Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone. I am sure you all were able to enjoy a hefty feast of delicious food with your loved ones. At some point, you may have even shared the things that you are thankful for. Well in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to share the things that I am thankful for with all of you.

Firstly, I am thankful for God. I am thankful for His love and His mercy. No matter how badly I fail, He still loves me and forgives me when I come to Him. He guides me in the way that I should live. He gives me peace, hope, love, patience, and joy. It is because of Him that I live a truly amazing life.

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” – 1 Chronicles 16:34

            Secondly, I am thankful for Jesus. I am thankful that He loved me so much that He gave His life for me. I am saved because of His sacrifice. Jesus made the way for me, for all of us, to be able to make our way home to Him. If it wasn’t for Him, we would still be wandering around in the wilderness. However, like a good shepherd, He came to find us so that we may be with Him once again.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23

            Thirdly, I am thankful for my life. As I’ve said before, I may not have the most exciting life, but I still love my life. At times things may get hard and I may struggle through a storm. However, it always turns out ok. God has been good to me and I cannot be more thankful for my simple life.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” – James 1:17

            Fourthly, I am thankful for my husband. It has been over 12 years since I met Chad and over 10 years since we have been together. Every day brings a new adventure that we get to face together. I could not have asked for a more loving, caring, and supportive husband. I am truly blessed to be able to spend the rest of my days with my best friend.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12

Fifthly, I am thankful for my family. Every one of them is unique in their own way. They have each taught me something new about life or even about myself. I have been loved and cared for by some of the most amazing people in this world. We have been able to bless each other, encourage one another, and watch over one another as well. I know that I would not be the person I am today without them.

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1

Sixthly, I am thankful for my current job. I have had only a few jobs in my life. I’ve been a cashier and a life insurance agent. Each job has helped me grow as a person. However, my current job has taught me to appreciate the experience of growth. I am privileged to watch others grow as I teach them how to speak English. Being able to be there to help someone gain the confidence they need to continue on with a difficult task is so rewarding. It is also thanks to this job that I have the time to be able to write to you guys as well. I only pray that, whether it be my students or you guys, I may be a blessing to you and that God uses me to help you see the wonders of His love.   

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10

Last but not least, I am thankful for my friends. I am thankful for Leon. You all know Leon. He has written for this blog quite a few times. Since the beginning of our friendship, he has been a blessing in my life. He has always encouraged my walk in Christ and has been a constant support for Chad and me. I am thankful for Neil (which I mentioned in a few blogs before). He has helped me find my voice and gain confidence in my abilities. What started out as a manager and employee relationship bloomed into a loving friendship. I am also thankful for Robert. I met Robert when I was working at the insurance company. Since day one, he has encouraged me to push myself. He genuinely believes in using the talents God has given you to bless others and encourages me to do so all the time. Although all three of them are not related to me by blood, they are my brothers in Christ.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:34-35

I have been blessed with so much. We all have. There are times when it feels like there is nothing to be thankful for, but don’t be fooled. That is the devil blinding you to the countless blessings God has given you. There is always something to be thankful for. God will reveal to you the many blessings in your life. Continue to seek Him fervently and He will direct your path. Always remember that He loves you and He will never forsake you.

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6