Thankful Thursday ~ 11/11/10

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God."  2 Corinthians 2:14-17

My pastor preached on this passage recently and he challenged us to write down 10 things we are thankful for each day for 40 days.  I haven't been all that faithful in writing these down since his sermon last Sunday, but I have tried to have a more grateful attitude each day. 

Today, I am thankful for:

• Military personnel and their spouses and families who sacrifice so much to serve and protect this great country.
• A godly mother-in-law who taught me how to laugh louder, live harder, and love more deeply.  I can still smell the fragrance of Christ that she left behind.  She went to be with Jesus 4 years ago this week and I'm thankful she's at home with Him.  We miss her so much, but we hold dearly to the knowledge that we will see her again one day.
• A Sovereign, Faithful God.
• Not having to worry about how I might get my next meal.
• Having a closet bursting full of clothes.  So many clothes that I have to actually give some of them away. 
• Having a roof over my head and shelter from incoming storms.  Haiti has once again been on my heart and mind with the recent hurricane and cholera outbreak. 
• Brave, courageous families who give of their lives to care for orphans.  (Check out those 3 links to see 3 of those amazing families!)
• Pastor Traylor, who just celebrated 20 years with us at Olive Baptist Church.  I'm grateful for a man of integrity who preaches the Word of God and actually lives it out.
• A workplace where I can share Jesus any time the Spirit leads. 
• My husband, who works so very hard to provide for our family.  He puts in long hours, but still makes time for me and Ella.  She is going to remember all the breakfasts he's cooked for her, the soccer games he attended and the basketball games he coached.  He's a special man and I'm extremely thankful that God brought the two of us together.

I wanted to also share Ella's list.  So sweet.  And, she made her list before I made mine!

• My cousin, Lucas.
• The Bible.
• My friends.
• My family.
• That Jesus died on the cross for us.
• Food to eat.
• A house to live in.
• My school.
• Animals.
• A beautiful day.

Father God, we come to You with grateful hearts, knowing that we do not deserve any of these gifts.  We pray that we will live a life that pleases and honors You, the giver of all good things.  Amen.