Thankful

These days the most overwhelming feeling that I have is being thankful. Thankful for the wonderful blessings that I have. Thankful for my family. Thankful for my friends. But most importantly, thankful for a loving God who has watched over me and protected me when I wasn't smart enough to do it myself.

I spent so much time surviving. Where making it through the day was a struggle. It's hard when your peace has gone. Step by step, little by little- that peace has returned. And where there was once no peace, no understanding, heartache and grief, there is now peace, understanding, gratitude, love, and joy. God will give you double for your trouble, if you remain faithful.

Now, I am no longer focused on surviving, but thriving. It's such a great feeling to be able to enjoy your life. Maybe you have never been in the position where life was unbearable, so you may not know what I am talking about. Maybe you know full well what it's like and know exactly where I am coming from.

Sometimes life takes you on an unexpected journey. Little did I know last Thanksgiving when I sent a text message to a dear, dear friend over the holidays to catch up, that I would find a relationship with one of the best people I know. I wasn't in the market for a boyfriend. Wasn't interested in going down that road anytime soon. However, I believe God had bigger plans for me and David. He placed in my life again a man I have known virtually since birth. A man who I have loved for ages. A man who has been a great and close friend throughout our lives. A man I was so smitten with in kindergarten that I bestowed a kiss upon for winning a game of colors on the computer.A man I am still smitten with today. A man that I am truly grateful for.

This weekend, I got to spend time with people that are near and dear to my heart. My brother Brad and his wife Nicole came up to stay with us on Friday night. Stacey has a friend that plays in a local band and they were playing at a local restaurant in Thomasville. I am so glad that Brad and Nicole were able to come and hang out with us.

I was also glad that my sweet, sweet friend Lorraine was able to join us as well.

I was happy that I could introduce her to my brother and sister-in-law and to David. We had a wonderful evening and a great Saturday doing nothing but lounging around the house watching movies and hanging out. It truly made my heart happy.

Blessings come in many shapes and forms. They come in the form of family and friends who love and support you. They come from prayers- both answered and unanswered. They can come from situations. A new job when you need it. That $20 you found in an old pair of jeans. A word of encouragement from a stranger when you really need one.

I have been truly blessed. I have two wonderful parents who love me and more importantly who love each other. To have two great role models to guide and teach me and to raise me in a Christian home is a great blessing. I have a brother who I know would bend over backwards for me and who I can claim as my best friend. I have my beautiful cousin Stacey in my life. I would die for that girl, I love her so much. I have two wonderful grandmothers that I deeply cherish. I also have a wonderful boyfriend that was raised by two amazing parents. They truly raised a man who is a gentleman. Who is full of integrity, honor, and strength. I have a wonderful job and an employer who cares about me and appreciates all that I do. I have countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and a nephew who I can't imagine my life without. I also have a church family who has loved and supported me. I am truly a blessed girl.

Sorry if this post is too mushy this morning. I am just feeling extremely thankful today. One of my favorite hymns is Count Your Blessings, so this morning I felt that I needed to name them one by one.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Counting your blessings is a good way to start the week. What are you thankful for? Time to name them one by one!