Thankful.  Simply defined as feeling or expressing gratitude.

This week marked our first family Thanksgiving in California.  The day brought new traditions for our family.  It also brought a time of reflection and a renewed sense of thankfulness.  Here are few of the things for which I am thankful:

• An amazingly wonderful husband who has a heart for God, loves me completely and passionately, and is an incredible father who models Christ's love to his kids
• Two healthy children who never cease to amaze me and fill me with an overwhelming sense of love and joy and awe
• My parents - two of the most wonderful people in my life - who raised me in a loving home and demonstrated daily what it meant to love God and serve others
• Wonderful friends who encourage me, love me, and stand by me no matter where life takes us
• The chance to live in the beautiful state of California and experience living with the beach and the mountains in our backyard
• The blessing of living in The United States of America where we have freedoms, safety, and opportunities beyond measure
• Most important - I am thankful for my God.  He is faithful, a comfort, a provider, and a friend.