As part of my Celebrate Recovery homework, we have started a running gratitude list.  The goal is to focus on the positive while doing some hard work.  I truly enjoyed this and thought I would share some of the things that I’m thankful for.  I believe we need to all do this as a regular practice :-).  I feel like all the things that I’m thankful for make up a huge part of who I am.

• My husband, Robert- who knows me better than I know myself and always takes care of me and our family
• Karis- such a bright, creative, and loving young girl
• Ethan- very passionate little guy who always has something to say
• Levi- always our comic relief
• My small home- it is cozy and comfortable… I love the beautiful things on the walls and furniture that has been given to us
• Coffee with a little bit of raw sugar and half and half
• Baking
• Music- especially JJ Heller and Shane and Shane
• My blog- the ability to write my thoughts so that I understand them better
• My Bible- the ability to read God’s words and put them into practice in my life
• My counselor- she has made a huge impact in my recovery
• My parents and Robert’s parents- they are always there when we need them and they love unconditionally
• My friends- I’m beyond blessed by amazing friends that have stood by my side through the good and the bad
• My church- such a solid, biblical place to serve with amazing people
• The ability to run and exercise- this helps my mental health more than most things
• The outdoors/God’s creation- the birds chirping, the beautiful trees, the colorful flowers, the amazing mountains, the streams
• The ability to be in God’s creation- running, backpacking, and rafting
• Books and the authors that write them
• Nutritious food and the knowledge of what is nutritious
• Coloring books and the time spent coloring with my kids
• My chickens
• Plants/my garden
• Computers
• Cell phones
• My kindle- the ability to take a lot of books with me everywhere
• Essential oils- a natural way to heal
• Medication- I wouldn’t be where I am today without it!
• Long conversations
• Encouragement from others- sometimes this keeps me going
• Games and the moments of playing them with my family and Robert
• Pretty paintings
• Adventure- the memory of backpacking 23 miles in one day in the sleet, snow, and freezing rain with Robert
• Natural living- the ability to buy things made naturally
• Trader Joe’s and local co-ops
• Photos- a visual of the beauty in my life
• Cameras
• My ability and desire to teach
• My Childbirth Education training
• Memories- especially those with my brother
• God’s constant provision
• TOMS shoes
• Willow Tree figurines- beauty in simplicity
• Organization- gives our home order in the chaos
• Cute purses
• All of the beautiful, little things in my life

As I write this list, I am listening to the birds chirping outside my window in the beautiful sun.

Thank you Jesus for all of these things.  I am beyond blessed.