By Popular Demand...

Okay, one person (Shenna) requested this, but because my readership is low these days, one request is "popular demand". lol As I was writing "You know you've ticked off Stephanie when...", I figured that people might think me a little on the grumpy side considering the intense detail that I went into regarding the things that irritate me.

So to you, my disenchanted readers I say this: everyone, even the sweetest of Christians, deserve to air out thier grievances once in awhile. However, because I am a generally happy person, and because I aim to please my loyal readers, today I give you:

The Top Ten Things That Make Me Smile

(also in no particular order)

*A long long time ago when I first started this blog, I wrote a similar list. I have decided to write another one without referring back to the old one. However, if you're interested in reading the old one, click here.*

1. Sunshine. There's nothing like a sunny day. The temperature could be cold, hot, or lukewarm: doesn't really matter to me so long as the sun is out. I'm very affected by my surroundings, so a sunny day just always has a way of brightening my mood.

2. A good cup of coffee. Call me an addict, call me what you will, but I love coffee. Love it love it love it. Throw some flavored International Coffee Creamer in there, and I am in seventh heaven.

3. A good, deep conversation.

4. Good music. And right along with that in the same catergory, I'm going to say a good musician and a good singer. Something inside of me just bursts with joy when I hear good music: when an amazing singing voice pierces the silence: when a talented instrumentalist steals the show. I literally have a physical reaction to music: my whole body and soul reacts to an awesome compilation of sound - no matter what style or genre it is. If it's good, it's good: and I love it.

5. Singing. Along with the previous idea, I love to sing. There's something magical about getting up there and letting go: about giving glory to God by using the gift He gave me to minister to others. There's just something about being right there in the moment crying out to God in front of hundreds of spectators, leading them to do the same: being so raw, so real, and so transparent: giving Him all the glory.

6. The outdoors. I could play outside all day and night and never get sick of it. I love the fresh air, the smell of life in the trees, grass, and earth. I love the sound of the water laping up against the shore, and the breeze rustling through the trees. I love admiring and enjoying God's creation. Good stuff.

7. Long drives. I was just talking with someone about this last night: I really enjoy road trips alone. It gives me a chance to think, to be with God for a really long time: talking with Him and worshiping Him. ... And then there's my (likely not so secret) secret indulgence: windows down, music blaring, and me singing on the tops of my lungs for miles and miles and miles.

8. Travel. I thoroughly enjoy visiting new places, exploring different cultures, and taking in new sights and sounds. I love the visual stimulation of a majestic mountain range, or peering over the edge of a cliff into the depths of a canyon: enjoying the sights and sounds of the Pacific coast. There's so much out there to be seen and experienced: and I enjoy getting out there and discovering it all.

9. My family. They're quirky, but they still put a smile on my face.

10. Good friends that I can depend on. I really enjoy fellowshipping with other Christians. It's a great feeling being in the presence of other believers, and just enjoying one another's company: but even more than that, knowing that my friends are striving for Christ-likeness as well, and therefore are a source of support and encouragement for me really comforts my spirit. I love my friends.