Thankful

It's Thanksgiving week.  There is so much to be thankful for.  I'm thankful for beautiful sunrises 

like this one from yesterday.  

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. ~ Psalm 19:1

I'm a fan of mornings in any form, but this always makes it just a little bit sweeter. 

I'm thankful for my husband and children and this beautiful life we are building...we're not perfect...we have so much to learn...but my cup overflows with gratitude for the blessing of each of them.

I'm thankful for our extended families...though most are far away in miles, I hold each of them so close to my heart.  I'm so incredibly thankful for our tribe of friends that are like family...thank you God, that you created us for relationships and fellowship...especially when my own family is so far away...thank you for filling my life with sisters and brothers that fill those gaps so perfectly.  I'm thankful for our church....as I continue to hear the awful reports of what is happening to believers in Nigeria (and so many other places around the world), I am brought to tears with gratitude that we can freely go to church, worship, and speak of our faith without any fear.  To have a place where the love of Jesus is poured out each and every week....with pastors who are teaching the truth of scriptures...where my kids are loved and invested in...what a priceless gift that I never want to take for granted.  And above all, I'm thankful that the God of the universe saw fit to send His Son to live a perfect life in this far from perfect world...and that His Son willingly obeyed and died for each and every one of us...giving all an open invitation to accept His love, make Him our Lord and Savior, and one day spend eternity in His presence.  Thank you, Jesus. 

Happy Thanksgiving!