Thankful

There has been so much going in my life and the lives of others, but lately I've fallen into the trap of just seeing the negative in so many things. I've decided to make a list of everything that I am thanfkul for and that God has done, despite pain and sorrow. There's no particular order, just whatever comes to mind!

1. Even though a dear missionary family was slain in Pakistan, they are in Heaven now. The Lord is sustaining their relatives and working mightily in the lives of others, and my prayers are that many will become saved through their deaths.

2. About a month ago, my dear cousin, Cayla, was kept safe in a car accident which totaled her vehicle. With only a few bruises, she was out of the hospital in no time. Cayla just bought this car in early spring, and was having some difficulty finding a new one to commute to school. Praise the Lord, she found a 2005 Chevy, and is very happy!

3. At times I'm not grateful for the opportunity that I have to go to college and get an education. In many countries around the world this wouldn't be possible. Even when Anatomy and Physiology gets tough, I am praying that the Lord will help me to continually be thankful, and not grumble and complain about homework and tests.

4. My dear parents, who have given so much and done so much for me and my siblings. My mother homeschooled me from preschool to twelfth grade, and I will always admire her patience and self-sacrificing spirit that has brought me where I am today. My dad, who works long hours at the office to support my family. Although he gets busy, he is always there for my mom, my siblings, and I when we have questions or just need to talk to him. He keeps a level head and never forgets about us even when his job takes him to places such as Paris, London, and Brussels!

5. My church: I am so thankful to be in a church body where fellow believers really do care for each other despite some stormy trials that have happened in the past. I love being involved in teaching Sunday school whenver I'm needed, and I'm also thankful that my pastor has given me the opportunity to play the piano during congregational singings. I usually am very shy and don't like playing piano in front of people, but I think I have gained more confidence and have learned to love and appreciate the piano and hymns even more now that I am playing for my church.

6. I often take for granted the fact that I have more than enough clothes to wear and am continually provided with food every day. Many children in foreign countries and even the United States go to bed hungry without the proper sustenance in their bodies. I have so many choices as for as food and clothing go, and many times I don't realize just how blessed I am.

7. My dear, godly friends who have shown and given me so much over the past years. For the ones who read my blog: Mrs. R, Neesie, Beverly, Beka, Charissa, and Laura- I value your friendships very highly. Without your encouragement and love that you have shown to me my life would be very different! Thank you for always taking the time to see how I am doing and for praying for me. You are all very dear to me!

8. Last but not least, my salvation. Why God has chosen a sinner like me is beyond all comprehension. I only hope I can always honor Christ with my life by serving Him and others. I hope I will never be ashamed to tell others that I follow Him, but will always stand up for Jesus.

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God, and the great King above all gods. Psalm 95:1-3