LIFE...What A Precious Gift!

Today, it's "Thankful Thursday" hosted by Rhondi of Rose Colored Glasses. I always love the chance it gives me to dig deep down inside myself and see...REALLY see...all that I have to be thankful for.

Am I the only one...or does it seem like there's a lot of suffering going on here in Blogland? I'm always taken aback every time I check my blog to see the number of people who've requested prayers for chronically sick children or loved ones. It brings me to my knees, literally. There are, also, those who've recently lost someone they loved dearly. The struggles people are facing right now are almost unbearable, it seems. My heart breaks for each and every one of those who are having such a difficult time.

Just yesterday afternoon, Chris received a phone call from his mother. She informed him that she'd read in the newspaper that the brother of one of his best high school friends got killed in a car accident. He wasn't wearing a seat belt and got ejected from the car. He was air-flighted to a local hospital where he passed away. He was only 37 years old! He still had his whole life in front of him! So, today, Chris will be attending his visitation service. Of course, there's also the story of what happened to a woman from my Bible study class when we lived in Alabama. Her 9 year old son was in a 4 wheeler accident in September of 2007. He miraculously survived, but he's still in a coma, and his doctor's can't offer a definitive prognosis. So, they wait...wondering from one day to the next what will be the outcome. This is only the tip of the iceberg of what they've had to endure.

I just believe that life if far more fragile than any of us realizes. One day...everything is plugging along smoothly. Then, the next day, something happens and life as you now know it is forever altered. God never promised any of us a life without trials and tribulations, so we need to always be aware that things can, and do happen, to change the course of one's life. No one is immune...rich or poor, young or old, Christians or non-believers.

So, on this Thankful Thursday, I'm incredibly grateful for the gift of life and for my health, and the health of my family. I realize now more than ever before that it can be here today, but gone in an instant tomorrow. So, I will relish in the sounds of my girls laughing, singing, and even arguing! I will find immense pleasure in watching them run, dance, and act their goofy selves. I will cherish the touch of my husband's hand in mine and the sound of him telling me how much he loves me. I will treasure LIFE because it is such an incredible gift and one not to be taken for granted. Above all, I will give thanks to God for being so gracious and ask Him to pour his loving kindness and mercy upon those who are in need.

"Some people are always grumbling that roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses."~Alphonse Karr

P.S. K.MAC Creations is having a fun giveaway! She's asked for participants to post about what is unique about them. Well, I think I'm unique because, even though I lost my mom, dad, and brother in only 6 short years, God has given me the ability to have a positive outlook on life. I take chances and don't allow myself to be consumed by all the "what ifs". I believe in living in the here and now! Tomorrow will worry about itself!

I MUST Love Him!

Today is "Thankful Thursday" hosted by Rhondi over at Rose Colored Glasses. It's an opportunity to sit back and give thought to the many blessings in your life. This week, I'm putting a different spin on it...I think you'll understand.

Now, let me start by saying that a couple of weeks ago, Chris and I had dental appointments on the same day about 30 mins. apart. By the time I arrived for my appointment, he'd already finished with his and was on the road to head out of town. It was our first visit at this particular dentist.

I sat down in the examination chair and had the usual x-rays and cleaning. Everything went as I had hoped...no problems! That's one thing to be thankful for! Well, when the dentist came in, she introduced herself to me and took a quick peek at my choppers. When she finished, she asked, "Your husband came in right before you, didn't he?" and I replied, "Yes." She, then, said, "I'm not too good at acting, but..." At that very moment, I held up my hand and said, "I'm going to stop you right there." She had a look of surprise in her eyes. I said, "Let me guess...my husband wanted you to tell me that he's been inducted into the Dental Hall of Fame, right?" She looked completely dumbfounded, then she started to laugh. I explained to her that my husband and I are very competitive with each other, and this was not the first time he's put a dentist up to saying that very same thing to me...I can assure you, it won't be his last, either!

You see, Chris has never let me live down the fact that he didn't have to get braces...his teeth are PERFECT (his words, not mine!). I, on the other hand, wore braces for about 2 years. Then, poor Brittany had braces for almost 2 1/2 years. Just two days ago, I took Abby to the orthodontist for a re-evaluation...yep, she's about ready for braces, too! In fact, she's going to have to get a palatal expander that she'll wear for 4-6 months, then her braces will be put on. We just got Brittany out of braces not too long ago, now...here we go, again! Oh, Chris has already informed me that if I'd had PERFECT teeth like his, our girls wouldn't be needing braces! What am I ever going to do with him? :) Doesn't he know that "Tin Grins Are In"? So, on "Thankful Thursday", I'm glad that I have a husband who manages to keep me on my toes and make me laugh, even after all these years! He's still a BIG STINKER, though! This is the same man who puts his arms around me in a parking lot, then shouts, "I hope your husband doesn't find out!" Oh, the looks I get from people make me want to crawl in a hole! LOL!

"The reason they're called the opposite sex is because every time you think you have your wife fooled - it's just the opposite!'~Walter Winchell

P.S. Do keep Abby in your prayers, if you would. She's so bummed that she won't be able to chew gum or eat popcorn for the duration of her treatment (roughly 30 months)...those are two of her favorite treats! I just keep reminding her that it will all be worth it in the end! Check out this great giveaway at KMAC Creations!

A Box Of Surprises!

Today is "Thankful Thursday" hosted by Rhondi over at Rose Colored Glasses. It's such a great time to count some of your blessings...check it out!
Well, I recently signed up for the "Favorite Things Swap" hosted by Mamarazzi of Dandelion Wishes. She runs a first-class swap, so if you ever have the opportunity to join in, don't pass it up...it's a lot of fun! Well, I was so thrilled to learn that my swap partner was going to be one of my sweet bloggy buddies, Amy, from The King's Table! I've enjoyed getting to know Amy, so I knew she would be the perfect match.

Yesterday, the doorbell rang and I scurried downstairs to see who it was. The mailman had left me this box on our front porch...from Amy! I felt like a child on Christmas morning!
I rushed to the kitchen to find a pair of scissors to cut through the tape, then the rest was history! I tore into that baby so quick, it wasn't even funny! Here's what I found inside...
There was the cutest cupcake book, along with sprinkles and baking cups. She sent me a beautiful cup and saucer with this Bible verse, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently on Him"~Psalm 37:7 on it. How about those socks...aren't they adorable? Then, there's a little pumpkin that says, "Give thanks"...so cute! Of course, the Reese's Peanut Butter Egg won my heart immediately!

Now, tell me that this monogrammed bag...in my favorite color combination...is not the prettiest thing you've ever seen? Come on, I dare you! I absolutely LOVE it! I can't tell you the times I've needed something just like it to lug all of my stuff around in!So, on this "Thankful Thursday", I am very thankful and blessed beyond compare by all the friendships I've made here in this place we call Blogland. Amy, you are certainly no exception. Thank you for your kindness and your generosity. Your gifts made my day, but it was the thought that you put into choosing each one that made all the difference!

"True friendship isn't about being there when it's convenient; it's about being there when it's not."~Author Unknown