On Giving Thanks

With Thanksgiving being last week (not too far in the past), I felt I should write a little on the subject.

This year has gone by faster than any other year of my life, yet it seems to be as full if not more full than any other year (which, now that I think about it, is probably why it's gone by so fast). Anywas, in this year much has changed, or the transitions of change have occured. The Lord has given me MUCH to be thankful for. So, I'm going to give a list of some specific things I am THANKFUL for. (in no particular order)

- The grace that God provided for our family as we got used to David's move away. For the blessings on David's life since he's moved, and the strong evidence of God's will for him to be there. Even though this past year I have missed him SO much being with us at home, God's undeniable plan is for him to be there, which brings joy and peace to us all.

- My parents!! Specifically for the way they care for me and provide for me. For my dad being so amazing with the whole car situation! You know, first he is basically making sure I have a car, and then they work around making sure I have it when I need it even though we only have two cars right now. And just with... everything. I would be so lost without my parents. That they support me SO much in a field most parents would be like "And you're going to doooo WHAT with an art degree??" They are pretty much the best parents ever. And I will fight you if you challenge that statement :-)

- My friends. This year the Lord really blessed me with good, deep biblical friendships with a few in my own church. I am particulary thankful for one of my best friends - Ellie. Also for a growth in my friendship with my sister, Stephanie! I can tell you, I can't really think of any of my friends that'd I'd rather be with than her. Also, my new good friends this year like Stephen and Emily. As well as my many other good friends that are such blessing to me!

- Music. Yeah. Listening to, playing, learning TO play, etc.

- My church. My church is so precious to me. And for how God has blessed our church - our building is almost done!

- And certainly the gospel, and the teaching of how to walk out a gospel-centered life. I am so amazing by God's UNBELIEVABLE grace in saving such WRETCHED sinners! We are not even worthy to worship One so Holy, but he allows us to! And he even calls us friends! Yes, more than anything, I am thankful for Jesus and the cross that washed my crimson stains away.

I'll end there, because - believe me, I could go on for a LONG time and more than anybody would want to read.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Colossians 3:16