Day 7

I know I already mentioned that I am thankful for David, but in case you missed the name of this blog, it is mine and I can do what I want with it! :)

This post looks a little different, because I am writing from the back seat of Bor's car using my phone (shout out to technology!). We are on the way back to Augusta after spending the day in Moultrie, GA (south GA) for my uncle's funeral.

Funeral; David...how do they relate?!

Well, I had planned to make this trip on my own since David had to work Monday and Tuesday nights. Once he realized how far I would have to travel by myself, he called his Sargeant and asked to take some time off so he could go with me. I know this may seem insignificant to some, but it isn't for me. Now don't get me wrong, he isn't one of those husbands that doesn't let me do things on my own. I have taken multiple trips to GA without him and will make many more in the future, I'm sure. I guess what made this special is the fact that he wanted to take time off to spend time with me and my family at the funeral. That's what I meant when I talked about our families loving and caring for each other.

Just like when I talked about my in laws, I realize that there are a lot of people that can't brag on their husbands either. Because of that, I really try not to take the things that David does for granted. He is a great husband, and I am very thankful for all that he does for me on a regular basis. (more on that later!!)

Yes, there is a Marietta in SC

Since today is Sunday, let me just throw out that I am thankful for our church, Marietta First Baptist. This is not your typical body of believers. It is more like family.

When I was in college, my roommate and I tried out several different churches. Since both of us were kids of ministers, neither of us had ever had to look for a church, plus we were both new to the area and didn’t know anything about the churches there. We looked for several weeks – Sunday morning at one place and night at another. One weekend we had nowhere to go, and decided to check out MFBC. That was the last church that I visited.

I immediately fell in love with the pastor and the church members. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I loved the mission mindedness of the church. I loved the sermons that the preacher preached. I loved the overall atmosphere and focus of the church.

Not only did I fall in love with the church, but a few years after my first visit, I fell in love with the preacher’s son!! MFBC is where we met, fell in love and got married.

Marietta has introduced me to some amazing people – in SC and around the world. I am thankful for these people and the influence they have had on my life – most probably have no idea how much they have impacted me!! I have been a part of mission trips, Bible studies, Sunday School classes, church functions, church retreats, ministries, classes, activities, and the list goes on and on. There is always something going on at MFBC, and I love that!!

Marietta First Baptist Church is # 6 on the list.

Phones and What-not

Following up my family and friends, I would have to mention that I am very thankful for modern technology since that is what keeps us connected. Can you believe how far technology has come even in our lifetime?! I remember getting in trouble when a boy called me from another town. It wasn’t really “out of town” but the phone call ended up being long distance and cost A LOT. Now I can pick up my cell phone and talk to my mom and dad in another country with no extra charge. CRAZY!

I’m not just talking Steve Jobs here, I mean all technology – electricity, indoor plumbing, cars, air conditioning, computers, the works!! I seriously don’t know how the folks in the old days did it. I’ve always thought it would be fun to go back and live in another time period – like for a day. I really don’t think I could handle that for long periods of time. We really have become spoiled with all this technology. We are sissies now!!

So, #5 is Technology

"Friends are Friends Forever"

If you are a prodigy of Contemporary Christian music from the early 90s, you are probably singing the words to this song in your head, and I hope you sing it ALL DAY LONG. bahaha!!

If you are a member of my immediate family, you are probably singing the song and laughing (hopefully out loud).

Ole Michael W Smith knew what he was talking about!

Another way of saying it is...

I agree with this completely. Life seems to be getting crazier and crazier! I hate that I have to check my calendar and make plans to hang out with my friends, but that is what life has become. There are so many friends from different parts of my life that I don't get to see on a regular basis, but the memories I have are so dear to me. I also know that I have friends that I may not have seen in a while, but if I needed them, I could call them and they would be there for me.

Being a minister's kid meant moving several times throughout my childhood. We didn't do it a whole, whole lot, like military kids, but we did move several times. There were definitely pros and cons to the moves. Looking back at my life, I almost feel like each location was a chapter in a book. Although the chapter ended and a new one started, I have great memories of the friendships made along the way. These friends are who molded me into the person that I am now.

Major Life Chapters (so far) – Central, New Orleans/Seminary, Huntsville, Columbus/Phenix City, Augusta, North Greenville, Blue Ridge, Current Day.

Some I remember more than others; some hold better memories than others; but all brought friendships into my life and taught me life lessons that I needed. Most also have mini chapters within the major chapters – camp, sports, etc.

#4 - I am very thankful for my friends – old and new. Friends that I get to see and that I don’t get to see. Friends that I talk to on a regular basis and friends that I rarely get to talk to. All have a very special place in my heart along with the memories that we made along the way!

In Laws

I am so sad for all of you that would not be able to write a post like this. I know that there are probably more out there that couldn't than that could, and I hate that. It shouldn't be that way!!

Well, here we go...

I heart my in-laws!!

Seriously, that is not a lie. I really do - all of them - Mother in Law, Father in Law, Sister and Brother in Laws, Grandparents in Law. I really got a great deal when I married David. His family package was almost as good as my family package! =)

I also love how both of our families get along so well. I know that is not a regular occurrence either. Not only do I love spending time with David's family, but he loves spending time with my family too...and both our families love to be together as well! See, I told you, it is a great package!!

I have told David for years now, that he better think twice about ever leaving me since his family may just love me more than they do him!! Oddly enough, I actually fell in love with his parents way before I ever loved him!! They truly treat me like I am one of their own, and I love that!!

I also love my siblings in law...David's sister (Crystal), Mir's husband (Mike), and Bor's husband (Chris). Crystal has really become like another sister to me. I am so thankful to have a sister close by (since mine are so far away) that I can hang out with, laugh with, and share with. We have the best time when we are together!! I heart the boys too. They are lots of fun to be with, but more importantly, they treat my sisters well and I love that!

All that, to say...# 3 - I am thankful for my In-Laws.

Thankfulness - Part 2

Raise your hand if you are a Goober!! Yep, that's me raising my hand (in case you can't see it).

After I typed that whole post yesterday about Thankfulness and started thinking of some of the things I am most thankful for, I got a serious case of deja vu. As in, flash back to my very first post.

"Something new with the ole blog?!" I think not!!

To make matters worse, when I got on Facebook last night, everyone was starting their 30 Days posts!! I typically try to avoid all of the Facebook trends (ie - the color of your bra, where you leave your purse, brother/sister/mother/father/friend week, post this to save all the puppies in the world, etc). I hate when they clog my news feed, and most of them are absolutely ridiculous!!

Those two things gave me conflicting feelings about doing this Thankfulness List. I really debated abandoning the whole idea all together, but then I took another look at it.
Who cares if everyone else is doing it?! Who cares if I have already done a list in the past?!
Thankfulness really should be something that we all practice on a daily basis, regardless of the time of year. I would even venture to say that not being thankful is what has gotten our society in the shape it is in now. Thankfulness seems to be a rarity in every day life.

All that being said...let me continue on with my list...

2. I am so thankful for the family that God has blessed me with. I know this is a repeat from my other post, but I don't care! I love them - all of them!! I truly have been blessed with the best mom and dad, sisters, and brother that a girl could ask for!! Throw in my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins and you have got one huge, crazy family that I absolutely adore!! Seriously...if you want to have some fun, just come join any of our family gatherings. You are sure to have a good time - even if it is just sitting back and laughing at all of us.

*Speaking of my family, I just thought of a story that I need to share some time...it involves glitter, a mouse, a gun and a bedroom slipper. See, I told you - crazy - but HILARIOUS!! You'll have to hang on for that story another day ...

30 Things to be Thankful For

Can you believe it is already NOVEMBER?!? I totally feel like just the other day I was starting this super fun blog and now this year is almost over!! Man, time really does fly when you are having fun!!

November is typically the Thankful Month (you know, being the home to Thanksgiving and all), so I thought I would try something a little new with the ole blog this month. I know I failed miserably with the daily photo challenge (props to Mir for sticking with it!), and I probably shouldn't try anything similar to that so soon, but here goes nothing...

I want to make a list of 30 Things I am Thankful for.

1. I absolutely must start with my own personal Salvation. I would be no where without the love of Christ and His direction in my life. I am very thankful that He chooses to love me, even when I am unlovable. Thanksgiving does not truly exist outside of Him anyways - since everything that we have to be thankful for is a gift from Him!