Today part of our family is celebrating Thanksgiving, so I thought I’d share a list of ten things I’m thankful for, in a random order, of course.

1. My writing. Despite all the frustrations, stress and heartache that goes into being an author, I’m thrilled that I get to be one and I’m very thankful for the opportunity.

2. My family. Seriously, I have the best family. I’m actually quite privileged to have two families and both of them are top-notch. I can’t imagine life without them. They encourage me, make me laugh, inspire me and love me no matter what.

3. Living out in the country. I can’t imagine living in a city or town. I’m a country girl through and through. I’m so very thankful that my parents decided to raise us kids where hay fields and woods go as far as the eye can see.

4. All the opportunities I’ve had this year. Not only have I gotten to do some pretty amazing things at home such as publish a book, move to our house we built and be the maid of honor in my wonderful friend’s wedding and but I’ve also spent four months travel through Asia, Europe and the States.

5. Friends. Friends. What can I say? They’re amazing. They are so good at encouraging me at just the right moments. I get notes, texts, emails and voxes letting me know they’re thinking of me. They are something I’m very thankful for.

6. Blogging. Blogging inspires me. It helps me to connect with other people. It provides an instant outlet for my writing. Blogging is one of my favorite things to do. I’m so very thankful to be a blogger.

7. My Office and Library. Let’s just say they’re everything I dreamed of. I feel incredibly special and happy and privileged when I think that this is my workspace that envisioned and then with the help of my parents made into a reality. Such a wonderful writing environment.

8. The Bible on audio. Despite loving to read, I’m an audio learner and listening to the Bible is wonderful. I get so many thoughts that I haven’t ever got while reading the Bible. I feel as if I know the people in the Bible personally. I can relate to them. The Bible has become so much more real to me during the last few years when I’ve listened to the audio over and over again.

9. Candles. I know some people might consider this a small thing, but we weren’t able to have candles at our old house, so moving and being able to have candles burning is something I do not take for granted.

10. Books. Books are wonderful, helpful, interesting, entertaining little things. I’m very thankful to have them in my life. Both for reading and writing.