Thanksgiving!

I'm a little hesitant to use my camera right now because it is all charged and ready for the new baby's arrival and I know as soon as I take it out to use it the battery will get all used up, I'll misplace it, and then forget it on our way to the hospital. I wanted to post anyways and feel like I have a good reason!
We had a really good sermon today on praise and thanksgiving to God! It talked about how praise is not a product of our outside circumstances but comes from the inside and is a choice. The second point was that a thankful heart should be focused on how good God is, not how things are going around us. There were ten reasons given for a thankful heart and I'd like to share them and let you know why I'm thankful this year for each one!
1. He forgives all my sins! (Psalms 103:2, 12)
- Well, what can I say, I'm a sinner and it's awsome to know my sins have been wiped away.
2. He heals my diseases.
- Adam's dad was completely healed of viral encephalitis that came on so quickly and suddenly and could have taken his life or left him with long term side-effects.
3. He redeems my life from the pit. (Psalms 103:4)
- When I'm overcome with fear or worry about things out of my control, he offers me peace that I can't find anywhere else.
4. He crowns me with love.
- He continually teaches me about unconditional love and slowly I'm grasping it and trying to live my life by showing that.
5. He satisfies my desire with good things. (Psalms 103:5)
- I have an absolutely incredible husband and son and can't wait to meet my second son! That's about as good as it gets!
6. He renews my youth.
- He give me the energy every day to take care of Cole:-)
7. He works for the oppressed. (Psalms 103:6)
- Adam's brother is out of work right now, with a new home and a baby on the way. God is giving them peace as they trust Him. It's awsome to see how we can learn to see things in a way most of the world can't because we have a loving Savior!
8. He gives me a foundation to stand on. (Psalms 103:7-8)
- He is the only things we can cling to and feel safe with in the world right now. The economy is scary and jobs are insecure but I know that my foundation is solid!
9. He doesn't treat me like I deserve. (Psalms 103:9-11)
- There are plenty of times that I get too busy to spend time daily with God and He is always there, waiting for me with open arms, never forsaking me!
10. He is a great Father to me. (Psalms 103:13-22)
- I'm so thankful for my dad here on earth and how great he is. God has just given me a glimpse through that of how great a Father he is and He always provides what I need, even when I don't know what that is.

I just felt like sharing about how much there is to be thankful for. I've been so blessed in my life and I know it is because God is so good, not because of the things I've done or because I deserve it in anyway. As you enter this week of Thanksgiving, take a look at your life, I'm sure it'll open your eyes to how much you have to give thanks to God for! Happy Thanksgiving!