to You I give thanks...

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.                            ~ I Thessalonians 5:18

Give--something sent away from me to someone else
Thanks--appreciation for
In--while, during, going through
All--every single, minute speck of
Circumstances--things that happen beyond my own control, environment I might find myself in
For--because, since
This--specifically, exactly that one
Is--a state of existence
God's--Supreme Being, Creator, Sovereign
Will--desired plan
For--specified for an individual
You--anyone reading
In--(see above)
Christ Jesus--Son of God and Perfect Man who gave His life as a sacrifice for me

I've been inspired to write my own list of things to be thankful for after reading just a snippet of a book by Ann Voskamp called One Thousand Gifts.  Here goes...

1.  for life in You (God)
2.  a hope for the future
3.  a relationship with You
4.  Your mercies, new every morning
5.  Your lovingkindness
6.  Your goodness
7.  Your faithfulness
8.  Your patience
9.  Your gift of my husband, Scott
10. the sandpaper of marriage and children--making me more like You

11. the love of my husband
12. how You lead Scott
13. the unity in what I am hearing Sunday morning in church with what I am reading for Bible study and
      what I am experiencing in life
14. Joshua and his heart for justice and fairness
15. quieting my voice as I spoke to him this morning about loving his brother Austin
16. the precious cuddling time with Austin (my 7 year old) this morning before school...times like these
      will soon be gone
17. the heart-ache of friendships--drawing me ever closer to You
18. Scott's listening ear this morning
19. His sound counsel about taking some time away
20. for the phone conversation with a godly woman

21. encouragement for our Bible study topics in the future
22. removing from my life things that take my focus off of You
23. a warm home on a cold, windy Fall day
24. a delicious cup of coffee
25. the opportunity to encourage women via Facebook and my blog
26. the still small voice that I hear in my heart saying, "Be still...and know that I am God."
27. the opportunity to come alongside teachers in their classrooms and help as a volunteer
28. the outstanding Parent/Teacher conferences we had on Monday
29. hardworking, respectful boys who love life
30. Your protection

31. Your provision
32. Scott's job
33. a community of believers
34. freedom to study Your Word
35. time to focus and rest
36. warm, fuzzy socks
37. a washer and dryer
38. the hard frost--a reprieve from allergies and garden work
39. creativity in gardening
40. dishes to clean

41. carpet to vacuum
42. hair to comb and cut
43. AWANA and Sunday School where Joshua and Austin can learn Your Word
      and treasure it in their hearts
44. food at our table
45. the ability to care for our home
46. the ability to read
47. fellow staff to share in ministry
48. my sewing machine
49. our vehicles
50. the "old" finds at garage sales to add special touches to our home

51. conflict in areas to grow in
52. Your wisdom
53. the hands who helped to paint our walls
54. the kind words of those we serve
55. the chance to have women over for coffees and fellowship
56. for drawing me away
57. for extended family
58. fun recipes to try
59. a stove
60. a microwave
61. a refrigerator

Just a few things to be thankful for...but more than anything else...

62. a lifetime of following Jesus

Thank You, My Savior...to You I give thanks.