Thanks for Giving 2

Random Quote: "Over and over I marvel at the blessings of my life: Each year has grown better than the last." ~Lawrence Welk

     I'm still on the road to Thanksgiving. In my last post, I told you my top two reasons for being thankful. The first, my relationship with Jesus Christ (Yeshua) and the second was my family, but more specifically my mom. I have broken down the next few days of November and seven more reasons for me to "feel the joy". 

     #3: I am thankful for my dad. Remember in the last post, Thanks for Giving, I told you I would break down my thankfulness for my family by acknowledging a few people instead of clumping them all into one category. My dad has always been a great friend. He has taught me many valuable lessons including: how to make the best cinnamon-sugar toast, how to drive a manual (practice and test in three weeks and still passed!), the intricate knowledge of chess (a wonderfully fun game which I am still losing), a love of reading and writing, and the ability to never give up (even when I really want to). I love hanging out with dad and learning new things. 

     #4: I am very thankful for my brother Jason. He is always super humorous and fun to be around. He tells the funniest tales and never allows himself to get down. Well, I'm certain he has the ability, but he doesn't let it overtake him. He is a great role model on bouncing back from something that doesn't go well. He makes the best of every situation and tries to find the humor in it. Jason has excelled past anything I may have taught him as a tiny tot, and now he teaches me. Jason is a great perpetuator of positivity and finding the silver lining. He always makes me smile. It's interesting how the younger brother kind of takes over as an older brother. He shares his knowledge and kindness and gives me new lessons to think upon.

     #5: I am thankful for my sister, Alana, as well. She is very positive and finds the humorous in the most outrageous situations. She is really hardworking and kind to others. Alana is also one of those people that can make anyone her new best friend. She has an extremely fun and persuasive personality, and is often a cheerful part of any family gathering. I've always been envious of her way of making friends, being cheerful, and her eye for design. She has taught me how to be organized and how to see a room with a designer's point of view. 

     #6: I am extremely thankful for all of my family. I miss my Uncle Gary everyday. He taught me about generosity and humility of spirit. I love remembering his laugh and sparkling blue eyes and the whisper of wrappers as he pulled mints from his pocket to share with me and others. My Aunt Mae is one of my dearest friends and has been a mother, grandmother, and aunt to me all in one. Her home was my home away from home, and I never felt more at ease and happy as when I visited her. She always had goodies to share, and I recall whenever she picked me up, we would stop at McDonalds on the way to her house for some of their tasty fries. I enjoy and learn from my nieces and nephews and have certainly been delighted to watch them grow up over the years. My Uncle Bruce and Aunt Jane taught me how to wash dishes correctly, make deviled eggs, and never give up on my dreams. They were always very kind and generous of their time and love. My Aunt Janet has always been a prominent part of my life as well, even though she lives in Ohio and I've only seen her once in my whole life. She has always been a positive voice in my life as well as a sweet, cheery person with sound advice. She brings common sense into play often. Al is someone I've known since I was six or seven. He's kind of like a second father to me. He helped take care of me during a time when I really needed help. I grew up having him as a part of my life. I like to think that through his prayers and support I've become a little bit better of a person. Likewise, having my old teacher friend Archie to chat with and share prayers is a blessing and a lifeline. I really love my family and appreciate all they've taught me and done for me all my life.

     #7: I am deeply grateful for my friends. I have several whom I have known my whole life and each has taught me a very valuable lesson. I have known Cyndi since I was eight. She has taught me a lot about patience. I've known Jess since I was eight as well, and she has always been a whirlwind of sarcastic humor that keeps me laughing and taking notes. Dorian is my dearest friend. We have a lot in common and enjoy reading and writing. I hope I'm taking notes on how to become an even better writer from her, and she has taught me a lot about persistence and courage. Suzy has taught me to always consider opposite and opposing points of view with an open mind. Michelle has given me a great friendship and has taught me about strength and endurance. Mary shows me what tact, poise, and elegance looks like in many forms. Plus, I love her accent. Mikie has given me the gift of laughter and understanding. She also shares with me a great love and friendship with our dear friend Tilia. We have a history and bond that makes our friendship strong and enduring even over distance and time. These are only a few of the people who make me smile and give me great lessons about life and living it to the fullest. Those people I can call and ask for prayers and support. I appreciate their friendship and how much they feel like family. 

     #8: I really appreciate my home. It's a wonderful place to escape to and rest, relax. I am deeply grateful to have a home. It's a blessing I don't take lightly or for granted. 

     #9: This may seem like a very usual and commonplace appreciation, but it is something very important to me. I think it's another one of those things that I take for granted and so do others at times. I am very appreciative of food. I love to eat. I have favorites just like anyone, and I think it's a great blessing that I am able to eat almost anything whenever I want. I love chocolate, a well-done steak, and potato chips. Really, potato anything. I mean, the spud is a versatile and delicious example of food made the right way. It truly is a blessing to be able to have these yummy treats to eat and the ability to get them at a local grocery store. How spoiled we are. It's one of those things I am excessively grateful for, and I don't want to forget that any time soon.

     This week I wanted to show how excited I am for all of these blessings. Being thankful should never be a one day or one month affair. It should be every second of every minute of every hour of every day. You know what I mean. I have shared my next top seven reasons for thanksgiving. I'm sure you have similar thanks as me. Perhaps you have even more. 

     What are your top reasons for thanks? Please feel free to share with me! 

~Love and Hugs!! :)