I realized that I have not exactly been focusing my mind on the good lately. I have been veering toward the negative, cynical side of my nature; that side that is to be denied. Going through my recent blog posts, every one seems to be negative or dark or weary. In Paul's letter to the Philippians he wrote:

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." – Philippians 4:8

Recently, I was conversing with a dear friend about our "very most favorite things". As I started thinking about it, I remembered back to last year when Meaghan and I, not paying as much attention as we should have been in Science class, decided to exchange a list of our favorite things. (Daniel, you might remember something about that.) We passed a note back and forth for several days, simply writing down ridiculous things that made us happy. To remedy the negativity of my recent posting habits, I've decided to start a list, much like the one Meagh and I wrote last year. Y'all are welcome to post your own lists of "very most favorite things" in the comment box! Here are a few of mine:

Jesus (Sunday school answer!), the Trinity (the more accurate description), relatable Bible verses, glassy water, blue skies with thunder clouds on the horizon, warm feet, soft blankets (can y'all tell I'm sitting on my bed whilst I type this?), crunching leaves, stale peeps (the candy, not the slang term for friends), loud music, background noise, crowds, psycho-analysis, utter silence, Mike Huckabee, old pictures, big hugs, that new book smell, yarn between my hands, dynamic piano music, new good-smelling shampoo, a kitchen warmed by a baking oven, fresh cookies, hot tea that burns your tounge, antique headboards, English gardens, Socratic Circles, heated discussions, fingerless gloves, MY freshly shaved legs (haha, Daniel!), and Meaghan's too (David!), pens with flowing ink, aching fingers, red lipstick, Converse Chucks, big sweatshirts, Disney movies, British accents, good books (though they are a rarity), Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy (the hero from Pride and Prejudice, Steven!), water skis, flowery language, great quotes, un-scented lotion, warm sunshine, rainy days, a single lamp being turned on, flowy-skirts, dear friends, long lists!

Though I doubt many of you took the time to read through all of that, those are a few of my most favoritest things! I encourage you this week to really think about those things that make you really and truly happy. Not necessarily silly things like most of what I mentioned above, but what brings you honest to goodness joy.