Thankful Traditions....

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
to which indeed you were called in one body.
And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

So, this year, my mother has decided to start a new family tradition, one in which she has asked each of her children (and their significant others) and her grandchildren to list the 5 things they are each most thankful for this year. She will be keeping record of these things and creating a family scrapbook to be available for generations to come. So, since you people take such interest in my life and have invested your time in reading this and praying for me, why not share each of them with you as well. **Mom said we could be as detailed or not as we so desire.**

This year, 2009 has been great. How does a girl as lucky as I only give thanks for 5 things?! It's a tough assignment, but I pray that the LORD is glorified in my response. Happy Thanksgiving to each you. Your prayers and continued support of me have lifted and carried me this year. Though my readers did not make my top 5, I pray that each of you know my gratitude for your devotion to me through the years. You are each a special blessing!

1) The LORD's provision of 2009. This year has been one of ups and downs, left and right turns, but the one constant is the LORD. I am so very grateful that He is unchanging. He is never caught off guard. In this year, with trials I could have never forseen, the LORD has remained faithful and confident. He is still providing my every need and He has not given up on me. Praise the LORD that He has a plan for me. With each passing day, life is sweeter with Him. For His sacrifice and kept promises, I am truly indebted.

2) My family. Each member of my family plays a vital role in my everyday life. I am thankful for my mother, because she never fails to communicate to me how very proud she is of me, regardless of how much we butt heads sometimes! For my siblings, I am thankful that you call and text to just check up on me, that you haven't forgotten my life in the midst of your own busy schedules, and that we have each become best friends over the years. I am thankful for my precious nieces, who convey their love to me through bright smiles and creative art pages. At 5 and 2, I don't yet think they grasp just how encouraging they are to me. And how could I forget the unending prayers and notes of support that I get from my aunts, uncles, and grandparents, without those I would be so lost. Thank you to my family, which I cherish, for loving me in each of your own ways. I am blessed.

3) My education. As my time in Auburn comes closer and closer to an end (hallelujah), I am reminded that I would never have been afforded this opportunity beyond the sacrificial gift of my parents. I am so thankful to my stepfather, Kelley, for offering me a chance to get my degree from Auburn. Because of his hard work and selfless sacrifices, I was given a shot at one of the nation's top SEC schools, and because the LORD is gracious, we will see that come to fruition in several months. Had my parents not given of themselves, I haven't the slightest idea where I would find myself right now. My time at Auburn has proven to be difficult, but sweet nonetheless. I have not only learned more about the world around me, but I have learned to love and depend on JESUS on such a deeper, sweeter level. For the gift of my education from my precious stepfather, I am truly grateful.

4) Matthew. Who would have imagined?! I am so very grateful for Matt. He is an answer to many prayers. I appreciate that he reminds me daily that I am valuable, to him, to others, and to the LORD. He encourages me to love JESUS on a new level with each passing day. Matt wants whats best for me always, and he tries so hard to ensure that I am happy always. Above anything else, he is a great leader and a great follower of our LORD. His passion for the nations and Kingdom work is contagious. His zeal for the spiritual growth of others is selfless. Some days I wonder what the LORD had in mind 4 years ago, but I know that His plan is perfect and I am glad He was in charge. For our time thus far, as friends and more, I am so appreciative. Thank you, Matthew, for loving JESUS more than me, and me more than yourself.

5) Rest, which hopefully lead to health. Hey, even the LORD rested! If it was important to Him, it must be worth my time as well. With all gratitude in my heart, I am glad for a week of rest. Many of you may not know, but I have been struggling with headaches for several weeks, and I have finally gone to the doctor. I think this week of rest and no responsibility with people that I enjoy being around is needed now more than ever. I appreciate my mother opening her home to Matt and I for a week of much needed rest.

As you can see, I have much to be thankful for. I am so very blessed. The LORD has been gracious to me. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to each of you. God is good...