Give Thanks

In the midst of school and work and the craziness of life, I have learned to find beauty, purpose and peace in all things. And sometimes it doesn't hurt to just take a break from it all and go hiking!!!

I love, love, love this guy and am beyond thankful for him! Because of him, I am able to view life differently. He is my rock and I can always count on him to make me laugh! Seriously, even I am just now realizing how funny this guy is. He is the only one who can make me laugh when I am in a sour mood...and he doesn't even have to try! I wish that I could record him singing the theme song (with made up words) to One Tree Hill, or record him Egyptian dancing in the living room to get my attention...or post a picture of him trying on my new red skinny jeans! God knew what he was doing when He put us together...

And here are the trees that I was talking about in my last post....they are not near as vibrant as they were in October, and the colors have gone from bright yellows and pinks to dark reds and oranges, but you can still see how bold the colors are. I don't understand how someone could see something like this and not believe in the existence of our Creator. 

I am thankful for each one of these crazy people. My mom is my best friend, and the person that I can talk to about anything. Because of her role in my life, I know what it means to be a great wife, and I will make a great mother because of her example. My dad is so supportive...and absolutely hilarious. I knew when looking for a husband, that I wanted to find one that embodied dad's spirit. Joe is completely different from my father, but he treats me just like my dad would want me to be treated..like a princess. I am also thankful for my little, bigger than me, brothers! They are growing up to be really good guys, and they make me proud!

I am so thankful for my family in general. I was raised with so much love and support around me. I never went without. I have lived an amazing life thus far. I have wonderful grandparents, a special Mimi, and a godly great-grandmother. I have great aunts (great (as in wonderful) aunts and great-aunts (as in grandfathers sisters)! so...great great-aunts?), uncles, and cousins, and now I have great in-laws and a bigger extended family! I am so thankful that Joe's family and I mesh well together. 

Lastly, I am just thankful for a loving, forgiving Father. You may be rejoicing or feel like the world is doomed because of the results of the Presidential election, but no matter what "party" you represent, don't forget that "the spirit gives you life...the flesh counts for nothing."-John 6:63. God's will has been done whether you can admit that or not. God has revealed over and over to me the past few weeks that this Earthly life that I am living pales in comparison to the glory of Heaven....while that is true, I can still be a light in this earthly life. I pray that my life is driven by conviction and not convenience. I pray that I can remember to encourage, thank and love every person around me so that I can reveal a heart that has been forgiven. 

Everyone has something to be thankful of this November....let your gratitude for Christ shine through your daily actions so that you can spread the light in this world. 

Samantha