… on my “I’m Thankful for” list …

1. The journey of this past year

I’ve gone from ashes to beauty over the past year and it has been one interesting ride. I’m thankful for the faithful Hand of God that lead me every single step of the way. I am thankful that when my plans didn’t match God’s perfect plan it was simply because He had Something More in mind.

2. My husband, Dave

When I think of the circumstances that brought Dave into my life I am astounded once again at the faithful Hand of God at work in my life – constantly at work in my life. I am so thankful that he values me staying home with our daughter just as much as I do. One of the first things we talked about after talking about marriage was how we both felt strongly that when children came along in our marriage, I would stop teaching to stay at home with them. I am so thankful that Dave fulfills the role God designed the man to be – the leader and the provider. He is my best friend.

3. My daughter, Little Bug

Where do I begin? Before Little Bug was born I wondered what she would be like and what she would look like. I never imagined a baby so sweet and a little girl who would actually look like her Mommy and Daddy. I absolutely LOVE spending my days with Little Bug watching her grow and learn new things on a daily basis. She is a complete joy and a constant reminder of a God who still performs miracles.

4. My mother

During those dark days, my mother was my greatest support, besides my husband. She is the one who reminded me of the faithfulness of God and that He had a plan and we just had to wait and see His plan unfold. She prayed for me and pleaded with God on my behalf to make me a mother on a daily basis. My mother is the definition of a prayer warrior. Not only did my mother support me every step of my journey through infertility, but she has supported me and loved me this way since my birth. I am thankful that God gave me a mother and a father who love the Lord and taught their children to love the Lord as well.

5. My family members and friends

I know having such a close knit family that enjoys getting together is a tremendous blessing. I am so incredibly thankful that we have a set time each week to spend time with both my family and Dave’s family. Not only is my immediate family close, but my extended family is too!

My cup overflows with friends. I have friends that I’ve known since childhood/teenager, friends that I’ve recently made and friends that I’ve made through this blog! Each person has touched my life in a way only they could. I am so thankful for friends to laugh with and, yes, to cry with.

I have many people in my life who aren’t technically family members, but they might as well be!

God has blessed my life tremendously by putting every single family member/friend I have in my life to journey with me.

Count your many blessings,

name them one by one.

Count your many blessings,

see what God has done.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

- Elaine