Brian-my husband and best friend. My leader and running partner. My ministry partner. The love of my life...forever. My knight in shining armor. My scrabble partner. My biggest cheerleader.
Brian Marcus-my right hand man. He is my big helper. I couldn't do a whole lot that I do without his help.Ethan-"great heart"-his salvation, baptism and spiritual growth this year have been a blessing.
Elsie-THE princess. My shopping partner, chic flick partner, toe nail partner. She is a sun beam.
Meredith-my newest treasure-I so love her. She doest NOT like to shop. Or be in her stroller. But she does love to snuggle. And her smiles are golden. I can't imagine life without her.
My parents, and in-laws-I am so thankful for the godly heritage they have passed on to Brian and I. They raised us well. Instilled great life principles-about love, marriage, finances, spirituality. The older I get, and the longer I am a parent, the more I appreciate them. When you are a teen, you tend to knock heads with your parents, strain at restrictions, think you know better. When you are a parent yourself, you might do things differently, but you can appreciate the heart behind what your parents did.
My sibs, and sibs in law-the majority of my close friends are our siblings. We fought growing up, but we are great friends now. Distance, you know.
The BFF-Mary-I am so thankful for a friendship that spans well over 20 years now. Teens, twenties, now 30s and parenting. But still chatting and cooking. Tuesdays are the highlight of my week-second only to coffee with Brian each morning.=) I love how we have grown closer each year. How we understand each other so well. And the awesome desserts we share at least once a week. And the fact that she thinks I'm always right, and the other person is obviously wrong.=)
I am thankful for people. All the people who have invested in my life-given something of themselves to make me a better(hopefully) person. Margaret-teaching me how to make pancakes, laughing with me over Reader's Digest jokes, being my "second hand" shopping buddy, and "green jello." Mary P-showing me an excellent example of being a woman involved in ministry, but also home economics, and being a good business partner for your hubby. And your sense of style. When I wear something particularly colorful I still refer to it as a "Mary P outfit."=) Pamela-we met years ago, and have continued our relationship. She is a mentor to me. I know that she prays for me daily. Such an encouragement! Ann-sound advice, good perspective, partner in ministry. Beth-another long time friend, and breakfast partner. Miriam-a great friend. We commiserate about exercise and stretch marks. She is beautiful inside and out.
To say nothing of my thankfulness for my house, piano, Pandora, computer, my blog, my mini van with heated seats, my running duds and the ability to run, my pool and the faithfulness of the lifeguards, my dish washer, washer and dryer, sewing machine, tempur pedic mattress, my special dishes, paint for walls, clothes, mascara, coffee, chocolate, flowers, cookbooks, novels, history, magazines, food, fruit and vegetables, my new kitchen aid mixer, my refrigerator, air conditioning, for our family vacation this year, my health, BSF-that all of us can go and study Acts together...such Abundance!
I am thankful for The Bible, God's Word-it teaches me about God-who He is, and about the world-His plan for it, and about me-what He wants from/for me.
I am thankful most of all for Jesus Christ-that He died on the cross for my sins, was buried, rose again the third day, and is now seated at God's right hand-ever living to make intercession for me.
So, on this snowyish November morning...(which I am not too thrilled about, that, or the Christmas music on the radio) I will count my blessings. There are so many.
Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, from the Father of lights with Whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17 It is God who has given me all these things, and blessed my life with all these amazing people.
Thank you, Lord!
