Well it's Thanksgiving day and I'm about to tell you everything, everything I can think of that is, on this Thursday, the 25th of November also known as the day of Thanks, that I am thankful for. But I'm not just thanking anywho or anyone. I'm thanking our God who has given me everything I am thankful for!
I'm thankful for...
* My faith. In all honesty, I don't know where I would be without my faith, without believing that out there is someone who loves me and gave His only son to live a scorned life for me. I'm so deeply in love with this God who takes care of my heartache and revels in my success. I desperately seek to show Him the slightest bit of appreciation through glorifying Him with my life, with my entire being, with my motives, words and actions. And without that purpose and that expectation my life would be meaningless and aimless.
* My heavenly-father. The only One who shows us perfect love. Love that never fails, no matter how many times we reject, disobey, turn-away-from or deny Him, His love for me never withers. I daily remind myself that I can do nothing to make my Father in Heaven love me less. I'm so unworthy of the love He shows, the grace, the mercy, the kindness He shows to me, but He won't ever stop, no matter what I do. I'm so thankful for You Lord!
* My loving mother. She is so compassionate, caring and kind that it's impossible to try to live up to her. But forever I will try, because she is the greatest mother, wife, friend and "Mimi" any of us could have asked for.
* My devoted father. The biggest Christian role model in my life. He has always helped me check my motives to see if the Lord is there, and he always will.
* My protective brother. We've been through thick and thin, hell and back together, and it all brought us to this point today, I miss him the moment I leave Appleton, and anxiously await coming back to see him/his visits. He always looks out for me, and is so appreciative.
*My spunky sister. She's always trying to bring out the fun, and my best friend growing up who let me follow her around and even today graciously allows me to walk in her footsteps, in the rest of her own experiences.
*My beautiful sister-in-law. I've only known her for 18 months, but her heart of gold is so attractive, she loves her children and her husband with her whole heart and would break her back to serve them.
*My smart brother-in-law. The perfect man for my sister's crazy heart, and an extremely handsome soul to seek after the Lord who will stop for nothing less. His obedience to the Lord is uncanny.
*My suffering. Ohh how much the Lord has taught me, and how much the Lord has grown me through tears of frustration, heart-ache and everything in between. 1 Chorinthians 12:9 has been the cry of my heart. As hard as it is, I pray the Lord continually trusts me with these trials and tribulations because His faith in me to pursue Him through the pain is continually growing.
* My best friend: She's my biggest answer to prayer. 2.5 years I prayed and prayed for the Lord to bless me with a woman of God who together we can grow and help each other be strong. She's the qwerkiest, craziest woman i know and her heart continually surprises me.
* FOOTBALL!! I'm gonna be honest, I thank the Lord for the Packers! And the sport in general, not only is it great to watch and keep track of, but it's something I love doing with my dad and my brother. Mmm... Superbowl :)
* My home. I take for granted this town of Appleton where I call home. A place I can run to when I'm overwhelmed. A place that holds memories, good and bad, but none the less a place of comfort.
* Clothing. Oh my word am I thankful for the ability to go shopping, and the ability to have expensive taste, and for my extensive wardrobe. I am so blessed in this area.
* I have absolutely everything i need and way more than i need in respect to accessories, technology, clothing, furniture, beauty supplies, everything. And everything in excess!!!!
* Extended family. I'm so thankful for my extended family, those who know the Lord personally and those that don't, all are people who love me and believe in me and my abilities, who are constantly building me up, and supporting me in my adventures.
*Great roommates. Roommates who help me study, keep me on track, and love to have dance parties! Who look after me and care for me and my well-being, and who put up with my annoying alarm clock!
* Difficult courses. I'm thankful for the difficult courses I'm taking and will be taking, the ones that I struggle through, but teach me discipline and prioritizing.
* ANSWERED PRAYERS. I'm so thankful that I believe in miraculous Christianity, that the Lord didn't just answer prayers "back-then" but to this day, and everyday of my life, answers even the smallest of prayers.
* Board games!
* Grey's Anatomy. I'm soo thankful for good television, and great movies to entertain my stimulated mind!
* Christian friends! The people that hold me accountable, and the people that subconsciously push me to be better, the people that want me around, the people that are ready to have fun or ready to dig deep into conversation.
* Second chances. I'm so thankful that the Lord gives us second chances on a daily basis, on an hourly basis, because we lose sight of Him so easily.
* The JOY of READING! Can't believe the Lord answered that prayer I must have prayed for literally 10 years, I love reading! And i think the Lord for that passtime, and for making me love and enjoy reading! [Maybe one of my top 10 answered prayers thus far!]
* The Bible! I can't believe it's this far down on the list! I don't go anywhere without my Bible, I thank the Lord for my love of His Word, and my love of hearing from Him and seeking Him in His Word.
This is merely the beginning.
