Giving HIM Thanks Daily

Although Thanksgiving was almost two weeks ago, I want to take this time out to give thanks to GOD for his many blessings. I don’t believe that Thanksgiving should be the only day that we give thanks to HIM for all he is done. Alternatively, we should celebrate giving thanks daily. “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with Thanksgiving” (Col 4:2).

Whew! Where do I begin? First, I just want to thank GOD for being GOD. I want to thank HIM for saving my soul and dying on the cross for me. Every time I think about his body hanging on a rugged cross, beaten and battered, I think “wow, he did that for me? “ I thank HIM for my husband. I often refer to him as my fantasy guy because I never believed that I would find, (let alone marry) a man who honors the Lord and who is a patient lover and friend. God truly knew what I needed when he sent me Saad. (Tearing up), I am thankful to GOD for my two beautiful sons, Aj and Isaiah. It’s funny…I never really wanted kids. In the past, I always saw myself as being this successful, money making career woman, with no kids and a husband. My plan was to obtain my PHD, drive a red Audi, (top of the line to be exact) and live in an upscale apartment, while living financially comfortable (notice my dreams before didn’t include GOD). GOD truly had a different plan for me! Now, I am a SAVED, stay-at-home mom, with two fun loving intelligent little boys. Being married to their dad, and being their mommy, has been my greatest achievement yet.

I thank GOD for my family and friends who has always been my biggest support system. My parents, brothers, sister-in-law, parents –in-law and friends, have been there through our most challenging and best times. Never once, have they turned their backs on us and for that I am immensely humbled. I thank GOD that each and every time I revisit my parent’s house it is filled with humor and love. Other than being at my own home or church, it is my next favorite place to be.

GOD is so amazing that HE has placed me in a bible believing church, Crossroads Baptist Church (CBC). It is an amazing place where GOD, marriage, family, and spreading the gospel are the only significant things. The outside world is truly left outside. CBC is also a place where I have connected with so many amazing Christian people. I have learned to not only trust in GOD but in his people (something that I have always struggled with).

I could go on and on because GOD is just that good to me, but I will give you one more. I am thankful to GOD for continuing to break me so that I may be a testimony to you. To make a very long story short, I began writing LOV after I left my teaching job. I felt convicted working there, so I prayed and asked GOD to guide my steps. At that time, Saad and I had just had our second child, Isaiah. If I were to leave my job, we would be getting rid of a second income as well as health benefits. One day during Sunday service GOD told me to leave through a message. The next day I did not return to work. Well, Saad and I struggled …for a while (still do some day’s lol). I applied to job after job and got nothing. For months, I was depressed and felt guilty, always feeling like I made the wrong decision. But then one day, I sat down in front of my computer and created LOV. GOD was talking to me and I just began writing. Eight months later, I thank GOD for breaking me during that time. During the months of frustration, financial troubles, and just anxiety, GOD showed up each and every time, providing me faith in HIM. He has provided me what he wants for my life, and not what I thought I wanted. As a result, I am still unemployed (according to worldly standards), but I have been able to spend the last 8 months watching my boys grow, grow closer to my husband, grow closer to HIM, and give you LOV. I am thankful to you for taking this journey with me in learning more about our virtue. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of GOD in Jesus Christ concerning you” (1Th 5:18).

Giving Thanks on a Tuesday,

KPA

Once raised by a Virtuous single mother, I am now a strong Virtuous Fashionista, who gives thanks daily, who wants to be a GODLY example to others, who is able to forgive my enemies, who has high expectations of me, who has been created in GOD’s own image, who lovingly submits to my spouse, who understands GOD's love, has an intimate relationship with GOD, supports Breast Cancer Awareness, with a family who honors me, Virtuous friends who love me, and with a giving spirit