The past few weeks for me have been hard. I am okay and will be okay but they have challenged me in ways that I haven’t been challenged in before. I’ll tell you about them soon but I wanted to take a moment today, my birthday, and share with you some of the many things that I am thankful for even in the midst of this challenging season.
1. A husband who loves me like Jesus. He’s amazing and I’m grateful beyond words for him.
2. My Kayla. She’s just so precious and I admire her giftings and her sweet, tender heart towards God. To see her worship makes my heart soar.
3. My Emily. This girl is so much fun. She asks deep questions and is incredibly thoughtful. I am proud to be her momma.
4. My “Riah” (also known as Mariah). I laugh loud and often with this one. She’s the life of the party and a delight to my heart. I enjoy her so much.
My twins
5. My Olivia. Sweet, sweet Olivia. This girl makes big plans and dreams big dreams. I feel so blessed to be her mom.
6. My Nathan (in heaven). God’s gift at the right time. I so look forward to seeing him again one day. His life and death have touched me in such a profound way as a woman and a mom.
7. My (little) Anthony. Momma’s boy through and through. I love his thick boy hands and the way he hugs me. I treasure his boyness.
8. Miss Julie. The one who keeps me on my toes and is always by my side. She melts my heart often.
9. Parents who love Jesus and keep seeking Him with their whole heart.
10. Nine siblings that I love tremendously and have such great respect and admiration for. They are the best!
11. A mother-in-law who loves her sons, her daughters-in-law and her grandchildren so very well.
12. A church that is all about people, teaches truth from God’s Word and emphasizes freedom.
13. In real life Friends who love me right where I am at and encourage me to grow.
14. Online friends who love me right where I am at and encourage me to grow.
15. You! Oh how you bless me.
16. God’s peace that is so thick and comforting.
17. A lovely home that is better than I imagined when we talked about moving halfway across the country.
18. Teenagers. I seriously love being a mom to teens.
I love being a mom to teens!
19. Sweet mentors who speak wisdom, counsel and truth to me.
20. The Declare Conference. It has been an amazing journey and I have loved being a part of it. Even more than that I love the girls I get to work with for it!
21. A calling to write words that, in return, fills my heart with so much joy.
22. A calling to speak life into weary moms that, in return, infuses me with life.
23. Peppermint Mochas.
24. Neighbors who do awesome God things and inspire me with their love.
25. Sisters. I have 4 and sisters are really the best! Yes, I already mentioned siblings but sisters deserve their own mention.
Me and my sisters
26. Brothers. I have 5 and they are so amazing. There’s nothing quite like a brother who loves you and want to protect you.
27. Good books that challenge and bless me.
28. Podcasts that take the edge off of housework time.
29. Fall.
30. Christmas time.
31. Fajitas. My favorite!
32. Christian women leaders of today who teach, inspire and challenge me to be all that God has called me to be.
33. Nieces and nephews. Boy, do I love them!
34. Tulips.
35. Date nights.
36. The hope of promises that God has made that are enduring, perfect and bring great comfort.
37. 37 years of life.
Thank you for letting me share these things with you. I am blessed and so very grateful to the God who knows my name and hears my prayers. He is good!
I just loved your list, Kristin. Thank you so much for sharing. :)
Thank you for sharing. You are one of the reasons I continue to write. Inspiration on the move! Yours, as always, in Him ~Chris~
Chris Malkemes recently posted..Something New – Will You Join Me?