Looking back at what I wrote a year ago... I am still thankful for these things, and more!!
Day 1: Ever since people started putting up thankful statuses in November I've been thinking about what I would write. So with all these thoughts floating in my head, I've decided I might as well do this too. ... First and foremost, I am thankful that Jesus is always by my side. That He loves me like it says in a song I like to dance to on the Wii, "Never gonna give you up. Never gonna let you down. Never gonna run around and desert you. Never gonna make you cry. Never gonna say goodbye. Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you..." Nope. Instead His love is always here. So in need of that.
Day 2: I am thankful for all the kids in my life. Leaving work is always one of the best parts of my day, not because I want to leave but because all of the kids run at me, give me big hugs, and will not let go. With kids I am constantly learning about God. A little bit by teaching or reading to them but way more-so by what they say and do. With kids love is real, without fear, free, and abundant. I think they show me how God intended us to live and to love each other.
Day 3: I am thankful that God's grace covers all of me. No matter what I do, think, or say... and all of what I've done, I know His grace covers it. I know that when I come to Him with a sorry heart, He forgives. I would be a guilt-filled, hopeless wreck, but instead I have undeserved peace and life. Freedom in grace.
Day 4: I am thankful for my family. That I have a long list of grandparents, parents, sisters, aunts, and cousins who I can call or text at any moment knowing that they will want to talk, listen, or pray. I keep in contact with a lot of family members every day, and I am so blessed by it!! I am thankful for all the fun times with my sisters and cousins as kids, and I absolutely love still being a kid with my younger cousins! Everyone in my entire extended family is amazing. Examples of love.
Day 5: I'm thankful I know this is not my Home. That all the sillyness and heartache of this world will pass away. I look so forward to the beauty, release, no more fear, and the amazing joy and bliss coming when we are finally with our God of love.
Day 6: I am thankful for music. Songs about God bring me through life.
Day 7: I am thankful I can trust God knows what He's doing. That His plans are better than mine. No matter how great or how awful, distressed, or sad I feel, there is peace in knowing I can trust Him with my future and my present.
Day 8: I am thankful for the ability to read the Bible. It tells me about the love of my Father and all His love moves Him to do for us. It tells me of the hope, promises, freedom, new life, and grace I have in Him. It's words are more beautiful than anything I've ever read. And it's what lifts me up like nothing else can. The best part is: it's the truth. Amazing Truth.
Day 9: I am thankful for friendships. God has blessed me with so many amazing people and friendships in my life. I will never forget you or the awesome memories!! My life would not be as good without you.
Day 10: I am thankful for color. From trees, leaves, flowers, sunrises, sunsets, animals, people, fruits and vegetables, the clothes we wear, and the things we are surrounded by... their colors make me happy! God creates a beautiful world.
Day 11: I am thankful I grew up on our (hobby) farm. Lying in the grass reading with my cat, never worrying that neighbors can see me, having lots of beautiful space to explore, all the fun times with family and cousins... and the garden!! Sun-ripened fruits and vegetables, nature, laughter, and family... it can not get better than that!
Day 12: I am thankful for the way God loves me. With love that endures forever; never fails; sees all my weaknesses, sins, and flaws but forgives them all; is so great that He gives up His life for mine. He delights in me, asks me to cast all my cares on Him because He cares for me, and as crazy as it is, nothing can separate me from His love.
Day 13: I'm thankful God has given me a heart that finds joy in doing photography jobs. I get to tell the world about people, connect with and get to know people, and try to capture the beauty I see in people and life. I laugh thinking about the crazy things I've done with camera in hand, and I am continuously suprised the ways God blesses me through all of this. Thanks God. :)
Day 14: I'm thankful that each day's struggles remind me of my need for God.
Day 15: I am thankful for this journey of life God has brought me through so far, and I am very interested to see what is to come.
Day 16: I'm thankful God hears and answers every prayer. I know His answers are better than mine.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! I am thankful for you.
