For What, I Am Thankful

It's Thanksgiving 2008, and I thought I would write a post about for what I am thankful. If you're not mentioned on here, it's not because I am not thankful for you. I just have main people in my life, with whom I interact.

First and foremost, I am thankful for God. I am thankful that He sent Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. I am thankful for the Bible, which is full of instructions and promises, and I am thankful for the message of the cross. I am thankful that I have come back from "the dark side," but have still remained "Michelle," and am not the "annoying Christian" I was in high school.

I am thankful for living in America, where I can have civil freedoms and religious freedoms. I am thankful that we live in a country where we can vote and choose tomorrow's leaders. Most of all in this category, no matter who voted for whom this election, I am thankful George W. Bush will no longer be President in 55 days.

I am thankful that I have all my provisions-- food, shelter, clothing, and usually sufficient money. I pray for those who aren't as fortunate as me, and try to help whenever I can. I thank God that He gives me the resources to do so.

I am thankful for my family-- no matter how much crap we've been through together and separately. We've had our times, but they still help take care of me, and I help take care of them. I am also thankful for my in-laws, in that aspect.

I am thankful for my husband, because without him, I don't know where I'd be. He is such a good provider, and puts up with so much crap from me. He loves me unconditionally, even though I have no idea how he does it. I love him very much.

I am thankful for Tara Meacham. She and I have been friends for years and years, and even though we haven't always seen eye-to-eye on things, we still find common ground, and have mutual respect for one another. She's also the only person who has always encouraged my love for writing.

I am thankful for Kim and Jeremy Krantz. They look out for me and Ben, and we look out for them. Kim and I have been through hell and back with our friendship since 6th grade, but yet, we're still best friends. And basically, I'd be very bored without her.

I am thankful for Jerid Prater. Though I supported it myself, Jerid opened my eyes to a whole new level of tolerance for those in the LGBT community. He's such a spirited and dedicated person, and stands up for what he believes in. He is such a strong person, and it makes happy to see. I love him and always look forward to seeing him.

I am thankful for Phil Wagner. He's my only Christian friend that put up with me when I was in my "heathen" ways. No matter how horrible of a mood I am in, he can say one thing, and put an instant smile on my face. He's the only reason that I have any hope left in anything to do with Liberty University. He's one of the best friends I could have ever asked for.

I am thankful for Thomas Greiner. His spirit gives me hope because he is someone who spent forever following after everyone else, but finally broke free and gained independence. His story and life makes me want to strive for freedom and independence, as well.

I am thankful for Kavin Kramer. When I was astray, he was there to talk to me, quote Scripture, and pray for me. I also am thankful for his blunt honesty in situations that require honest responses, no matter how hard they are to hear sometimes. I am thankful that he is a friend that challenges me spiritually.

I am thankful for love, peace, and forgiveness. I have been forgiven so few times, but be that as it may, I love to forgive people, to love them, and promote peace. In a world full of hate, I am so thankful to have the freedom to be different, and confuse people, because I have the ability to be so unlike everyone else.

I am thankful for all these things and more. I pray that I will never take any of these things or people for granted, and I always thank my God upon every remembrance of them.