Thankful for...

The old hymn says to "count your many blessings see what God has done." We like to complain, moan and gripe when things aren't easy. I'm guilty! Someone will ask how I am, or how is the family. Instead of being thankful and bragging on all the Lord has provided, I am likely to give a laundry list of complaints. It's the Thanksgiving season, but shouldn't I be thankful and grateful EVERYDAY, every season?

In James 1: 2 -3, Paul writes "consider it a great joy brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." Compared to many folks, I haven't endured any trials...but when they come I need to count it a joy because that means God is at work. Randy reminded me of this verse when Aaron had a fender bender a few weeks ago. Kind of puts everything in perspective!

Anyway...here's a short list, in no particular order, of things I am thankful for:

1. Freedom that we have as Americans. I haven't had to worry about someone dropping a bomb on my house or storming my home because I'm reading my bible.

2. Family. A wonderful husband who loves the Lord and leads us with wisdom from above. Children who are healthy, and mostly obedient! My parents are still living, and relatively healthy...many adults my age can't say that.

3. Provision. We have more than we could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

4. Opportunity. God allows me the opportunity to be a wife, a mom, a teacher and a friend to so many. I pray that I will make the most of opportunities He lays in my path & be obedient to Him. Jeremiah 29:13, "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart."

No matter what the circumstance or situation, remember to praise God.