Counting My Blessings

This time of year, one of my favorite things to do is stop and thank God for the wonderful blessings He has given me and my family. This year is no different!

We had another wedding with family and friends from all over coming to celebrate, a beautiful new grandbaby brought into the world, and the gift of a caring family to celebrate it all with!

Not only is my wife my best friend, she is a beautiful, godly, woman- with a heart to serve her Lord Jesus and her family with gentleness, wisdom and grace. (Plus, after all our years, she is still a lot of fun!) No one could ask for better than what I have received. In a world that seems to devalue sacrificial love, hard work, and long term commitment, she has been a rock for me- a picture of the God's love for me- when the storms of life hit hard.

Our little granddaughter and growing grandson are blessings that only He could give! His goodness to us is remarkable.

We have also been blessed with some of the most wonderful friends anyone could have! Through the thick and thin of life, we have spent so many years together, loving and supporting each other.

This photo above show a dear friend of 30 plus years. I love we serve a God who continues to surprise us with the unexpected! Above are a couple of photos of those we love- although there are many, many more not pictured here but still in our hearts!

Our family continues to grow! Our children are choosing wonderful spouses- and there is even another wedding to come in the new year! More reasons to be thankful!

Here are our "original four"- pretty amazing young adults- but they were terrific children, too! In a way unique to each of them, they continue to bless us and delight us with their personalities and hearts to live life well. Boy, the years go by quickly...

Of course, we are so thankful for our parents, our brothers and sisters and their growing families. They continue to be friends as well as family- and not everyone can say that!

Sure, we've had our hardships this year, too. We've lost family members we love, endured tragedies, disappointment, and loss, but God has never lost sight of us, proving Himself faithful to those who love Him. May we never lose sight of Him.

I do not know what 2011- or even tomorrow- may bring, but regardless of what comes, may I be just as thankful this time next year.