Giving Thanks

This past Thanksgiving has gotten me into a thankful mood, especially since my attitude was pretty negative towards school this first part of the semester. I feel that God is teaching me so much about focusing on what He has provided for me and what His Will is right now, rather than focusing on what I do not have or what is going to happen in the future. There are many blessings He has given me but when times are tough, I can act like a toddler who has gotten their toys taken away! I would like to list the things I am thankful for:
1. A Christian family. I am thankful that my whole family knows the Lord and encourage each other in our walks. We spent our holiday in Lake Charles, LA cooking, eating, watching movies, laying around, and laughing.
2. My church. I am so thankful for a pastor who is warm and relational. I can see his heart every time he preaches. I am also thankful for our singles pastor and the teacher of my Bible study class. These men are so committed to sharing the Word of God and connecting to singles.
3. My job. There are so many people struggling to get jobs or have reason as to why they cannot have a job. I am thankful the Lord has given me an able, willing body and mind to apply to teaching. I complain about the things I wish I had but really, He has provided me with an excellent income. I just have to be a good steward!
4. My students. I love to watch them learn! They are teaching me about patience and how to talk to others with respect. I also really enjoy getting involved in their little worlds. They love to tell me about their lives and I love to ask the questions! I keep imagining what they will be like in high school and college. All grown up and stuff.
5. Friends. This is the first time in a long time I have had some solid Christian friendships. It has taken a while to build them because God wanted me to make Him my best friend first before He could bless me with others. These friends have been such an encouragement to me! They have laughed with me, cried with me, prayed for me, listened to me and been supportive of me. I always look forward to the quality time we will have.
6. My walk with the Lord. Wow! What would I do with Christ? I do not want to go back to that place! I am so thankful for His Word and how I always learn something new when I open it up. He is so faithful to carry me through the storms, build my character, and forgive me again and again. I am learning to trust Him with all my desires and make His desires mine. He continues to teach me new things, day by day. Even though being a first year teacher is incredibly challenging, I am glad for the hard times because now I am more dependent on Him.
7. My country. Even though there things I may take issue with as far as the government goes, I would not live anywhere else. We have freedom to worship here and proclaim that He is Lord. We have freedom of speech. Women have freedom to be a part of society and contribute our gifts. The government does not control every aspect of our lives and we can have a say in that.
8. My state. I know, I know, we Texans are so proud to be from Texas but it is true. I love that we are the biggest state! I love the Southern hospitality of Houstonians, the great BBQ, the Fall and Spring weather, the conservatism, low cost of living, and endless options for everything! It would be hard to live somewhere else.

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.."
Hebrews 12:28