It’s time to celebrate! It’s my birthday! I’m not a day over 21…really. What? You don’t believe me? Okay, okay…I’m not a day over 28–a few times over.
This time of year, I always like to reflect on the many ways God has blessed me. Thus, here are my 32 blessings (number is random and in no way a reflection of my actual age…really.)
I am thankful for . . .
1. My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, without whom I would be lost in this crazy world.
2. My wonderful husband. He is a lifesaver–my biggest encourager, my partner, my everything.
3-5. Each of my beautiful, loving, crazy kids. They are a lot of work, but they are 3 of the best things in my life.
6 & 7. My parents. They have been strongholds in my life, a twin-pillar of kindness, generosity, and humility.
8. My friend, Cathy–we go back a long time, almost 15 years. She has been an inspiration and a joy to know.
9 & 10. My friends, Kathryn and Dawn Marie. This year has been a particularly rough year for me, and these two have helped to see me through the difficult transition from military to civilian life.
11. My writing friends. When life gets you down, there’s nothing like a bunch of writers to help pick you up by your bootstraps. They can help with everything–from listening and praying to planning a murder and escaping the police (in a novel, of course).
12. My writing. A salvation of sorts over the years, writing has kept my head on straight, and my eyes on the future.
13. My new editing business. I have been looking for a way to earn money from home that would be a bit faster than waiting to be the next best seller. Freelance editing has truly been a God-send. He knew this would be the perfect job for me–and I am so happy to be doing something I love.
14. ACFW. The American Christian Fiction Writers has been a treasure trove of knowledge. Everyone is so willing to help each other out, and I have found numerous friends that have touched my heart through this group.
15. My health. While some of you may raise your eyebrows at this one–as sick as I can be, I know there are many people who are worse off than I am in the health department. For now, I am thankful for my health.
16. Our home. Procuring this home was not easy–and it may not remain ours if we can’t work out some financial stuff soon. Still, this home has been a blessing, and we look forward to many years raising our family here.
17. Grace and Growing Homeschool Co-op. This group offered the first real chance for the kids and I to be able to make some friends after moving to KY. The women that I’ve met through the group have really helped me to feel at home, and to feel useful. Next semester, I’m even teaching 3 writing courses.
18. Our bed. This may sound silly, but if you understood my husband’s medical issues, you would know what a blessing it is that we were able to get this new bed back in February. It has helped my husband to rest easier and feel better, which in turn has helped me!
19. The armed forces and their families. As a military brat turned military wife, I have known no other life. I know the sacrifices that they make, and the importance of their jobs. God bless them all!
20. Chocolate. Hey, what can I say? It’s one of the necessary food groups.
21. My laptop. This thing that I’m writing on helps to connect me to the world outside, it allows me to do the jobs I do, it helps with our homeschool…it’s pretty much a jack of all trades for our home.
22. The freedom to homeschool. There are many, many reasons that we chose to homeschool, and I am glad to live in a country that allows us to do so. I’m even more thankful to live in a state that isn’t very strict.
23. Books. Where there’s a writer, you will find a reader. If you asked my parents what my preferred activity was when I was a kid, it would be reading. In fact, I used to get in trouble for reading in class and not paying attention to the teacher. Man, they hated it when they called on me and I could still answer the questions.
24. High-speed internet. I mean, really, my life could just take so much longer if we still had dial-up.
25. Social Media. There are many pros and cons to social media, but I must say that without it I would not have met some of the many people that I have over the last several years. Some of my closest friends would not have been such without the blessing of social media.
26. Veggies and fruit. God created this world for us. He made sure that we would be cared for. Veggies, fruit, even meat are made to nourish our bodies. I am learning to embrace His world above the stuff man created. Except when it comes to chocolate . . .
27. My imagination, without which I would not be the talented storyteller that I am.
28. Music–life’s song.
29. My in-laws. They have been such a help over the last year–especially my mother-in-law. She is really something special.
30. New hobbies! I’m embracing my inner crafty diva and diving into some new (and old) hobbies. I’ve brought out my sewing machine to reteach myself to sew, and I am teaching myself to cook. A friend was nice enough to give me some of her stuff when she was moving to Alaska so that I can teach myself to crochet.
31. I am thankful for 32 years of life (so far). My trip into this world was not an easy one, and it is only by God’s grace that I am here today.
32. I am thankful for being able to share my journey with you all. It is a blessing to be connect with people in a fun and unique way. Thank you for stopping by!
I am truly blessed! Even through life’s rough moments, it’s important to remember that we are still blessed. God still cares for us. Even if we have nothing, He is there. Always.
And now for my BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY!
I have a basket of 32 things to giveaway! Now, I haven’t made up the basket yet, but I do promise it will be a fun basket. All you have to do is leave a comment below, sharing something that you are thankful for (be sure to include your email address). This contest will run through Thursday (5/23) night, and I’ll announce the winner in Friday’s Character Tour post.
Have a fabulous week!
Loading tweets...