30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 30

Over the past 30 days, I've been blogging about some of the things in my life that I am thankful for. By no means, is this list a complete list of all the blessings that God has more than abundantly poured out over my life. I am so thankful that I completed this challenge for many reasons. It forced me to slow down and enjoy the "now." It encouraged me to find the good in a trying time in my career. It disciplined me to actively study the Word of God. And, perhaps best of all, it taught me about obedience and discerning the voice of God as I apply biblical principles in my daily life.

I am so thankful for those of you who have hung around for the past 30 days. I am thankful for the text messages and the comments you left me letting me know you were/would be praying for me. I am thankful that I have this blog to document my life, as un-eventful as it may seem to some. I am thankful that I am free to be me--the real me--here and that many of you come back day after day.

Lord, I can never say how much I am thankful for my family and friends. I've been blessed by the greatest husband I could have ever wanted. I truly believe Kyle is an answered prayer in my life, except he goes above and beyond anyone I could have ever prayed for. I am completely in awe of my children--two sons I never imagined I would ever hold or care for. But, you saw better Lord, and I want to thank you for that.

I have parents and a sister who have always loved and supported me. I have in-laws I know I can count on. I have numerous other family members (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews) who I know would give me the shirt off their backs, who will love me unconditionally, and who have inspired me to be better than average with God's help.

Although there is uncertainty surrounding my job, I have one--and I'm thankful for that. I have coworkers who I treasure. They do so much to encourage and inspire me. I am sooooo thankful for my church and church family. I'm growing as a Christian under the guidance of our pastors and the fellowship of our members. I've made many wonderful friends who are reliable, prayerful women I can connect with on so many levels. And, Lord, you have blessed me with so many friends outside of church or work. I still have friends from high school or other periods of my life. Thank you Lord for the blessing of these people.

At times I feel dog-tired, okay...most of the time...but I am healthy. Thank you Lord. When I am sick, I have insurance so that I can seek medical attention. That, too, is a blessing. I guess what I'm trying to say is that Lord, you've been extra good to me...good despite my neglect of your goodness...good despite my sins....good despite my failures. So most of all, I am thankful Lord for You, and everything that You are...to everyone. You are my life, and it's my soul focus to live a life that reflects You and brings honor and glory to You...because You deserve so much more.