Thankful: 1

It's Thanksgiving month. Sure, most people probably can stretch Thanksgiving out for a few days....but I like to think about it all month long. There are 30 days in November and I know I could list 30 things that I am thankful for.

I want to start that list tonight. While I am calm, and in a very productive mode. So let me share the first 15 things that I am thankful for.....and the second half will join in later this week, or maybe next week.

1) Each and every season in nature and its unique, and majestic beauty.
2) Having my parents still alive and kicking. As I get older I appreciate my parents and their Christian guidance more and more.
3) This blog, that lets me write and decompress and reflect on life as I know it.
4) Focusing on my health....it is a struggle for me, but the days where I stick to it really are worth the work.
5) My safety. I am so blessed and protected and I am thankful for that and prayerful for those who don't share the same blessing.
6) My unique talents and skill set. There is only one me out there and I am thankful for all of the things that I can do. People often give me the credit, but I know it is God working in me daily.
7) Laughter. This life is supposed to be full of laughter and joy. I just know it is! I enjoy laughing and am thankful for a happy spirit!
8) The University of Georgia. My time here has been great. I will be done in May and will always, always be thankful for this Masters program and how it in many ways changed my life and prepared me for my future.
9) Big, grand dreams. When I dream, I dream of the best. For example, Not just being an actress, but my Oscar acceptance speech often pops up in my dreamland. Life has not extinguished my ability to dream, and I am thankful for that.
10) My first real job. I am thankful for Roberts Elementary School and how I still carry it around in my heart. So many wonderful memories. I am thankful and will always be thankful for those precious 3 years in my life.
11) I am overly thankful for communication. In all types and forms I appreciate being able to be with people both far and near. Communication has come to mean even more to me as I have discovered the healing properties of saying something...and saying nothing.
12) My sister! We had a great weekend, and it made me reflect on our great life and bond. God saved her life by providing a kidney for her and I am thankful each and every day for her presence in my life.
13) I try to be aware and thankful for the doctors and nurses, and specialists out there. Especially, those who work with children. They are so needed and each and every child they help has a chance to live a full life. Amen for that.
14) I am thankful for my favorite Bible verse.....well I have many favorites, but I think this one gets to my heart every time. Exodus 14:14 " The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." So powerful, so strong, and yet so hard because it calls us to let go. And I often tend to hold tight.
15) To end up the first half of this thankful list I want to mention everyone in our military. From rescue divers to receptionists, to ground troops and everyone in between. I could not do it, but I am thankful each day for the hard work, dedication and honor that countless men and women display day in and out to protect our country.

If you made it this far.....I am thankful for you and your interest in my writing;)