A Reminder.

It's the time of year where the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over and life is getting back into a routine. Gifts have been put away and resolutions are being tested. I think it's good to frequently remember that we have much to be thankful for, not just at the holidays, but year-round. The world is changing, our country is changing and there is much out there that can get you down. That's why I've decided to make a list of the things that I'm thankful for. I want to remind you what keeps me going, and of course, I want to hear what keeps you going. Make a list. Somehow writing it out makes you think how trivial all those complaints are.

1. Our Lord God
2. Jesus, who suffered and died in our place
3. A Christian Family- parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins
4. My husband, who is a great partner and a wonderful father
5. My Children, the two most wonderful children God has ever made (in my opinion)
6. Friends, who we know we can rely on for help, support, or friendship
7. Our Church Family
8. The Lord has provided for all our needs, and most of the time some of our wants
9. Our Jobs, however much we don't like them at times, it is good to remember that we have them
10. Our house, it's warm and is filled with way more than we need
11. A car that keeps running on minimal maintenance
12. Health- asthma, allergies, breathing treatments, back pain...seriously...those are minimal issues, I have nothing to complain about
13. Nearly free college education- work is paying for most of it... it's taking a lot of my time, but it's free
14. Living in a free country and those people who have sacrificed their time and lives to keep it that way- just watch the news, would you want to live in any of those places?

And for the fun things I'm thankful for:
1. Nap time
2. Starbucks
3. Borders
4. Shopping
5. My new camera
6. Living not too far from my family
7. Guitar hero (I'm sure we'll be getting this soon. Travis thinks we need to spend more time together and that this is just what we need!)
8. My iPod
9. Sleep
10. Shoes and shoe stores
11. Shopping with my Mom
12. Shopping with Sophie
13. Red (the color)
14. Books

I could list more. I just wanted to remind you to have a good year. Nearly everything on my list could be taken from me tomorrow, but number one and two will never be taken from me (or you.) It's important to remember that although there are hardships in this world, we are here on a temporary basis, and are meant for more than just mere existence. Contentment is also not the answer. Change your mind about your life, and then start to help others change theirs.