Thankful for...

First posted 11/23/06

I had run across something I wrote some time ago on my harddrive and thought to myself, I will just save that and post it on Thanksgiving. I've been searching and searching my harddrive today and just could not find it. Finally, it occurred to me that I might have saved it as an e-mail. Yep, there it was!

I learned something through my endeavors today though. I would like to challenge you to do a search for files on your harddrive and in your inbox for the word "thank." You will be suprised at how much thanks is given. I was.

Here's what I wrote! Makes me want to cry reading my own words. :)

I am thankful for:

My husband who loves me unconditionally, even though we may irritate each other sometimes, I know he will always love me as we both take our vows to God seriously.

My three sons, whom God has blessed me with and allowed me to care for. I couldn't have asked for three boys with better character than these.

My Savior (which should come first on the list up there at the top!) who forgives me when I do wrong, for I know I'm always making mistakes!

My parents, who are always there for me if I need them, and yet have always encouraged me to be independent.

My grandparents, as I have been blessed to have known all of them well, which I am aware not many people have that opportunity. I am thankful for the love, memories, and heritage that they have passed onto me.

My Grandpa, who is still with me today, who fought in World War II with many near misses. I couldn't be more blessed by what God has done for us in allowing him to return home from the war and have a long life.

My Great-Grandmas Olga, Lucille, and Erna, for I have also been blessed to have known them for a long time. Their memories will always be with me.

My Pastor, who is always there when I need him and leads us in ways he will never know.

My Church, where I can always go to worship the Lord with brothers and sisters in Christ.

My close friends Jeannie, Pam, Jackie, Tina, Cathy, Kim, Susan, and Sherry, who God has blessed me with long-term friendships, who are always there when I need them, and who guide me through the rough spots in life.

My dog, Abbie, who is always there with a listening ear, or to play, or whatever I want to do, when I'm ready to do it.

My Sister, who is a great mother and always there if I ever need her.

My Brother, whom I will always love unconditionally and I believe likewise the same from him.

My Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and other relatives too numerous to mention, who hold a special place in my heart and have helped to shape who I am as I was growing up.

My inlaws, for which there are many, who have always loved my husband and helped to form the person he is.

My country, for I couldn't imagine being in a better place than here. I feel so safe.

My house, for even though it is very small, it is not just a house, but a home, with lots of love abounding between the walls.

My van, which has overall not had many mechinical problems over the past 6 years, which faithful takes my family to placed near and far safely.

My computer, which has not caused me many problems over the past 3 years and is always here ready to greet me no matter what time of day I sit down in front of it.

My bed, for it's got some pretty nice sheets and stuff on it and provides a nice, comfortable haven for me.

My children's teachers, whom they spend so much of their days with and who are co-workers with me in shaping my boys' lives.

My boy's coaches, who volunteer their time to work with my sons.

My boy's band teachers, whom have been a grand example for my sons and shaped their lives more than any other teacher, and who give so much of their own time for the band program.

My doctor, who is always available when I need him, even if it not very often.

My internet friends, who do so much to lift my spirits and make me laugh, or are always there ready to pray and understand when I need them.

Health, for I and my boys and husband for the most part are always healthy. May we use our bodies to help those who are not so healthy.

My freedom, for I cannot imagine not having the freedoms that we now have that our fore-Americans fought so hard for.

My flower garden, where something magical seems to happen when I grasp the dirt and watch the flowers grow and change. It's always a constant surprise.

My heritage, for the genealogy hobby that consumes so much of my time, for what I have learned about my heritage along the way, and for the distant cousins who have now become friends.

My job, for even though it may not pay enough, everyone there is pleasant to work with and I am very blessed in that way.

My husband's job, which provides us really good health insurance.

My neighbors who are always ready to help each other out in a moments notice.

The seasons, for I so much enjoy watching them change.

My stove, refrigerator, oven, and microwave, because I do love to cook and bake whenever I have time. They are always reliable and I never have to worry whether or not my food will be cold when I get there.

Music, I so much love a wide variety of music, and it can do wonders for my mood.

Cell phone, that acts as my "son-on-a-stick" so I can always feel my boys are with me wherever they are.

Books, I sure do collect a lot of them, but I could use some more time to read!

Hot tea in a variety of flavors, and the way drinking it makes me think of my sister.

The grocery store, for I may complain about having to shop for hours, but it is most certainly easier than growing my own food!

Air conditioner and furnace, for I never have to worry about being too hot or too cold.

My washer and dryer, for although I may complain about having heeps of laundry, it is sure much easier than the way my ancestors had to do it.

My vacuum cleaner, for I didn't always have one and I know that makes me appreciate it even more.

My local news, for it keeps me connected to my community and always lets me know what to expect outside with regard to weather.

My college degree, for all the things I learned and grew while earning it.

My camera and camcorder, for I love taking photos and perserving memories.

My Bible, for when I have no where else to turn, I can always find comfort there.

My clothes, for they keep me warm and cover up my ugly fatness!

The holidays, for I so much enjoy them like I do the changing seasons, and for the freshness they give my home when I decorate.

Anti-virus software that keeps my computer safe and my life stress-free.

The years I had a home daycare, for I was able to be with my boys and also create lasting relationships with other children who call me Mom.

Scouts, for all the friends I have made through the program, and for all the things it has taught both me and my sons.

Hot showers, for I have to have something nice to wake me up in the morning!

Sugar substitutes, which help my weight.

Camping, and the places that I love to go to camp and hike, for they provide me a wonderful rest from the daily routine.

People who pray for me, and that goes without further need of explanation!