Thankful for...

I challenge you to not only write down what you're thankful for today but to tell the people you're thankful for that you appreciate them!

1. Chats with my best friends, even if it's on the phone and not in person.

2. A friend to run with who keeps me accountable.

3. A husband who is so wonderful that it makes me actually want to cook, clean and do laundry so that he is taken care of.

4. Thank you notes from my mom that have artwork from my beautiful niece.

5. Family that will drive an hour just to have lunch with me when I'm in the area.

6. Unexpected blessings

7. A pastor that preaches straight from the Bible.

8. Old TVs shows that make me smile.

9. Pictures that record memories.

10. Time outside on the job.

Filling our lives

With Joan Rivers and Robin Williams dying recently, their names have made headlines.

People have talked about their comedy, their careers, their fame. We assume that people who are in the spotlight have amazingly wonderful lives, because they can afford to have whatever they want. However, Joan Rivers sure seemed bitter about the world, and Robin Williams died of his own accord --- they weren't quite as happy as we expect they should have been.

So many people strive for fame and fortune, yet when they receive it, they still are unhappy. Some might say all they need is love and family, which is wonderful. But what about when that goes bad? Divorce, unhappy children, life's struggles --- suddenly life and family isn't all people expected either.

It's all about that God-shaped hole. We need to know there is someone bigger than us that we can rely on, someone who can save us from this sinful world, and that's God. We can try to fill that hole inside us with fame, fortune, family, love, but it won't quite fit. We need to have God.

It's a simple sentiment, but it's really the most important one. We can never really have success or feel complete without the love and salvation of Jesus Christ.