Thankful

Reflecting over the past year has been a journey of highs and lows. We have celebrated many milestones: Anna Caitlin's last day of Kindergarten and learning to ride a bike without training wheels; Drew's last year with Ms. Carol and his first experience at baseball; and Joshua's first words and first steps. We have had moments of pure joy and happiness: a wonderful week in Disney World with Grammie and Granddaddy; the first "real" snow my children have ever been able to sled in; a fun trip to the beach with Mama Judi and Papa Johnny. And we have experienced the single greatest loss of my life: saying good bye to my Dad.



Throughout the past year, one verse has presented itself from Phillipains 4. "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and minds in Jesus Christ." I am so thankful that I have so much to rejoice in, even as I journey through the lows.



SEVEN REASONS I AM THANKFUL:



7. I am thankful for my job. I absolutely love the opportunity I have been given to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. I am so blessed to work with some of the best people I know, who have become a part of my family.



6. I am thankful for Ms. Carol. She has been such a blessing in the lives of each and every one of my children. She loves them and nurtures them and they love her so much in return. She teaches them how to love one another and how to love God, and I will forever be indebted to her.



5. I am thankful for my home. I am thankful for the everyday sounds that fill these walls each and every day. I love listening to my children's footsteps as they run to our room in the morning and the sound of them laughing in the playroom. I am thankful for the yard that they play in and the kitchen table where we sit down each evening to spend time together.



4. I am thankful for my friends. I have been blessed with some of the most wonderful friends in the whole world. Friends who have celebrated all of the good times with fun and laughter. Friends who have supported me through the hard times with unending love and concern. Friends who have seen me at my best, and seen me at my worst, and love me just the same.



3. I am thankful for my family. I am thankful that I have been given two parents who have taught me true, unconditional love. Parents who demonstrated what a family should be in their daily lives. Parents who took me to church every Sunday and Wednesday and believe that prayer changes things. I am thankful for the time I had with my dad and I am most thankful that I know that he is now in Heaven, watching over us.


I am thankful for Jonathan's family. I am thankful for grandparents who love my grandchildren and would do anything for them. I am thankful for aunts and uncles who love my children and call to check on them.



2. I am thankful for my husband and my children. I am thankful that I married someone who loves me unconditionally and brings out the best in me. I am thankful for a marriage that is grounded in faith and respect. I am thankful to be married to someone who puts his family first, no matter what. I am thankful for the three most wonderful blessings I have ever been given. I am thankful for their health. I am thankful that they all have such big hearts and sweet dispositions. I am thankful that I am the one they call mommy.

1. I am thankful that God loves me. I am thankful that He is faithful to walk beside me in the good times and the bad times. I am thankful that He wants what is best for me and that He listens to my prayers.

I HAVE MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR.