st<\/sup> 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\u2019ve followed this A to Z Challenge since 2013 and it\u2019s fun to see what I might come up with for each letter each year. This year is no different. So let the challenge begin!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
The plan this year is not to have a plan. I\u2019ll 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\u2019t know what I\u2019ll write about for each day.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
So today is the letter \u201cA\u201d and the word of the day is \u201cappreciate.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Boy do I have a lot to be appreciative of. Here\u2019s my short list.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
My husband \u2013 I just don\u2019t know how I would get through this life without Mason. He is so supportive of all my desires. Even the ones that don\u2019t make sense. I love him to the moon and back!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
My kids and grandkids \u2013 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\u2026I love them so much!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
My mom and dad \u2013 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!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
My family \u2013 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\u2019all are so appreciated. I pray that you know it.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
My friends \u2013 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!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
My church family \u2013 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 \u201cthank you\u201d to Shan for believing that I could assist you well. What appreciation I have for your leadership and friendship.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
My God, my Savior, my Helper \u2013 Above all of these, I appreciate my heavenly Father, His Beloved Son and His Holy Spirit that dwells within me. Through God\u2019s grace, Jesus\u2019 sacrifice and the Holy Spirit\u2019s 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).<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Sometimes I forget how appreciative I am of all that I have, but today, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Donna<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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