7-11-77

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me...

I have to secretly (ish, I know) confess that I don't really love that my birthday is on a Wednesday this year.

(Any other pastor wives out there who know where I'm going with this confession???)

Wednesdays are really hard in the Gibson house.  And I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it is because today is the day set aside for our church's prayer meeting.  And what makes the Evil One tremble more than just about anything?  Believers storming the gates of heaven.

So, life gets pretty trying, tempted, and just plain terrible at times here in the dirty-rotten-sinner-filled-home known as "The Gibson Family".  *sigh*

And while I was tempted to complain (and continue to be-- don't get me wrong!), I decided that I would instead think of 35 things I am thankful for... since today marks the 35th anniversary of life given to me by a gracious Savior and a giving mother.  Ah!  Ah!  See?  I'm already starting to feel thankful!  So here goes...

35 Things to be thankful for in 35 Years:

1.  My birth date.  I love that thing.
2.  Burger King.  I was saved by grace through faith at the drive-thru of the Beckley BK.
3.  eHarmony.  Met my true love, soul mate, God-given match through that site.
4.  Suffolk, VA.  (For any of you who know me semi-super well should be shocked)  But I miraculously delivered not one, but TWO precious treasures from God Himself at a fabulous hospital there.
5.  No.  As I look back on my life at the many requests and concerns I brought before the Lord, I am so thankful for the (many!) times that He has lovingly said "No" to me.
6.  Yes.  I am equally grateful for the many "YES!" answers given so graciously by my Father-- from the "perfect" job to finding my lost keys.
7.  Appalachian Bible College.  The further I get from my graduation date (May 2000!), the more I realize how much I actually neglected my time and studies there.  And I am ashamed.  However, this is my "thankful list", so I want to give thanks for the dedication of the staff and faculty in their burden to train servants for this generation.
8.  Cream Cheese.  Not to brag, but there is nothing quite like my frosting made with real cream cheese.
9.  Laughter.  It truly is like medicine.
10. My home.  While even simply a thatched roof hut to keep me dry in the storm would be sufficient, the Lord has graciously allowed a WONderful parsonage for my family to reside.  Which brings me to...
11. My utility room.  I will (God willing!) never again live in a home that doesn't have an industrial sized sink.  Perfect for so many things, from bathing children to soaking laundry.
12. Having a gymnasium.  Connected to my house.  No, seriously.  I have a gymnasium.  CONNECTED to my HOUSE.  (Do I even really need to elaborate?!)
13. An enclosed "breezeway" connecting my house to said gymnasium.  It serves as cold storage in the winter and the perfect "rising" location for breads, rolls, etc. in the summer.
14. Dr. Pepper 10.  That stuff has saved lives. 
 15. Ashley Gibson.  Yes, I know I kinda already mentioned him.  But trust me.  He is worth mentioning more than once.  He loves me.  He loves.  Me.  And I have a whole lotta crazy goin' on up in here.
16. Psalm 103:14.  He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.
17. Jasmine Rice.  I'll be posting my favorite way to cook that divine deliciousness in the upcoming days.
18. Variety.  From food to weather to people-- my very wise Heavenly Father knew how ADD I would be!
19. Pedicures.  *sigh* Just saying that word makes my feet feel better.
20. Sisters.  My sisters are truly my best friends and confidants.  I know they love me and pray for me-- in ways that no one else is able.
21. Finished Revelation.  I am. SO. THANKFUL. that the Bible was already finished before I was even a twinkle in my father's eye.  How grateful I am that the world will not be reading and learning life lessons from my mistakes for all eternity.  God is kind! :)
22. Dandelions.  They grow practically year 'round.  And I love every one that my sweet babies pick for me.
23. A strong body.  Albeit, it's a little chubby.  But God has blessed me with strong legs, arms, and lungs.  I may have aches and pains and creaks and groans, but I can get up and run with my sweet ones.
24. Air conditioners. I do not know how I survived without it.
25. My EZ-pass.  I love cruising through toll booths.
26. Carbs.  I have said it before, I'll say it again:  there is nothing so comforting as a carb.
27. Music.  My mom used to have a picture in her room that said, "After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music."  I used to think that the quote was backwards, but the older I get, the more I get it. 
28. Naptime.  Please.  What mom isn't thankful for that?!
29. Korean food.  Oh, how I love that stuff.  I'll be chowing down on it in heaven for a good part of eternity.  Fo' sho'.
30. Ice.  I love cold beverages.
31. Hot tea.  I love hot beverages. (note #18)
32. Books.  I love to learn about new things and far off places.  And I am certainly a dreamer.
33. My brothers.  From my dear Joshua and Peter to my various brothers-in-law, I love seeing how God has molded and used them and continue to change them for Him.  Be strong in the Lord!
34. Chocolate.  I almost didn't list chocolate-- because, as a woman, it's kind of a gimme...
35. My parents.  If you've met them, you understand.  If you haven't met them, you should probably feel a little bit of jealousy (because you haven't met them).  They have trained me, loved me, disciplined me, and directed me.  They told me about God's love and showed me God's grace.  I am who I am because of their influence on my life.  I can not believe God loved me enough to give me to them.

Wow...  I can't believe how humbled and filled with peace I feel right now.  I often hum a song I learned many years ago, as it is filled with so much truth:

"It's amazing what praising can do.  Hallelujah, hallelujah!"

May God grant me another year to praise HIM!