Giving Thanks

So today I was gonna talk about the fun we had last night at Red Lobster for my Dad's birthday. Although we had a great time, I changed my mind about talking about the party when I was getting ready for the day and started to think about a few other things. In the last few days, I have been making a list of things I could share now that I have a blog. I know that I may not be the most interesting person, but I am so loving the fact that I can share what's on my mind and my heart. Some days I wonder if anyone actually likes to read what I write. To those who know me "in real life" it is common knowledge that I love to talk. The interaction with people is what I miss most about being out in the workforce. Blogging has become another avenue where I can talk about what I've been thinking about during the day....and what's cool is that I don't have to wait all day long until Hubby gets home to say what's on my mind! How cool is that?

Long story short, I got to the computer and starting checking out some of the daily blogs I read. When I got to Kelly's Korner, I read her post about giving thanks. We must have been thinking about the same thing today because everything she said were things that had been running through my head this morning. She talked about the great amount of people that contact her with prayer requests...People who have lost a job, a spouse, a child. She mentioned how hard it is to hear stories in the blogging community of so many people in great need and then look around at the world we live in and continue to see and hear more bad reports. If you are anyone with a heart, hearing stories like these just makes your heart hurt so bad.

When I started this blog just a few short weeks ago, I remember hearing about the prayer request for sweet Baby Veiyah...oh and by the way, if any of you were ever wondering before today just how to pronounce her name correctly...it's pronounced Vay-uh, like Laya but with a V. (Thanks Ani for the help pronouncing Baby V's name!) I remember how my heart hurt so bad reading the Karg's story. And then as I met more people in the blog world, I came in contact with even more stories of people in great need. It can be discouraging to read so many sad stories, but I liked what Kelly had to say about it all today. She suggested that in the midst of the bad reports, now is the time that we should give the Lord some praise! It's funny because this exact thing was on my list for things I wanted to blog about!

I do agree with Kelly that now is a good time to give the Lord some praise. So here goes...

--In this blogging journey I have met many awesome people. Many of them I will probably never meet in "real life," but I am thankful for these new friendships and I look forward to reading these people's blogs daily to be able to share and take part in your lives!

--I am thankful that my children are well. For a while there they just kept getting sick and it didn't seem like they would ever get better. Two long months of colds, almost pneumonia, and bronchitis finally ended in the beginning of February. Thank you Jesus for children who got better and have stayed well for the past month and a half!!!
--The times we are living in are tough and uncertain. We know this very well since Hubby works in Construction. I am thankful for the Lord providing steady work for him so that we can provide a stable environment for our children...a home, clothes, and food on the table!

--I am thankful for a husband who puts up with me even on the days when I'm not so nice. 12 years, two kids, and a few (well maybe more) pounds later, I am so glad he still loves me for who I am!

--I am thankful for the Lord continuing to bless me with hat orders. I would have never dreamt that people would like what I do and I am so thankful that the Lord has given me the courage to face my fears of rejection and push through!

--I am thankful that after what felt like a long winter (I know I live in California and I don't have it as bad as those of you who experience inches of snow...I'm spoiled, so shoot me!), the weather is finally starting to warm up. Earlier this afternoon I got to get out to the park with my sister Yvonne, my niece Natalya, and my girls. It was just beautiful out there!

The list could go on but it feels so good just to list a few of the things that the Lord has blessed me with!!!

Lord, thanks so much for all you do. I give you all the glory and the praise and I am so thankful that you sent your son to die for me. Jesus...I will never understand the pain you suffered on that cross for me but I thank you Lord that you loved me that much that you went through all of that just for me!