5 things that I am Thankful and Grateful for:
1. Friends who truly love Jesus and love me too.
I am so grateful for the friends that God has placed around me who are true friends. They love Jesus and treat people with kindness and respect. These women are positive and fun. They do not backstab friends, nor are they petty and judgemental. They are happy and fun. When I leave them, I feel happy and filled with joy.
2. God's wonderful conviction when my heart strays.
Recently, I had a negative day. I looked to the negative rather than the blessings and love God has placed all around me. Yuck! I hate when I do that!! Thankfully, God lovingly convicted my heart and brought to my attention my attitude. He urged me to admit to those I had talked negatively with and ask for forgiveness. I am so thankful that He guides me without condemnation. He shows me my ways and leads me to freedom. I'll take a free heart over a negative heart any day!! Thanks Jesus!! :)
3. The beauty that God has placed all around me.
Since we are a Texas family, we are outside a great deal this time of year. Our weather ranges from the high 60's to the low 80's. I truly appreciate the beautiful things that God places before me and my family this time of year. This squirrel was hiding an acorn in his (or her I guess) mouth. It was so close to me and my children. It wasn't afraid of us at all. We were able to observe it. We all thought it was really neat....and cute too! The same thing happened with the butterfly. It was feasting on our lantana bushes. It fluttered a bit when we walked up, but it never flew away. It immediately went back to eating. I really love experiencing these things with my kiddos.
4. My family!
I am head over heels in love with my family. I am so grateful that my children are all close to each other. They truly enjoy being together. They have even said that when they grow up, they want to live near each other. That makes this mama's heart so happy!! The other night they were upstairs playing Mario Cart on the Wii. They were laughing and carrying on. My little one said, "Guys, I love when we do this. It is so much fun!!" I can't tell you how happy it makes me that our 16 year old still enjoys his siblings.
After our sweet Dr. Twining died, my husband and I were talking about heaven. We were discussing how wonderful it is and that it is full of love. He told me that heaven to him is being with our family and if he were to die he would want God to let him continue being with us. I love my sweet husband! He is the greatest father and husband a girl could ask for. He is a hard worker, but loves his family way more than his work. His priorities are right were God wants them. I'm pinching myself right about now!!!!!
5. Thanksgiving food, of course!!
I am looking forward to hanging out with my family and eating some yummy food! My children will assist in making the meal. Wait, I mean in tasting the meal! I am going to have everyone write 5 things they are thankful for on index cards. As we are eating, I am going to choose one at a time and read it aloud. They have to decide who wrote it. It should be quite fun. :)
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. May you enjoy your family and all of God's blessings.
