In Everything Give Thanks...

Friday nights we have Bible study at our church. I haven't been going on a regular basis on Fridays for reasons that you don't all need to know, but I went this past Friday. And the Pastor, who is an amazing man (and I don't say that only because he's my daddy), had a great class planned that really touched me.

It was titled :"How do we get in the way of God's blessings". He went through a list of various reasons, but the one that I have not been able to shake off is "Because we are not thankful". I have heard many messages that have touched me deeply, but I have not been able to shake this one off, not that we should shake them off. I started to think of all the blessings that God has given me and I've never stopped once to recognize it as such and be truly thankful. So after much reflection, here it goes:

1 Thessalonians 5:18

In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1. I am thankful that God grants me life every single day.
2. I am thankful that all my annoying little aches and pains are just that, annoying, but not life threatening or debilitating in any way.
3. I am thankful for my marriage, and all the pesky little and big bumps that we have encountered along the way.
4. I am thankful for my pregnancy in 2005, that although I was miserable and did A LOT of complaining, I was able to carry to term and had a beautiful, healthy baby girl.
5. I am thankful for the peace that God gave me after my miscarriage in 2001.
6. I am thankful for my job and for a boss that has been a blessing, providing me with a very flexible schedule, which allows me more time with my daughter and husband.
7. I am thankful for my parents and the wonderful example they have provided over the years of what a successful and happy marriage is about. About how not only talk the talk, but walk the walk with strong conviction and a loving heart.
8. I am thankful for my brothers, the little one that plays one too many pranks on us, and the medium one who fills my life with joy every time he picks up an instrument and plays beautiful music.
9. I am thankful for my friends, my few, good amazing friends. For their support throughout the years, their words of advice and comfort through the difficult times, and the harsh words those few times I needed to be put in my place. For that friend that always made me stop and question my actions long ago with simple questions like "Why are you doing that? Why did you do that?" her name starts with an "A" and ends with a "ndrea". For that friend that knows no harsh words (towards me anyway) and has always been there for me to hear me cry, to give me a hug and to put me up for a coule of nights when I needed a place to stay through out the years, her names starts with an "S" and ends with a "usan" ( he he he). For my pregnant friend, whose life has been filled with adversity, but has always been able to find the beauty in life with a joyful spirit (hi Mari). For that crazy blonde in my life, that although can be raunchy at times.... ok ... many times..., always manages to put a smile on my face (that's you Tif.) Ok ... enough shout outs on this one.
10. I am thankful for my church and the amazing people I have come to know and love there, and for their prayers and encouragement when times are rough.... and when not.
11. I am thankful that last year I was able to travel to Chile and visit with my grandmother one final time before she passed away last May.
12. I am thankful that she got to meet my daughter before she went on to finally rest. I'll see you soon Nana.
13. I am thankful that even though when going through the storm it's hard to give thanks, I can look back now at all the hard times and be thankful that God carried me through and has given me a different perspective in life.
14. I am thankful that God has allowed me to mature (I hope) and learn from my past mistakes, and that I live a happy and fulfilled life inspite of the many stupid decisions I've made in my life.
15. I am thankful that I have been enlightened and, that in everything, I can give thanks.