So Much to be Thankful For

This is the time of year when I, along with the rest of the population, take time out of my busy schedule to reflect on all I have to be thankful for. Much of my list is more or less predictable, some of it may be surprising. I would like to take a few moments to share my list of things to be thankful for. This is in no particular order, just the way things come to my mind.

• I am eternally thankful for my Lord and Savior "who although He existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name." Phil 2:6-9 (NASB)
  
• I am thankful for my five wonderful children who fill my life and my home with joy and laughter
• I am thankful for children's' hearts full of love for the lord, and a desire to know Him more.
• I am thankful for our home, and all the Lord's provisions
  
• I am thankful for good friends who are a network of support, encouragement, accountability, and fun
• I am thankful for one family in particular who are always there for me, love me and my family, pray for me and my family, offer a helping hand without thinking twice, encourage me as a Christian, a wife and a mother, and hold me accountable to God's Word.
  
• I am thankful for my church family
• I am thankful for the little things God places before me everyday to bring me closer to Him
• I am thankful to be living in a nation where I can freely worship and honor my God
• I am thankful for this quiet time in my day when I can take the time to be thankful.