Faith's Mom's Thankful List 2017

On Facebook this month, I did a #30DaysOfThankfulness and posted each day what I am thankful for. I wanted to compile my complete list in one spot - so here it is!

Day 1: I really am thankful that God took me, someone with a past of swearing, alcohol abuse, rebellion, and other types of sinful behavior, and made me into a new creation, which can only truly be done through JESUS!

Day 2: Thankful that even on more challenging days, there is always something to be thankful for, and today I'm thankful for chocolate!

Day 3: The first snowfall of the year always reminds me of this Bible verse. I'm thankful that all the promises in His word will one day come to pass.

Day 4: I watched a movie yesterday called The Last Face (it's a tough movie about the civil war that took place in Liberia). I found myself feeling more thankful than ever that we live where we do and that all of our basic needs get met each and every day. 

Not only does my family have a cozy apartment that shelters us from the cold and provides a peaceful place to sleep, but we always have food to eat for every meal, hot water whenever we need it, and transportation to get us where we need to go. It's easy to take those things for granted, but we need to remember that not everyone has some or all of these things.

Day 5: Today I'm thankful for knowing that when my time on Earth is up, I will get to spend eternity with Jesus. Praying for all those affected by the horrible tragedy in Texas.

Day 6: Thankful that I have a daughter who has the gift of encouragement. We have befriended an elderly widow in our building and every time Faith sees her, Faith has an encouraging word for her. It is definitely one of Faith's superpowers!

Day 7: It has been a desire of our hearts for Faith to find a group of kids that she could comfortably socialize with, and I am so thankful she has found that at Inspire Collective! Thank you so much Nicole Elliott and also her teachers, Melissa Hyatt, Beth Eidahl, Julie Hathaway, and all the other moms involved for doing this every week!

Day 8: I used to want to have a lot of friends but now I realize the quality of friendships is much more important than the quantity. So thankful for the few good friends I have that I can be completely honest with, laugh with, pray with, and cry with.

Day 9: I'm thankful for my marriage and that my husband is a prayer warrior who loves God's word and seeks His truth. I pray that God continues to use the two of us together to advance His Kingdom.

Day 10: Thankful that even though Faith has a bad cold, and her back molars are making her feel even more miserable, she is still trying to maintain a positive attitude. Please say a prayer that she gets a good sleep tonight.

Day 11: Thankful for all those in the Armed Forces that have served or are serving in the military. Our nation is blessed to have the many freedoms that it does and much of it is thanks to our veterans and the sacrifices they have made.

 

Day 12: I'm truly thankful for the opportunity to gather with other believers and worship the King. There is nothing like His presence and it is always encouraging to hear so many amazing testimonies! Blessed beyond belief to serve such an amazing GOD!!!! 

 

Day 13: I am super thankful I have not caught Faith's cold (like her dad has). I'm doing everything in my power - including lots of prayer - not to get sick! 

Day 14: Sometimes I think it would be nice to have certain gifts, like the ability to sing, or to play an instrument really well. But then I realize I need to be thankful for the ones God has given me and that He wants me to use those particular gifts for His glory. So today I thank God for gifting me with the ability to write. I hope and pray that He allows me to minister and bless others through this gift He has given to me.

Day 15: Faith went to the dentist today and I'm very thankful she has such great teeth, not to mention a beautiful smile!

Day 16: I have to admit I don't rest very well - there is always something I "should be doing." But today I'm thankful that since wasn't feeling the best, I was able to do just that!

Day 17: Faith has had a lot of struggles with getting good sleep through the years, so I am very thankful her sleep has greatly improved and now sometimes she'll sleep for 10 straight hours, which used to be unheard of for her. At one time she had memorized the following Bible verse and used to recite it before going to bed.

Day 18: Thankful for my husband and daughter supporting me in my freelance writing endeavors - especially in the midst of always helping me to meet my deadlines!

Day 19: I'm so thankful that God never fails to meet my needs. 

Day 20: Thankful that God sees me and all my struggles and that He's always just a prayer away.

Day 21: This is one of my favorite Bible verses and I'm so thankful, not just today but every day, for all the truths it contains.

Day 22: Even though it's definitely a challenge, I am thankful that we've decided to homeschool our daughter. It's just so awesome to see the progress she is making!

Day 23: Today and every day I'm thankful for my parents whose love and support throughout the years have meant the world to me. I'm blessed that they live so close and that we can go to their home for family gatherings to eat, laugh, relax, and just enjoy each other's company. I'm also very thankful that they are in good health so that they can fully enjoy their grandchildren and great grandchildren! I pray God continues to bless them abundantly!

Day 24: Thankful to serve a God who can restore what has been broken and take what the enemy meant for bad and turn it into something good. 

Day 25: Every time I hear my daughter sing, I'm thankful. One of the reasons I'm so grateful is because at one time we weren't even sure she would be able to talk, let alone sing. We were told she would be nonverbal, but God had other plans! Hearing her sing (especially worship songs) truly fills my heart with joy!

Day 26: Feeling thankful to have such an amazing mother, father, and sister-in-law. They truly are treasures and I'm so glad to have such a wonderful relationship with each of them.

Day 27: It's never fun to go through tough situations or experience difficult challenges. That being said, I'm thankful that God does allow us to go through such things because sometimes it's the only way to become the person He has destined us to be and instill in us the qualities He desires for us to have.

Day 28: I'm thankful for good days (like today) when things are so peaceful, and everything goes according to schedule.

Day 29: I am thankful for my husband and especially his words of affirmation and the encouragement he has given me through the years to pursue God's plan for my life. His prayers give me strength to continue to fight the many battles that have come our way and to never give up! 

 

Day 30: Ever since I was a baby diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, I have had many people praying for me. I can honestly say that the prayers of those righteous men and women were effective! I am so thankful for the people that continue to pray for me, and also for my daughter.