Praises!!

I am a loyal reader of a blog I found from a friend. It is a fun blog and she puts up prayer requests for people which can get really heavy. I found myself almost brought to tears (which is hard for me since I'm not very emotional) by one of the stories she asked us to pray for. So when I read her entry today I was inspired and realized I need to do this publicly and with my time with the Lord more often.... PRAISE HIM for all the blessings in my life!!

PRAISE the Lord I have a job...a job that I actually love and a job that pays the bills. This is something I try not to take for granted as I know many people are out of jobs or are at jobs they don't like!

PRAISE the Lord for my family. My parents and sister love and support me even when I don't deserve it! Rarely do I go a day without talking to my mom and sister on the phone!

PRAISE the Lord for the friends I have- both near and far. It has been a hard 6 months for me with friends moving (esp. since quality time is huge to me in a relationship) but I am so thankful for my friends who are still here and miss those who are far!

PRAISE the Lord for the blessing of my home. I know without a doubt that it is ONLY because of Him I ever bought a house or still have it. I can speak many praises to Him about this story in my life and His provision.

PRAISE the Lord my grandpa is still alive and doing well. When he was first diagnosed with cancer they didn't give him a very good prognosis.

PRAISE the Lord for my puppy...I seriously think I would be depressed without her to come home to...she is always happy to see me, shows me tangible love all the time and cuddles with me when I'm sick or tired!

PRAISE the Lord for my overall health. 3 viruses in 1 1/2 months is frustrating but I am extremely thankful I don't have something serious!

PRAISE the Lord for sunshine today!! I seriously needed it after the past few days of dark skies/rain/hail...thank you, Lord, for a break in the weather!

PRAISE the Lord for 2 days off during Spring Break and a beach trip!

And everyday things that I enjoy and don't always praise the Lord for...sunshine, Spring flowers, coffee, having the resources to decorate my house and make yummy food, chips/salsa/guac/nachos, Jamba juice, watching movies, taking a walk in the sunshine, encouraging notes, jewelry, organic makeup, Creme Brulee or Tiramisu dessert, waking up to sunshine and having it last until bedtime, the beach, seeing Mt Hood as I drive to work, sunrises and sunsets, holding babies or playing with little kids, gardening...and the list could go on and on!!

So if you have a blog I officially tag you to do something similiar...I think we all need to stop and praise the Lord publicly! He is GOOD...and even when things seem to be out of control in the world around us we KNOW He is in control! Praise you Lord :)