Today I celebrate 40 years of waking up. Wow! So here are 40 things I am thankful for, in no certain order:

1. that Jesus came into my heart at 4
2. that Jesus has never left
3. my parents’ 41-year marriage
4. healthy lungs for 3 years
5. for David and Lisa Hughes  – friends & rescuers
6. Church by the Glades
7. that Raul chose me, when he could have chosen better
8. DJ
9. Andy
10. Otis
11. my Christian counseling team of 14 years
12. YouVersion
13. the freedom to express on Social Media
14. 6 years of blogging
15. American freedom
16. hibiscus, bougainvilleas, magnolias, azaleas & palm trees
17. laughter
18. depression comebacks
19. pumpkin ice-cream and coconut cream pie
20. the opportunity to serve every weekend
21. a college degree from Judson University
22. my fantastic leader and dog-n-pony partner, Fred Uhl
23. running water, a roof over my head, electricity
24. my 3 brothers: Jason, Jamie, Chris
25. Calvary House at Calvary Chapel
26. eyes that see, ears that hear, a mouth that speaks, legs that walk
27. friends who stick closer than brothers (you know who you are)
28. sunrises – daily reminders that we can rise too
29. Keurig K-cups
30. my grandpa who believed in my writing at 8 years old
31. sweet ole’ Chicago!
32. God’s grace getting me into Heaven
33. God’s mercy saving me from Hell
34. my daily USA Today
35. my iPhone
36. Nordstrom Rack, Sephora, Zappo’s
37. worshiping God from the amen-row
38. Leading and Loving It
39.  Raul. He is deserving of double-mention.
40. that a setback during a comeback is our chance to prove we can fight back.