Some Things I Am MOST Thankful For...

... the Word of God. I am so amazed that I can keep reading it-- this straightforward and rich message-- and throughout my life, in all kinds of crazy and different situations, it is always relevant. It is always alive. It is always right. There are still millions of people around the world who do not have the Bible in a language that they understand. What a sweet gift we have in being able to read, any time we please, a direct communication from God.

... the grace of God. If you all only knew. I am such a lousy sinner. Rotten through and through. The older I get, the more convicted and aware of my sinful nature I have become. I am critical, selfish, lazy, and lack self-control-- and that's all before noon on the average day. There is no end to my sinfulness.

And yet, Jesus loves me. He died for me, and extends grace to me every single day of my life. Grace in my salvation. Grace in my marriage. Grace in the children He's given. Grace in the provision of bread and clothes and wonderful, glorious books to read. Grace. It's my middle name... and I always have loved it because it's beautiful, but never felt worthy of it, because it's such a feminine word and I was such a tomboy growing up. But it's what I need, and one of the things I'm most thankful for.

"My sin...
Oh, the bliss of this glorious thought:

My sin-- not in part, but the whole-- is nailed to the cross

and I bear it no more.

Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, o my soul!"


~my favorite verse of my favorite hymn, "It Is Well"


... the forgiveness of my husband and children. This relates to that last one. My sin rears its ugly head multiple time a day. There are so many times when I have to ask for forgiveness from my children for my caustic tone of voice. For forgiveness from my husband because of my accusing tone. For forgiveness from my son because of an angry response. For forgiveness from my husband because I have been like that nagging wife in Proverbs, dripping my complaints. I am so very grateful for the way that they continue to forgive me, showering me with kindness and second chances every single day. What a sweet thing it is to be a part of a family that keeps on forgiving.

Forgiveness is this amazing part of life that just defies what our flesh cries out for (vengeance, justice, and the "right" to be hurt and get back at the person through an unforgiving and blaming attitude)... and yet, when we give or receive it, it is restorative and healing in the way it washes over us. As sinners, forgiveness is one of our greatest needs, and I am humbled to receive it. In abundance. From both God and man.


What things are you most thankful for?

17 comments:

Della said...

Stumbled onto your blog and found encouragement right away. I was reading your profile and it said you were a recovering feminist. I feel that! This is just my opinion, but I think I'm correct, that feminism has reaked havoc on an entire generation of women. Amen, keep on a bloggin' for the LORD. I would like to link you on my blog, if that would be alright. I think you have very worthy things to say, and that's the kind of blog I like to read. God bless!

melissa said...

A close friend with whom I can be honest with and trust not to gossip or share information past our conversation.

Anonymous said...

What an inspiring and though-provoking post! I, too, am so very thankful for the Word of God and His amazing grace. The fact that I have and can do nothing for it makes it so much more beautiful. It truly humbles me and makes me so thankful. Just to know that I am no longer under any condemnation gives me such a sense of freedom and love for the Saviour. God bless you today.

Holly said...

I am thankful for my health because for a year I was very unhealthy

Crayl said...

This is a beautiful post. I agree with you so completely. Love the photo of your whole family too, so wonderful!

Joanna said...

For things that I am thankful for, please see your post. But also add in a patient husband and and oldest daughter that is so helpful to me.

Tanya said...

I'm thankful for the promise of Eternity.

I'm thankful for the Cross.

I'm thankful for a healthy family.

Anonymous said...

Well, since you already listed a few of the most important ones...I'd like to add health to the list. I am very thankful for our general good health and for good doctors and medicines who help us when we are sick.

Anonymous said...

As a member of a minority group that has been persecuted in many countries over the centuries, I am thankful to live in a society that tolerates pluralism of beliefs.

Laurie B

Claire said...

I am thankful for a home, food on the table, that I was born and live in the U.S. I am thankful for the opportunity to homeschool my children. I am thankful for a husband who works his behind off everyday to keep our financial heads above water. I am thankful for you, Jess...you made me get out of my own misery today.

Anonymous said...

I am thankful for homeschooling, for my husband, for the Lord who gives our family everything that we NEED. For Jesus' death, and His teachings, and for dear friends who love the Lord.

But, most of all, I am grateful for the blood that was shed, because, I am so unworthy. God does take the trash of our lives ( I have plenty of it) and work it for His good. God bless. - D

Shaunta' said...

I loved this post so much that I posted about the same things on my blog. www.stepintomychambers.blogspot.com
Thx for an encouraging post!

Amy said...

Hi Jess, I rarely comment...b/c I'm too long-winded :-)! But lately I've been looking for an outlet to shout-out some things I'm thankful for...so here's mine:

Thankful for a funny, handsome, generous hubby who in his imperfection, never stops seeking the Lord. And bless him...he LOVES me!
Thankful for my 5 treasures (one in heaven)...the sweet and helpful nature of my 10yob, the wonderfully creative stories told daily by my 8yob, and oh...all the crazy lego creations you can imagine! The sweet singing and dancing of my almost 3yog, with a charisma that keeps us captivated and entertained! And the most glorious smiles and coos from quite possibly the sweetest angel baby there is..my 6mog!
Thankful for a faith that grows deeper and more genuine w/ each hardship I face. Thankful for a Heavenly Father that never leaves me where I'm at. Thankful for the grace He pours over my life daily...that the more I know Him, the more I realize the utter mess I am. Thankful for the Cross!
Thankful for worship music...the lyrics to one of my favorites:
"With all my affection, all my understanding, Lord, I worship you.
With my every action, all my spirit's passion, Lord, I worship you.
There's no higher ground than kneeling down before you.
There's no higher call than loving you with my life.
Lord I surrender...I worship...You." Brian Doerksen
Well, the more I 'voice' what I'm thankful for, the more I realize what I have to be thankful for.
Long-winded, see?!
Thanks for letting me share.

Hugs and blessings,
Amy
ps LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog!

Paula said...

I've just arrived from Biblical Womanhood. I just wanted to say I whole heartedly agree with this post and wanted to share something that happened to me at the start of my second pregnancy.

I vividly remember walking in to my first midwives appointment when I was expecting my second baby. I was with my husband and 11 month old son. We were excited to be expecting again and looking forward to the appointment and meeting my new midwife. As we walked in, she took one look at me, looked at my son and then said "Someone forgot to take her birth control". It was like a slap in the face. My husband and I only use NFP and this second pregnancy was 'planned'. Even if it weren't we would still have been thrilled. To have a midwife say that to their own patient says a lot about todays society I think.

Paula said...

Sorry, that last comment was supposed to go with your most recent post. I'm afraid I clicked on the wrong 'comment' button.

Apologies!
Paula

Kim & Dave said...

On the words of that verse of that hymn-I usually can't even sing! They mean so much to me!!! My throat wells up & nothing comes out. Doesn't matter that I have sung it HUNDREDS of time, KWIM?

Anonymous said...

I am thankful for God's continuing love, patience, grace in my life.
I am thankful for His Word-(which I'm listening to by tape - and absolutely loving it!)
I'm thankful for my wonderful husband, who keeps on loving me, and looks forward to seeing me and spending time with me.
I'm thankful for my 2 beautiful grown children, who are living their lives for God, and love me no matter what, and their fantastic spouses, who also love me so much, and my 7 beautiful grandchildren who God has blessed me more than anything!