Hey Friends!
Happy Thankful Thursday to you! What are you thankful for today?
I’ll be honest, I feel like I’ve been thrown a big “detour” this week. My Manda came down with a horrible case of hives (completely covering her face and even impacting her eyes – poor thing!) ~ so “my plan” for the week was thrown out the window and it’s been a bit nutty over here!
Today is a perfect day to pause and intentionally reflect on God’s goodness. I’ve been sitting in the sunshine, naming my blessings one by one. So many. no doubt about it ~ even in the midst of our challenges ~ I am blessed.
Here is my Top 5 Thankful Thursday list for today….
1. My “baby” is graduating!
It’s so hard to believe that in less than 2 weeks my son Jake will be a high school graduate! 
When did he go from being my little sweet guy to a big, tough hockey goalie?! 
It’s true – you blink and they are all grown up! I am thankful for Jake and the chance to celebrate him at his Graduation Open House this weekend!
(And he may be a big tough goalie – but he’s still a sweetie if you ask me. Just don’t tell him I said that!)
2. “He Loves Me” DVD
Not a day goes by that I’m not reminded of who I was before Christ.
Only God could take a lonely, broken, single mom and not only rescue, deliver, and save me – but give me a clean heart and a brand new reputation. 
And now to see how God is using my life story through the DVD “He Loves Me” – I am more in awe of God than ever!
The emails and letters I’ve received have made me weep. One viewer recently shared this on the Day of Discovery website –
“Thank you so much. I normally don’t watch TV, but today I turned on the TV to get a weather report and God touched my heart through this story. I’ve been saved for over 20 years, and had a fairytale marriage and it all came to end. I found myself doubting GOD and everything I know about him and all he’s done for me. Ultimately, I’ve begun to turn to sin to heal my pain. Your message today that GOD can handle my pain was a blessing to me. Thank you and God bless you.”
Only God! How do you even process what God is up to? I’ve given up – and instead just prayerfully say, “Thank You, God!”
(If you haven’t had a chance to see “He Loves Me” yet, you can watch it online here)
3. New Bible Study
One of the hardest parts of this past year was stepping down from my Magnificent Monday Bible teaching to work on writing/filming Red Hot Faith. I missed my Monday Night friends so much, and longed to share God’s Word with others.
Thankfully God has opened a door for me (and my bff Julie) to serve together again this summer. I’ll be teaching a series called “Living Balanced in an Unbalanced World”.
I can’t wait! I’m so thankful! I love, love, love sharing God’s Word with others. Woo Hoo!
(I’d also be thankful if you wanted to join us! West Michigan friends, you can read more about it here)
4. My Friends
Do you have friends in your life who know how you are doing – really – and love you anyway? (smile!)
The past few weeks my “insecurity” and “fear of rejection” levels have been through the roof. Ugh.
I’m so thankful for my sweet friends who have helped talk/speak/and pray TRUTH over me. (You know who you are!). And I’m so thankful God doesn’t intend for us to journey alone!
5. My Marriage
John and I are in such a sweet spot this season. Now please know, this has not always been the case. We’ve been through some very difficult, painful times….which makes this season that much more special.
I sure love my handsome, hunk of a man, if you know what I mean?! 🙂
Whew!! So there’s my Thankful Thursday Top 5 list!
What about for you?? On this Thankful Thursday, what are you thankful for today?? I’d love to hear from you!!
Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! I am THANKFUL for you! 🙂
I am thankful for my freedom in Christ! That He has delivered me from so many destructive forces in my life. He really is GREAT!!!
I am thankful that God does not give up on me.
Congrats to your dear son Jake.