Challenge Complete! Days 28 - 30

Well here we are on the last day of November and I have completed my self-imposed 30 day Thankful challenge.  Although not executed to perfection it was completed and that was my goal.  To stop and think about 30 things, big and small that I am truly grateful for.  They have ranged from candles to sweet friendship and back to smaller less "significant" things such a glue sticks.  But that was my point,  life if full of things that should make us pause, if only for the time it takes to write a blog post, and say "thank you Father!"

So we are down to the last 3 days.  My previous post was my thankfulness for all things family, so continuing with that theme let me finish well.

Day 28 - My Groom
This December we will have been married 19 years.  When I think back over those years I think I could use one word to describe our relationship.  Steadfast -  Firmly loyal or constant; unswerving.   
I know it's not a very romantic or sappy word to describe our marriage but it fits us.  And because this is a post about Brent I think it also fits him well.   Today, more than ever, I appreciate and admire this quality in my husband.  Through many days, good and bad, Brent has been constant and loyal.  He fights the fight of faith with an unswerving allegiance to Father...even when he doesn't not understand his path at times.   He is fiercely loyal to me and his children.  He would defend, protect and provide  for us even if it means he goes without or it puts him in a tough situation - without hesitation.   He is strong and dependable.  If Brent tells you he will do something, he will do it.  He is generous.  He is an introvert and thinks before he speaks.  He writes well and is one of my favorite teachers.   He is disciplined and determined.   Many words to describe him and in all these things, he is constant.  I love him and am full of thankfulness that God gifted me with him.  

For Brent's family I am also thankful.  Just like on my side I also have oodles of nephews and one sweet little niece whom I love.  I love my sis-in-laws and brother in laws and wish we got to spend more time together. Every time I am with Tami or Cara I tend to laugh... ALOT.  They are fun, beautiful and good mamas.   I'm thankful for Brent's mom and dad.  For without them, I would have no Brent.  I don't ever have to worry about leaving Brent on his own for awhile - his mama taught him how to care for himself, wash clothes, do dishes, cook.  They steered in him in the right direction and for that I'm thankful.  

Day 29 - My new heart

God saved me when I was younger.  He found me, rescued & adopted me and gave me a new heart.  He made me alive by the power of the Holy Spirit.  He is the reason I can be thankful.  His son took the brunt of my sin and now when God looks at me he sees his son's righteousness.  What a gift to truly be thankful for.  

Day 30 - The Rescuer 

So this is how I will close my thankful challenge.  By remembering that a rescuer came for me - a rescuer clothed in human flesh come to earth as a tiny baby.  How fitting to begin the month of December.  By remembering and being thankful for "God With Us".  Words often fail me so I will leave you with this from The Storybook Bible.

Because God loves us with a Never Stopping, 

Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, 

Always and Forever Love - 

Heaven is breaking through!

He is sending us Light from Heaven

To shine on us like the sun

To shine on those who live in darkness

And in the shadow of death

To guide our feet into the way of peace. 

And that, my friends, is by far the greatest thing to be thankful for!