Give Thanks

   Thanksgiving is here and for many reasons this is one of my favorite holidays. Aside from gathering with family we rarely get to see and indulging in delicious meals and treats, I am encouraged (more so than other days of the year) to really look at my life and the lives of my family members and give thanks for the many blessings that have been so graciously bestowed on us. In lieu of sharing these blessings on Facebook, I am going to post my list right here on my blog. I pray your holiday is full of delicious food, happy family gatherings, and many blessings now and to come.
 
    1.) I am thankful for my salvation and the grace that the Lord of all creation wraps me in everyday of my life. (Just a little reminder what the small and beautiful little word means - Grace - the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God)

    2.) I am thankful for music and the way He uses it to speak to me. I am also thankful that we were given voices to sing that we might share our thoughts, dreams, and stories through music.

    3.) I am thankful for the country we live in. I am sometimes annoyed and frustrated with the political antics of our government and often disagree with the decisions that are made for "the better good." But, we live in a country unlike any other where we can freely live, worship, work, dream, and love.

    4.) I am thankful for my husband, Chad, and the joy he brings to my life every single day. He is my best friend and loves the very best of me AND the very worst. He is one of the best men I know and I am truly grateful that I am able to share my life with him. Plus, he's pretty hot, if I say so myself!

    5.) I am thankful for my parents and Chad's parents and the love they shower on Chad and me everyday. Our siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins are all continuous blessings for us and they help make our lives more joyful with their support, love, and friendship.

    6.) I am thankful for our home and the safe shelter it provides Chad and me through all the seasons of the year. Many people in our world do not have the blessing of a place to call home and I feel very grateful that we have a warm, safe place to lay our heads and make memories.

    7.) I am thankful for our dependable vehicles that get us around town safely and swiftly, if necessary.

    8.) I am thankful for my dishwasher, washing machine, and clothes dryer. I wouldn't have a clue how to use a washboard with a bar of lye soap!

    9.) I am thankful for our cats, Baxter and Bella, and our dog, Thatcher. They bring us snuggles, laughs, smiles, and joy everyday.

    10.) I am thankful for God's beautiful creation and for my sight and hearing so I might enjoy it every season of the year. From the songs of little birds to the waves of the ocean, the sounds of the world are amazing! The colors of the sunsets to the autumn leaves - the rainbows of color are beautiful.

    11.) I am thankful for food and all the varieties of food. I am thankful that I, nor my family, has ever had to endure hunger.

    12.) I am thankful for the generations in my family that have gone before me and the path they laid for the success and happiness of me and my family today.

    13.) I am thankful that we were given creative spirits and that we have eyes to enjoy the creations and artistic abilities of others.

    14.) I am thankful for our veterans and the security they provide for our country. I am thankful for the families that sacrifice time with their family member so they can fight for our freedoms.

    15.) I am thankful for my health and the health of my family.

    16.) I am thankful for clean, running water, and that I have never experienced being without water.

    17.) I am thankful for our doctors, nurses, and health professionals that provide the best medical care in the world. I am thankful that we have procedures, options, and choices in this country to maintain or help our health.

    18.) I am thankful for books and the opportunity we have to learn and study whatever field we so choose. I am thankful that we are capable of gaining knowledge and that this journey is never-ending.

    19.) I am thankful for the gift of friendship and the many friends that Chad and I have been blessed with. My friendships are so special and important to me. I don't know what I would do without my friends.

    20.) I am thankful that each new day is an opportunity to right the wrongs in my life and to live better than I did the day before. Each day is a new start, with endless possibilities. This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Happy Thanksgiving, Friends! Love to you and yours!