Top Ten Most Thankful For

As I have been spending this Thanksgiving morning snuggled up on the couch, trying to stay warm, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, I can't help but be overwhelmed...because of the people, the blessings, the opportunities, and the times I've had this last year that have shaped and changed me...for the better. So, I decided to come up with my 'top ten most thankful for' for this year. It's hard to just choose 10, but if I listed everything, we'd all be here for far too long.

10. Josh's car. I know it sounds like a silly thing, but him having his own car enabled me to be able to go places during the day. When I wasn't working, that meant lots of spending time with friends. There is no way I would have been able to get a job without a car. It has been a huge blessing this year.

9. My job. After being unemployed for a little over a year and a half, this job came at the perfect time. It's been a challenge, but a huge blessing. I love the little girl I'm working with. I would definitely trade a few things about it, but overall, it has been a great three months.

8. Music. Again, this may seem like a silly one, but music has always impacted my life in so many ways. I started singing on the worship team at my church this year and it has been so healing for my heart in so many ways. I also have been introduced to a couple of different bands who have changed my life and the way I think. Music is a part of my soul and it always has been. It helps me connect with God in a way that I wouldn't be able to without it.

7. Our trials with conceiving. Yes, I am thankful for this. It's been a tough year. I definitely acted like a crazy person for a couple of months, but through all of it, I have learned so much more about trusting in God, what His timing looks like, and letting go of my wants and letting Him have His way. It's been an amazing journey so far and I can't wait to see what this next year is going to bring.

6. The college group. I am speechless sometimes when I try to express how I feel about this amazing group of young people. When we started this group, I had no idea what it would look like a year later. And, I can happily say that it has seen much growth. Not just in numbers, but in hearts. We have some awesome leaders in the group (who may not even realize it yet) that are going to do amazing things for God. It makes me so excited just thinking about it!

5. My girlfriends and our church family. Even though some of my girlfriends do not attend my church, the majority of them do. There are some women in particular that have walked this journey with me this year that have helped me grow, think, realize how selfish or ridiculous I was being, and pointed me back towards God. To name a few: Amy G., Emily O., Meghan P., Melissa D., Emily K., Kris G., Jennifer B., Lisa Z., Staci F., Laura B., and Angie D. You are all very loved and very much appreciated. And, to our church family...you are such a blessing! It has made my heart so happy to get to know new people this year, to get to know others better, and to watch my husband develop friendships with amazing men that have brought him closer to God. I am so grateful for where God has us.

4. My family. This one goes out to those who are "stuck" with me, literally. No, but in all seriousness, these people have been there through thick and thin, and for that, I am eternally grateful. My parents have never stopped loving me and have always encouraged me to follow my dreams. My sister has been my best friend since the day she was born and she is so important to me. My newer family, Josh's family, have been an amazing blessing in my life. And, to my aunt and uncle who just moved across the country...you are so special to me and I am thankful for you in so many ways. I am excited to come visit you someday!

3. Our trip to Colorado. Yes, this one has been mentioned in many blogs so far, and will probably continue to be mentioned. John and Emily have been such amazing friends to Josh and I this year. Our conversations on that trip helped Josh and I see some areas in our lives that we need to work on or move past. We fell in love with Colorado and REALLY hope God calls us there someday.

2. My husband. How do I even begin to put this one into words? I definitely have not been the easiest person to live with this year...depending on the state of my heart with everything. But he has stuck by me, been amazingly loving and patient, and has shown me more of what it means to follow Christ. I love him more and more every day. I am very excited to see what this next year will hold for us.

1. My Savior. I have not been the most trusting this year, but I am learning...and trusting more each and every day. His way is best and I am finally starting to truly hold onto that. I am so thankful that He choose to die on a cross for me and save me from my sins, all those years ago. I am so grateful for the opportunities He has given me to serve others this year. It has been a beautiful year with my Lord.

There are so many other things I am thankful for and could go on and on, like I said earlier...but I will leave you with this:

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Colossians 3:15-16 NIV)