Thankful | 11-20

My health. Although I get sinus infections and have problems with joints from my hips down, I do not have any serious health condition that threatens my life. I can go day to day and not be overly concerned with whether or not I will be around tomorrow due to a medical condition.

Clothing. The fact that I own clothing and shoes mean that I am far more blessed than other people throughout the world, and I have way more than enough to get me by day to day without worrying about it keeping me warm or safe enough. I am also very thankful that not only do I have a lot of shoes and clothes, but I like the ones I own. Most of them were picked out and bought by me, so I wear what I choose, not just what I have been given. For lack of better words/thoughts: I am not a beggar, I am a chooser. Add on to that the cute purses, scarves, jewelry, makeup that are not needs, only wants, to make myself look and feel pretty.

Scenery. The mountains of Northern Georgia, Lake Gaston, beaches in Mexico, and the cliffs in Greece, Volcanos in Hawaii and Rainforests that I have only seen beautiful pictures of. The fact that we live in such a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing world.

Memories. The fact that even though they are no longer on this earth I can remember times spent with my Mimaw and GG, and listen to others share their memories of them. That I can look back on fun times with my family, friends, and Cody, and smile.

History. As a people we have a past and we have so many ways of studying it and learning about people who lived before us and learning about how they lived, what they believed, advances they made, and we are able to hopefully learn from their mistakes and reflect on and expand on their successes. Personally, that I can learn from my own past, and handle similar situations better than I had when I previously experienced them.

Learning. At work I am able to see a human learn new things each day and become smarter and more well-rounded as a person. It is phenomenal. As I grow older each year I learn more and more. I love it.

Generosity. In others and in myself. I am thankful that there are people who give so much and expect so little or nothing in comparison. Also, for the joy I am able to receive as a result of giving.

Tradition. There as set aside days of each year specifically to embrace tradition. The holidays, 4th of July, Memorial and Labor Day Weekend. I love that in our calendar we are given days to have fun and embrace our family and friends.

Texting. So I can conveniently communicate with people throughout the day as wanted or as needed.

Pampering and Relaxation. Times where I can take a long, hot shower and scrub all the scratchy nastiness off my feet so they are smooth. Painting nails, but especially toenails. Getting a back or head rub. Sometimes it is very good and healthy to take some time for yourself. I am thankful I have opportunities to do that.

Thankful | 1-10

Yesterday at church we were challenged to think of 10 things we are thankful for each day for a week, I immediately turned to Cody and asked if we could do it together. After doing our first ten tonight via Skype he told me I needed to blog it... so here are my first ten things:

I'm thankful for...

Seasons. Sweltering heat and afternoon rainstorms in the summer, crisp air and changing leaves in the fall, cold, snowy nights in the winter, and renewal and blooms in the spring.

My senses. That I can hear beautiful musical arrangments, children's laughter, whispered love in my ear from my wonderful boyfriend. That I can see the sunrises and sunsets, gorgeous mountain views, and smiles on warm faces. My taste, that I eat delicious foods and there are so many scrumptious flavors to be combined together - and coffee. That I can smell the scents of candles, that I can smell something foul and know that it's probably not a good idea to consume, and that I can be girly and pamper myself with good smelling things. Touch, that I can hug people, hold hands, kiss, cuddle, feel the softness of a baby's cheek when I kiss it, or the scruff of Cody's face against mine, and show my love and affection to people physically.

Cody. That I have the most wonderful boyfriend beyond what I could have ever imagined or hoped for. Who treates me like a princess, but still challenges me to be better. Who loves me enough to know when to push, and when to hold. Who makes sacrifices to make me happy and to make our relationship strong.

My family. Together we are a rock. There is no way to adequetly describe how much I love them and am thankful to have grown up being a part of the Furgerson's.

New Life. The "family members" I have gained throughout the years. The love, support and accountability. Also the knowledge I have gained, and relationship I've grown with God through the teachings and conversations at center around New Life.

Perspective. That I know the facts when it comes to death and I can be confident in my Savior. That I can cherish the time I have on this earth, while still having hope that there is more.

Jesus. For dying a slow, torturous, painful death - all so I can not pay the price and accept the punishment for my own wrongdoings and evil actions and desires. Because his love for me that I will never quite understand. For loving a terribly flawed human race and creating and sacrificing everything in the name of love for people who spit in His face every single day.

My Job. That I get to help raise a child for a short while each day, and instill in her moral values, teach her basic knowledge of letters, numbers colors, and play things that little girls play while getting paid. I have the greatest responsibility, to take care of someone else's child while they are away. It's humongous. I have to prove that trust everyday and get to love on the sweetest little girl in the process.

My friends. The ones I know I will always have and love, who will always have my back, near and far. No matter if I talk to them every week or every couple of months. The ones that have taught me valuable lessons and what it truly means to be a true friend. I don't have many, but I wouldn't trade the ones I do have for anything in the world.

Modern Technology. Cars, indoor plumbing, electricity, phones, tv, humidifiers. Things I take for granted everyday, but have never known how to really live without.

***Disclaimer: these are absolutely in no particular order. Obviously I love Jesus more than the seasons... enough said.***