Its that time of they year again. This year my family and I are doing something different for thanksgiving. Instead of staying home we have decided to hang with my sister and basically all of my moms side of the family; in St. George Utah. Im currently in a sweater, sipping on sweet tea and sitting outside under a very fall looking tree. Ive been thinking a lot about all the things I’m thankful for this year. This year has been really weird. Lots of like bomb times and lots of really crappy, low times. I think 2017 has been my most “adult feeling” year which in return has been the scariest. Trying to think about what exactly I want to make of my young years of life and all that is to come with that. So this year, I thought really hard about the things I’m thankful for. In no particular order, these are the things I’m thankful for.

Patience. Sounds weird but this year has given me the opportunity to use patience. In school, in my relationship, in my faith all around I feel I’ve used a significant amount of patience. I also remember even last year never feeling patient. always looking for the next thing and always in a rush to finish. This year I’ve spent a lot of time taking a step back, I’ve appreciated the things that might take more time, and I’ve appreciated the time this been given to me.

Growth in my faith. GOD IS SO FAITHFUL. From last thanksgiving to this thanksgiving so much has been shown to me. SOOOOOO MUCH GRACE has been given. Last year I was on that “just got baptized nothing can go wrong high” and then WHA PA! 2017 showed me that is not all rainbows and butterflies and just because you’re a Christian now, everything is peachy! WRRRRONNNGGGG!!!! Im not saying that God gave me a whole bunch of stuff to handle myself but i truly think that God gave me all this still to teach me about trust, HIS true love, the real meaning of grace, and most defiantly how to listen and obey. This was all MASSIVE jumps for me in my faith. I went from thinking I had to be perfect to knowing that we are not perfect, in fact we are horrible sinful humans. But this is where the patience^ of His plan comes in. See, I had this “plan” in my head and I would have NEVER guessed I’d be where I am right now. God humbled me, God made me get on my knees before Him and surrender everything at His feet. God made me grow, even when I didn’t think I had anything left, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.

Community. The community of people I have that support me, at church, at school, my boyfriend and his beautiful family. I guess the community of people that have encouraged me, support me and are there for me even in the darkest of times. These people have prayed for me and over me, and have accepted me and loved me for exactly who I am.

My girlfriends. Ive found myself overwhelmed at all the incredible women I have in my life. Ive never had a bigger group of friend then I do at this point in my life. Bible studies, Youth ministry leaders and long time besties who are my sisters at this point. All of these girls are different in different ways. They all have impacted different part of my life. All of them have allowed me to come as I am, my silly, crazy, obnoxious self. All of them have laughed with me and some have even cried with me and if you’re really special you’ve witnessed a CLASSIC liv meltdown. If you’re reading this, I can’t thank you enough and I love you all with all my heart.

Relationships. With the Lord, with my parents, with my sisters, with James. All of my relationships are wonderful and I’m so thankful for them. However, 2017 showed me how wonderful and special these relationships actually are. I might talk about it a lot but I’m going to be really real here. Because maybe it’ll help someone or maybe it will just be interesting but I am gonna bring it up anyways. Earlier this year James and I went through a rough patch. It was weird, and I believe every couple goes through it. But the reason I’m bringing this up is because I wanted to touch on the fact that, because of all my other wonderful relationships with the Lord, my friends and family, I was able to be ok, I was listed to. I was given advice, I was prayed over and I was loved on.  It was a blessing, that rough patch. It was a HUGE times of growth and reflection. Because of my relationships with the Lord and my family and friend and James, I probably wouldn’t have been able to get through that time, and James and I wouldn’t be where we are now. Thank you to everyone who was a part of that. And thank you James for teaching me how to love even in the deepest, darkest, scariest times.

My education. DONE THINK ID EVER ADMIT TO THIS!!!!!!!!!! but here I am admitting to it. Not just my education in school, thats great yes, but my education on life! My education on kids, in Quest, in the Lord, IN MYSELF!! I’ve learned so much and education and learning itself has become such a bit part of my life. Im so thankful for the people who have cheered me on and taught me so much!!

Strength. “My strength comes from the Lord” has never been more evident than this year. Literally have NO idea where I’d be without the Lords strength. My strength comes from the Lord. My perseverance comes from the Lord, my hope and love all comes from the Lord. He has created a mental strength in me that is overwhelming and all consuming. He has Shown me the meaning of strength.

The county I live in. I am able to vote for who I see fit as president, I am able to pray in public. I am able to speak my mind and I live in a country that fights for my freedom as an american. I think people take this for granted. I don’t think people understand how wonderful america is. If if you’re not thankful, or you don’t like it, then I suggest you take a better look, you have NO idea how blessed you to live in this country. To all the troops who can’t be home on thanksgiving, to those who can, and to those who are no longer serving, thank you for your service. AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!!!

Sitting here, I could probably go on and on about what I’m thankful for. These are just a few things, that have been really really impactful this year. I hope you take a minuet to find a comfy spot to reflect on this year and all that you’re thankful for. Im so thankful for this blog, and for all you who read it and encourage me and reach out to me. For those of  you who have been impacted by my words and story, you’re so appreciated. Thank you for supporting me!!

XOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXO

Liv

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench in the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with content but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!