Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. Philippians 1:3 MSG
I am truly thankful for my wonderful husband. He is God's gift to me and I know God has a plan for our lives together. He is a great daddy to our precious girls. I am thankful for my Z and A-and all that I have learned by being a parent.
The next part of the list is random...in the jumbled order that everything piles around in my head...just need to get it out and say - I am thankful!!!
When I woke up, one of my former bosses was on my mind-so after praying for her I began to remember what I learned from her, and thank God for her. I have lost contact with Francine, but a prayer book that she gave me when I graduated college still has a place on my nightstand. I am so thankful that she cared enough about me to tell me the truth. She loved me when I was unlovable and put up with me in my immaturity-never giving up on the young girl who thought she knew it all (but really didn't have a clue). I thought when I went to work for Dr. A that it was to prepare me to be in the medical field-but God had a different purpose for my time there.
Thinking of that time in my life made me think about a co-worker at the office, Joanna. Though we worked together only briefly-she touched my heart and I am thankful for her. She showed me what a happy person is like. She smiled and laughed continually...and her joy was contagious! She taught me a lesson in selfless giving. I will never forget the Christmas present gave me-the bracelet she wore daily. To her it was a reminder of a mission trip she had taken (I think???), but to me it was a reminder to be a giver.
I am thankful for my best girl friends. I have had 4 that have been really special over the years.
- My first best friend was Jennifer (AKA refinnej:))-she was my bestie from the time we met in 4th grade and we were close throughout the rest of our school years. I remember summer sleepovers and always being with each other. Her mom was my first "other mom" and we even enjoyed each others' siblings! So many memories-I need to contact her!
- My HS best friend was Crystal. She was there for me during a time of chaos in my life-a new school, new living situation-new driver....We always had fun and I still think of all the "coincidences" and things that made us laugh. We occasionally enjoy catching up at lunch (wish we could do it more!) and the best thing is, we can still laugh and enjoy ourselves even if we haven't talked in a year!!
- My long distance bestie Corina was there for me as we both learned to navigate the early years of being wives and mothers. She was an answer to prayer (did you know that??) James and I were the 'young ones' at church and I really wanted someone who was on the 'same page' as me...and God provided. I sometimes still get sad that she now lives over 12 hours away with her family...but then I rejoice as I see how God is navigating their lives! I am thankful for you, forever friend!
- My newest best friend will be my bestie for years to come! What started off as a 'business' relationship with some interesting discoveries (like that our husbands knew each other and that I am related by marriage to her husband) has turned into a wonderful friendship. I was sad when the 'business' part of the relationship was over-because she took such good care of my girls-but now we are even closer. I am thankful for someone to share hunting seasons with:) I am thankful for her whole extended family being part of our lives. I love knowing that I have someone praying for me-thank you friend!
I am thankful for my sweet cousins! I have lots of them...but I have a special bond with a few precious cousins. It is so great to have someone who knows all about your family and childhood (and still loves you, lol)! If we were all still kids, then I would be seeing you today...I remember big thanksgivings together!! I think about and pray for them often, but I don't make contact enough. I am thankful for their lives-for watching them grow and change (and some become mommies!!!!) and for being able to see God at work in their lives.
I am thankful for my Aunts and Uncles. When you don't have parents on earth, it is comforting to know that their brothers and sisters are here. My family was amazing to me at my wedding-planning, providing and praying for that special day that I will never forget. I appreciate their wisdom and guidance. (And did I mention their kids:)!
I am thankful for my husband's family. His parents accept and love me and I don't feel like an "in-law". We have enjoyed riding motorcycles with a special Aunt and they have loved on our girls.
I am so thankful for my 4 brothers and their families. I love each one so much! The memories of a sibling are not comparable to other relationships. I think about my little brothers so often and enjoy the childhood memories. I am thankful for the care and guidance of my older brothers. I most enjoy being the shortest one in the clan and love a big family hug...I miss my bubbas!!!
I am thankful for my adoptive family. I like to remember watching K as a toddler and having 'date night' with my then boyfriend James. Now I get date night with James and they watch our girls. I am thankful for the mentoring that has occurred over the almost 15 years we've know them. I am thankful that my girls are blessed with grandparents. One of my favorite memories is spending time together while I was pregnant-so glad to have had the guidance and wisdom of someone who had 'been there, done that"!
I am thankful for our church family. I am thankful for our Pastor and his wife-I have learned so much from him...beyond salvation. He teaches practical application from the Bible and I am so thankful that it causes me to grow up in God. I am thankful for the heart of a craftsmen ministry team...to see what they do!!!
I am thankful for Beth and Joyce...through their Bible studies these ladies (and others Connie, Priscilla...) have been used by God to shine His Word in my life and renew me. I am beginning to see who I am in Christ and I want to shine with His glory!
I am thankful for the teachers at my girls' schools. Amazing and caring teachers-we are so blessed! I am thankful for all my students over the years-I learned so much from each of them (especially the difficult ones!). I enjoy getting wedding invitations and seeing what they are doing these days. I am thankful for all the wonderful people that I worked with at the school...espcially Annie who has been a wonderful friend. I am thankful for my special teachers growing up, especially Mrs. Crosier!
I am thankful for good neighbors. I am thankful for great vendors. I am thankful for encouraging bloggers. I am thankful for blog readers. I am thankful for mom friends in the community. I am thankful for Nazia-our compassion child who reminds us to be thankful for what we have.
I am most thankful for:
my Heavenly Father-who chose me before the creation of the world
my Savior and Friend, Jesus who paid a great price so that I could receive the promises of God
my Comforter and Counselor the Holy Spirit who guides me each day (better if I listen:))
There are (obviously) other things I am thankful for...but this is about people. I am sure I didn't list each person I am thankful for...but I am thankful for each person that is in my life... for such a time as this....Well I didn't mean for this to be so long, but I guess I just have a lot to be thankful for!!
