Thanks. Giving.

Thanks...

Thankful that I am 30. Why shouldn't I be? What an amazing thing. People didn't use to live this long in the past. I can't wait to begin this chapter. For life, I am thankful.

My husband. Wow. What an amazing man. No one knows him the way I do. The wonderful person I am fortunate enough to call my husband...he has brought joy in immeasurable ways to me. For Michael, I am thankful.


I am so thankful that my mother was here for Thanksgiving. What a great time we had just hanging out together and with Michael. I forgot how much we did that in Knoxville! For my mother, Teresa, I am thankful.

This church, Grace Church in Venice, Florida, which has embraced me into their worship service. God is moving there and has allowed me to be a part of it. For Grace, I am thankful.

The animal who is miserable without my presence and lets everyone know it. Who lays beside me when I think I don't need anyone. Who knows when I am upset, snuggles me at night, and loves me unconditionally. For Kitty, I am thankful.

The job that I thought I would never want again. It has come to me and I am so glad. To help people, even over the phone, can bring such joy. For my job, I am thankful.

Our house. What sits empty will be ours someday. It waits. Just like we are. For our future home, I am thankful.

Children. The laughter of children we don't know around us. All of the children we miss in Tennessee. The child(ren) who will resemble our faces someday. For children, I am thankful.

Giving...

I give my life to you, Lord. May Your will be my everything.

I give my heart to my husband. He captured it so long ago when we were both so young we couldn't handle the reality of how we felt. Now we can and I am also glad we did.

I give my best to make my mother proud. I hope she will never be disappointed in me or the decisions I make. I hope someday to be half the woman she is.

I give my voice to the theatre and my church. May it bring some joy and happiness to those who hear it.

I give my love to you, those who read this. Wherever you are in your life, no matter what you face tomorrow. Know that I am sending my love to you. If you are reading this, you matter to someone.