From Bitterness to Joy

Yesterday, the elders at my church prayed over my in regards to my back problems. The pastor read through the passage in James 5:13-16 in regards to prayer for healing and asked if there was any unconfessed sin in my life. The Holy Spirit pricked my heart and revealed that I was allowing bitterness to spring up in regards to my pain and back problems. So with Thanksgiving coming and to attack the bitterness I am making a list of things I am thankful for. Cliche? Yes. But what better way to counteract bitterness and bring God glory?
List of thanksgivings:
1. That God rejoices over me (Zeph. 3:17). Whenever I get depressed, remembering that God delights over me amazes me - especially when I'm mad at him.
2. For some amazing friends - knowing that there are people I can tell everything to and who will still love me is such an encouragement. They can take the bitterness and anger and call me to account.
3. For being part of the body of Christ - it is so amazing in my own weakness to realize there are people around me who will love, care for, and support me... sometimes people I barely know and all because we're in Christ.
4. For a great family - I love my family, even when far away, and they often bless me in ways that surprise and delight me :)
5. For an amazing boyfriend - it's been so great to see God working in and through our relationship and getting to experience a little of what it means to have a man cherish me. I'm spoiled rotten in this regards.
6. For the opportunity to serve at CIU - I do not take lightly the privilege to serve. I also feel so blessed that God has allowed me this opportunity and am amazingly blessed to see how God uses me and the GLC team to encourage others.
7. The GLC team - it's awesome to learn from all these people. I've felt so supported in leading them and love the passion and excitement everyone brings to the table.
8. The mentors (past and present) - I am constantly amazed at the people God has placed in my life - past and present - to bless, teach and encourage me.

I realize I could go on and on - most of what I'm thankful for is people and God at work, honestly (and there has been a lot of that). This is just a little glimpse, but a good reminder that God is working all around me and I have much to rejoice in and be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving :)