Giving Thanks

So, I know this might be a little cliche but I wanted to do it anyway.
First of all let me say, "Happy Thanksgiving". Today is going to be an amazing day. I just wanted to share a few of the things I am thankful for this year and then tell you why I am thankful for you!
-I am thankful for finishing graduate school with my Master of Science degree, debt-free I might add. :)
-I am thankful for God taking care of my every need even when I doubted that he could/would.
-I am thankful for the amazing people in my life including those that I met just 5 short months ago!

Mom-Really, this list could go on forever but I'll just say the one that comes to my mind right now. I am thankful that you sacrificed so much every day to help me finish school debt-free. You are amazing and the thought of paying you back for all you've done is a little overwhelming. Thanks for it all!

Daddy- Thanks for calling me always to check on me and making me "kiss" you through the phone even though it can get a little embarrassing. I love you!

Susan- Thanks for taking care of my Dad. You are amazing. I love you!

Abby Claypool- Thanks for being there if I need to chat. I love the fact that we can go a month without talking and then have a 30-minute phone conversation as if it was just yesterday when we last talked!

Adam- I am thankful that you are a man with integrity. God's light shines through you and it is so encouraging!

Ashton- I am thankful that you are continually praying for me and letting me know that you are. You are always looking out for me. Also, thankful that you were my first friend in Birmingham :).

Bonnie- I am thankful that you are such a good friend. Your sweet text messages always seem to come on just the right days, at just the right time. You are awesome!

Brandon- I am thankful that you are straight forward. A lot like me! I love that you will always say what you are thinking. Thanks for being awesome. Also, you have some pretty good fire-pit building skills.

B-rian- Hmm...you are such a good friend. I am thankful for our conversations that really cause me to stop and reflect on my life. Thanks for always letting me speak boldly into your life. You rock!

Britt- So much to say. I love that you have always been there for me since my senior year of high school. I know we have gone periods of time without talking but it is comforting to know that when I pick up the phone, you'll be there! I am thankful for you!

Bruce Neal and Family- Thank you for sharing the love your family has for each other with me. I am grateful for our friendships. I love each and every one of you! And Bruce, thanks for those good hugs on the days when I really needed it!

Gautreau- I am truly thankful for the words of truth you speak to me. It is always amazing to me that God gives you just the right words to speak. You have strengthened me more than you'll ever know. Thanks!

Chris- As I told you, I am thankful that when you say something I know that you absolutely mean it. I admire that quality in you. Thanks for letting God's light shine through you. Your patience is amazing.

Danielle- I am thankful for your friendship. I am thankful that you let me spend time with Gavin when I am at home. I enjoyed our week in Disney. You rock!

Deirdre- I am thankful that you are my sister. I love you lots!

Dustin- I am thankful for the love to show to those around you. You are so good with the patients that you treat and that is something I admire about you. I hope I can be just like that with my patients!

Greg- I am thankful that you are like my "big brother". I am thankful that you will listen to me blab about meaningless stuff! Thankful for you and your family! Love you guys!

JR- I am thankful that you remind me that God still uses me. I love the texting friendship that you and I have. You are such a nice guy and I am honored to be your friend!

Jeff- I am thankful that you listened to God's calling to start House of the Rock. I believe that was a catalyst for a lot of growth in my spiritual walk. Thanks for your obedience.

Jennifer- I am thankful for something you said years ago in small group. Something that puts things into perspective for me constantly. You were talking about how you got upset when the socks were turned inside out when you got them out of the dryer and you said that God spoke to you and reminded you that those socks should cause you to be thankful for your husband and kids. That has been monumental in my life. I love you!

Jeremy- I am thankful for your humor. Your joy is contagious!

Jill- Whoa, too many things to say. But for just one. I am thankful for you allowing me to take part in your big day. I am honored that I'll be able to stand by you on your "big day". I love you!

Pam- I am grateful for your wisdom. God uses you to speak to me so often. Thanks for your words. I hold them dear in my heart!

Rachel- I am thankful for your joy! You have such a sweet spirit!

Rebekah- Thanks for your selflessness. You are a humble person and I admire that about you!

Sally-Seriously, I don't know if there is anyone sweeter than you. I am thankful that God allowed us to be friends. I am forever grateful!

Tara- Your openness about what is going on in your life has always been a testimony to me. I am thankful that your life is a picture of God's power to change people. You are truly a reflection of who He is!

Twila- One word that comes to mind about you....Passion. I am thankful for your passion about everything in your life. You are a remarkably wonderful woman of God!

Val-Roomdog....You are such a great person. I am thankful for the bond that God created between us almost immediately. Your honesty and openness is something to be esteemed. I love you much! God is doing such a great work in you-don't forget it!

If I left you out, trust me it wasn't on purpose. I know there are so many more people I am thankful for. If you read this and don't see you, let me know. I want to tell you why I am thankful for you.

Most of all, thanks for God Almighty, who for now, has blessed me with you guys!