Thankful

I have so much to be thankful for. I am so blessed and so privileged to be alive, to have a good job, to be near my family and friends, to drink clean water, to have a roof over my head and good health. I am so grateful!

Here's my 2011 Thanksgiving Thankfulness List:

*I am so thankful for the free gift of salvation.

*I am so thankful that I have a relationship with Jesus. I'm thankful that loving God isn't a religious duty but that it's a life-giving, wonderful relationship.

*I'm really thankful for the perfect leadership of God in my life. He really is leading me and guiding me and He really does have good in His heart towards me. Even if I don't know where He's leading me or don't necessarily see the good in His leadership in the moment, I can trust Him. Fully. With my life. He is perfect in His leadership!

*I'm thankful that Jesus gives me beauty for ashes, joy for mourning and praise for the spirit of heaviness. I'm so thankful for how He takes difficult things and turns them into good. I'm thankful that He can take trials and make them triumphs.

*Being near my family (besides my brother who is currently at IHOP in Kansas City. I miss him but still feel kinda near him b/c I know he's coming back home in December)

*Being an auntie to a wonderful niece/nephew due December 4th

*Having the incredible, unbelievable privilege of being at the birth of my niece/nephew whenever he/she decides to join us on this side of the womb :) Shane & Kristi invited me to be with them at the birth and I am still shocked and I cry easily (haha, true story) at the thought because I'm so excited, honored and in awe. I get to watch my sister and one of my best friends become parents and I get to witness my niece/nephew take their first breath of air. I'm honored.

*I'm thankful to have a home to live in. I was living with Kristi and Shane till just about a week ago when I moved into my mom's house. I've moved cities and I'm now living back at home. I am so thankful that I could live with Kristi & Shane as I transitioned home and I'm looking forward to living with my mom and living closer to my dad and his wife. I believe this is a strategic season in my life and heart and I'm hoping for great fruit in my relationships in this season!

*My van named Abundance. Yes, I named my van and, yes, it's name is Abundance. The story of how I got this vehicle is amazing and a miracle and I am so thankful! The Lord truly was abundant in His provision and I am so thankful! Now that I'm commuting to another city for work, the reliability and stability of this vehicle is a tremendous blessing!

*My job. I am so thankful for my job. I returned to the job that I had since before I left for NZ. I work with incredible people in an incredible company! I am so blessed!

There's so much to be thankful for! Every time my emotions would tell me otherwise or the enemy would come and accuse my heart, I want to count my blessings and turn doubt and fear into gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving! May your heart remember in this season how truly blessed you are.