. . . and I'm thankful for my job???

Seriously, you weren't expecting that, were you???

Yes, I am thankful for my job. In this day when so many are searching for jobs, it is a blessing to know that every other Friday, money is simply going to appear in my checking account.

My job has tons of problems ... numerous things I could complain about. But in honor of the spirit of thankfulness that encompasses this month (and really should surround us always), I'll only focus on the wonderful parts.

The folks I work with are dedicated people who believe in what they are doing. When a case is discovered to be flawed (as in, uhhh, we got the wrong person), most won't hesitate to dismiss the case. That makes me feel good. The system isn't perfect. Most of the people I work with are trying to make it better.

The people I work directly with value and appreciate me. That hasn't been the case with every place I have worked. I know that what I do and they way I do my job can change a person's outlook on the legal system. Treating the victims of crime in a compassionate way and realizing that you (hopefully) will never see the system from their view is what makes the situation a little better for them.

Short of winning the Lotto and never having to work another day, I think I'll stay with the job I have. I'm thankful to God for a job that allows me to touch people in a positive way.

Bunches!

. . . and I'm thankful for those that raised me

I don't know that I was a difficult child. But I know this for sure, I wasn't an easy child. 

Really, aren't these photos enough to prove that? They were so young and then they had me and --- 

wait, they still look pretty good, don't they?

This one cracks me up. I'm guessing it's Christmas time (judging by the cards so artfully taped on the wall behind all of us). If that's so, then this would be December of 1952. Wow, my parents look pretty good for having four kids. I can imagine how we were all acting 5 minutes before the picture was taken. Yet, Momma and Daddy aren't pulling their hair out. In fact, they both look pretty relaxed.

Here they are with me --- hey, they still don't look crazy. 

And seriously, if you knew the back-story on this one, you would realize that their smiles and pleasant attitudes have nothing to do with us. The truth is, they were an incredible pair that worked together to raise four semi-normal children (well, except for the 3 boys who are absolutely NOT normal).

And although Daddy has left us to go be with Jesus, Momma is still here doing what she always has done ... she prays for us daily, she loves us unconditionally, and she is infinitely proud of each of us. 

Today (and every day), I am extremely thankful to God for the parents He gave me.

Bunches!!!!

-- and thankful for the One I'm thankful to

Yes, that's right. I'm thankful for God and everything that IS about Him.

I'm thankful that He supremely created a universe that is amazing and magical.

I'm thankful that He gave humans a free will (even though we use it poorly most of the time).

I'm thankful that He designed everything to be such a delight to explore: tastes, smells, sights, feelings.

I'm thankful that He wants companionship with me (yup, go figure, God enjoys my companionship).

But most of all, and this is the big one, I'm thankful that He provided a way for me to live eternally with Him in heaven; thankful that His only Son, Jesus (who magnificently is equally man and equally God) was in perfect Oneness with God The Father and became the Supreme sacrifice that allows me to be a joint heir to everything God has provided.

You see, I'm thankful to be a Daughter of THE KING!

Bunches!