Top 10 things I am thankful for

In no particular order... if I had none of them except God himself I would have enough to keep me singing, praising, worshipping, blogging with gratitude for the rest of my life


1. Religious freedom. This is something that I am profoundly unaware of most of the time and I really take it for granted. I just found out recently that a bracelet I have been wearing that says 'Pray for China'... if a Chinese person is caught wearing it, they are arrested! I honestly cannot even fathom that. Lord. THANK YOU! May we USE this freedom to proclaim you more boldly, rather than an excuse to be less on fire for you. Thank you for persecution in China and for growing the church there way more than the church in America! Accomplish your sovereign work God!

2. HEAT, a home, a sweet big bed, and an amazing Godly roommate. Lord thank you for providing above and beyond my needs and blessing me with blessing upon blessing from the fulness of your grace! (John 1:16)

3. The best FRIENDS and support system. O man! This is such a gift!!! Lord thank you for placing people in my life to 'do life' with! Lord you have created us to love companionship and I thank you for filling this desire in my life. God that my parents are still alive! I honestly could not have made it in life without them. For people who will sharpen me and speak truth into my life and give me Godly counsel. Who will encourage me and point me to the Word. Who will enjoy laughter with me and levity and merrymaking... ;) For a CHURCH and the other parts of my body who are faithful to the commands of Scripture and have consciences that are sensitive to the Holy Spirit.


4. PT School. Can you BELIEVE this is on the list? This is one of the biggest gifts my Father has ever given me. I really am so thankful for it and so ashamed to say it because of my behavior and actions! Its like saying- O I am so thankful for this gift you gave me but I hate this about it... and I hate the way you wrapped it- and did you have to give it to me now? And what about the color- can we change that? UGH. I'll look at it later.

5. Jordan. This man the Lord has brought in my life... I honestly don't know what will happen or how things will work out. But I am so challenged by him! I am beyond amazed that I get to date and serve alongside someone this cool. His passion for the Lord truly inspires me, sharpens me, and edifies me. I have had more opportunites to share the gospel in the 3 months I have been talking to him then in the whole year leading up to it. And he is handsome and hysterical at the same time! ;) Also just the fact of dating in general is a cool privilege I am thankful for. I am learning a lot and experiencing a lot of things I never have before... exposed to emotions, selfishness, communication. All a part of the Lord's plan to grow me up into the daughter He wants me to be!

6. Opportunities to exercise discernment and wisdom. This kind of goes hand in hand with number 5. And all of life! I am so thankful for this Lord! Thank you so much for leaving some things unknown! For not telling us how to walk and move every single step of the way! For giving us choices to make! And the freedom to disobey! For circumstances and signs in life- for confusions, things that throw us off that cause us to seek your face and make us use our brains and act out of the wisdom you have given us! I pray to be wise and then hate the opportunities I get to practice! THANK YOU MY ALL WISE GOD!

7. The Word of God. Kind of a lead off as well from the previous one. My guidebook! Thank you so much for it Lord! I value it so much and help me to value it even more! What a gift! Without it we would be so lost- you have chosen out of all mediums to reveal yourself through the written Word...

8. Christs death on the cross. The point of all of Scripture... God's plan from the beginning of creation- My romantic Lord created me to redeem me! Thank you for providing a way for us to be in relationship with you! Knowing you is the greatest gift we could ever be given. Thank you for giving us your Son, a Savior, an advocate! "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!!" AMEN!!!

9. My legs. My body in general really. Health... MOVEMENT basically though. I love walking! Thank you God for giving me legs to carry me around. That I can walk around and see your creation and get exercise. For muscles, muscle fibers, CELLS, SENSATION.... For hands to type this entry! Ears to hear an alarm clock in the morning. A mouth to speak and sing. For TEETH to smile and take care of... A stomach to digest food to have strength and energy to move... For a back to carry a bookbag! For giving me the biggest hair of anyone I know. ;) For eyes to take in the glory of creation around me...

10. Mountains, beauty, and splendor. O GOD!!! I love the things you have made. Thank you for aesthetics! For attractivness. For creativity. I love to appreciate beauty- may I attribute it ALL to you. Thank you for creating mountains, canyons, and things to humble us and remind us of our lowly estate before you! Thank you for allowing me to climb up them and shout from the tops of them! Thank you for creating the leaves to change color- the SUN to shine faithfully... the sea to churn and the life that swims inside of it. For animals big and small. For fur and hair and slimy slugs. For texture and color! Lord your attributes are everywhere! Your testimony is everywhere- thank you for the analogies and picture that your creation is!

"For every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of Heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:16

"For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer." 1 Tim 4:4

LORD! Thank you! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!! MAN. What evils in me cannot coexist with a thankful heart. May I bring you praises constantly- always and forever precious Lord!