Thanksgiving

I love autumn. Such a beautiful time of the year, but then again there's always something wonderful about each season. I'm just going to talk on this one so sit back, sigh, and wish you didn't have to read this.... ;-)

I've been thinking about how everybody has so many troubles and worries. It could be having enough money to pay all your bills, not making enough money, taking care of your kids, getting through the school year with good grades, paying for school. Countless things. But even amidst all the worries there are so many things to be thankful for!

Since I had the line infection, Ive gotten sick and can't shake it off. It's wearing me down making it harder for me to eat and drink what I need. The result, I'm still on seven days of TPN with extremely increased calories to help me gain. But that makes my already vulnerable liver in more danger b/c of the extra fat and infusing for seven days. Even though I am discouraged and worried about what will happen next, I am so thankful to be alive. I'm alive to be with Ben and see my parents, siblings, niece and nephews, and my friends. I'm alive to grow closer to God and help others along the way. I'm alive to show God I love Him. I'm here today for a reason. Being sick doesn't mean my life has ended. Being sick doesn't mean I can't do what God has planned for me. Being sick doesn't mean I can never be a use to anybody. Being sick is not a handicap. It's another worry like everybody else has. There is still plenty to be thankful for!

My mom is the wisest woman I know. She has taught me so much and there's more I still need to learn from her. I'm thankful for this extra time with her. I don't know how we could have gotten closer, but I believe we did. She has helped me through all the bad times - always helping, always encouraging. It has been a gift to be here. I'm thankful to have been able to hold Braxton and Rheed when they were born instead of having to wait for a pic by phone. I'm thankful for getting to know and play with Arianna. I'm thankful that Dad and I have gotten closer. I'm thankful to have been able to see Daniel more. I'm thankful I was here to see Adam's family and get to hang out with them. I'm thankful that Aaron helped me come back from Texas while he was sick! I'm thankful for being around Tonya more. I'm thankful I was here with Crystal before she died. I'm thankful that I'm writing again! and that God has given me times when I could paint! A huge huge gift to me! I'm thankful for the absolutely perfect leave Ben and I had. It was like a dream. It was exactly what we needed to survive the last little bit. I'm thankful that I will be going home to Ben soon!!! I love you, Ben. :-)

So I'm challenging everybody to think of all the things to be thankful for. And be happy! Not sad or worried. It's easier said than done, but seriously, what does worry accomplish?! Absolutely nothing. All it does is make us a nervous wreck. God is still in control even when it feels like the whole world is falling apart and there's no one to pick up the pieces. We just need to trust Him. He's better at His job than we could ever be. Every time we try to be in control things go haywire. Anyway, I'm praying for you guys. And when I'm down remind me of what I just wrote. ;-)

Take care everybody. Happy Thanksgiving! Go eat some turkey with all the trimmings! And don't forget all the desserts.... Yum!