Psalm 103Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
I am thankful for....
1. Jesus - I John 2:2; so much wrapped up in one word. Jesus. This could be a post in itself.
2. Salvation - where would I be without it;
3. My Mom - wouldn't be here without you. :) Thank you for being strong & holding our family together. You are an amazing person.
4. Matthew - my husband, the calm laid back man who puts up with all me - flaws & all.
5. Emily Joy - my first born; what a wild ride it has been. I wouldn't trade it for the world. As
strong as you are - you fill my life with laughter, smiles, and fun.
6. Ethan - my 2nd born; you are my content little smiler; you brighten a room with that grin (and one tooth) - looking forward to the toddler years with you.
7. Tony & Tiffany - my brother & sister, partners in crime; so many memories together. It's hard to believe how old we are. I love you guys so much.
8. The Straight family - I can't name you all; but what a role you played in my younger years; thanks for being a stronghold; an anchoring stablizing force for a little girl without a Daddy in her life.
9. The Powell gang - Thank you for your involvement in our lives even though divorce entered the picture. Thank you for new sneakers for school for many years Thanks for good times on the farm - allowing us to enjoy the freedom & wide open spaces on the farm.
10. Freedom - May we never forget that it isn't free. Thank you to thousands of people and families that I may never meet - but sacrificed so much for me.
11. Kenwood Bible Methodist Church - a wonderful church family who welcomed us with open arms and hearts; people who love God & each other, you are an important part of our lives.
12. Bennie & Viola Durr - where would sheep be without a shepherd; so thankful for their deep gentle spirit and love for God
13. Rach - God allowed us to play that kickball game so many years ago; and He was orchestrated an amazing friendship to come years down the road - Mom therapy that we would both need.
14. My house - it is/has been a labor of love. (I just need to remember that when my heart wants flowers or otherwise.)
15. Cars - although they just guzzle in the money; they work & get us around. I am thankful that I don't have to walk everywhere I go...although that would be good for the extra pounds of babies still on me.
16. Eyes - when I wake up I can see without even putting on glasses - how fortunate I am
17. Ears - despite that problems I have with my ears - I can hear and enjoy children laughing, beautiful music, the roar of an ocean.
18. Nose - perfume, roses, yummy kitchen smells, tasting food
19. Two feet & legs so that I am able to walk and run
20. Two hands & arms - so that I can write, type, hold things, fold laundry, carry my children
21. My body - most days it functions fairly well although I am 30.... it allows me to enjoy so many things. There are people who would love to be able to go on a walk, feed themselves, dress themselves, and so many other daily functions that I take for granted. God, thank you. Forgive me when I whine and complain about minor details in my life. When I look in the mirror and feel self-conscious about my teeth because I have never been able to afford braces. Forgive me. I am so thankful that I have the ability to smile. You have been so good to me.
22. Education - I am thankful for an excellent education K-12 Massena Central High School, thankful for learning phonics so that I am able to read.
22. Books - a place of escape, adventure, learning, growing, and healing. Thankful once again for my eyes so that I am able to read.
23. Coffee - a wonderful drink made by God, a comfort drink that bonds kindred spirits, opens hearts, tears, and laughter.
24. Water - (yes, I realize I am thankful for coffee before water.) There is clean drinking water all around me. Children and babies around the world die of dehydration. God - forgive me for being so ungrateful for the blessing I have everyday.
25. Food - so much I don't even know where to begin on this one. We have grocery stores full of meat, cheeses, bread, vegetables, and fruit. And mothers in other countries - share a bowl of rice at meal time. God - help me to realize how spoiled I am. Help me to do what I can - to live simply enough that I am able to share what I have with others.
26. Shoes - I am not really a "shopper" kind of girl (Oh, I can hear that gasps from some of you ladies...) and yet I have many pairs of shoes in my closet. Wouldn't one pair of shoes do that job? I don't have calloused feet because I have been blessed with shoes to wear.
27. Clothes - once again. I am not a "fashionista." Despite that fact that half of my closet of clothes, I cannot wear because of a few extra pounds (& maybe wider hips?? Tell me that's true!!) - I still have so many material blessing.
28. Electricity - wow. How much of our life revolves around it? It makes my life so much easier. Thank you, God.
29. All the things the use electricity - washer, dryer, coffee pot, toaster, microwave, oven, dish washer, lights, fan, heater, air conditioner, cell phone, chargers, computers, printers, GPS, DVD players, Wii, air hockey, and many many things.
30. Technology - that allows me to stay in touch with family and friends scattered literally around the world.
I know my list could go on and on. I think that I will stop there for now. I am so blessed. God has been so good to me. I am thankful from the depths of my heart. I wouldn't want to live a day without Him.