Sunday, March 22, 2009

Friend Makin' Monday

for today's task, kasey has asked us to list
10 things we are thankful for...
here's my 10 things...
1. Christ & my church - 7 years ago i joined the 'Mormon' church. i upset MANY and many literally fell to the floor in prayer and tears. while i appreciated their love for me, i was sad that they had a common misconception about the teachings and doctrine. Jesus Christ was then and is now the center of my life. 4 years ago, bob joined the church. it has been the best thing we have ever done for ourselves and our family.
2. my family - all of them...'bob', the kids, sister, mom, dad, step-parents, grandparents, in-laws, nieces, nephews, those that we've 'adopted' as family...everyone. they all play different, but important roles in my life, as well as, my childrens lives. each one brings different values, lessons, personalities that make us who we are. each one helps to shape our young ones and give them character. we are very blessed to have so much family, so close.
3. our friends - what would we do without the support of a friend? a friend who knows you and still chooses to be around you is not something to take lightly. friends are placed in our lives by the Lord at just the right time to play an important role that only they can fulfill. if you are lucky enough to have a few great friends, then you are lucky enough. i am blessed...
4. work - it may sound strange, but i am grateful for work for two very different reasons. first, in today's economic times i am truly grateful that 'bob' has enough work to keep him busy and keep food on the table and gas in the car... second, i am grateful for work because it teaches many valuable lessons. it teaches to appreciate and to serve, it teaches not to be idol and to be helpful. it teaches teamwork and trust. i am grateful that there is always work to be done and willing hands to do it.
5. health - i thank the Lord every night for our health and i pray to Him every morning to keep us that way. there is not a minute that goes by that i take it for granted, ever...
6. technology - what in the world would we do without our cell phones, the internet, debit cards, and the remote control!!!...oh my gosh, how did we live before???
7. quilting - 10 years ago i decided that i wanted to learn to quilt...shortly after, a quilt shop opened up down the street from me. not long after that, i started taking classes and then began working there a couple times a week to support my new hobby. ten years later, i have a thriving in home business, amazing friends, a hobby that gives me a sense of accomplishment and an outlet for the creative side of me. if has brought warmth to our home and has inspired my children to create. it's become a part of who i am.
8. neighbors - in our neighborhood we still borrow suger and bring eachother tea to ease a pregnant tummy. we still watch eachothers kids and enter without knocking. we still have frontyard bbq's in the summer and waterfights in the street. many of our neighbors are our greatest friends and we cherish that relationship. neighborhoods around this amazing country are missing out because too many people keep their doors locked and their curtains closed. life is too short. get to know those around you. you might be surprised who the Lord has put in the house across the street.
9. my trials - they have made me who i am and they have made me appreciate life much more. i tell my kids...we will all have things to overcome and work through...it's how we handle the challenge and how we stand up to it that determines who we are. stand tall in the face of adversity and yours will be a solid character and a noble mind.
10. blogging - it's given me an outlet to learn, connect, inspire, share and meet all of you...
for that i am truly grateful!

17 comments:

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Hi Julie! What a great list! Isn't this a great way to start the week? I hope you have a really great week!

XOXO
Jen

Marie Rayner said...

Wonderful thankful list Julie! I joined the church 10 years ago this July, July 8th was my Baptism date exactly. When I joined the church all my previous friends abandoned me. They thought I had gone over to the dark side and wanted no more to do with me. My own family also got really distant from me for a time. My husband kicked me out of our home and for a few months things looked very bleak indeed, but I still knew I had done the right thing. It was a decision that had taken me some 25 years to make and it was not an easy decision to make, but I knew it was the right decision to make. Ten years later I still know that it was the right decision to make. I have a new husband who truly loves me and stands by me and shares my love of the Gospel with me. My family has come around and in most cases respects me for sticking up for my beliefs, and I have a whole new set of friends that love me no matter what. Life is good.

Leah said...

Enjoyed your list. :)

Unknown said...

I also love to quilt. I am not great as I am still doing straight line quilting, but mostly I lvoe the teim spent with my mom! I usually only quilt with her!

Thimbleanna said...

What a great list Julie. I've enjoyed catching up with your blog -- looks like you had a good weekend. I'm soon approaching the point where those siggy blocks will haunt me!

Nanette Merrill said...

Julie, your sweet testimony was a lift to me this morning. I echo your list of things to show gratitude for. I was very touched. We can never show enough gratitude for what we have. I get wrapped up in my own issues and forget all the good things way too much.

Anonymous said...

What a great list- glorifying the ONE who gave it all to us!

Love seeing your quilting projects too!

Monica said...

Wow great list!I'm happy you made a business out of your hobby,I think that's great!I've always wantedvto do something like that.Nice meeting you Julie!

Tanielle said...

What an awesome list!! Thanks so much for sharing. I love FMM especially when we get to think about the things we are thankful for!!!!

Have a great Monday!

Sugarplum Garters said...

what a wonderful list! i completely forgot about technology when i was considering my blessings ~ it truly is something to be thankful for!

have a great week!

Christie in Dallas, TX said...

This week on FMM is so uplifting! I loved reading your list and love that you give God credit for your blessings! Have a great Monday, Julie!

Miller Racing Family said...

Wonderful, Wonderful, Wonderful. I love everything about your list. I love the part about your trials. I love that you always see the brighter side of life. I also thought the technology comment was so cute and true. You are such a blessing in my life. Have a wonderful Monday!

Rhonda said...

Hey,
I enjoyed your list. Technology...I am thankful for that too! Enjoy the evening!

momma said...

great list!!

Anonymous said...

Hello Julie,

Just a little note to tell you that I lurk on your blog and look forward to every post! I appreciate your post today so much - you've struck many chords with me this morning.

Loved the Easter Treats you made with the Starbucks bottles - way too cute!



In Friendship,
Darlene
http://quiltingdaze.blogspot.com

Shey said...

I'm happy for you, there's lot to be thankful for.

I totally agree with # 6 & 10. Blogging has been an outlet and sharing thoughts to fellow web neighbors like you.

Katherine said...

I LOVED reading this! Thank you!