26 and reflecting

Yesterday was my 26th Birthday.  In a lot of ways it was just another ordinary day, but what made it different was the many reminders of how blessed I am to be surrounded by so many loving people.  I am so blessed to have so many encouraging people in my life.  All of you give me such motivation to live my life for Christ and to live a life of love.  Although I constantly fail in this area, I am moved by the examples I see in all of you.  Thank you for being such an inspiration in my life and for helping me to constanly stive to become the best version of myself. 

With that I leave you with the top 5 things I am most grateful for this year:

1)God.  I am so grateful for His presence in my life.  He has always taken care of us and is always there for me, even when I don't feel like anyone else is.  He has brought so much joy to my life this past year and I know that he is really trying to work on me lately.  I feel his presence in my daily tasks and I am trying to be more open to allowing him to take total control of my life.

2)My family.  Especially for my husband who has been so kind, understanding, and patient with me.  I know I am not always easy to be married to.  He works so hard in school and I often find myself complaining about my day.  Instead of ignoring me, he listens to what I have to say and always encourages me to bring these worries or frusterations to God.  Also for my beautiful children who make me laugh and smile daily and remind me to simplify my life.

3) For my SBS girls.  This is my group of ladies here in Arizona who are all wives of medical doctors, Dentists, or of people in the medical profession.  I am so encouraged by their love and generosity.  They constantly remind me of my purpose here on earth and are always challenging me to grow in my faith.
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4) For the time we were able to spend with Cory's grandparents this last summer.  Life is so precious, and you just never know when you will have to say goodbye to someone.  Our time spent visiting with his Grandpa and Granddad was very precious to us.  What I am most grateful for is that Joey and Genna were both able to meet them for the first time.  Watching his Granddad decline so quickly has been tough, but we have to trust that this is all in God's plan and things happen for a reason.

5) For God making it clear to us that we are to head back to Seattle after Cory graduates.  This has been looming over us for the past 3 years and we finally feel as though we are clear on where he wants us to be...although knowing God, this can change soon :). 

I have SO many other things to be grateful for, but I am a mom and I would be neglectful to my children if I continued writing, so we will leave it at 5.  Thanks for all of your prayers for us and know we will continue to pray for you.  Here's to another wondeful year, full of ups and downs, but hopefully a LOT of ups :).