I have a whole lot to be thankful for. Here are a few of them, in no particular order of importance.
I am thankful God made me a writer. Sometimes it can get frustrating when there seems to be no inspiration, but in the times I feel closest to God, He blesses me with the words I'm looking for.
I am thankful that Angelsword introduced me to HW. I'm here almost every day and have made so many good friends. I've become a better writer, more confident in sharing what I write, and learned so much here.  Just the knowledge that there are so many Christian writers out there, as been a joy.
I am thankful that God has given us the gift of music. It is such a beautiful way of expressing our feelings and our praise. This song has been a wonderful reminder to me that sometimes God's blessings come in the midst of trials.
I am thankful for my family. I don't always get along with my younger siblings, but when I stop and think about NOT having them, I realize I do love them.
I am thankful that I have gotten so much done with getting ready to publish my poetry. I have been blessed with encouragement and help by so many HWers and family members.
I am thankful for my friends here.
When I am feeling down, I can head over and be encouraged by the faith and love of each of you. When I need prayer, I can request it and know that you will pray from your heart. When I need help with pretty much anything, you are willing to try and help me figure it out. You all are AWESOME!
It also works the other way: When one of you is down, I can try my best to cheer you up. When one of you needs prayer, I can lift your request to our God who hears each word. When you need help, I can try to give it. It is a blessing just to know I can be a blessing, in even the smallest way. (Why I'm thankful for all of you could probably go on a whole lot longer,  but that's what we have 'I'd like to thank' thread for.)
I am thankful for my friends IRL. They have always been there for me when I needed them most. I can laugh with them and cry with them. I can see their strengths and weaknesses and they can see mine. One of the greatest blessings in the world, I think, are true friends who care for you no matter what.
I am thankful for the babysitting job I have. It is something small, but I can be a blessing to these kids. Though the youngest is too small to understand me, I can still sing and talk to him about God's love. And though the two year old doesn't understand all the things I sing with her, it is pure joy to see her delight as she beats her drum and sings, “Jesus is holy, Jesus loves me!” Even in the silly things like reading the same book three times in a row for the second or third time in the day, can show her that I care about her, and I can be a witness of God's love.
I am thankful that I am able to teach Sunday school. Though it is hard having only one kid in that age group who comes, and it isn't easy to keep his attention since he is the only one, I still find myself enjoying it. Telling him the stories about Moses, and seeing his surprise and interest in hearing these stories for sometimes the first time, is wonderful. To see a five year old loving God and excited to know more is a beautiful thing.
I am thankful for the joy in knowing Jesus will never let me go, that He hears my prayers, that He died for me, that He understands my hurts, that He has everything planned for me, that He can love even someone like me, and that someday I will see Him face to face.
~Ophelia MirZA Shaye, a child redeemed by Christ's blood.
PS, GREAT THREAD, ANI!
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