Happy Thanksgiving!!

It’s here… it’s finally here! Thanksgiving means  I can now play Christmas songs, watch Christmas movies, and read Christmas stories without shame. 😉

In our home, Thanksgiving is the holiday with the most family traditions. There’s always lots of food, family, and football. Not to mention getting out the Christmas tree and other winter decorations.

Most importantly, today is the day to remember our blessings and thank the Lord for them. And boy, do I have a lot to be thankful for this year! It’s been one of the best years so far (yes, I realize I say that almost every year!) 🙂

Because today is such a special day, I decided to make this post all about the blessings in my life. This post is for the special people in my life, and is a thank you letter of sorts to them and to the Lord who has so richly blessed me! (At the end, I want to hear about some of your greatest blessings from this past year.)

I am thankful for…

God’s Love and Grace. I am so thankful that the Lord saved my soul and has given me a promised home in Heaven. Without His love, His mercy, and His grace… life would be hopeless and meaningless. He has blessed me beyond measure. I don’t deserve anything yet He has give me so much. Thank you, Lord!

My Parents. Because of my parents, I grew up in a home with love and stability. My parents took me to church, taught me about God, and led to me to Him. They have been loving, faithful and supportive parents and I couldn’t ask for more! Thank you, mom and dad!

My Siblings. They are all well and close to home. Not only are they my family – they are my friends.  That is something I should not take lightly, and I am so very thankful for the two brothers, and sister-in-law the Lord has given to me. Growing up we had our fair share of sibling squabbles but now we can reminisce, laugh, argue, debate, travel, chat, and share like siblings who are friends. Thanks guys… you’re pretty great! 🙂

My Very Special Someone. You know who you are. 😉 I am so thankful for you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your confidence in me, your encouragement, your support, and most of all, your prayers. I love how God brought us together in His perfect time and way. You make me so happy – you’re the best! ♥

My Extended Family. My grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The memories we’ve made and the ones we continue to make, are so special. I miss those who are no longer living, but I know I will one day see them again. I’m grateful for all my family members and those who are are not quite family but will be someday.

My Bestie. Goodness, we’ve been mistaken for sisters (even twins!) more times than I can count. You’ve been by my side for so much! My thirteenth birthday, our teen years, summer camp, my sweet sixteen, my jobs… not to mention my ups and downs, my obsessions (and there have been many!), and my endless jabbering about the silliest things. Thank you for all the encouragement, the laughs, the photo shoots, the emails, the letters, the inside jokes, and the memories. ♥ I’m so thankful for you!

My Little Guy. His hugs, kisses, cuddles, and giggles – he adds so much joy to my life (and our home!). He’s not my own, but some days it feels like he really is mine. He is one amazing little guy and I am so blessed to have him in my life!

My Church. I am so thankful for my pastor and my church family. Church is home and the people are family. No place has ever made me feel so loved and at home.

My Friends. I have an awesome group of friends – too many to list and mention by name. Each one is amazing and special in their own way. To all of my friends out there – I’m thankful for each one of you!

My Role Models. The men and women in my life who passionately serve the Lord with a contagious zeal…. I want to follow their example. There are so many who have impacted my life in both big and little ways- from Sunday school teachers to traveling missionaries who I’ve only met once or twice, they are the ones that inspire me. Thank you!

My Home. It’s not big and it’s not fancy… but it’s warm, it’s safe, and it’s ours. I’m so thankful my parents didn’t move us around all the time. One move when I was four years old and…. here we are still. I’m so thankful for that!This will always be home no matter where I end up in the future.

This Blog. Creating this website and writing new posts has been such an adventure. Some days it feels like so much work – but it’s always worth it! To all my blog readers and blog friends – thank you!

Other Blessings…

I have too many blessings to count and too many to name… but there are a few more blessings that deserve to be mentioned:

○My diamond bracelet. It becomes prettier and more special with each passing day.○My bookshelf.  What would my life be like without any books? Dull… very dull.  ○This laptop. I use my computer for so much: writing blog posts, preparing Sunday school lessons, online shopping, etc. etc. It’s a material blessings I often take for granted. ○My own room. My little home inside my home – this is where I work, read, dream, and plan. ○Contact lenses and glasses. Life without these would be just plain blurry. 🙂 ○Plenty of warm clothes. A legitimate need the Lord provides in abundance. ○Good food. On this day of feasting, I can’t help but thank the Lord for the abundance of food and nourishment He supplies for us daily. ○Every other blessing I so often take for granted.

“Thanks be to the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” Psalm 68:19

Thank You, Lord! 

Please share in the comments below….

What are you thankful for? What has God blessed you with this year? Spread the gratitude! 😉

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