A time to be thankful...

Tonight I'm sitting a hotel room by myself and scrolling through Facebook.  I immediately notice all of my friends doing the "Day 1 I'm thankful for..." thing, and I'm thinking what a great idea, but get real - I know I would NEVER remember to do this every day.  I can't even follow through on a 7 day challenge to post a black and white picture for goodness sakes.  It's definitely not that I'm not thankful, because honestly... I cannot even begin to count my blessings!  As I got to thinking about  my blessings, I decided I would do my 30 days of thanks in a different way - so, here it goes (my first 15):

1 - I am thankful for a God that loves me when I fall short every day. 
2 - I am thankful for a family that loves unconditionally at all times.
3 - I am thankful for a family that supports my craziness (and we know there is a lot of it at times.)
4 - I am thankful that I have a job I love.
5 - I am thankful for friends that have turned into family.
6 - I am thankful for Christian parents that share their love for God. 
7 - I am thankful that I get to be an aunt to some pretty amazing souls.
8 - I am thankful for  church family that I truly love.
9 - I am thankful for lifelong friendships that are as strong today as when we were 12.
10 - I am thankful for my three perfect, precious kids.
11 - I am thankful that my kids truly march to the beat of their own drummer (they always have and always will).
12 - I am thankful for forgiveness and restored friendships. 
13 - I am thankful for a big sister who loves me (even when I get on her nerves & laugh at her).
14 - I am thankful for a big brother who has always supported my craziness (never questioning my sanity).
15 - I am thankful for have 2 dad's in my life!!
16 - I am thankful for new friendships and relationships and the craziness they bring to my life.

So... there you have it - my first 15 (well, 16- I added one)!  As I'm sitting here writing this - I realize that although I hope that I make sure all of these people know how much I love and appreciate them, I should really do a better job on telling them every day!  

"I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers," ~ Philemon 1:4

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A heart to serve...

Anyone who knows me knows that I love my sweet nieces as much as I love my own kids.  They also know that they have a heart and willingness to serve.  They love their family, but most importantly they love God. On spring break next year Lil B has been given the opportunity to serve in Ecuador and live with orphans in two different cities. This mission trip is sponsored by The House, which is an on campus ministry at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and they are partnering with For His Children (www.forhischildren.org). This group will be helping with physical therapy, caring for special needs children, and simply playing with and loving on these sweet kids!  They will literally be living with sweet souls and being the hands and feet of Jesus for 10 days.  

 The other thing to know about my nieces is they have an amazing talent and passion for music.  Lil B is combining two of her favorite things -  music and Jesus! She is making and selling guitar string necklaces for $10 each, and all  proceeds will go towards her mission trip.  If you would like to donate to an amazing opportunity, or to purchase a necklace - please complete the form under the Contact tab. I will happily deliver locally or ship necklaces to anywhere in the world, and you can pay by PayPal.

Please pray over this opportunity and give Lil B the opportunity to live out James 1:27.

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."