1) The first and most important reason to be thankful is that this year has taken my relationship with God to a whole another level. I have seen his power and grace and love manifest in ways I haven't experienced until this year. While I was in Malawi he showed me just how far His love stretches to His beloved children. He taught me to serve and he brought me even deeper into humility. I have gained more intimacy and I know He will continue to take me into even deeper depths. I am becoming a valiant, empowered, and flourishing young woman and I can't even imagine what God has in store for me this next season.
2) I have also developed some healthy and strong relationships with people which have truly flourished this season. I am grateful for the opportunities to be connected to people and feel their hurt, their joy and celebrate with them in their victories. No man is an island. We all need each other. I am glad I have people in my corner.
3) To all my family I love and appreciate you. I pray that we all continue to grow together and that our investment in each other reaps good things for decades to come.
4) I am blown away this year by everyone's generosity as I traveled to Malawi to work with orphans and families struggling due to poverty and other challenging circumstances. Thanks to those who provided financial support, encouragement and continued prayers. I was blessed to be part of the bigger picture. I have seen many lives renewed with hope, peace and unwavering love. Many lives encountered the love of Christ and I saw many people find faith. I have seen the power of giving and being willing to invest into God's kingdom. Every bit counts. It has an eternal impact that we may not see until we get to Heaven.
5) I am thankful for yoga and Chai tea. It has been a truly wonderful thing this season of constant change and challenges to have these simple pleasures.
6) I am thankful for patience I receive when I get lost or lose my way. Now I try to rely on instinct, prayer and then of course the GPS ;)
7) My bible study group has been a true blessing this season. It is a place where my vulnerabilities are embraced and not judged. I have found peace of mind and I have developed a more intimate worship with my Heavenly Father. The people I have met there have become a part of my inner circle. They all have a special piece of my heart. I am grateful to all of them for sharing their time, their heart and their talent with me.
8) All the coffee dates this year have made this list. I'm always thankful for caffeine but mostly I am thankful for the conversations. Many laughs, a few tears and great wisdom came with every cup.
9) My dog Budderball is a true gift that God has used to grow my patience, help me remain active and fit, and to help me to put other's needs before my own. You are a great friend. I'll always look forward to your cuddles.
10) My sister Sarah requires a place on this list. She keeps me on my toes and she is always at my side when I need her. She'll never really know how much the little things she does matter to me. She is a great friend, support and Starbucks buddy. Thank you Sarah for bearing with me through all the craziness this year has put us through. You are truly one of a kind. :D
11) My Momma and I have gone through a lot this year so she definitely deserves a quick shout out. Thank you for your patience and for your prayerful heart. I'm blessed because of your sacrifice and all the time you invest into being a mother. You better tell dad that he's got a good catch ;) Seriously though keep being you and trust that God is doing a great work in and through you.
Had an amazing time with you at the concert :D
12) I am very thankful for days I can sleep in. I don't think I will ever be a morning person!
13) Thank you dad and I and for being great gentlemen and for being patient with me when I change things in the kitchen last minute :D
14) I am thankful for sunsets and for days of beautiful views painted by the Creator. I have glimpsed true beauty this season in the midst of dark times.
15) I am thankful for my girl Shirley. She keeps me smiling even when it is tough to see the good. She won't let me sit in self pity. I love her to pieces. Her homemade soup always makes me feel better and I always look forward to our drives together.
16) I am thankful for both of my jobs. I gained new skills, gained a rockin body and I gained a lot of wisdom about life and people. It has been tough at times, but I know I have gained endurance and more money in the bank.
17) My friends Mike and Donna are amazing people that I have met this season. Donna has been helping me to find gluten free options. It has been a tough adjustment to make. I am definitely not perfect. I have my cheat days but she helps me find the joy in eating healthy. She is full of heart and passion and I am honored to have her and her husband in my close circle of trust.
18) Arbonne has been a great addition in my life. I truly have appreciated their healthy living tips and products. I have noticed a difference in my skin, my health and in my lifestyle. I am blessed to have an amazing Independent Consultant who helps me to find what's best for me and within my budget. Char you totally rock my world! You help me feel like health and good well-being is doable. You inspire me to dream big, to set achievable goals and to trust Jesus with the wheel of my life. Thank you for your generosity, and for the investment you make in my life. I hope I bring something to your life as you bring something special to mine. I am honored to be able to celebrate with you as you enter a new season of success in your business. Looking forward to making new memories with you this year! Hugs :)
19) Scott and Anastassia, you both bring me so much joy! You are amazing leaders and friends. Thanks for your continued support and for truly helping me navigate this crazy season. You are both amazing parents and I know that God will continue to use you and your family to make an eternal impact. Love you both!
20) To my friend Katie, I honestly don't even the know the right words to express my gratitude for our friendship. You continue to push me to be stronger and to not give up. You have helped me on the tough days and you bring so much joy to my life. I am looking forward to many more adventures together this holiday season. I am glad we can lean on each other and know we have each other's back. Love you girl! Keep shining and light up the dark places around you. Big hugs <3 font="">
21) I am grateful to those who have loved me and who have taken the time to know me deeply. No matter where you are you have the memories and you have a piece of me. I am who I am today because of all that I have lost, given, and all I have gained throughout the seasons. I know God will take you amazing places and I hope one day I can see where God took you in your life and I will see the bigger picture.
22) A silly new love of mine is the love of loose leaf tea. Thank you Amanda for introducing me to it and for all the cups you made for me while I stayed with you and your grandparents. I am truly blessed to have met you. I hope our friendship grows throughout this season and that we can see each other through new milestones. Miss you already!
23) The country lifestyle that I got to glimpse in Kindersley Saskatchewan is something I never knew I wanted. I am grateful for country hospitality, movie nights and hot tub moments. I hope I get to revisit the bliss of the country soon. Thankful for the good times with great people nonetheless :D
24) I was lucky to see Carrie Underwood in concert this year with my sis, my mom and my aunt Audrey. I had a blast and I am grateful for times with family and for country nights and sushi days. So many simple things in life I am grateful for and honestly there are way too many to list. The ones I mentioned are some that came to me instantly.
If I missed mentioning you by name know that it is not on purpose. I have so many people that its impossible to name everyone. I do appreciate you and I am sure you will hear it more often this year. Thank you to all those who read this whole list. I hope I inspire many of you to create your own list of reasons why you are grateful. It does help change your perspective and help you see the good things in life amidst the bad. I know I am full of love and gratitude and that I am ready to embrace a new birthday year. 25 here I come!
