Today I am giving thanks for family and friends.
Dad & Mom – They are the ones who caused me to be… and God of course. Both of my parents are my heroes and encourager’s. They are a solid example to me of a Christ-like marriage, and have been married for over 25 years. Because of their love and prayers I am challenged to live a life that is well pleasing to the Lord!
Joel – As my older brother, he is such an example of doing hard things, without compromise. He is a wonderful and compassionate person, a great manager (mine for many years!), and a very organized guy. I really look up to him as someone I admire and respect more and more all the time.
Caleb – He is my younger brother, or my twin, but he is taller than me… now. We have always had many similarities through out our growing up. When we were younger, we looked so much alike, that we were mistaken for twins many times. Caleb is growing into godly manhood and I am glad that I can assist him in getting there. He is one of my best friends.
Phoebe – She and I are best friends and do so much together. Cooking. Cleaning. Basketball. School. Talking. Working. We are together all the time, from morning to night (we share a room). Even though she is five years my junior, I learn so much from her quiet wisdom. She is growing into a beautiful and godly young lady.
Johanna – She is also a very dear sister of mine. Each day I am amazed at how intelligent Jo is even though she expresses it in different ways from the rest of us. She is always surprising me with her organizational skills (like making birthday cards for all of her friends and family one year in advance!), her artwork, musical talent which completely amazes me, or her loving gestures which are so cute. She is also growing into beautiful and godly womanhood (which makes me feel old).
Jaden – He is the youngest of my family, and also a little fireball of energy and inquisitiveness. His musical and artistic skills surprise me (I don’t draw or paint) and he is always asking questions… always! As good as he is with numbers, it wouldn’t surprise me if he became some sort of mathematician or statistician.
It is so thrilling to hear him read through his verse during Family worship / bible time. My prayer is that he will soon learn to love Jesus with all of his heart! He is my special little bud.
Grandpa & Grandma – They are so dear to me, and it is a joy to have them nearby to run down and visit with them or have them come over. I know that I am very blessed to have both sets of grandparents within easy driving distance. They inspire me to become a more educated and talented person.
Poppy & Grams – I admire my Poppy & Grams because they are both very hard workers despite many physical problems that could keep them homebound. Even though they have not been as involved in my life as my other grandparents, I still love and respect them very much and always enjoy having them drop by when they are in the area. I especially love getting to go see them, since they live “out” – away from the city. They are truly an inspiration to me to endure in hard times or easy.
Aunts, Uncles and Cousins – I have TOO many to count, but they are ALL dear in their own special way. Some live near, some farther away. Some I know quite well, others not as well. Each of them are dear to me because we are family, related by blood having the same dear parents and grandparents. Wherever they may be today, I am thankful for you all!
Friends – I am going to get in trouble here, because I have SO many friends and I am only going to name a few.
Ana Marie – She and I have only known each other for a little over a year, have never met and only talked on the phone once. But, just from that one conversation and from emailing her, she is a dear and godly young lady who is very special to me and to many others. She has inspired me to fully revel in who I am (a woman) and whose I am (a Christian). I am thankful for you Ana Marie, God bless you!
Abbie – Since we share the same first name, I think it is cool that we are friends. She is also a new friend of mine, and we have discovered that we have a lot in common. I am encouraged by knowing that she and her family are joyfully serving the Lord in this age of deception and compromise. It is refreshing to have her as a friend because just as the scripture says “iron sharpens iron, just as a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Abbie and I do not interact very often, but she is a blessing none the less. God bless you Abbie dear!
Camille – She and I have been friends since we were 11 and 12. Since that time, we have emailed several hundred times, called each other a lot and written “old fashioned” letters by the dozen. We share a lot of the same dreams, hopes and convictions. And our conversations are always very interesting and varied. She is a blessing to me because she loves the Lord, and is very musical (she plays the harp and piano). I am impressed with her willingness to do what she does, without complaining. God bless you dear friend!
Hannah – She is Abbie’s younger sister and has also become one of my personal friends. I love the fact that she joyfully serves her family and loves to sew (I don’t know how, and admire anyone who can!). She is also an encouragement to me to be a cheerful and willing servant to everyone. I have enjoyed getting to know her (via email and phone) and look forward with great eagerness to the day when I can meet her and her family face to face! I am thankful for you as well Hannah!
Lauren – Again, I have never met Lauren but have only emailed her. It was really interesting how we “met” -it was via twitter, at the recommendation of a mutual friend, we began to “follow” each other and found that we had much in common. As my only friend who is older than me, it is refreshing to see a fellow young lady waiting on God’s perfect timing with regards to marriage and relationships. She always brings a smile to my face and I am thankful that she has such a cheerful disposition and a servants heart. May the Lord richly bless you Lauren as you follow Him!
And Last but not Least…
Sarah – I just recently started interacting with her via email because she lives in Germany! My uncle and aunt connected the two of us, and we are enjoying getting to know each other. I am thankful that Sarah came to know the savior and is now seeking His plan for her life. I believe the Lord will bless her for her faithfulness. She inspires me to be humble and do hard things… I am thankful for you Sarah!
And I could go on and on… I am SO blessed, beyond measure with family and friends who love the Lord and are serving Him with their lives. And for having so many godly Christian friends who are an encouragement and blessing to not only me, but also my entire family!
May the Lord bless those whom I have mentioned and also all of those whom I have not! Have a wonderful, God blessed Thanksgiving everybody!!