{giving thanks}

so much to be thankful for this year. here's a run down of just a few things for which i am so gratful:

* my faith, my GOD who loves me and comforts me even when i feel uncomfortable.

* my husband. our relationship and the many many things he does to make our house a home. his love and desire to be a man of God. his funny jokes, annoying habits, and love for cookies.

* my family ... here, there, and everywhere. the roles they play in my life, the bond we share, and the love that travels miles and miles by way of phone calls, e-mails, and cards.

* lifetime friendships - the kind that never grow old, just continue to grow and develop into something more special as the years go by.

* my church. the home we've found there and the surprising relationships we've formed. the truths that are taught, the lessons learned, and even the occasional toe-stepping when i feel that twinge of GOD pointing to an area in my life that requires some work. so thankful that we have a church where we feel loved and needed.

* my blog - it has been such a wonderful outlet for me. even if nobody ever read this thing, it is a memory tracker, a recorder of life. a place where i can return over and over again when i need to talk. and of course the blog buddies i've made along the way are such a treasure to me!

* unemployment (huh?!). it has offered us the opportunity to: see things for what they truly are - moments of clarity; removed the clouds of uncertainty and required us to see past hurt and disappointment; reinforced the meanings of integrity and loyalty; brought me and trevor closer together and strengthened our marriage; see one door close in our face and see the opportunities of the world on the other side of that door. it has broken our hearts and in the process helped us heal. what a wonderful lesson i wouldn't ever want to go through again.

to all of you who are celebrating the thanksgiving holiday, i wish you a day filled with laughter and love. family and friends. good eats followed by good treats. a day full of blessings.

God Bless!

~HB