I'm thankful for...

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving!  While I absolutely LOVE Christmas (the REASON, the music, the decorations, the spirit, etc.), I will have to say that THANKSGIVING is my favorite holiday. 
The reason I enjoy Thanksgiving so much is not because if the food... although that is definitely a perk!  Thanksgiving is my favorite because it is a wonderful time to reflect on all that I'm thankful for and also enjoy family time.  It's a reminder of ALL that my AWESOME God has blessed me with.
This year, I'm really focused on the who, what, and why of it all.  I'm not even going to begin to list all that I'm thankful for on here.  There's simply too many things to list.  I'd be here for DAYS typing it all out.
I will say that within the past year, God has immensely blessed our family.  We've definitely had some very high highs and VERY low lows.
Looking back, I see that God is truly good... ALL the time!  I am SO excited to see what he has in store for us.

One of the many passages I've remained focused on in the last year is Jeremiah 29:11-12... 

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."

It's so amazing to look back (and forward), and see how his plan is unfolding.  I'm seeing the who, what and why of it all, and I'm THANKFUL for all of it!  It's all... the good and the bad, the happy and the sad... part of my story.  Part of our story.  Most importantly, part of HIS story!!!

Another scripture that I've been focused on is one that has been my favorite since I was a little girl.  In fact, I learned it as a song at GMA camp in Gary, Texas.  I still sing the song in my head when I think of this verse...

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."    -Isaiah 40:31

I am thankful that the Lord has taught me to wait.  And I am still learning this.  I am also learning to ssslllooowww dddooowwwnnnnnnn......
I need to WAIT on the LORD and SLOW DOWN and enjoy where I am right now.  Stop being so anxious, and appreciate the who, what, why and how of RIGHT NOW!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God."  -Philippians 4:6

I am THANKFUL for these precious moments that my AMAZING Father has given me, and I am THANKFUL that I am where I am RIGHT NOW.
 
 

"Be thankful in ALL circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 
-1 Thessalonians 5:18