The Thanksgiving holiday came and went, and we had a wonderful day filled with parades, food, family, and fun. I love going to my parent's house for Thanksgiving. It is THE BEST. Something that I got to thinking about this year with a bit of guilt was how many days go by each week, month, or year that we do not express our thankfulness or gratitude to others, and most of all to God. It makes me a little sad. Those of you who know me at all, know that I am not a morning person. I usually will read my bible and/or a devotional sometime in the afternoon or evening since I am much more alert and receptive. Since Thanksgiving though, I have been waking up and immediately, and before I get out of bed, just pouring out "thanks" to my Lord. What can I do but praise Him when I look at my life and see all of the blessings He has showered me with? Here are some of the many things I have been thankful for as of late:
1. A home. It's not even really "mine" (we are renting) and it's FAR from how I would like it to be, but it is warm, cozy, and has everything that we could ever possibly need.
2. A man that loves me more than I could ever imagine anyone could. He is constantly sacrificing for me and our children. He loves the Lord and pushes me closer to Him. He leads by example, and is full of grace and humility. I see Jesus in Him.
3. Two of the most beautiful daughters, inside and out, that I could ever hope for. One of them so full of confidence and drive (like her daddy) and at the same time so tender, loving, and cuddly that it just melts your heart. She is at home in sweats and dribbling a basketball, and is growing into such a beautiful, young lady. She is a leader, so comfortable in her own skin, and just plain fun to be around.
The other, a little more guarded (like me) but SO smart, and so earnest to be in God's will for her life. She's emotional and impulsive, and takes a bit longer to find her way, but as she does, she amazes me with her courage and resolve. She's always been pretty, but to see her heart become more like Jesus' makes her so beautiful that it hurts.
(I have started praying for my daughter's husbands-to-be every day. I pray that even now God is molding them and shaping them into the men that will marry my daughters. I know I am "ahead of the game" since my girls have such a wonderful role model for a dad and husband, but also I realize how important it is to model a healthy marraige to our girls.) Overall, It eases my mind to know that God hears my prayers, and is already orchestrating His matches for them. How exciting!)
4. Sisters and Friends. I am not super extroverted, and I only have a couple of really good friends. Between my sisters and my close friends, I feel like I have a safe place to share my heart. I feel like I am free from being judged, but also will be held accountable when I slip up (which happens, believe it or not.. HA!) I just love how God brings certain people in and out of my life at certain times for certain reasons. I've learned not to push friendships, or manipulate the blessing that a friendship is. God has been faithful to me by bringing some really wonderful people into my life!
I suppose those are the big ones... the ones that I feel so overwhelmed by, the ones that are true evidence that God is FOR ME, and that He loves me enough to loan me His treasures that I KNOW I do not deserve. So again today, I am filled with gratitude for all that He has blessed me with. I pray that in ALL circumstances, I will have a grateful heart and that I can make Him proud with how I take care of these blessings.
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