Giving Thanks

Once again it is thanksgiving and once again I am an emotional roller coaster. One year ago I was sitting in a nursing home, watching my dad's only brother slip closer and closer to eternal life. I was so sad and scared. Now this year I look at my family, so full of life, and yet again I am so scared. Life is so short and we never know what tomorrow holds. Each day that we are given should be considered a day of thanksgiving. We do not have the ability to control whether or not we are here for another day.

This morning I sat down to the breakfast table a little late. My grandpa was reading the bible aloud to my family, and then proceeded to read a devotional. His english is not the best and his reading skills poor, but it was obvious how much he loved the Lord. Then grandpa started to pray. He prayed for people all over the world working for Christ. Then he prayed for Aunt Mary. She is my deceased uncle's wife, who refuses to have contact with my grandparents. He asked God to bless her and her family and be with them in this time of need. He then prayed for my dad and mom and siblings and I. We were sitting right there and he thanked God for us. I was stunned by the fact that he love God so much and loved us so much that he would pray like that about us. Many times I think of my dad's parents as "stupid" or behind the times because they don't know how to write and email, or even use a tape player, but they know how to do the most important things....Pray and trust God. Grandpa's prayer for Mary was the ultimate demonstration of turning the other cheek. I am so blessed to have such Godly people in my life, something I very often take for granted.

So here is a list of ten things I am thankful for this year. Somethings are the same, but some have changed. And just so you know....ten would never come close to covering all the things I have to be thankful for.
1. the Free Gift of salvation from Jesus Christ.
2. my family
3. The ability to learn
4. my roommates
5. underwear (spelled correctly this time)
6. a house
7. freedom
8. honesty
9. technology
10. my health

I truely pray that God blesses each and everyone of you this holiday season.

Verse of the night: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Craziness!!!

Holy cow, the year is flying by. There is approx. 3 weeks of school left and one week of finals! The semester has gone by in a flash. I've loved every moment. I wish I had the time tonight to catch you all up on the details, but unfortunately I don't.... So you'll just have to wait, or call me.

Just to let you all know why I'm crazy busy: taking 18 hours, co-directing the children's musical at FCC, doing skits at FHWC and Navs, plus it is getting close to finals and end of the year stuff.

Still single as ever, but really enjoying myself. I've had a couple of dates and had a good time, but nothing serious yet. And I am totally ok with that. God is teaching me that he is sovreign and that his ways are right and just and holy.

Plus my roommates and I have been having so much fun. Whether we are camping, at rock concerts, bowling, or running around Lawrence in a purple sleeping bag, we are truely becoming best friends. And I absolutely love them. They are definitely a blessing in my life...even if we throw potatoes at each other.

So I reall don't have any more time, so I'll just have to post again soon.

Verse of the Night: Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."