As the year is coming to an end, you’ll find those who are starting to prepare their New Year’s Resolutions.  However tempting it is to fall into the “habit” of making yet another promise to myself that I don’t keep, I urge everyone, instead, to simply just be thankful.  Instead of worrying what the new year is going to bring, be thankful for everything that the previous year has already brought.

I haven’t written in a while, so I figured I’d stop by and say a few words and maybe share a few things that I’m thanking God for this year:

1.   With all of the worry and commotion going on this year with the Swine Flu, I’m thanking God for my health.  He’s kept me out of harm’s way and out of the hospitals.  lol

2.  The Lord has also blessed me this year by keeping me safe during all of my travels this year.

3.  He has also provided for me earlier this year and gave me the strength to get through a hard time, financially, as I was faced with a hard decision of whether or not to move back home.

4.  God continues to show his ever amazing presence in Curtis and my relationship, blessing us with the strength to overcome the bad times and praise him for the good.

5.  While living back at home wasn’t my ideal plan, God’s plan had something different in store for me as my relationships with both my mom and dad continue to grow and become what they should have been years ago.

6.  Earlier this year, with God’s hand in it all, I made one of the hardest and yet the best decision of my life: to go back to school.  The Lord has continued to bless me as I have just completed my first semester back in two years…so far, carrying a 4.0 GPA!!  PRAISE GOD!!

7.  I would also like to thank God for blessing me with a wonderful second family, as Curtis’ family has come to feel a lot more like my own.  I think my name will forever be “Giggles” with that family…haha!  Thanks to Curtis’ dad for giving it to me.  =)

8.  I spent a lot of time in prayer this year, feeling somewhat alone for not having many girl friends to spend time with anymore as many of my friends are away at college.  God had yet another plan in store for me when I went to college, blessing me by bringing two really awesome young Christian women to my “doorstep.”  I foresee the three of us continuing on in our walks with God together and being great supporters and motivators for each other as we go through our years at school.  Thank-you, girls, for being there.

9.  This may sound a bit odd, but I really thank God for my animals.  I cannot even begin to describe how much of an animal-lover I am.  Furthermore, I cannot even describe how good it feels to come home after a really bad day at work or school and be loved unconditionally by your pet (especially a dog).  Some days, I couldn’t care less about talking to anyone when I got home…but I’m always greeted with sweet, quiet meows from my cats.  Sounds silly, I know…but I’m very thankful for them.  =)

The list is endless, but I just wanted to share a few things with you all.  If you took the time to read this, make a comment below and share one or two things that you would like to thank God for this year.  His presence in our lives is endless if we just continue to allow him to help.  Bring everything to him, with an open heart, in prayer.  I promise you that He will answer, but understand that it may not always be the answer that you wanted to hear.

I wish everyone a blessed Christmas.  Enjoy this special time in thanking God for sending his son to take all of our burdens upon His shoulders.

I’ll be praying for every one’s safety in their travels during the Christmas season, and have a wonderful New Year!