The most important list of all, however, should be the list we make today as we stop, reflect and give thanks for all God has done for us. From the seemingly more grand things to the smallest details of the daily grind, all things are the work of His providence for His glory and our good. Today is a day to revel in the glory of God and thank Him for all things great and small.
Here is just a small list of what I am most thankful for this year....
- For God adopting me into His family by grace through faith in Jesus Christ
- For the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit
- For the Holy Bible, available to me in my native language that I may know God and grow in grace
- For my church and its leadership; for their faithfulness to the Word of God; for the conviction and encouragement in the preaching and teaching; for the edifying fellowship; for the joy, unity, and love God has given us as a local body
- For my husband who, imperfect as he is, strives to love me as Christ loves the Church; for how he works hard to provide for us; for his faithfulness and kindness; for how he helps me when I ache; for the laughter and fun he brings to our home.
- For Orville who keeps me on my toes (and on my knees) but who loves me with the deepest, most unconditional love I have ever known (other than God's love) and that every hug and kiss from him reminds me how blessed I am to be a mom; for how smart he is and for his natural-born leader ways; for the hope of a son who will grow to be a godly man and serve the Lord all his days
- For Wilbur who brings energy, joy and life to our home; for his artistic abilities; for his kindness and cuteness and all the smiles he puts on Michael's and my faces; for how he still likes to cuddle and makes me feel happy and at ease; for how he loves his brother (and his brother loves him), that God has blessed us with children who are friends; for the hope of TWO sons who will grow to be godly men and serve the Lord all their days... for a woman who was once told she would likely not have children, TWO is an awfully big number!
- For my mom and her recovery from knee surgery, that she is able to walk again, though slowly and with a walker; for her help and friendship; for how she is always Mom and Grandma first even though her life is wrought with pain and discomfort
- For my dad who chose to move to GA so he and Mom could live near us again; for the ways he has helped Michael and me over the years; for the way he loves the boys and steps up to be a role model and friend to them; for how he supports Michael and me in our discipline and training of them and always backs us up
- For my parents-in-law who raised my husband to be the man I like so much; for their constant prayers for us; for their help and support that comes from across many miles
- For my brother-in-law and his wife and children; for their willingness to host our extended family at Christmas each year and their hospitality toward us
- For my sister-in-law and her fiance, Tim; for the faith God has given her to persevere through a difficult, but Biblical, divorce; for the provision of a godly man who loves her and her children and wants to provide them a loving, Christian home
- For my irl friends who are like brothers and sisters to me, who understand my issues with chronic pain, even though doctors don't seem to; for the love, help and support they offer; for the joy they bring to my life through fellowship, help and prayer
- For my long-time friends whom I am able to stay in touch with through the internet
- For Dan and Heather, long-time friends, who continue to grow in grace and serve the Lord with gladness despite very trying circumstances
- For their daughter, Kae-Kae, and how God is working in her life, providing doctors and medicines to help with health issues and the grace to face each associated trial
- For "cousin" Sallie who loves us very much and demonstrates it by always remembering our birthdays and offering good advice
- For my bloggy friends who offer me so much encouragement, particularly in recent weeks with my diet
- For how blogging has reunited me with some friends, like Heather and Kathleen, given me something to share with irl friends, like Molly, and introduced me to some really great new friends, like Kellie and Celee
- For the homeschool association and being able to serve them this year; for the opportunities this group provides for our family; for the friendships it deepens; I love you all!
- For my Korean students and their families; I could write an entire post about them and how much I love them and what a blessing they are to me....
- For the doctor saying the word "fibromyalgia" earlier this week and for the hope of a diagnosis
- For the grace God gives me each day to live with chronic pain
- For the forgiveness He gives when I don't live with that pain as graciously as I should
- For the promise that all things work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose and that my suffering is not in vain; for the joy and comfort of knowing that suffering can glorify Him; for the humbling and sanctifying effects of chronic pain; for the hope of a resurrection body and eternity with Jesus Christ!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Dawn
2 comments:
happy thanksgiving:) Much love.
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I love your list, and I too am thankful for our friendship. : )
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