A day to give thanks...

I love Thanksgiving. And not just because it's a day filled with yummy food, great family and Aggie football. Though those are all contributing factors. I really love it because it is simply a day to be thankful.

I noticed a couple of weeks ago that one of the "popular" things to do on facebook this year was to be thankful for something different every day until Thanksgiving. Now normally I wouldn't jump on the facebook trend bandwagon, but this time I thought it was actually a neat thing to do. So for the past few days (I was a little late getting started) I have been thankful for so many things. Not in any particular order really, just whatever comes to mind or seems appropriate for the day. And they may seem silly or trivial to those who read them, but sometimes it is the little things that mean the most to me.

Here is a sample of what I'm so thankful for today: living in a country where I am free to worship as I please and speak without fear of punishment; the men and women who bravely give their lives to defend our freedom each and every day; a group of people I am not only honored to call my friends, but my family as well; a God that is merciful to love me no matter what; a family that is more incredible than words can properly describe; and a life that is full of more blessings and love than I could have ever imagined.

More specifically there are certain people out there who need to know how much they mean to me, not just today but everyday. First and foremost, my parents. Even though they don't read this, I hope they know that if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be anything close to the person I am today. I am so grateful for the love and support they've always given me, the education they provided that has opened so many doors, and more than anything just for being great examples of how to love each other and others. Second is my sister. I don't think I know anyone with more faith and strength to endure everything life throws her way. I couldn't ask for a better role model, whose footsteps I would be lucky to follow in. I hope she knows that I can't even put into words how much I love being her sister. Third is of course my brother. We may not always see eye to eye or even agree on much, but no matter what, I will always love and be so proud of him. As much as we've been through over the years, all I can hope for is that in some way I have been an example of unconditional love for him. And fourth are a certain couple of friends (who will remain anonymous but you know who you are). These are the people who are always there for me...when I am falling apart or to celebrate in my joys or any number of other things. And I am so grateful to have had them in my life for so long. It's not often that you find your best friends so young and can grow and change together over the years. I don't know what I would do without them.

And even if I didn't single you out, I hope you know as you read this that I am thankful for you. In whatever capacity you have been a part of my life, know that in some way you have touched me and I am so grateful for that. "Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same." Anonymous

As we prepare for a day full of feasting, great conversation, laughter and love, I hope that each us of remembers we have so much to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I will praise You in this storm...

When I was driving home a couple of weeks ago I was listening to the radio and Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns came on. Now mind you I was driving through a massive snow storm at the time. Oh the irony. But it was also indicative of what has been going on in my life.

The storm I have been weathering for the past few months may or may not be letting up. For the time being it seems to have lightened up a bit...but you never know what lies on the horizon. And for a couple of weeks it was pretty heavy. I ended up spending (wasting really) a lot of time with a company that ended up being yet another disappointment. Somewhere in there I also had a pretty rough case of viral pneumonia that took a couple of weeks to fully recover from. On top of it all, without any jobs prospects in sight, I was left no choice but to pack up my life and leave Denver in search of better things in Texas. Needless to say I was both physically and emotionally exhausted.

I always knew that leaving Denver was a very real possibility given the state of the economy in Colorado. But I guess I never thought I would have so much trouble finding a job in the first place, let alone be unemployed for several months without any real prospects. It was also very different this time because leaving Dallas was my choice. And while I suppose I could've stayed a little longer to continue my search, the benefits no longer outweighed the costs. Tough decisions had to be made and my decision was to come back home.

And believe me it wasn't an easy decision by any means. It felt like giving up on a life I put so much effort into building. But at the same time returning to a life I had sort of put on hold. Or something like that. I have made some great friends over the past couple of years in Denver, and while I know we'll still keep in touch, it's just not the same as seeing each other all the time. Though at the same time it is nice to be able to see my friends here on a more regular basis, for they are my other family. So it was bittersweet in a way. I know I can always go back and visit, but I also know that chapter in my life has come to an end.

So after a brief trip to Nashville (I'll save that for another blog) I find myself back in Texas, weathering the storm as best I can. All the while being thankful for the things I've been given and in prayer about the things that lie ahead.