My Thankful List Last Year

One of the last posts that I wrote in 2011 was this. And since in November I love to recount reasons for gratitude to God, it bears repeating...
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So thankful for...

*the Lord Jesus Christ, without whom we would have no hope in this world, or the one to come. but with whom we have forgiveness for all our sins.

So thankful for...
*the unveiling of sin that humbles me
*the kindness of God that draws me
*the work of the Spirit that gives me repentance
*the tenderness of my Savior that welcomes me back
*and new mercies every day to press forward.

So thankful for...
*growing up with a dad that made me work
*the welcoming embrace of loved ones
*small white lights on Christmas trees
*a church where Christ is exalted and proclaimed
*and the way God uses other believers to make me grow

So thankful for...
*the inviting call of the Gospel to unworthy sinners
*paper snowflakes
*kids who serve when no one makes them
*the loss of stuff that we are tempted to trust in
*and how God uses children to kill some of our selfishness and pride.

So thankful for...
*the comfort of God's sovereign control
*crisp, juicy apples dipped in peanut butter
*photos of my kids when they were little
*the way the saints at CBC sing their hearts out
*and the way God has always provided for our needs.

So thankful for...
*God's work in my children's hearts
*beautiful sunsets
*family vacations
*the hope that comes with a new day
*and the big impact of little acts of kindness.

So thankful for...
*crocheted scarves
*Hebrews 4:14-16
*20-something years of music from Steven Curtis Chapman
*drinking my brewed coffee out of my favorite Starbucks cup
*and the diverse beauty God created in His world.

So thankful for...
*the comfort of the Psalms
*the timeless musings of C.H. Spurgeon
*the way little girls dance around when they are happy
*the blended wet colors of traffic lights on the road in the rain
*and the love my children have for their Daddy.

So thankful for...
*the well-captured images that come out of my daughter's camera
*the brilliant, breath-taking colors of fall
*cream cheese, avocado, and tomato on dark rye
*the entertaining things that Caleb says
*and the steady joy and peace that Christ gives in trials.

So thankful for...
*the body of Christ
*teeny, tiny newborn baby feet
*cups of steaming spiced apple cider
*family and friends who help celebrate happy times
*and God's amazing ability to answer my prayers in a way that surprises me.

So thankful for.....
*a break from school work
*dark chocolate
*friends that are intentionally encouraging
*watching God transform people's lives
*and new adventures :- )