I had all of these grand plans to write a super well thought out, praiseful, thankful, grateful post today. I wanted it to make sense (ha!) & be thought provoking.

However, I slept in a bit this morning - ahhhh! I had to forsake my annual Thanksgiving Day run (because we are getting some much needed rain) for a Denise Austin workout - this is my first Thanksgiving with her! - and now I need to hit the kitchen to make the noodles! So since time is slip, slip, slipping away from me, I'll keep this short & nonsensical like most of my other posts! But hopefully I can convey just a little bit of the gratitude in my heart.

1. I am so thankful for my God & my salvation.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,

that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Lately I have been really meditating on what my life would be like if I had never accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior & received forgiveness for my sins. Let me tell you, I can't think about it too much before my heart overflows with gratitude. The path of my life would be strewn with fear, anxiety, poor decisions & bitterness. I would be without hope. I have so much to thank Jesus for; He has been so good to care for me, lead me, & give me peace. Without Him I could do nothing, I would be nothing.

2. I woke up this morning in a warm, cozy home snuggled up next to my husband. Second only to my salvation, Michael is God's gift to me. I cannot remember how I lived before him. Daily he makes me laugh, comforts me with his wisdom & gentleness, challenges me to love, forgive, & communicate in a Biblical way & he shows me the love of Christ. I am very blessed.

3. Mike & I both have jobs. Full time jobs with benefits. In fact, right now we both have a little more overtime than we know what to do with. Our home is warm, our pantry is stocked, we have what we need & a little that we can share. God has provided for us in a wonderful, faithful way. We are thankful.

4. Today we will have dinner with Mike's family & my family. My parents literally live two blocks away & Mike's M&D are only about 5 minutes away. I still have one full set of Grands & Mike has a G-ma. We have so much family to love & fellowship with. It is overwhelming in a glorious way. Sometimes I think my heart could literally burst from the swelling up of love & happiness. Kind of like how the Grinch's heart grows at the end of the story? I have FELT THAT! God is good.

I'd better wrap this up or there will be consequences - no noodles (oh no!) & I will get so emotional that I'll have to have a kleenex up my sleeve all day!

Mike & I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!