Give Thanks…

Many people on Facebook choose to keep a daily log of things for which they are thankful during the month of November. Rather than putting mine on Facebook, I thought I would provide a list of things for which my heart overflows with gratitude.

Kids—Where would I be without my amazing children? They are truly a blessing from God! There have been many days I wasn’t sure I wanted to go on until I looked into the eyes of my children.

Family—I am blessed with the most amazing and supportive family! They are so selfless, giving up their time and energy to help me whenever I need them. And, they pour into the lives of my children. They are building memories into my children that will live on forever.

My Grandpa—My Grandpa would have turned 102 this week, but he passed away two years ago. God was so good to use him to provide a house for my children and me—right next to my parents.

Job—Our economy is tough, and I am blessed to have a good job with a great company.

Readers—I am blown away by the people who have chosen to faithfully join me on this journey. You are such a blessing!

God’s silence—I am beginning to truly understand that when God is silent, He is never still. He is working all the time, and it is often in the silence that He is preparing my future.

God’s provisions—How many times have I seen God mysteriously provide for my every need when it was humanly impossible? He is truly my Jehovah Jireh.

God’s redemption—I can’t even begin to explain how God has redeemed me, resurrected me from the dead, given me a new life!

God’s forgiveness—I have a greater appreciation for the forgiveness that God gave me through the death of His Son Jesus Christ. I am so undeserving!

Dreams—It’s a great thing to have hopes and dreams for a bright future! God promises that His plans are for good and not evil, plans to prosper us and not harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future.

Peace that surpasses understanding—Wow! There are no words to express the peace that comes from Him. For all of the fears and doubts I have battled, it is wonderful to now be walking in complete peace and confidence that He will do what He has promised to do!

Flexibility—And, my job is so flexible! I don’t know how anyone—especially single parents—make it without a flexible job. What would I do when my child calls and says he thinks he broke his arm if I didn’t have the ability to rescue him?

Laughter—When life is hard, I am so thankful for the gift of laughter! My kids and I try to laugh hard every day. It lifts our moods and keeps life in perspective.

Every tear I have cried—God holds every tear, and He promises that my mourning will turn to joy, that every trouble will be repaid with two blessings (Zechariah 9:12).

Persecution—God promises that blessed—happy many times over—are those who are persecuted for His name.

Being used by God—There is no greater joy for me than to be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to my Master, prepared for every good work.

Trials and tribulations—Count it all joy when you face trials of many kinds… James 1:2. I can truly say that my trials and tribulations have built a newer, deeper faith than I ever dreamed possible. It is because of the difficulties that I have such a sweet relationship with my Savior.

False accusations—Yes, even the ugly, malicious, false accusations that have been thrown against me have served to draw me closer to my Savior. I am learning to live for the approval of God and God alone and to trust Him to be my Defender.

Prayer—Although I become more dependent on prayer every day, I understand it less and less. It is a mystery! But, I know that God’s hand moves in response to my prayers.

Opportunities to encourage and use my gifts—The last few years I have discovered that God blessed me with the spiritual gift of encouragement. Nothing brings more joy than speaking the right words at the right time. There’s something that just bubbles up inside of me and causes joy to overflow when I have the opportunity to encourage someone in their faith.

The word of God—Where would I be without the encouragement of God’s Word? It is truly living, active, and more powerful than a double-edged sword.

My defender—How many times has my God stepped in and defended me from false accusations? Too many to count! I am thankful that I don’t have to defend myself. He does a much better job.

There is so much more to be thankful for, but I can truly say that I am learning to count it all joy when I face trials of many kinds because I know that the results of my testing will be a deeper faith and a more intimate relationship with my Savior. I will experience God in new ways. I will see His hand of guidance and protection. I will have a deeper understanding of His tender love and care for me.

What joy to be a child of the One True King!