Monday, November 9, 2009

Sad day...

This evening I found out that one of my closest friends; Sarah's, sister lost her battle with brain cancer today.

With this on my mind and Thanksgiving coming up I am reminded at how much I have to be thankful for... An old friend of mine challenged her readers on her blog,

"
I encourage you to make a list of what you are thankful for...maybe even take the time to think about 3 people, places, and events that the Lord has revealed His character through. It really puts the dirty house, busy schedule, and broken vacuum cleaner in perspective."

I am thankful for...
1. My salvation and the free grace given to me willingly every single day even though over and over again I fail him and do not deserve it one single bit.
2. My husband, who even though I have bouts of depression and moodiness... loves me unconditionally and takes care of me with all of his heart.
3. My beautiful 3 month old baby girl, Avery... cannot believe that the Lord would bless me with such and amazingly sweet little individual, she instills a smile on my face each second of the day and keeps my eyes welled up with tears each time she smiles or learns something new. I'm a proud mama! :)
4. My family, the Carmichael side... even though they don't understand where I'm coming from all the time, still put up with me and love me. My side, My mommy (I'll always call her that) for being a truly amazing mother with so much to offer and for being my role model my whole life, she's absolutely my best friend. My daddy, for having my back always and for the goofy sense of humor and attitude he gave me. My Ricky, my BIG little brother who's all grown up and gonna be a fireman some day... so much potential and he's fulfilling it each step he takes. My baby sister Bailee (Aunt Bay), for being a firecracker, for loving me and for the unexplainable bond we share. Granny, my sole grandparent left on this earth... she's a pistol and she's willing to do anything for ANYBODY no matter what that might be, I admire her unconditional love.
5. Our youth, each have their own personality and potential and I love watching them grow... I hate the consequences in between but enjoy the outcome of what the Father has in mind for them. I have high expectations but don't judge them when they fail, we're all human! :)

3 People:
1. Tim and Lori Wertz (couples count for one ;)
showed me how to have a Godly marriage and raise Godly children and to seek God in EVERY SINGLE SITUATON. Believe it or not, I have to be reminded of this still... I let myself get in the way many times.
2. Kimberly Diana Bumpers-
for helping me find my true self when I got to college... whether that be by being a total and complete retard or by learning from eachother's lives each second we spent together. For not letting me get away with anything and for challenging me spiritually. I love you best friend! :)
3. Sheldon Grant Carmichael-
he's the one person in my life who is the hardest on me but also the one that shows the most love to me... although finding it hard to find the motivation he keeps me going every day and encourages me to be better. I love him for the push and for the person he's made me today.


3 Places:
1. Texas-
where I grew up, where I asked the Lord into my heart and where I was molded into the person I am today.
2. Missouri-
where I went to college, met my best friend, met my soul mate and where I truly found myself.
3. Florida-
Our first ministry position, our first "home" outside of college, where Avery was born. It has challenged me the most and that's why I know in the future I will consider this one of my greatest growing experiences ever, cannot wait to see what the Lord has for us! :)

Events are pretty much the same as the places! :) The end... nighty night all!