I hate being sick. I get needy when I'm sick and that's exactly how I feel right now. A year ago, someone would rush to my side and take care of me. But that was a year ago. Things are different now.
I still feel needy (as I said) but now I call someone else. Actually, He's with me even before I call on to Him. And that's why things are different now. That's why things are better now.
So instead of a sick pity party, I can't help but look back at the year that was and write down my thoughts and thanks to what God has done. 12 months. 362 days (2011 aint over yet). A whole lot of difference.
So here goes my list (and I know I have a lot to be thankful for but here's my top 10):
1. I am thankful that God redeemed me this year.
I've been a Christian for as long as I can remember but I have been running away from God because I didn't like the idea of someone taking control of me. But God has had enough of my running and He pursued me dramatically this year. He spelled out in bold letters what He wanted for my life and I did a 180 degree turn. That I am truly thankful for.
2. I am thankful for restoration in my family.
This one actually started before 2010 ended when we had a family session where we just forgave each other and moved forward from where we were stuck for years on end. Because of this, the family breezed through 2011 with no more angst for each other and more love just flowed from within. It was God's special gift to my family for this year.
This one actually started before 2010 ended when we had a family session where we just forgave each other and moved forward from where we were stuck for years on end. Because of this, the family breezed through 2011 with no more angst for each other and more love just flowed from within. It was God's special gift to my family for this year.
3. I am thankful for new friendships.
4. I am thankful for ministry opportunities.
God has introduced me to a whole lot of people this year. He may have taken me out of where I used to be but He did not leave me empty. He gave me people who I can walk with in this faith, people who I can partner with in honing my talents, people who I can pray with, pray for and get prayers from... new people to cherish. I have never felt so loved before.
4. I am thankful for ministry opportunities.
Being part of God's family entails work in His Kingdom. But God loves me so much that He assigned to a ministry that I am good at and truly enjoy.
5. I am thankful that I can climb mountains.
God also introduced me to climbing this year. I never thought that I could do such a difficult feat and being able to meet God in the mountain is such an awesome experience. But more than the achievement is the reason why I want to do this -- to be able to serve Him through missions in the mountains.
6. I am thankful for my health.
6. I am thankful for my health.
Despite me having a bad cough, colds and no voice right now, I thank God that He kept me (and my family) generally healthy throughout the year. No one was hospitalized, no one got into any accidents, and we don't have any major illnesses. And the usual virus that we catch every now and then just gives us an opportunity to sit back and rest for a while. That I am also thankful for.
7. I am thankful for God's pampering.
7. I am thankful for God's pampering.
Funny how I can never understand God's mathematics. When I have already used up most of my savings, I only get allowance from my work and I get very minimal pay on my other projects I don't know how I am still able to go out for coffee when a friend needs to talk; or go on a roadtrip when I badly needed a break; or even get a BlackBerry for my birthday. I never seem to run out of gas and I am still able to watch movies and dine out. Plus I get to bless other people too. I guess He still does multiply barley loaves and fishes up to this day.
8. I am thankful for freedom from bondage.
8. I am thankful for freedom from bondage.
I have been living in sin for the longest time and I have been trying (on my own) to break free from it. But only when I called on to God and responded to His pursuing me was I able to finally break free from it all. I quit smoking and drinking and broke off a relationship that I have been trying to let go of for years.. only through God's grace.
9. I am thankful for the work schedule God gave me.
10. I am thankful that I can see the difference.
9. I am thankful for the work schedule God gave me.
Because of the kind of work I have in our school, I have a lot of time for events, ministry, climbing mountains, roadtrips, writing blogs and getting project opportunities. I am thankful that I am not tied down to a 9 to 5 job and that I can be flexible with my work. I know that this is also God's blessing to me. I also have more time to spend with Him.
10. I am thankful that I can see the difference.
I see the difference. My life is not perfect and I still stumble and there are relapses and falling outs and problems and troubles this year. But I see the difference now that I am walking with God. I can feel His hand in what I do, I can hear His Word, I can feel His presence. I don't walk out on Him anymore rather I run to Him for help. I see the all the difference that God makes. And that I am truly thankful for.
And I just feel so blessed that I can hear God's voice because just last night He gave me a wonderful promise. Just when I thought I had such a great 2011, God told me that it was just a preview of how awesome my 2012 will be... and I can hardly wait! :)
And I just feel so blessed that I can hear God's voice because just last night He gave me a wonderful promise. Just when I thought I had such a great 2011, God told me that it was just a preview of how awesome my 2012 will be... and I can hardly wait! :)