As I sit down to reflect on 2010 and the year it has been...I find my heart filled with gratitude.
- I am grateful for my Savior. I am in awe of how God works and the lengths at which God will go to bring us back to Him...no matter how distant we feel from Him. The love, peace, and joy I have felt in the midst of whatever I might be going through, no matter how dark my circumstances seem has been simply incredible. I've learned that sometimes God is even more present in my life on the darkest of days. I am grateful for that and for the New Life that I have found in the One who guides my way with His light.
- I am grateful that life isn't always easy, but it's worth it. This year has been a continuous struggle for me personally but because of the difficulties I have faced, I am closer to God because I've had to trust in Him more than I ever had before. It's a good thing in a way, and I am so grateful that I can place my hope in Jesus because I know He will not let me down.
- I am grateful for time. Although time goes by quickly, I will forever cherish the time I am able to spend with those that I love so deeply. As this year has been a reality check in understanding that my loved ones won't be here on earth forever, I am grateful that in the end Jesus has won and death is overcome.
- I am grateful for the love that I receive from my family and friends. Through their love, I know that Jesus loves me.
- I am grateful for the ways in which God has and is moving in my life and in the lives of those around me. I went from longing to feel God's presence to feeling it in a tangible, incredible way.
- I am grateful for all the days of this year. The days that I laughed, cryed tears of joy and of heartache, the days that I felt good and the ones I felt bad, the happy days, and the not so happy days.
- I am grateful that God understands our prayers even when we don't have the words to say them. There have been countless times this year where I have layed in bed, with no words, and simply cried. I know that God knows my heart and I am so thankful for that.
- I am grateful for the people who are willing to listen to me, encourage me, laugh with me, cry with me, and pray for me.
- I am grateful that my life isn't what I thought it would be, and that it is more than I could have ever imagined.
- I am grateful that although I may not have the answers, God does. I am grateful that although I am uncertain, my God is not. I am grateful that God never ever lets go of me.
- I am grateful that I'm learning. Although, it's been a struggle for me, I am trusting and trying to understand that my plans for me might be different from God's plans for me. And although they may not match up, I know that God's plans for me are far greater than my plans for myself...and I just need to trust that He will lead me so that I can live the life that God has prepared for me.
- I am grateful for those who have shown me Jesus. For those who understand my pain, for those who see past my faults and see my potential, and for those who love me no matter what. I know that my God is real because there are people in this world who have shown me His love. Thank you.....to my mother, and my aunt, Terri.....and especially to my Mawmaw. These three women are my heroes, my inspirations, and my constant sources of love and encouragement. Forever grateful.
- I am grateful that... God can turn my trials into victories. God turns my mourning into dancing. God turns my sadness into joy. God turns my sorrow into strength. God gives my uneasy heart a tremendous feeling of peace. God understands my pain and can take it all away. God hears my prayers. God's timing is more than perfect, although sometimes that is difficult to understand. God has a plan for me and my life. God loves me unconditionally. God knows my heart. And God is always with me.
- I am grateful for a year that has taught me so much about life in general. I am grateful for all that God has done...and I am grateful that the best is yet to come. Here's to 2011.
