A Few of My Favorite Things

Today I turned 32! So, I want to list 32 things I'm thankful for today. For my birthday, please read all the way to the bottom and leave me a comment when you're done. Thanks!

Here it goes...
I AM VERY THANKFUL:
1. That I have a daily relationship with God, the Creator of the universe. He knows my name, He knows my hurts, my ugly sides, areas He wants to change in me, my insecurities, my joys, my hopes, my potential and my heart. Yet, He loves me beyond any love I could ever imagine.
2. For my husband who loves me and trusts me more than I ever hoped for. He is more than I knew I could have and he loves me like I am the most amazing woman in the world -and I'm so NOT.
3. For 3 beautiful, healthy, happy, smart, precious children who bring more joy than I knew a human heart could contain.
4. That I have parents who love me and support me and I always know that will never change.
5. For in-laws who love me and support mine & Cal's crazy, unpredictable life.
6. For an extended family who knows a lot about unconditional love and is great about accepting each other through good times and bad times.
7. That we have so many friends across the nation and even in various parts of the world who are like family to us. We have been blessed so abundantly with friendship!
8. For mine & Caleb's marriage which started out amazingly well and keeps getting better and better. It seems the longer we're married, the deeper our friendship and the truer our love.
9. For good hard laughs with people I love with everything in me.
10. For the many, amazing opportunities I've had in my lifetime. Too many to count.
11. For people who have given me a chance for no particular reason. I am so grateful!
12. To be born in a nation where freedoms are great and life is good.
13. To know God is still at work! I can see Him working in lives all around me, including my own. He still has a huge interest in mankind- even when we're in the midst of rebellion and deception. He truly is at work for world redemption.
14. For Grace. If I had one theme for my life, it would be GRACE- hands down. For those who know my whole story, you understand how real grace has been for me.
15. That God is creative and made all kinds of different people and cultures in the world.
16. For hard times & struggles because they bring us closer to God, to each other and they make us stronger. They help make us less prideful and less judgemental of others who face struggles.
17. For modern technology that makes communication, travel & health a lot easier on us.
18. For amazing true friends who love me enough to let me know when I'm wrong, who pray for me faithfully, love me no matter what and sharpen me year after year.
19. That there are simple things in life that are free and bring so much joy. (sunsets, going for walks, connecting with a friend, a kind word, a warm smile)
20. For the wondrous terrains and such a variety of landscapes that God gave us to enjoy.
21. For the times God clearly moves on our behalf. They are ALWAYS worth the wait!
22. For options. I love when I have choices and don't feel trapped. We have choices every day. I'm thankful for that!
23. For growth and maturity. Oh, I have SO FAR to go, but seeing progress is so encouraging!
24. My children's' laughs. There is no better sound on earth!
25. For gifted teachers who have a huge influence on my life. Beth Moore, Jim Warren, Curt Bradford, David Yarberry, Ravi Zacharias are just a few of my favorites.
26. For good buys at thrift stores- silly but true.
27. For excellent photography equipment. I still need a lot but I'm so thankful for the stuff I've been able to get so far!
28. That God gives each of us unique gifts and talents. I LOVE THAT! Every person has so much to offer and I think that is such a display of God's goodness.
29. For shelter, a place to sleep and food to eat. Recently, I've realized how good we have it. We never freeze and we never go hungry.
30. For nieces & nephews who I love so much & have been such a joy to watch grow and change over the years.
31. For older generations. I love old people, I really do. For some reason, their stories are always better, their words more sincere and their wisdom deeper. I am thankful for the old people who have taken time to impart great things into my life. I am better because of them. (my grandparents, Caleb's grandparents, Jim & June... just to name a few)
32. For gardening time. There's just something beautiful and raw about digging in the dirt and watching things grow that God has put in order.

Sorry for the book, but it's my day so I can get away with it! If you read all the way to here, KUDOS! Please leave a comment and let me know if you did!