Blessed Beyond Measure

With Thanksgiving approaching, I am contemplating the blessings in my life. I am always aware of many of the blessings, but searching for something else to thank God for each day of the month really makes me look for things I don't see every day of my life.

I challenge you all to take a moment each day this month to look into your life and thank God for the abundant blessings He's poured out for you.

To catch up, here is my list.

Day 1: I am eternally thankful for my God, who loves me no matter how big of a brat I am. I have done some things in my life that I regret, that make me wonder where my head was, and definitely things I knew God would not like. Even so, He washed those things from my past, choosing not to remember. He looks past my imperfections to see my potential. Now, THAT, my friends, is love.

Day 2: My husband is incredible and so much more than I ever expected. I had little heart "breaks" along the road of life, but Clay leaves me wondering why I ever gave anyone else a second glance.

This is the song I walked down the aisle to. It's one of my favorites of all time and describes exactly how I feel: God aligned our lives to fit His plan for us and Clay is exceedingly more than I could ask for.
"You're my unfathomable precious unimaginable joy
And you're exceedingly and abundantly more than I could ask for
With your hand in mine, we will pass through time and space
And every second, every minute, every hour of every day, I'll say
My unfailing love for you will not be moved."

"He tells a story of a King coming in glory and He is
And that same Man who devised that plan united ours with His
And so hand in hand, we will walk with Him as our two become as one
And all the promises He promises to us He promises will never be undone."



Day 3: My mom was only 19 and in a marriage to a man who wasn't ready to be a husband or dad when she had me. She worked hard to ensure I had everything I needed. Before I was born, she committed me to the Lord, telling Him she knew I was His child and He was giving her the opportunity to raise me for Him. She's taken this approach throughout my life, teaching me about God and leading me to Him when I need advice or instruction.

For instance, when I was in ninth grade, I tried out for color guard, and to my surprise, made it. During band camp that summer, there was a move I could not get. I felt defeated and spent a few hours in the locker room of the middle school gym crying. When I told my mom I felt like I needed to quit, she told me to pray about it. I took her advice and when I went back to the yard with my flag, I nailed it! Because of that, I don't only believe "practice makes perfect," but that "prayer and practice make perfect."

Day 4: My family is too big to list individually, but I have been blessed beyond measure in this department. My grandparents are the rocks that hold our family together. My grandmother is one of my best friends and definitely my favorite shopping buddy. I love that she calls me Pewinkle; it just makes me feel so special! My granddaddy is serious when he needs to be, but most of the time, he's cracking jokes. He's one of the funniest people I've ever met! I have great aunts and uncles that are there when I need them. I have 10 cousins on my mom's side, all of which I love so much. I'm right in the middle of all the cousins, so I feel like I'm especially close to all of them. I think of 3 of my cousins, Trisha, Abbie, and Jayme, more like sisters than cousins.

Being that I grew up in North Carolina and my parents were divorced, I didn't get much time with my dad's side of the family. While I talked to my grandmother a good bit, I didn't have a relationship with the majority of the family. I loved them and knew they loved me, but I never rarely saw them and talked to them even less seldom. When my dad was in ICU in 2008, I realized I had to build relationships with him and his side of the family. I hate that my dad had to suffer such pain (story later) in order for us to begin piecing together a relationship, but since he's a-okay, I'm so thankful God repaired hearts and began working between us.

Day 5: I realize I've already discussed family, but now, I'm part of another family: Clay's! So many people have problems with their in-laws, but I'm so grateful I don't fit in that category. His dad and stepmom have made me feel like part of the family since the day I met them. It's comfortable for me and feels like home away from home. Clay's mom is precious and tells me she loves me each time we talk. His brother and sister are awesome and so are all of their kids. I am so, so blessed to be a part of the family!

Day 6: Dogs are generally useless, unless you're a farmer and have a shepherd or have a dog that would actually protect your house instead of licking an intruder to death. I, for one, do not have a dog that fits in to either category, but these two little girls are two of the most precious creatures alive. When I'm sick, I can depend on a black, furry nurse and when I'm upset, I have a tan, furry buddy to lick away tears. There's nothing greater than the feeling of coming home to two "people" who are excited to see you. The little quirks in their personalities and the silly little things they do bring so much joy to my life.

Day 7: After a bout with identity theft, I am even more grateful for my car. I was able to buy a car for myself last July. I never thought that day would come when I first checked my credit in 2008 to find someone had racked up over $8,000 of debt for me and had even attempted to buy a car.

So, what are you thankful for?