1. First and foremost I am thankful for my Christian faith that helped me through some very difficult and challenging days this past year. I don't know what I would do without Jesus in my life. As a child, I grew up in the church but for 8 long years, I wandered away from God, living a life of rebellion. I finally went back to Him in the year 2000 and that was the best decision I could have ever made! I will forever be grateful for those who were praying for me at that time in my life.
2. I am so very thankful for my amazing church family. Normally, we attend what's called the New Life redefinition service which is a small group setting with quieter worship, coffee and goodies and a great message - one in which we are all encouraged to take part. We have also gone to New Life's celebration service where the worship is much more charismatic (which I love!) Pastor Marc, Pastor Ron or whoever else preaches at that service never fails to bring a dynamic, thought-provoking message full of God's truth. I am so grateful God has brought us together with such an amazing group of people who truly love us and keep us encouraged through prayers, e-mail messages and visits.
Gathering with friends after church at Brunos Pizza |
4. I'm thankful that after putting in many years working hard in the oilfield, my dad got to retire and he and my mom moved here to Bismarck. My sister and her kids also moved here and my younger brother and his wife live in Bismarck too. It's nice to have family close by and although we all have our own lives and schedules, it's fun when we can all manage to get together!
My sister Dawn, my dad and me celebrate Father's Day in their new home in Bismarck |
6. Admittedly, I have not always been thankful for my job. I am a customer service representative for a health insurance company. We made a huge transition this year as we were acquired by a larger company and had to move to another building. I am thankful that this other building is only 5 minutes away from our home - especially with the onset of winter weather.
I am thankful that God gave me this job as a way to supply for my family's needs and I'm also thankful that I have some great co-workers, some of whom I have gotten to be very good friends with during the two years I have worked there. While some of our customers can be difficult to deal with over the phone, I am grateful that God allows me to see the illnesses and financial hardships they are dealing with and while I can't pray for them over the phone, I certainly pray for them throughout the day.
7. I am thankful we got to see my wonderful in-laws this year! They live nearly 2,000 miles away so our visits with them are few and far between. This past summer we were able to meet them in Winnipeg, and had a wonderful time with them. We're hoping to travel to Ontario next fall to help my mother and father-in-law celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
David and Jean Bousfield on vacation in Winnipeg |
9. I love Christian women ministries and events so I am very thankful for the opportunity to be involved in an area ministry called JOY International. Through being involved in JOY, I have gotten to know so many amazing women. I love going to the JOY breakfast each spring, where over 600 women from all over the state gather together. In 2013, JOY had one of best breakfasts ever with a fantastic speaker and some of my family including my sister, niece and sister-in-law were also able to attend. I also love our monthly Java JOY events that help keep me encouraged and inspired throughout the year,
JOY Breakfast - an event annual event many women look forward to attending |
I love that the leader of the team, quarterback Brock Jensen is a devout Christian and gathers the team together for prayer after each game and even invites guys from the opposing team to come pray with them. He is always giving glory to God for the team's victories and while some may argue that God doesn't care about NDSU football, He does give favor to those who serve Him first and foremost.
Bison fans in Brookings, South Dakota |