Blessings

I have been having a stressfull time here lately and I ought to be ashamed at how I am handling it and how I let it affect my well-being. When I take the time to look at all the blessings in my life, they surely outnumber my problems. Not even counting the BIG blessings if we just took the time to look at the small blessings we get every day, we all would all feel more blessed than what we do. Just waking up is a huge blessing! My dad was not so lucky just two years ago...went to bed and never woke up....so yes, waking up counts as a blessing. Food to eat, roof over our heads, a job to go to ..... all blessings... here's a few that I should remember more often: dirty dishes means you have food to eat and clothes that fit a little tighter than before means you have more than you need. I am so thankful for so many things, but the big ones that come to mind:

My salvation - that unmerited grace...where would I be without it??? Which brings me to..

My mom - she always took us to church. My dad was in the Air Force, so alot of times he was away and it was just her and four "doorstep" children. For the longest, she did not know how to drive, but somehow we always managed to get to church. With all that against her, it would have been easier to stay home, but to her that was not an option! Thanks Mom!

My dad - for being strong when you needed to be and soft when you needed to be. My daddy taught me so much about working, keeping your name clean, and so many others. My dad said what he meant and meant what he said. You never had to guess with him. While this was not as easy to understand as a teen, as an adult and parent, I wish I was alot more like him. He was old school and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible.

My husband...well as most people would agree, we are different in so many ways. I would not have even put us together, but somehow we have mananged to pull it off for 27+ years. My husband is a very hard worker and can probably work harder than most 20 years olds...he got that from his daddy. He was a hard worker too! I sure need to remember that when he comes home and becomes zombie like in front of the TV. He is always tired, but if I got up at 2:00 to head to work, then I would be tired too! I can honestly say I love him more today than the day I married him.

My girls - While my girls are no where near perfect, they are to me. I can honestly say that they have never given me any real problems other than the normal teen stuff...you know like attitude and such....seemed huge at the time, but looking back, I was blessed. Both have excelled academically and have a great work ethic! They both make me very proud to be there mom.

My family and "in-law" family - I have the best family ever. I have no doubt that I could call any of my brothers and sister or in-laws and they would help me out if they were able. I have the best in-laws that I could ever ask for. My kids have been ( and still are ) blessed with wonderful grandparents in my in laws.

My best friend - I have know my best friend since Kelly was not quite 1 year old and she is about to turn 26. She is the one person who probably knows me inside and out. I love her dearly. I feel sorry for others who do not have a besty. You know, I love my hubby, but sometimes you just need a girlfriend to hear you out and this dear soul has listened to me so much through the years. She has been a gift from God.

My church, my pastor, and my church family: My church means the world to me!

So take a few minutes to count your blessings....name them one by one!

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits.

Psalms 68:19