Thankful

 Since this week is Thanksgiving, I thought I would share what I am thankful for.  

1.  GOD - remember He sent His son so that we could be set free and be with Him forever.  Ephesians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.  We don’t have to have it altogether.  We don’t have to work for His love.  We are worthy and He does love us and He will not leave us or forsake us.  And as we love Him we will want to listen to Him and do His good will for our lives.  

2.  My husband!  Love. Of. My. Life. He’s my everything. He has put up with me!  That’s saying a ton!  He is patient, kind, funny, handsome, and smart.  143 NSM

3.  The 8 kiddos.  I love them with all my heart.  They are the most difficult things in my life because it is through them that I am reminded how imperfect and broken I really am!  And they are hard work.  But because of God’s grace and mercy, He has blessed us with them and I wouldn’t  have it any other way, wouldn’t want my life to be any different than it is.  I am thankful! I just hope I can show them God’s love and my love for them.  That I don’t mess them up too badly with all my faults and failures.  They are precious.  Nothing better than a baby smile or a hug from one of them.  

Also, my parents, in-laws, all of our extended family and friends.  They are cherished and loved and prayed for.  

4.  And my short (OK long) list of things that make up me and those things that I am grateful for and bring me joy:  Traveling - some day hope to see the whole world.  Coffee - need I say more?  I love God’s handiwork - I love the beach, the mountains, snow falling, sunny days, gardenias, animals, birds, fall, otters, and Saturdays.  I love reading and Hallmark movies.  I love Georgia football (well, maybe not as much this year ha ha) and the Tampa Bay Bucs and Lightning, and Atlanta Braves.  A Coke or two a week is delightful and any time I can have a Godiva truffle, I’m a happy girl.  Life needs more whipped cream, too.  Can’t say no to a Starbuck’s frapp or a PSL from Dunkin’.  I think I could eat the traditional New Year’s meal of ham, cornbread, greens, and black eyed peas at least once a week and I am already up to almost two full Pandora bracelets with all the charms.  I love anything health related and am thankful to be a nurse.  I enjoy when I get to color, especially with my girls.  If I could I would wear pink everyday.  I LIVE and BREATHE because of music.  I will always like swimming cuz that’s what I grew up doing and a mani/pedi is bliss (well, before COVID any way).  Finally, I heart Christmas, the zoo, eating shrimp, watching movies, trains because my son Andrew has a passion for them, cupcakes and Reece’s are the best, as are foot rubs, and I love to shop as long as it’s not too much.  

LAST, but not LEAST:  The Bible!  With coffee.  In the mornings when the house has not yet stirred.  It’s the ultimate guide book and full of adventure, truth, wisdom, love, and forgiveness.  

So yeah.  In a nutshell.  That’s me.  And what I’m thankful for.  

Happy Thanksgiving!  xoxo