So much to thank Him for!

I am thankful for so much that it would take me all day to write it. The Lord is truly good to us purely out of his mercy. I am thankful for our house--our first one ever. I am thankful for my family and that God has blessed us with 4 kids. I am thankful for all the healing that God has done in my life this year. I am thankful that God has seen me and cares for me and calls me His own.

Perspective

Kneil and Jodi,

I am thankful for God's Blessings in my life. No matter how difficult life becomes, no matter how different life is from what I expected, and no matter what curveballs are thrown my way, I know that His Grace is with me and He is carrying me through the hard times and leading me to the good times. I am thankful that I have a job, a home, and amazing family/friends that are always there for me. Thank you for setting up this blog again. Miss you two so very much and pray you are doing well.

Shine, JD

Challenged, but still thankful

Even with all the troubles this year, it's not hard to find things to be thankful for. Deepening relationships is probably first - with my God as I understand and want to follow Him more, with my children, and a whole series of friends who have at times carried me from one day to the next, and for my extended family. I'm thankful for my health, and for my job. I'm thankful for each new day. I'm thankful for those that serve and protect us, both locally and especially internationally in the military. I'm thankful for my church and the church staff who do so much to keep things rolling. I'm very thankful for my pastor, Brad Russell, and for our youth pastor Justin Ulrich. I'm thankful for all the blessings in my life, even the ones that seem like anything but blessings today since they are shaping who I will be tomorrow.

Thankfulness: Where to Begin...?

This year I am determined to post something on this Thanksgiving Project blog! In years past, I have never taken the time...not that I wasn't thankful for a plethora of things, I was just pure lazy. I think the hardest thing about posting what I'm thankful for is knowing when to stop adding to the list. I am so thankful for so many things! I would have to say I am most thankful for Jesus and the grace he has poured upon my life. I am thankful for being 10 years cancer free and I cherish each lesson God taught me through that journey. I'm thankful for my loving husband who works so hard so I can stay home full time with our daughter - thankful for the challenges in parenting...it's the toughest, most rewarding job I've ever held. For God's provisions - food, shelter, friends, family, health. But this year I would have to say I am most thankful for the treasure I carry in my womb. We are expecting our second child in February!!! God has given us another miracle and I praise Him for what he's done!

~Jodi

Laughter

I am so thankful for the gift of laughter. People talk about the "terrible twos", but no one told me how much I would laugh having a two year old in the house. "Friday night dance parties" (which involve numerous genres of music and the accompanying dance style) are a highlight of my week. Recently, we were reading "Big Bear Hug"--a book about a bear who hugs everything-- as a family. When we got to a page where the bear hugs a tree and a beaver at the same time, I could not remain composed. I giggled, which made Abi giggle, which made Jodi giggle, and pretty soon the whole family was pretty much in tears. We hadn't laughed that hard in awhile. If you haven't laughed really hard in awhile, may I recommend instituting a Friday Night Dance Party at your house, or reading this book to a toddler, or maybe just renting "What About Bob"? [P.S. I'm also thankful for the Fairfax County and Pikes Peak Libraries].

Avan and I are celebrating our 5oth wedding anniversary on the day after Thanksgiving. We thank God and recognize His grace and mercy over these many years. May the two of you reach this milestone as well.
Marlys and Avan DeVries

Friends

I am incredibly rich with many wonderful friends!!!