Gratitude Challenge: Day One

There is a blog that changed my life. This beautiful woman of God speaks so much truth, wisdom, and HOPE. Jesus is so evident in her words, her passion, her life. It was through this blog that I began to realize who Jesus has called me to be, and healing began to take place. It was through this blog that I would be consistently encouraged and challenged that God is molding me through pain and suffering. And it was also through this blog that I saw the everlasting hope and love that pours forth from the heart of God. I got to meet Emily a couple months ago. It was such a privilege. an honor. I have immeasurable amounts of respect for sweet Emily. Her life is marked by hope, perseverance, and grace. Last year, beautiful Emily over at www.sothankful4.blogspot.com began a gratitude challenge~ a daily documentation through the entire month of November detailing the things she was grateful for each day. This year, she's doing it again! and I'm joining her! I encourage you to do the same, and really allow gratitude to become a lifestyle, letting thankfulness seep into who you are and who you are becoming.

SO.
Today,

~ I am thankful for the smiles of the children, for the feel of their arms strangling my neck, for the trust I see in their eyes... for the peace I see in their faces when they sleep, for the joy in their faces when you tell them you're proud of them, for the simple fact that they are alive.

~I am thankful for cleaning and washing and tidying and and making it all just simple and quiet.

~I am thankful for Advil, hot tea, and rosemary candles.

~I am thankful for days where you can't imagine it getting any better... and then it does.

~I am thankful for for insulin, needles, and the ability to check blood sugar levels. Seriously. It keeps so many sweet children and adults breathing and functioning and living life. In the words of the precious little boy I babysit, "without this needle, I could have to say goodbye to mommy and daddy and sissy and mimi and papa forever. but instead I get to be alive!" Whoa.

Thank you, Jesus. You.Are.So.Good.