I'm thankful for so many things this weekend...

First of all, believe it or not, I can truly say I am thankful for all the crazy life changes that have happened over the last two years- especially the last 4 months. It's been a whirlwind, and many of my prayers have been something along the line of "Lord, what on EARTH are You doing?? Is this really YOU? It can't possibly be!!" but somehow things are settling down and I can truly say that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

I'm thankful for my family who, in spite of my oddness and occasional detached-ed-ness, love me, care for me, support me, and have been there for me. They haven't given up on me, and I love them dearly.

I'm thankful for my little Peanut (who is rapidly turning into a cashew). He is all boy, all smiles, too-smart-for-his-own-good, and keeps me on my toes. He's fiercely independent, but still insists on mommy snuggles before going to bed. He's a charmer- too much so, sometimes, scaring me by making conversation with perfect strangers. He has a knack for picking out the people in the crowd who most need cheering up and giving them their smile for the day. Every once in awhile, caring for him by myself gets overwhelming, but I remind myself that I cried out in prayer for 8 years that the Lord would open my womb. And as much of a handful as the Peanut can be, I wouldn't have him any other way.

I'm also thankful for my friends who've stood by me for years, patiently supporting me through life's ups and downs. I'm thankful for new friends, who normally would have run from someone going through all I faced this year, but instead, saw something deeper and stayed by my side. I am amazed at the people God has sent in my life- each placed carefully at the time they are most needed, as the scripture says, "like apples of gold in pictures of silver." You all are treasures, and I wouldn't have made it without you.

I'm thankful for the material blessings in my life- a great job, cool car, things like that. Life is usually pleasant, and I remember a time when it was not so.. I'm even thankful for the things that aren't so great (those who know...) b/c they serve as a reminder of why I must life each day to the fullest, and not let others hold me down.

I'm thankful for my health! Though I'm currently overcoming the worst flu I've ever experienced, I consider it a blessing to have typed this letter, drive a car, be healthy, run several half-marathons this year, do 50 pushups the other day. Why am I so thankful? Because 7 years ago I couldn't even button my clothing. I couldn't drive. I couldn't work out. I couldn't cook. I couldn't garden. There were nights I couldn't even eat without assistance. And I was about to lose my job. But now I can do all that and then some. Lord, I thank you.

Finally, and this really should have been first, I'm thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the grace which He metes out on my life each and every day. I'm thankful for that Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who has wiped my tears and given me hope when I felt low. I most CERTAINLY don't deserve His grace, His love, His blessings b/c I'm far from, but I love Him and appreciate His presence in my life.

Take Care, and My God Richly Bless You,

Min. Janine Wiggins