So, in honor of me turning 30 two days ago I decided that it was appropriate for me to write out 30 things in my life that I’m grateful for. This was actually harder than I thought it would…not because I couldn’t think of things, but because I had too many things that I wanted to share. And even after narrowing the list in my head down, I still have way over 30…but who really cares…I’m beyond blessed and I want to brag on my God and my family and friends who mean the world to me. So here it goes, I’m grateful to God for…
1- Saving me at the young age of 6 and for driving it in again when I was 19
2- My family-each and every single one of them-I wouldn’t want to do life without any of them
3- Growing up in Russia and the worldview it gave me
4- My mom being healed of all her sickness when we flew back from Russia to America
5- Having 3 Russian brothers and countless Russian sisters and friends
6- My Granny’s house-it was always a safe haven and a place of warmth and comfort
7- Moving to North Mississippi in 2003
8- Getting to live with my sister every time she had one of her 4 kids
9- Getting to travel and experience new worlds, cultures, foods and languages
10- Going to and getting involved in Colonial Hills Church (my home church)
11- My core group of friends becoming the ‘McAlister’ family and then extended family
12- Meeting and then becoming family with the Sayger’s
13- Toni inviting this quiet girl named Danielle over at the same time as me and us becoming best friends.
14- Beam/Campbell nights and add ons (Beam/Campbell/Smith or McCormick, or Sayger)
15- Rides in the country in the back of the pickup truck
16- Starting to sing/lead in the youth bands and worship team and serving in the youth group
17- Getting to be so involved and apart of my niece’s and nephew’s lives
18- Learning how to fight in Colorado and experiencing just how precious I am to God
19- Learning that my heart was capable of being in love and not just being practical and sensible about things and life
20- All of the many, long, heart-to-heart conversations with Aunt Sharon
21- Miss Lisa suggesting that Sammi go to the play with me and us becoming best friends from that point on
22- Girl trips and gatherings
23- Hang out nights and parties at my house and lots and lots of dancing (especially swing)
24- Learning about Psychology and graduating College
25- Learning how to truly feel and express emotions
26- Being set free from strongholds and addictions
27- Learning that God is enough when my heart is broken and seeing His overwhelming redemption in my life
28- Parents that show me what it means to follow Christ in the good times and the bad
29- God opening up and giving the world to me
30- The special community that I get to do life with
Add on- my curly hair
Add on- four wheeler rides and doing ‘country’ things
Add on- Getting to share an apartment with my brother Ben
Add on- My niece Gracie, being born last year
Add on- Seeing Danielle answer the call on her life and move to Bolivia to do missions
Add on- Getting to be one of the Maids of Honor in Sammi and Josh’s wedding
Add on- Growth
Add on- Being apart of missions and having the privilege of being on the World Race Journey
Add on- God…need I say more?
I know this list is long and I could keep on going. I could not be more blessed by the family and countless friends that God has given me and continues to give me. All glory goes to Him forever and ever. Thank You Jesus for who You are and for who I am in You. It’s too much for me. My cup overflows.
