bonjourhan

I’m a little late, but after dinner with family, I was packing on Thanksgiving and moving the day after. So it’s practically Christmas…. but there are plenty of things for which I’m thankful! 🙂

1. God’s grace

Oh my goodness, I would be a big ball of mess without my Savior. He loves me enough to die for me, defeated death when he rose again, and paid the price that I owed for my sin. And now I am free of that penalty because of His mercy! I owe him everything, and yet He still pours out His blessings on me every single day.

2. My husband

I’m still amazed at how God completely redirected my life during my freshman year of college and allowed me to meet the man who would become my husband four years later. He is such a great example to me of what it means to fear the Lord and serve Him. Stephen has wisdom that I sure don’t, and I can always count on him to call me out or encourage me at the appropriate time. He’s not perfect, but neither am I, and God is using our imperfections to teach us more about what it means to obey Him. And friends, the man is hilarious.

3. My family

These people are lovely. The set that raised me had to put up with a lot over the years, and despite the sibling squabbles, I had SO much fun growing up in that family! The set that became my in-laws has welcomed me with open arms and loved me as their own. What a blessing.

4. My job

I work with amazing people doing something I love and that allows me to learn and research to constantly stay on top of it. Those of you who know me know that I thrive on challenges. The changing nature of my field is constantly keeping me on my toes!

5. My new kitchen

Ok, honestly folks, the kitchen in our new apartment is FABULOUS (we recently moved to a new city). And did I mention I now have a real pantry?! I love to cook, and I barely had any counter space in our old apartment. Plus, the stovetop was rather fickle, and the counters were stained. It was definitely functional, and for that I’m thankful, but God really blessed me with a husband who thought it was important to upgrade my kitchen with this move. It sounds silly, but it really makes me so happy. 🙂

6. Christmas

I really love Christmastime. Like, a lot. Like, my apartment was decorated for Christmas the day after we moved. I absolutely love all the lights, the smells, the food, the music, the secrets and surprises, and everything else that comes with it. I refuse to listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving, but once that day comes, it’s all I listen to. Here are some of my favorite CDs:

• Harry for the Holidays – Harry Connick Jr.
• Noël – Josh Groban
• Songs of Joy & Peace – Yo-Yo Ma & Friends
• To Drive the Cold Winter Away – Loreena McKennitt
• Voice of Christmas – Bing Crosby

And of course, getting to celebrate part of God’s master plan for #1 (at the top): the birth of Jesus Christ!

What are you thankful for?