Sunday, July 14, 2013

37 things I'm thankful for...




   



                Last week I had a birthday and turned 37.  I love having a birthday but I do admit that some birthdays feel harder emotionally than others.  So to combat the birthday blues I decided to make a list of things that I have been thankful to have, do, or learn during my 37 year journey. (these are not listed in order of importance!)

#1.  Electricity

#2.  Plumbing/Running water- outhouses and portapotties are NOT for me

#3.  Beauty found in nature

#4.  Nail polish- nothing makes me feel instantly feminine and pretty like a little coat of polish on my nails and toes

#5.  Sunday naps

#6.  Reality TV- without it I might miss teaching my kids important life lessons that hopefully they will not have to experience themselves because they have watched first hand the silliness and bad example of others

#7.  Saturday shopping at my favorite stores

#8.  Colorado mountains- instantly they made me aware of my smallness in this world and feel in awe of God

#9.  Driveway dates on a beautiful evening with my neighbor across the street

#10. Music- I love how there is usually always a song that can match a memory or create/express emotion within the listener

#11.  A job that has good benefits and great team colors:   ORANGE! POWER! 

#12.  My church- it is a great place with great people

#13.  Ridiculous SYFY movies

#14.  The power of imagination- it is highly entertaining and inspiring to watch children use theirs

#15.  That my kids still ask me to snuggle

#16. Dogs- they are so loving and accepting

#17.  Good hair products

#18.  My experience at Mayo Demonstration School working with the most creative, forward thinking, and hard working staff I have ever met or had the privilege to work with.

#19.  Beaches (both the movie and the destination)

#20.  Being part of a family

#21.  My children- through them I have an understanding of God's love for me and and an instant appreciation of my parents mixed with regret for being a bit of a difficult child myself

#22. Earrings- they instantly "jazz" up an outfit

#23.  My husband- I need someone to lovingly tell me no one uses the word "jazz" that way anymore

#24.  My thirties- during them I have realized how utterly foolish, insecure, and aimless I was in my twenties

#25.  Grace and Forgiveness- that God extends it to me and that I have learned the healing power/miracle that happens when I extend it to others

#26.  Laughter- an instant stress reliever and awkward situation diffuser

#27.  My Freshman Keyboarding class in high school

#28.  Time spent with girl friends (Aqua Zumba, walks, lunch dates, garage sales, road trips, game nights, etc)

#29.  The enjoyment and benefit I have found in reading the Bible daily

#30.  My marriage- the worst and best, hardest and easiest, most frustrating and most rewarding thing I have ever entered into.

#31.  Healthy fear- the older I get the more I wash my hands, think about germs, and act in a more wise and cautious manner than I did as a kid

#32.  Love- my word for the year!

#33.  Lifelong friends who knew me when, know me now, and love me still

#34.  The opportunities I have had to work with children and families that live with delays or disabilities.  They have changed me for the better, grown my heart,  and enriched me in a way I never thought possible.

#35.  Growing up in a home that taught me about Jesus

#36.  Having learned that my walk with God is not about being religious, ritualistic, or good enough but is about engaging in a real and honest relationship with him

#37.  Another day of breath in my lungs and good health-  Life is so fleeting.  Daily I read about bad things happening in this world or about a beloved friend, co-worker, or family member passing on.    Another day granted to me on this earth is another day to love Jesus, love others, make a difference, and appreciate the goodness and people that surround me everyday!

Thank you Lord, for this first 37 years and I pray you grant me more than another 37 years on this earth to continue growing, learning, and experiencing all you have planned for me.  




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