September 27, 2009

I don't feel old enough to be thirty-five, but the facts are the facts.  And the numbers say that from September 27, 1974 to September 27, 2009 there are thirty-five years.  I can't argue with that.  Well, I could try, but I don't think I would win.  I never was much for confrontation.

Thirty-five things I am grateful for...

1.  My husband

2.  My oldest daughter

3.  My son

4.  My youngest daughter

5.  My parents are still around

6.  My brother and I have a good relationship even though we don't get to see one another very often

7.  I got to take a nap today after church

8.  Chocolate cake

9.  Friends from here to all the way on the other side of the world (like Germany and the United Arab Emirates!)

10. Chocolate cake (oops, I already said that) In-laws who love me

11. Stability in our life even if it doesn't always feel like it (namely because I'm a nutjob)

12. The luxury of blogging, and the people I've (in an internet sort of way) met because of it

13. Being forgiven for everything I have done and not done, by the blood of Jesus Christ

14. Not only being forgiven but being loved by my Savior

15. My Our great camera

16. Skype

17. The wonderful places we are able to go with our family members, from Williamsburg to New Smyrna Beach to Lake Tahoe

18. Reading letters and updates from the children we sponsor through World Vision

19. My health

20. Prayers

21. Our church family

22. Our home and all that goes with that-running water, electricity, appliances...I take so much for granted

23. Being able to spend time with Christian and his classmates on Fridays stitching

24. Our vehicles

25. Peanut butter

26. How, for whatever reason, the Lord has protected our family in many situations where things could have gone differently (mainly, accidents that the kids have had)

27. Benedryl

28. Purell

29. Sharpies

30. The amazing love my kids have for me

31. The memories I have of these twelve years of marriage

32. The great hymn-writers throughout the ages and the gift of their music

33. God's word, which will never pass away

34. Laughter

35. A time to sit and reflect on all the good things in my life, big and small

I have been so blessed, and most of the time I ignore that.  I tend to complain a lot.  That isn't something that will change overnight; I would like to get better at looking at the good, and being thankful in all things.  Paul says in Philippians 4:12,"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."  To be able to say that would be a blessing, indeed.  I think that may be my prayer for myself this year.  Knowing my blessings that I may be a blessing to others.

(That is a long road, but I think it would be rewarding, eh?)

Comments

[Elle Bee]

Happy Birthday to you!
I love #11, #13 and #25. :o)
Elle

[Wendy]

Happy Birthday!! I bought you a birthday card back in August, but somehow the end of Sept. has really snuck up on me. Sorry, it'll be a few days late. I hope you had a wonderful day...how nice that your birthday fell on a Sunday. I'll call you tomorrow.

[Shannon]

Happy Birthday!

[Rebecca]

Happy Belated Birthday - know that I always remember your birthday but can't find the time to call amid all the cake, presents and balloons flying around in my own house! Love you, love you, love you!