Thankful Thursday

 It is the month for giving thanks.  All over Facebook and blogs people are sharing the things they are thankful for.  As our family goes through this trial, I struggle at times to be thankful.  It is not my first reaction as I strive to just make it through the day at times.  But God has been reminding me that I need to be thankful in all things.  I need to thank Him for the trial and what He is teaching me.  I saw this quote and it is so true.  It is through giving God thanks that my attitude is changed and I am filled with His joy.  So for that reason I am going to share some things that I am thankful for each Thursday during November.  They will probably just be some random thoughts but it is what God has shown me to be thankful for through the week.

• I am so thankful for the righteousness of Christ that has become mine.  Through studying the sermon on the mount in Matthew, I have become even more convicted of my sin.  I see where I mess up so much BUT I also see Christ's redeeming love.  Through His death, His righteousness became mine.  When God looks at me he does not see my sin but He sees Christ's righteousness.  What a humbling and freeing thought!!  So much to be thankful for right there!!  
• I am thankful for my job.  When I was picking a career 15 years ago, I really wanted to pick something that would allow me to have a family and also work.  That was the plan but I never thought it would actually be a reality (grand plans so rarely come true).  Was I ever wrong.  God has blessed me abundantly with an amazing job that is flexible and allows me to be a mom but also work at something I love.  There aren't many people that can say that.  I try not to take it for granted. 
• Today I am thankful for Ben's school.  It has not been the easiest decision to put him in public schools and we have actually faced a lot of criticism for our decision.  I do have to admit it has not always been an easy road.  But I do know it is the road we are supposed to be on.  Tonight confirmed that.  Their school did a program for Veteran's Day.  They spoke openly about the foundation of our country and the freedoms that we enjoy.  God was honored through it all.  What a blessing it was to know that even in a country with some really big issues there are still God honoring parts.   Ben is not only getting a great education but he is also learning so much more.  By the way, Ben did awesome at the program.  We were so proud of how well he sang!!  

• I know it is random but today I am also thankful for text messages.  I was having a down time today and just feeling sorry for myself.  I then received several texts from friends that were so encouraging.  Technology can be a very good thing!! 

So that is what I am thankful for this Thursday.  God is so good and I thank Him!!