Hear these praises, from a grateful heart...

There are things that I could complain about, but instead, I want to focus on all the things that I have to be grateful for.

First off, I praise God for life. More specifically that I am alive both physically and spiritually. I've been near-death on both accounts, and should be dead... And yet He chose life for me.

And not only am I alive, but I am well. Things aren't perfect for me, but things are so much better than they could/should be. I'm so thankful that while there are a few things that I cannot do, there are much more things that I can do!!!! Lord, let me NEVER forget where you've brought me from.

I thank God that my family is healthy! I'm thankful that it's been me to face these health struggles and not my children. Thank You, Lord for keeping them from harm. I am so blessed.

I thank Him for a godly husband. A husband that loves God and loves his family. A husband that works hard and is a wonderful provider. A husband that leads us and encourages me to be a better person. A husband with unending faith. A husband that is truly my best friend. A husband that worships God beside me and reads the Word to me. A husband that gives me advice with the help of Scriptures.

I thank God for being a provider!!! We may be only 1 income right now, but we have NEVER gone without. Makes me think of what King David said, "I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread". When we line up our bills and our income, our income is always so short - yet it always covers our bills! We may not have much left over, but we are always so well taken care of.

I thank God for being a prayer-answering God. Sometimes His answers aren't what I had in mind... Sometimes accepting His answers isn't always easy. But He ALWAYS answers. And His answers are always the best.

I thank Him for loving me. I am so incredibly unworthy. And yet, while I was a sinner (so when I was at my worst!!) Christ died for me!!!! He loves the despicable me and He loves the "good" me. He loves me when I'm smiling and He loves me when I'm crying. He loves me when I feel good and He loves me when I feel bad.

I thank Him for the friends and family that He placed in my life. How awesome and incredible that He knows just who I need and when. How wonderful that His grace is shown through people, and that I am blessed to feel it a lot!

I thank Him that I've been delivered from the girl I once was. I don't think the same or act the same. I don't talk the same or walk the same (literally - HA). I can related to the man in the Bible that was crazy and lived naked in a cave... but Jesus delivered him!! I am now clothed and in my right mind! Oh hallelujah!

I praise God that His vision isn't limited like mine. He sees beyond imperfections and weakness, because He knows his strength and perfection!!

I'm thankful that He is true to His Word and that He keeps His promises. Even when I may have forgotten His promises, or feel too unworthy for His Word - He never falters and never changes. He is the same yesterday, and today, and forever!

I'm so thankful that He hears my hearts cry and He sees my every tear. No matter what is troubling me, He says, "Be not troubled!!!!" and "Cast your cares on (me)"!

Oh Jesus, how wonderful You are! What a mighty God I serve!! Lord, let my every breath utter praises to Your Name. Help me, God, to always remember to count my blessings instead of looking at my troubles. I know where my help comes from - and Your grace truly is sufficient.