thankful

I'm thankful for God's love. When I begin to think about the uncertainties that we face right now with residency junk and finances, it's comforting to know that even though things change, he doesn't. He is faithful. He is forgiving. He is my shelter.

I'm thankful for Kyle. I'm thankful for the love we have. No one knows me like he does. I'm thankful that after ten years of marriage, we still crave that alone time. I'm not talking about sexy time alone time (Borat anyone?)... ok, maybe I am (ahhhh yeah) but what I meant was ditch the kids and let's hang out alone time. It's the thing I look forward to most.

***fyi... a little awkward for me to admit to seeing Borat right after talking about how much I love Jesus. If you've seen the movie, you'd understand. We were looking for funny. Funny it was... but oh my goodness, can anyone say traumatized?

I'm thankful that I have been blessed with three healthy children. Being a part in the shaping of these little people is truly amazing and I don't want to ever take it for granted.

I'm even thankful for the days my kids drive me crazy. Those trying times remind me that I am the one who gets to stay home with them day in and day out, nurturing and disciplining them... not someone else.

I'm thankful for our families. I can't even put into words my appreciation for what they have done for us. I'm thankful for their love and giving hearts.

I'm thankful for music. I can't imagine a world without it. A song can completely change my mood. I love that music is an outlet for my husband. I love hearing my kids sing and watching them dance to music. I'm thankful that I can turn it up really loud in the car to drown out the whining.

I could go on and on... a place to come home to, a car to get around in, friends, my camera, photoshop, air conditioning, hot showers, internet, online shopping, ipod, contact lenses, spanx, diet coke, sunbutter, ener-g egg replacer, modern medicine, sippy cups, washable markers, kandoo wipes, grocery stores (can you imagine trying to fit growing your own food into your daily schedule?), student loan deferment, life church messages online, mexican food, vacation... ok, ok I think you get my point. No matter how down or unfortunate we feel at times, we really are truly blessed. I am going to try and be better in thanking God for all of his blessings, big and small.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Be Thankful

by Nicola Ashcroft

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.