started tagging along, I want you to know I'm so glad you did. You are so important to me and I'm so thankful for you.  

When I was a junior in high school, we played basketball at a school called All Saints. Upon arrival, we walked through the doors and were immediately greeted by an upbeat, zealous woman who began directing my teammates and I to the locker room like one would direct cars at a traffic stop. Silently giggling, we observed the woman bounce gleefully up a flight of stairs without losing a single ounce of momentum, all the while shouting, “Welcome! Welcome, welcome, WELCOME! Welcome! Welcome, WELCOME!”

If you’ve ever seen She’s the Man, we deemed it equivalent to the “Welcome to Illyria” ballad Principal Gold graced Viola Hastings with after transferring high schools.

As you navigate through my website, I hope you are able to envision the scenario mentioned above because that’s how excited I am!

There are not enough “welcomes” in the world to fully express how happy and grateful I am to have you visiting my website!

My website was designed by my precious friend and Phi Lamb sister, Ashton! I cannot tell you how appreciative I am for all she has done for me these last few months! She has worked ridiculously hard to get my website just right and pleasing to the public (and my OCD) eye. SHE’S A LIFE-SAVER, A GEM, A BLESSING! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY WEBSITE AND I COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT HER! Seriously. This was all her, you guys!

In his book, Love Does, Bob Goff notes:

I’ve learned that God sometimes allows us to find ourselves in a place where we want something so bad that we can’t see past it…when we want something that bad, it’s easy to mistake what we truly need for the thing we really want…all along, what God really wants for us is something much different, something more tailored to us.

12 months ago, I thought I’d be somewhere I’m not. I thought I’d be mopping floors or waiting tables in Los Angeles, attempting to slowly work my way up in the entertainment industry. Instead, I’m launching a website and pursuing public speaking! I wanted so badly to move to Los Angeles, but learned, in time, that wasn’t what I truly needed. As it turns out, God had something much different in mind, something more tailored to me.

There’s a poem called Everything I Needed and the final line reads, “I received nothing I wanted; I received everything I needed.”

I’m so thankful God didn’t give me what I thought I wanted. I can’t imagine being anywhere but here! I’m doing what I absolutely LOVE, what I’ve always been most passionate about – encouraging and motivating others through public speaking! 

Plan A turned into Plan B, which eventually turned into Plan C…but, let’s be honest, my tentative schedule didn’t stand a chance against God’s timetable!

I’ve learned God writes “TBD, My child” in fine print below each of our plans that’s not visible to the naked eye. We may not be able to see it but, believe me, it’s there…and the sooner we realize this, the sooner we are able to embrace all He has for us! Although I have NO IDEA what lies ahead, I know God is already there, patiently waiting with open arms.

In Jen Hatmaker’s new book, For the Love, there’s a chapter called “Run Your Race” and in it, she says:

Stop minimizing what you are good at and throw yourself into it with no apologies. Do you know who will do this for you? No one. You are it. Don’t bury your talent, because the only thing fear yields is one dormant gift in a shallow grave. How many trot out that tired cliche — “I’m waiting for God to open a door” — and He is all, “I love you, but get going, pumpkin, because usually chasing the dream in your heart looks surprisingly like work. Don’t just stand there, bust a move.” (God often sounds like Young MC).

This website is me busting a move, y’all, and I hope you’ll join me for the dance!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
I will no longer be using this Blogger profile which means you will ONLY be able to access my blog through my WEBSITE! I have switched from Blogger to WordPress, so you'll notice the layout has changed...BUT DON'T FRET, FRIENDS, IT'S STILL ME! Remember, same blog, different location. 

Once you get to my website, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter to make sure you never miss a blog post! *halo face*

Now, in the words of Rachel from Friends:

CLICK HERE: http://kristinkoonce.com/

Don't Doubt Your Doodles

I thought it was time I updated you on my journey!

When I first started my blog the summer of 2013, I spent a lot of time thinking of the title. Although I could have easily changed it down the road if I ever wanted to, I wanted the title to be perfect. I wanted it to be one I would stick with for the rest of my blogging life. 

After spending a few weeks brainstorming, it hit me:

Seeking the Sunshine

I chose this title/theme because I am a natural optimist. Although I am fully aware that life is not always rainbows and butterflies, I make it a point to look on the bright side of every situation and see circumstances from an eternal perspective...which is why Romans 8:28 is my life verse! It serves as a constant reminder that God works for our good in every situation we face, that good being us becoming more like Christ. 

My prayer and ultimate purpose behind my blog was (and still is) to encourage my readers to dream big and rely on the Lord wholeheartedly as we weather life's storms, together.

For the past three years, I've doodled what I imagined my logo would look like if I ever had one. I found myself drawing it everywhere. I drew it throughout my calendar, on the Simmons' kitchen windows (don't worry, I used window markers), and magnetic doodle boards while babysitting. It was constantly on the back of my mind. 

I had no idea those three words would become the soundtrack to my life. 

Seriously, though. Never in my life did I think the blog I started 3 years ago just for fun would play such a vital role on this journey as I set out to follow my dreams.

In fact, I had no idea I'd actually have a logo. It was just something I thought of and daydreamed about. 

Yet, by God's grace, here I am.

In my last post, I mentioned, "We can't trust God while having tunnel-vision. If we are serious about fully putting our trust in the Lord and His plans for our lives, we must be flexible and willing to let go of what we THINK is best for us and embrace what God KNOWS is best for us."

We think there is only one way for God to get us where we're going. 

There's not. 

Trusting God means trusting His plans, even when we cannot see. That's what faith is...walking into the unknown with our all-knowing Father.

The watercolor sun was painted by Linny, my high school art teacher, and my friend's husband, Jake, put it all together and designed the logo for me. I COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT THEM! Seriously...I'm like "a blind pig trying to find an acorn" (new metaphor I learned) when it comes to technology, painting, watercolors, graphic design, and photoshop! They used their gifts and talents (and their time...the best gift of all *cue tears of joy*) to help bring my ideas to life and I am so, so very thankful for them.

So, without further adieu, I introduce to you the official logo for Seeking the Sunshine:

My mission is to encourage others to have faith, live purposefully, and be a light in the darkness.

This logo represents my brand, Seeking the Sunshine! It will appear on my website, Facebook business page, Twitter, and business cards (THAT I ORDERED THE OTHER DAY AND AM REALLY, REALLY EXCITED ABOUT)! 

I HOPE YOU LIKE IT...mostly because I just ordered 500 business cards (for $20 from my new BFF, VistaPrint) with my logo on it. 

Never in a million years would I have thought I'd be where I am.

NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS!

The path I've been walking these last 6 months is NOTHING like I thought it would be. 

IT'S BETTER!!!!!!!!!

GOD'S PLANS ARE ALWAYS BETTER!!!!!!!!!

Be flexible and don't doubt your doodles, y'all. 

P.S. - I'LL BE LAUNCHING MY WEBSITE WITHIN THE NEXT 2-3 WEEKS! As you know, it was originally going to launch in October, but sometimes life happens and we experience hangups...and that is A-OK! There is purpose in the wait! I will keep you updated! 

HAPPY FRIDAY, FRIENDS!

What I Discovered in 2015

There's a quote that says, "Discovery consists not in seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes." 

As my mom reminded me the other day, the older I get, the more I will begin seeing things (my circumstances, friendships, etc.) with new eyes. Although my vision will never be 20/20, it gets clearer as each new year passes. 

With that being said, if I had to choose one word to describe 2015, it would be discovery. So, here's what I discovered this past year about myself, God's character, my circumstances, the opportunities I received, and the challenges I faced!

DISCOVERIES:
1. God is not limited by our location. I don't have to move to Los Angeles in order to follow my dreams. I serve a God who is capable of doing far more than anything I could ever ask for or imagine, and He has proven that to me time and time again.

2. There is freedom in letting go of the people and things that weigh us down. Sometimes, it's okay to be selfish. We cannot keep pulling ourselves apart for the sake of other people's happiness. Our happiness matters, too. 

3. It's okay to move home after you graduate college. It's not embarrassing and it doesn't mean you've failed. 

4. Just because your path looks different than somebody else's does NOT mean your path is wrong. There are a thousand different ways for God to get us to our purpose. We take different paths and learn different lessons because we are being shaped for different purposes. 

5. We are not doormats. People can only wipe their feet on us for so long before the welcome wears off. The peephole is there for a reason! We must use it wisely before letting just anyone in. 

6. God will not teach us a lesson without presenting us with an opportunity to apply what we've learned. We were created to become like Christ. Every challenge we face is an opportunity for growth.

7. It's never too late to try and make things right. As imperfect people, we will not always do the right thing right away. Although we cannot change what happened, we can make things right by admitting our mistakes and correcting our wrongdoings no matter how much time has passed. 

8. We cannot expect anything to be handed to us. We must be willing to fight for what we want and prove day-in and day-out that our dreams and goals mean something to us.

9. "God remains faithful, even when we are faithless." His character and love for us never changes. 

10. We can't trust God while having tunnel-vision. If we are serious about fully putting our trust in the Lord and His plans for our lives, we must be flexible and willing to let go of what we THINK is best for us and embrace what God KNOWS is best for us. 

Happy New Year! 

Born That Man No More May Die

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

I can't make it through this hymn without crying. 

Okay, okay, you caught me. I can't make it through the first LINE without crying. 

Hark! The Herald Ange- *cue sobs*

Have you ever just read the lyrics and let the words sink in? 

Hark the herald angels sing 

"Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled"

Joyful, all ye nations rise

Join the triumph of the skies

With the angelic host proclaim:

"Christ is born in Bethlehem"

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored

Christ the everlasting Lord!

Late in time behold Him come

Offspring of a Virgin's womb

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see

Hail the incarnate Deity

Pleased as man with man to dwell

Jesus, our Emmanuel

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings

Ris'n with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by

Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!" 

Jesus was born a King...born a KING! Can you imagine!? Angels sang, wise men traveled, and shepherds shouted praises at the birth of a child who would one day rule the nation. I can hardly find the words. 

Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth, the celebration of a fulfilled prophecy, because "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). 

As the hymn proclaims, Jesus was "born that man no more may die, born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth." If we choose to believe in Him, if we choose to accept Him as our Lord and Savior and pick up our crosses and follow Him, we will have eternal life. He was born so that we might be born again...not physically, but spiritually! 

He has already chosen us. All He asks is that we choose Him, too.

It's not about gifts. 

It's not about checklists.

It's not about obligatory family gatherings.

It's about making room for Jesus in our hearts.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Stop and listen today. Join the triumph of the skies! December 25th marks the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, who was born in a manger over 2,000 years ago.

History revolves around this birth. Because of this baby, everything changed. 

May you never forget that "the magic of Christmas is not in the presents but in His presence." 

He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and He shall reign forever and ever! 

HALLELUJAH! 

Here is a video of our Chancel Choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus. Tears immediately fill my eyes as the organ begins to play and the congregation rises, shouting praises to the newborn King! You'll notice there is a stained glass window on the wall behind the choir loft. It's a picture of Jesus with His arms open wide, the ultimate welcome, as angels kneel beside Him. Imagine standing in the congregation with that image of Christ in the background as the Hallelujah Chorus echoes throughout the sanctuary. I have never witnessed anything so powerfully moving.

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Consistency is Key

It was my sophomore year of high school.

I can still picture Coach standing on the three-point line with her arms crossed, shaking her head and looking down at her watch as we ran another set of down-and-backs.

I can't tell you how many down-and-backs we ran that day, but I can tell you how many sentences it took for us to realize why we were running:

"Don't be a frontrunner. It's all about consistency! You HAVE to be consistent."

For those of you who are unsure what a "frontrunner" is, it's somebody who gives 100% only when things are going their way. They are inconsistent with their contribution to the game. They play well when their team is ahead but slack off if and when their team falls behind. When facing adversity, they retreat. 

To put it bluntly, you did NOT want to be labeled a frontrunner!

Coach told us it wasn't about winning or losing, it was about being consistent with our efforts, and she made it very clear that consistency was a characteristic we should all strive to possess.

I walked out of practice a different person that day. 

Not because of the running (which we deserved every bit of...and we knew it, too) but because it was in that moment, as I stood motionless on the baseline taking in every word Coach said, that I decided I would NEVER be a frontrunner, not in basketball and not in life. 

My junior year of high school, the Ladynecks were playing Elysian Fields AT Elysian Fields, so we already didn't have home-court advantage. At one point during the 3rd quarter, we were down 27 points. That's right, 27. None of our shots were going in, the referees weren't calling the game fairly, we were in foul trouble, the list goes on. 

Although nothing seemed to be going our way, we never eased up. We were relentless in our efforts. The desire to win burned deep within us, and even though our opponents tried to put out the flames, that fire only continued to grow. 

We were determined to take what was ours...and we did. 

The comeback was unreal. They had outscored us every quarter (16-14, 19-13, 17-12) up until the 4th. 

We could've easily thrown in the towel and accepted the loss, but we didn't...because we had been taught otherwise. 

We ended up outscoring Elysian Fields 29-11 in the 4th quarter for a final score of 68-63.

The White Oak Ladynecks may have been a lot of things that night, but there was one thing we weren't: frontrunners.

We didn't need perfect circumstances to give perfect effort...and by "perfect effort" I simply mean giving 100% of ourselves. 

All we needed was a ball and a net. We came to compete, and we weren't going down without a fight. 

Even if we had lost that game, I know Coach would have been proud of us...because throughout those four years of basketball, there was only one thing she asked of us - that we give consistent effort - and that's exactly what we did.

I think about that game every time I find myself facing adversity. I then think about that day in practice where it all began and how different my life would be had I let those words go in one ear and out the other.

Three sentences changed the way I lived the rest of my life.

As you know, life does not always go according to plan. We face one challenge, one disappointment, after another. We spend days, weeks, and even MONTHS preparing for a certain moment only for it to arrive and not go the way we'd hoped. It is in that moment we have a choice to make. Will we retreat, or will we be relentless in our efforts, regardless of our circumstances? 

Even if you fall short, there is satisfaction in knowing you gave it everything you had. 

If we want something bad enough, we must be willing to fight for it. Our actions should prove that the end goal we're chasing means something to us. We should be racing full-speed towards adversity, preparing for a head-on collision, because we know there is something of great value waiting for us on the other side of that crash.

I approach life (specifically my dreams) the same way I approach basketball games, with a desire to compete. I am too passionate, the end goal is too valuable, for me to give anything less than my best effort. I will NEVER not try because, oftentimes, there are no second chances. 

One of my favorite quotes says, "Do it with passion or not at all." 

If we're truly passionate about the goal we're after, we will give the same amount of effort in the valley as we did on the mountaintop. 

The effort we give in the valley determines our success on the mountaintop. In other words, unless we know how to handle adversity in the valley, we will never be able to prosper on the mountaintop...and the climb to the mountaintop is no easy task! 

There is much hard work, persistence, and discipline required of us in the valley. Success is NOT convenient. It's actually inconvenient. We will never achieve our goals unless we're willing to go beyond what is convenient. This means doing what needs to be done in the valley, even when we don't feel like it, even when it's hard, so we can prolong our mountaintop experience. Frontrunners never flourish because they're never willing to go beyond what comes easy. 

Either "break through the obstacles or let the obstacles break you." It's that simple. 

Success doesn't happen overnight. Success happens over time as a result of the day-to-day diligent effort we give. Our energy and our effort must remain consistent throughout the entire journey, whether things are going really, really good or really, really bad. 

DON'T BE A FRONTRUNNER! 

Nothing worth having will ever be spoon-fed to us or handed to us on a silver platter. WE HAVE TO GO GET IT!

Win or lose, there is victory in knowing you gave it everything you had.

Self-Tanner and the Christian Faith

I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but for those of you who don't already know, I love going to the park near my house. I always have. I've been playing basketball there for 14 years. The older I get, the more time I seem to spend there. Of course, it helps that they built a small pond with "sitting rocks" spaced evenly around it. 

I find myself sitting on these rocks quite often.

Some days I'll walk over and rock-sit after I play basketball or run. Other days I'll go specifically to sit, think, brainstorm blog topics, practice my talks, read, or write. There's just something about observing God's creation that floods your soul with peace. 

The other day when I was rock-sitting, I was looking down at my legs and suddenly found myself thinking back to my freshman year of high school. 

It was track season and, for whatever reason, I had decided to use self-tanner. Which is fine! There's nothing wrong with that! There is, however, something wrong with only putting it on your legs.

I had no idea how off-balanced my skin appeared until one of my friends pointed it out to me.

Friend: "Dang, Kris! Your legs are DARK! But um...what's going on with the rest of your body? Why is it so uneven?"
Me: "I've been using self-tanner!"
Friend: "Only on your legs???????"
Me: *laughs nervously and uncontrollably* 

I went home that day and looked at myself in the mirror. Sure enough, my legs looked like an oven-roasted turkey while my face and arms were whiter than new-fallen snow. I'm not one to get embarrassed, but if I did, this moment would have made it in the top ten, no doubt. I spent the next few weeks applying self-tanner to only my face and arms. When the top half finally matched the bottom half, I made sure to apply self-tanner to all areas from then on. 

I smiled as I thought about how our faith is a lot like that self-tanner. 

Stay with me, I promise I'm going somewhere with this! 

As Christians, we often treat our faith the same way I treated my self-tanner. We apply it to certain areas of our lives, but not EVERY area. We go to church on Sunday mornings and we attend weekly Bible studies, but the rest of our life is off-balanced because we don't implement what we learn into every aspect of our life. This, of course, results in an uneven faith, an unnatural glow. 

God doesn't want us to apply our faith to the areas of our choosing. 

He wants us to apply it evenly throughout our lives, whether it's going to be seen by others or not.

When we do this, when we implement Christ's teachings 24/7 rather than only when/where we feel like it, we develop a natural glow, radiating His light wherever we go.

Are there certain areas of your faith that need to be evened out? 

Don't get caught picking and choosing where you apply your faith. Apply it every day, in every single way.

My Thoughts on Turning 23

I TURNED MY FAVORITE NUMBER TODAY!

I've favored the #23 ever since my City League "PARD" days. That's right, I proudly sported Michael Jordan's number with my slicked-back ponytail (this was pre-side-ponytail), navy blue scrunchy, and flesh-colored lip bumper. I was quite the sight. For those of you who have seen Little Miss Sunshine, I looked a lot like Olive Hoover minus the glasses. For those of you who haven't, see below:

Little "Kris" Sunshine at your service, sweatband and all.

I would post an actual picture of me in my prime but since I'm trying to build a career in blogging, I'd hate to scare you off so soon in the process. For those of you who knew me at that age, you're welcome. You can thank me later for the picture you have of me in your head. 

Okay, you can quit laughing now.

If you Google "turning 23" you will see headlines that read:

23 Reasons Nobody Likes Turning 23

23 Soul-Crushing Truths About Being 23

23 Things In Your Life That Will End At 23

Apparently 23 is an "unfortunate age" to turn. 

Not to me, though.

To me, turning 23 is anything BUT unfortunate!

This is the age I've been waiting for, as it marks the beginning of the rest of my life, a journey I've been eager to travel for as long as I can remember...not to mention this is the first year of my life that DOESN'T INVOLVE SCHOOL. In the words of Jen Hatmaker, "ALL THE PRAISE HANDS!"

Turning 23 means, from here on out, I will be in a fearless pursuit of my dreams as I seek to discover God's purpose for my life. It's always been school first, dreams later...but now I get to focus SOLELY on what sets my soul on fire! I would fall asleep at night thinking about my dreams, my heart racing, only to have to wake up and go to school the next day. Now I get to spend every minute of every day working towards those dreams.

The 14-time NBA All-Star set high expectations for himself, passionately followed his dreams, and refused to let obstacles or failure keep him from achieving what others deemed impossible. 

I hope to do the same. 

I'm so thankful to be where I am. There may be a lot of uncertainties that come with turning 23, but there are a lot of opportunities, too! 

SO, LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!

Although I could go on and on, I think I want to leave it at that. It's been a good 23 years, y'all. Well, I actually don't remember much from ages 0-7 (I like to refer to those as the "lost" years) but regardless, I turned out okay. 

The bottom line is this: God is good and I'm so, so, so excited to spend the rest of my days learning about Him, using what I'm most passionate about to glorify Him, and living a life devoted to serving Him. 

I know this ending is a little abrupt but it's impossible to squeeze an entire year's worth of life into a single blog post. I think the song Good, Good Father by Big Daddy Weave says it best:

Well I've heard a thousand stories of what they think you're like

And I've heard the tender whispers of love in the dead of night

Well you tell me that you're pleased and that I'm never alone

You're a Good, Good Father

It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are

And I'm loved by you

It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

Well I've seen many searching for answers far and wide

But I know we're all searching for answers only you provide

Cause you know just what we need before we say a word

*chorus*

Cause you are perfect in all of your ways

You are perfect in all of your ways

You are perfect in all of your ways to us

Oh Love so undeniable

I, I can hardly speak

And peace so unexplainable

I, I can hardly think

But you call us deeper still

And you call us deeper still

God you call us deeper still into love, love, love

You're a Good, Good Father

It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are

And I'm loved by you

It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

Because you are perfect in all of your ways

You are perfect in all of your ways

God you are perfect in all of your ways to us

Yes, you are

God, You truly are a good, good Father, perfect in all of Your ways. Thank You for the past 23 years. Thank You for knowing what I need and for teaching me about Your person, Your will, and Your ways in every situation, both good and bad. Thank You for loving me too much to leave me where I am. As Psalm 63:3 says, "Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You" today and every day. I hope to make You proud. 

The OTHER Thanksgiving

Well, another Thanksgiving has come and gone. 

I tried writing a Thanksgiving post, I really did, but I just could not bring myself to do it. 

Why? Because I didn't want Thanksgiving to be over. Turkey Day? That can be over. It's the other thanksgiving I hope never ends.

According to the online dictionary, "thanksgiving" (yes, I Googled it) has two meanings:

The first is a holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November.

The second is "the expression of gratitude" (that should be) celebrated in the heart of every Christian, every day of the year. 

I put "that should be" in parenthesis because, and I think I speak for everyone when I say this, we do not thank God near enough...and he deserves every ounce of our thanks and praise. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." It doesn't say to give thanks in some circumstances but in all circumstances - the good, bad, difficult, and easy. Not just Thanksgiving Day but every day. 

God's grace is never-ending; His love is never-failing; His mercies are everlasting. The very least we can do is approach the throne every day with a thankful heart because without His grace, love, and mercy we would have nothing, be nothing.

When we repeatedly express our gratitude, our perspective shifts and we no longer find ourselves bitter about the things we don't have or the circumstances we don't like. Instead, we see our circumstances with new eyes and find ourselves content as we trust God and His purposes for our lives. After all, "It is not joy that makes us grateful. It is gratitude that makes us joyful." 

A heart of thanksgiving is essential to the Christian faith, as it keeps our hearts aligned with His. It may not always be "well with [our] circumstances" but it can be "well with [our] soul." 

Don't wait until the fourth Thursday in November of 2016 to be thankful. Thank Him every day, every time it crosses your mind, and encourage others to do the same. 

After all, there is always, ALWAYS something to be thankful for! 

If you're unfamiliar with the hymn, It Is Well, I've attached Jimmy Needham's version of it. I may or may not have sobbed two Sundays ago when we sang it in church. If you're interested in the story behind the hymn, you can read about it here.

If you're a hymn-lover like me, you should also check out his version of Holy Holy Holy, Come Thou Fount, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, and Joyful Joyful. While you're at it, you should also listen to The Reason I Sing, Being Small, and Firefly. Actually, just set aside the next few hours and listen to all his songs and download them as you please. Did I mention he's an Aggie?