ABC's Of Thanksgiving: What Our Family Is Thankful For in 2011

Tonight, Dan and Matthew and I sat down and came up with an alphabetical list of what we are thankful for this year.  Thank you for the idea, Kathy Kerwin! 
So here is our list.  (Matthew's answers have an asterisk after them.)

A - Army Guys*/Airforce.*  A roof over our heads.  Having a warm and dry house is something that has been on my mind every day this week during this extremely stormy weather.  I have been working with homeless youth once a month for a year now, and I have never been more aware of this precious blessing. 

B - Belief in Jesus.*  Some might call our interest in Jesus a bit excessive, but in the end, He is all that really matters or ever WILL matter.  He alone satisfies the deepest longings and needs of the heart.  A relationship with Him prepares us for eternity!


C - Cousins, Columbus* (just learned about him in school) and Claire.*  And what a sweet bundle of joy Claire is to us!  She fills our hearts and home with joy each waking moment.  We couldn't love her more!

D - Daily communion with the Lord.  What a privilege!

E - Eggs and bacon every morning.  We always have plenty of food on our plates at every meal.

F - Friends.*

G - Grandmas and Grandpas.  Matthew and Claire are blessed to have 2 sets of grandparents right here in town with us, as well as a set of great-grandparents, all of whom love the Lord.

H - Health.  All four of us are blessed with very good health.  God's mercies are new every morning!

I - Independence.  What a great country we live in, that no one tells us what God we have to worship.

J - Jesus Came.*  If He hadn't come, we would still be waiting for a Messiah.


K - Kids.  Our live is forever changed and forever blessed and forever filled with joy because of KIDS!

L - Lord's Supper.  The hour of 9:30-10:30 each Sunday morning at our church is hands down one of the best hours of the week to Dan and me.  It is set aside solely to remember Jesus, His finished work on the cross and what He continues to do for us.  It is such a sweet time!

M - Mommy and Daddy,* Matthew.  Matthew is so full of life, curiosity and a tender heart for the Lord.  We couldn't love him any more!

N - Nutrition.  We are, over time, learning and more about more healthy things to consume.  It is an interesting and fun journey.

O - Ownership of Big Trees Today.  It's finally fairly close on the horizon!

P - Parents.  Dan and I are both blessed with sets of parents who put God first, taught us well, and continue to make an impact on our lives.

Q - Quiet Time.  Let's face it.  We all need it!  =)

R - Ron [our friend who recently died] in heaven who doesn't have to cry anymore.*

S- Sunday School.*  Soft couch.*  Salvation so rich and free.

T - Toys.* Totally satisfying marriage!!

U - Unconditional Election.  God chose us based solely on His mercy, not our own merit.

V - Vacation.  We enjoyed a few trips to Sun River as a family this year, and a wonderful anniversary getaway to Leavenworth, Wa.

W - Work.  Dan has a steady job that is close to home and doesn't require any overnight trips.  What a blessing!

X - xoxoxox.  We absolutely LOVE hugs and kisses from our little ones! 

Y - Yesterdays.  God's faithfulness in our yesterdays proves His faithfulness in our tomorrows.

Z - Zealous love of God for us.  He passionately pursues us even when our passion for Him isn't there.

"In everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  
1 Thessalonians 5:18

May your Thanksgiving be filled with thanks to the One who deserves all our thanks and praise!
Dan and Amy