Thankful and Grateful

Today, we celebrate Thanksgiving.

While I normally wouldn't post on this day, it's typically set aside for family, I had some time to pre-write up some posts so this is one that I'm glad I got to share with you all.

I'm taking time to share ten things that I'm thankful and grateful for.

These are by no means the only ten things I'm thankful for, nor are they in order.

They aren't the most important things, but they're ten things I truly am grateful for.

1) Jesus Christ

I don't always share my beliefs on the blog, but I know I'm blessed to have such an audience to share my faith with.

I'm so thankful that at a young age I realized that Jesus needed to be an infinite part of my life, that I needed him in my heart.

He is the greatest comforter, the best friend, and a heavenly treasure.

This year He has shown up and taken so many burdens from me. He has taught me that He is still God even when my wants are not answered.

2) Family

My family is by no means perfect, but through their imperfections I have learned so much and become the person I am today.

I have two parents who love me more than life and would do anything for me.

Two sisters who I can call or text at any time and they will give me advice and make me laugh.

A sweet family of in-law's and Chris' brothers who are so genuine and kind.

And countless grandparents that I am so blessed to still have in my life.

3) My Husband

This is kind of a "duh" moment, but I am so thankful for Christopher.

He is my very best friend, he supports me in everything that I do.

He pushes me to be my best.

He irritates me, and is living proof that I can put up with anything ;)

He is forgiving, kind, generous, and loving.

No, he isn't perfect-but I'm not either.

We're just two imperfect people, living an imperfect love, and loving every minute of it.

4) My Friends

Since I graduated high school, my circle has gotten smaller.

It shrunk drastically after I got married.

But those that are still here are the ones I love the most.

There are a few select people at school in my program that I love more than life, they are some of the sweetest people that will remind me to submit my assignments on time, send me their lesson plans to help me better mine, and look over my work to make sure I'm not missing anything.

Those are the truest of friends and I hope our friendships last long after graduation!

5) The United States Military

I have friends that serve in almost every branch of the military, but even if it weren't for them I would still be thankful.

U.S. citizens are more blessed than we will ever know or understand. There are so many men and women who go out every single day, putting their lives on the line to keep us safe.

You may not agree with the politics within our country, but I will always support our military.

8) My Animals

This was a hard year for me. I lost two of the best pups I've ever had; Whiskey and Bullet.

This year also marked the one year anniversary of losing my sweet horse, Paint.

But this year I've had my relationships with my other horses grow and just get better.

My dachshund (who lives with my parents) is sweeter than ever, and my dad rescued a pup who we call Little Dog.

These animals make my heart smile, there's just something about petting an animal and being able to tell them anything you need to get off your chest.

I can't wait until graduation rolls around and we can have dogs again at our house!

7) Country Music

This might seem trivial (and I'm sure that you'll think that about a couple of the next few things I put on this list, but oh whale.

I used to be an avid concert attendee, it was like a once every two month deal.

But as I got older, busier, and married that slowed down a lot.

A few weeks ago my husband took me to the fair and Cole Swindell was playing-it was like a heavenly experience, being in that building. If you don't love music, then I can't explain it. But there's nothing like it.

8) Journaling and Blogging

Both of these have been so good for my soul this year.

I've kept journals for as long as I can remember and working on two blogs (one for family and this one) keeps me busy, but helps me think through thoughts that wear on my heart.

I can write down things that I might not want anyone else to hear or see, and on the blog-although it's public, there's something freeing about writing my thoughts for the entire world.

If you don't have a creative outlet like these, I suggest you get one and see how much lighter you feel!

9) Photographs

This year was definitely the year of having my picture made, with all the wedding things going on and all.

But as I was sifting through some pictures I had printed of our wedding the other day, I realized how thankful I am for all of those pictures and more so for printing them off and having them in hand.

These are memories that will be treasured for the rest of my days and I can't wait to frame them and have them in albums to hold onto.

10) Rest

This has been a stressful, busy year.

I knew it would be, with school coming to a close for me and the wedding.

But I have a warm, safe house to come home to.

I can cook yummy meals that fill our tummies up.

I have a husband who loves to snuggle with me.

I am thankful that at the end of the day, no matter how stressed and exhausted I am, I can rest at the end of the day and not have a care in the world.

I am one blessed girl, y'all.

I have had a mantra for this year and it is still ringing true, "God wouldn't bring me to something, if He wouldn't bring me through it"

And He always has. He's gotten me through so much, I know He'll get me through the future.

We all have so much to be thankful and grateful, I hope you count your blessings today!

What are you thankful for?

Until next time. . .

xoxo,