Thankful Thursday Thanksgiving

This is a list of the first 20 things that come to mind that I am thankful for. Of course, my list would be unending if I kept listing, so I had to put a cap on it. It is in no certain order, except for number one.

1. My salvation Knowing that I will be spending all eternity with my Lord, and that he loved me enough to die for my sins, is the greatest gift and for that I am so thankful. YOU can have this assurance, too. Just ask Jesus.

2. My friendship with Jesus There are so many times that I have felt such joy, such pain, such heartache, such elation and sharing them with Him always provides exactly what I need.

3. My husband Here is a man that has gone through so much the last 2 1/2 years. So much pain, medication, and uncertainty. However, he works so hard to provide. Is a sweet Daddy. Makes me laugh to no end. And loves the Lord. I am so blessed. (Plus, I think he is pretty darn cute!)

4. My arrows... my children I truly love these amazing gifts from God. They have been what God has used to grow me, mold me, heal me. There is not a day that goes by that they don't each do something sweet and unselfish for me, even the littlest one, and it is a reminder of what a blessed ministry I have as a mommy.

5. Our mountain Watching our boys get a daily dose of an adventure through the bushes and on the rocks. Knowing that they have endless space to explore and that they are safe is such a blessing!

6. My family I love my family and Tim's. Each of them provides me with something extra special in their own way. I am truly thankful for them. (Special shout out to Nat for being one of the sweetest gifts to me these past 2 months. I love you, sister.)

7. My church and Pastor Going to Grace has been such a growing experience for me. I have gained so much from my church family and my Pastor is such a wonderful example to us, as is his wife. Plus, working the nursery has been a real highlight in my life.

8. My Mommies group Through this group I have met some of the most selfless, kind, and loving women. I love each of them and count this group as one of my sweetest blessings.

9. My minivan Although it is packed to the brim, and we will need to replace it soon to make room for the baby, it has been our home away from home.

10. The baby in my womb I had not forgotten my little bean! I can't wait to hold you, kiss you, nurse you, love on you. You are a gift from God!

11. My BFF Jackie, you are so many things to me, that it would be another long list, but just know I love you and am so thankful for you.

12. KFC's mashed potatoes Something about this mixture of potatoes and gravy helps with the nausea. It has been a godsend.

13. Methadone Yes, Methadone. It has made quite a difference in Tim's ability to function physically and mentally, so for that I am so thankful. (Please note, for those of you that are not familiar with my husband's story, that Tim uses Methadone as a medication to relieve his chronic pain due to a car accident almost 3 years ago, since Oxycontin was just not a good fit for him. He is not using it for addiction or recovery purposes. However, we are grateful for this medication because it does provide many wonderful uses. We have a friend that used Methadone for many years and is now completely healed of her addiction to Heroin...however, if you ask her she will tell you it was all due to Jesus. We agree.)

14. Caller ID Need I say more?

15. My country To have the freedom to love my God, homeschool my children, vote, express my opinion... it is such a gift.

16. Our military God bless the men, women, and families of those in our military. Please pray for our troops!

17. Clearance racks If I am wearing something new, most likely it came from the clearance rack (or Natalie's maternity closet).

18. Harlan Pepper, our dog Watching the joy he brings our daughter is immeasurable. Plus who knew that this floppy eared, silly looking dog would be a good guard dog?!

19. Tylenol With the headaches I have been getting this pregnancy, Tylenol has been my constant friend.

20. My blog readers Reading your comments, getting your emails, hearing about what you thought about my posts, well, it brings sweetness to my day.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!!