Wow, there are so many things for which I'm thankful so this will be hard but here goes...my list of things I am thankful for...
1. My faith--I have a tendency to take it for granted, but I realize more and more each day how much I need God and how grateful I am that He loves me...no matter what. I also appreciate those who were instrumental in helping to form my faith, allowing themselves to be used by God to help others.
2. My husband--He's my best friend. I can't imagine life without him, to make me laugh, to let me cry, and to love me. He's a great guy, words can't even begin to say how much he means to me.
3. My children--There's nothing better than getting a hug from your child. I tend to find myself in a busy frenzy most of the time, but I want to cherish their childhood as much as possible because it's already flying past me.
4. My health and the health of my family--If the worst thing we have to deal with is allergies/asthma and a few stitches or broken bones here and there, that would be great! So far so good!
5. My church--It's a rare thing to find a church that truly feels like home. Ours is brand new, but that sense of home and family is definitely growing and I love worshipping with my friends there.
6. My pastor and his family--Their vision and passion for our community is evident. They are so positive and hopeful of what God has in store, it's wonderful!
7. My community--I think Wesley Chapel is the best place in the world. I love living in Florida, but could not think of a community where I'd prefer to live. I've met some of the nicest people in the past 5 years of living here, it's truly home to me.
8. My country--No matter what you think about what's going on in current events, the US is the best place to call home. I am so thankful that I live here and have the freedoms that our military fights for. We had the privilege of having a Navy guy here for dinner today, he's an awesome guy, and if most of them are like him, we're in good hands!
9. My extended family and my heritage--I know I don't let them know it as often as I should, and it's hard to keep in touch when life gets so busy, but I love my parents and all of my extended family. I just hope my children will grow to love the traditions we have kept as much as I've appreciated them over the years.
10. My home--I am so happy to have a home where our family is happy and healthy. We have lots of space to share with others, and it was a blessing to be able to open our home to friends today. Need a place to hang out? Come on over!
11. My job--I work for the best (and biggest) school in our county. We have the best principal and teachers, and it's so much fun to go to work. How many people can say that? I love my job, and I love working with children. Helping them learn is one of the biggest rewards ever.
12. My talents--I don't use them nearly as often as I'd like, but I'm so thankful that God has pretty much made me a "jack of all trades" when it comes to talent. I love the whole quote about that: "Jack of all trades, master of none, though ofttimes better than master of one". I can sing, cook, sew, knit, fix things, teach, play the piano and flute, write poems and stories...just to name a few. I need to take more time to use my talents to their fullest, but I'm so thankful that I can do so many things, and actually do them rather well. (Not trying to brag on myself, but on God here...)
I could go on for days, but this one is basically over so I'm going to stop there. My life is brilliant and beautiful and I want to live my life with gratitude because I've been blessed with so much!
Hope your Thanksgiving was a wonderful as mine!
Since I think in song, I'll close out with the lyrics of a song our worship team sings...
I come before you today, and there's just one thing that I want to say... Thank you Lord,Thank you Lord
For all you've given to me, for all the blessings that I can not see..Thank you Lord,Thank you Lord
With a greatful heart, with a song of praise, with an outstreched arm, I will bless your name...Thank you Lord,I just want to thank you Lord, Thank you Lord, I just want to thank you Lord, Thank you Lord
For all you've done in my life, you took my darkness and gave me your light...Thank you Lord, Thank you Lord
You took my sin and my shame, you took my sickness and healed all my pain...Thank you Lord, Thank you Lord
With a greatful heart, with a song of praise, with an outstreched arm, I will bless your name...Thank you Lord, I just want to thank you Lord, Thank you Lord, I just want to thank you Lord, Thank you Lord
