April 1st, 2016 
dsisler
Today is April 1st which can mean something different to each individual. Of course, April fool’s day comes to mind automatically. For others, it could mean the end of one venture and the beginning of the next adventure. And still for others, it might be just another ordinary day.
April 1st has come to be a welcomed day for me. For on this day, I accept a challenge to write something that corresponds with a letter of the alphabet. I’ve followed this A to Z Challenge since 2013 and it’s fun to see what I might come up with for each letter each year. This year is no different. So let the challenge begin!
The plan this year is not to have a plan. I’ll choose a word that begins with the letter of the day and write about it. However, there really is a plan. I already have my alphabet in place with words corresponding to the letter, so really I do have a plan. I just won’t know what I’ll write about for each day.
So today is the letter “A” and the word of the day is “appreciate.”
Boy do I have a lot to be appreciative of. Here’s my short list.
My husband – I just don’t know how I would get through this life without Mason. He is so supportive of all my desires. Even the ones that don’t make sense. I love him to the moon and back!
My kids and grandkids – How blessed I am with three beautiful children, their spouses and all the grandkids that come with them. They make me laugh, they make me cry, they give me great stories to share on my blog, and they bring such joy to my life. I will never be able to share how much I appreciate them…I love them so much!
My mom and dad – These two are my balcony people. They encourage me. They give advice. They have equipped me to be who I am today and each of them deserves the highest appreciation from me. These two are very special and hold very big portions of my heart. Love you Mom and Dad!
My family – While they drive me crazy at times, I know that when I need help or a hug or a prayer or a laugh, these are the folks who will do ANYTHING for me. Y’all are so appreciated. I pray that you know it.
My friends – Some have come and gone. Others are still within a shout when I need an encouraging word. Wherever you land in my friendship circle, I appreciate your acceptance of this friendship. I appreciate you and how you interact with me. You are the BEST!
My church family – Rocky has been so wonderful to me. How blessed I am to be part of this thriving community of believers. Thank you for taking me in! And an extra loud “thank you” to Shan for believing that I could assist you well. What appreciation I have for your leadership and friendship.
My God, my Savior, my Helper – Above all of these, I appreciate my heavenly Father, His Beloved Son and His Holy Spirit that dwells within me. Through God’s grace, Jesus’ sacrifice and the Holy Spirit’s nudging, I am able to call myself one His chosen, a part of His holy priesthood and one who belongs to Him. How blessed to be living in His wonderful light (these are all references to passages in 1 Peter 2).
Sometimes I forget how appreciative I am of all that I have, but today, it’s all about appreciation. Over and over in Scripture we are called to be thankful. You can take a look at a few: Psalm 28:7; Psalm 69:30 Colossians 2:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; and Hebrews 12:28-29.
Yes, there are plenty of things to appreciate today. I pray that you too will take the time to appreciate those who have blessed your life.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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