in all things, give thanks

Count your blessings

Name them one by one

Count your blessings

See what God has done

Count your many blessings

Name them one by one

Count your many blessings

See what God has done

This morning I was thinking of this old hymn we used to sing in my church growing up.  So often I don't count my blessings, and instead seem to dwell on all of the lemons life throws at me.  While baking turkey cookies tonight, I've decided to not only count my blessings, but share them as well.

I am thankful for...
My husband, David Ryan Camp.  For those of you who don't know my husband, you're missing out.  David is just perfect for me.  He is so patient when I (way too often) get worked up over silly things.  He is so helpful around our home, making things easier on me when I get home from work.  He is loving.  He is a great doggie daddy to Hamilton.  There's no one else I'd rather spend my time with.  There are a lot of times when I don't let him know how much I appreciate him, but the truth is I don't know what I'd do without him in my life.

I'm thankful for...
My mom and dad.  They're just great.  They've always been so supportive, and have taught me the best life lesson, "do your best."  My mom is a great listener, and as I've gotten older, she's become a great friend.  My dad is an incredible leader, and has taught me the importance of honesty and integrity.  It has been so neat to see them in their new place in life, especially my dad.  There were so many times I saw him stressed due to his job, and now that he's retired, I can see the weight lifted off his shoulders.  It's incredible.  Even though it will still be a few years, I can't wait for my children to enjoy my parents as much as I have.

I'm thankful for...
My family.  I am so thankful for my grandmothers and my late grandfather.  I am thankful for my mother and father-in-law, my sister-in-law Katie, her husband Doug and their baby on the way, and my brother-in-law Ben.  They have taken me in as their daughter and sister, and I am thankful for each moment I get to spend with them.  I am enjoying getting to know them better each and every time we visit.

I'm thankful for...
Jesus.  Without Him, there would be no hope.  He is the great Romancer, and I enjoy the sunrises and sunsets he gives me each day.  I am thankful for His grace and unfailing love.  There are many times that my relationship with my Savior is lacking, but I know that He will never leave me nor forsake me.

I'm thankful for...
My job.  In a time where it can be hard to get hired, this is something I take for granted the most.  I am thankful for my job for many reasons, but mostly for the people I've met there.  I have been truly blessed with a desk partner that I can have fun with while at work.  We call each other "work wives," since we spend more time with one another than we do with anyone else.  My workdays would be miserable without Kendra.  :)

I'm thankful for...
My friends.  New friends and old friends.  I'm learning more and more how friends come into your life throughout all of it's seasons.  I'm thankful for all of my close friends from high school.  I'm thankful for the friends I met during college.  I'm thankful for my work friends.  And I'm thankful for our couple friends and their children (my little friends!)

I'm thankful for...
Hamilton Turner Camp.  Seems silly, but this pup provides so much love and comfort.  He's my favorite snuggle buddy, and his wagging tail melts my heart.  I love his little doggie personality.

I'm thankful for...
God's provisions.  I'm learning to be thankful for the necessities God gives us, and to not take them for granted.  Clean water and fresh food to eat.  It seems so basic, but so many go without.  Helping plan the Poverty Meal for our church made me realize just how much we have and how much we waste.

I'm thankful for...
All of the simple things I enjoy.  Snow and summer and sweatpants and hot baths and a good book to read and curling up under a blanket and swimming in the lake.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, Friends!