I thought that it would be a good idea to write a blog about what I am thankful for, since Thanksgiving is tomorrow. I decided to make a list of 11 things. Because I love that number, and it is a theme in my blogs (starting now haha). So without further ado:
1. God’s love.
This unconditional love has always been there, but has become more real than ever before. I have learned about the love that God has for His children, and that I am His daughter. He is jealous for me and He delights in me. And because He loves me, he pours out other great things I am thankful for- His mercy, forgiveness, graciousness, and the fact that He has a plan for me still. After stubbornly denying God for years, when I came back to Him, he welcomed me with open arms. He is just so good and I am so happy that I know His love. I want other people to know this love too!
2. Jesus’ sacrifice.
This is something that we may not take time to fully reflect on often. Jesus took all my sins upon Himself, died on a cross for me (and you) to have eternal life! God sent Jesus, His only Son, because He loves us! How can we ever take this lightly? How can we not rejoice every day?
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The first two things listed really are all that I “need,” but God pours out so many blessing to His children, so my list continues:
3. Nicole & Aaron Rodolph.
This wonderful couple has been in my life for nearly 10 years. They helped me grow as a teenager and gave amazing guidance as I faced life’s challenges. When I rebelled and turned away from God, I pushed them out of my life. They forgave me and became my friends again quickly when I moved back to Casper. Now, they are letting me live with them for the 2 months before I leave the country! It’s amazing for me to see their grace, forgiveness and how they seek God in their own lives. I get to see what marriage and true love looks like. And I get to hang out with their cute little kiddos! They are an encouragement to me as they help to guide me on my walk with God and act as accountability for me. This family is such a blessing and will be a huge part of my life for years to come. (The entire Rodolph clan is pretty great! I'm so blessed to have them in my life).
4. My entire family.
I was lucky enough to get to see almost all of my extended family this summer at the family reunion. I haven’t seen a bunch of them for years and it was such a blessing to get to see them all before I leave for the race. I got to see my biological dad, which was much needed. I am also so thankful for my parents. They care so much about me and are praying for me often.
5. My friends & my church family.
People that have always been there for me. People that are helping support my mission trip. It’s incredible how many friends I have that bought bracelets or t-shirts, made a donation to me or committed to pray for me while I am on the field. I have amazing friends. And God's blessed me with a wonderful church.
6. Morgan watching Zazu!
Seriously, I CANNOT thank her enough for taking my cute kitten for the year that I am gone. It’s so nice! And she swears that she will give her back, which is also really, really nice.
7. Adventures in Missions.
This organization is unreal. They are just a huge group of people that live their lives to look more like Jesus. They are such an encouragement to me, and I want to surround myself with people like this for the rest of my life. Also, I’m thankful for their amazing organization and the fact that they seek God’s will in everything they do. They are sending my squad and I around the world, and allowing us to be a part of this big adventure, bring glory to God’s Kingdom and grow in our relationship with Him.
8. N Squad.
These people are going to be my friends forever, I can tell. I love them all so much! It’s so neat how we were all called by God to go on the World Race, and then we were all grouped together to grow as individuals and to be vital pieces to each other’s growth. I love my entire squad and my team and know that God perfectly placed us together.
9. Skype.
Talking to my squad mates before I get to see them again at launch, getting to see my sisters and my nephew who are far away and I am so thankful to know that it’s how I will communicate with everyone in the US when I am overseas.
10. Winter.
This is my favorite season and I am so happy that I get to be home for most of the winter season and that I will return from the race just in time for another. God made so many little things in winter for me to be thankful for: the magical feel in the air, snow globe making, baking all the time, hot chocolate, sweaters, snow, winter smelling candles, cute snow boots, snowmen building, sledding, fireplaces, fuzzy socks, Christmas lights, Christmas trees, Christmas music, Christmas movies, [okay, all things Christmas], scarves, mittens, gingerbread cookies, celebrating Jesus' birthday, kicking icicles off the bottom of your car, making snow angels, hanging out a little longer while your car warms up, starbucks winter drinks, and all things warm, cuddly and cozy.
11. My favorite things.
This is actually a lot of things. I am so happy that God made me this person that gets really excited about little things in life. I truly appreciate small things and find genuine happiness in them. Some of these things include- baking, coffee, singing obnoxiously loud in the car with the windows down, painting my fingernails, Disney movies, sparkles, Taylor Swift Karaoke, precipitation (specifically rain and snow), cheese, the color purple, the number 11, dance parties, sour patch kids, smiling at strangers, hugs, game nights, chapstick, and finding the perfect song for how you’re feeling.
