Thankful

I have been feeling rather depressed and blah lately so I thought I needed to re-frame my thoughts to a more thankful mentality.  Don't get me wrong. I am a very thankful person at all times, but I tend to be much to hard on myself and expect much too much from myself at all times so I just need to do this for me.

1.God- who never leaves or forsakes me.
2. My husband- he drives me nuts most of the time, but he still loves me unconditionally even at times when I give him many reasons that he should not.  He is a good man.
3. My daughter- She has grown into a wonderful accomplished young woman and I am so proud of the person she has become.  I adore her more than she will ever know.
4. My son- He is my rock even though he doesn't know it. He is a great young man who will do great things and he knows God is the most important thing and he makes sure I don't forget it.  I just love that.
5. Mom - despite her unconventional ways, I know she loves me and my family without ceasing. She worked hard to give me what she could growing up and I know our tough times made me the person I am today.
6. In-Laws- despite the struggles of blending into another family, I am thankful that my husband came from a supportive and stable family.
7. My home- although I always strive for the next thing, I am very grateful for my home and all that it represents. Anyone who knows me knows I would rather be home with my family than any other place in the world.
8. My health- even though I have way more happy pounds right now than I care to admit; I am grateful for my eyesight, hearing, taste, ability to walk and breath, and my sanity.  I see people every day in my job who have been robbed of so many of these things.  I try to never lose sight of what I have been blessed with.
9. Friends and neighbors- I know my husband would say I would talk to a tree stump and it is true.  The gift to communicate with many types of people has been a blessing I would not trade for the world. I love getting to know people and uplifting them.
10. Heat, A/C, and plumbing- I love my creature comforts. I don't mind roughing it short term, but I love me some warm showers and the ability to live indoors. Everyone does not have this privilege.
11. My work- I am thankful for my skills, knowledge, confidence and ability that allows me to help others. I believe it is my calling.  I do it each day as an act of service to my Lord and ask him to guide my path so that I may touch others according to His will.
12. Transportation- My vehicles is getting quite old now, but I am grateful she gets me where I need to go and she is pretty too.  I am grateful I do have the ability to get in my vehicle and go where I need to go.
13. food- I love some great food and I never forget what it was like when I was growing up to live on less.  I try not to be wasteful and I try to show my love through meal preparation.
14. clothing- for obvious reasons I am glad I have the ability to stay warm and dress each day.
15- My walking buddy- she encourages me and we share a great deal on those walks. 
16. The seasons- I don't think I could ever move from where I live because I love all 4 seasons. They all have beauty in their own right.  I have my favorites, but mostly I like that the cycle of beauty repeats itself.
17. Internet, computers, GPS and smart phones - I could not have imagined as a child that we could have all of this technology at our fingertips.  What a blessing this generation is having. I pray we continue to use it all for good.
18. Holidays- I love to watch my children in happy times.
19. Pets- Over the years we have had many pets. God blessed us with these wonderful companions who we can share our lives with.
20. Health care- I am thankful that I have the ability to seek care as needed and receive treatment for medical and dental problems as they arise.
21. My Bible - Obviously this list is not in the order of importance, because this would be at the top. I rely on my Bible for strength and guidance.  I really need to devote even more time to it.
22. Christmas music- As I write these things Alvin and the Chipmunks are serenading me and bringing a smile to my face.
23. Choices - I am thankful that as an American I have choices. 
24. Our Flag- Again, this represents the freedom our soldiers provide to us each and every day.
25. Diet coke - my drink of choice keeps me happy.