The Strong Challenge - Day 2

Play Challenge #2 - Be Grateful

Today's challenge is to make a list of at least ten things for which I'm grateful and to write a one-line thank you note to God for each of these things.

1. My wife, Cyndi - God, you've not only blessed my with my best friend & soul mate, but the greatest woman I've ever known. She is the most incredible mother, the greatest encourager, and toughest challenger. Thank you!
2. My son, Micaiah - God, thank you for giving me the most energetic, and compassionate little boy who has changed my life. I'm learning more and more about your love because of you giving him (and JD) to me.
3. My son, Josiah - God, thank you for pushing me to love deeper by giving me Josiah. His soft personality that melts my heart and is teaching me to be patient in all things is not only a gift from you but a challenge from you to be the dad, teacher, pastor, and man that you want me to be for him (and Micaiah).
4. My Mom & Dad - God, these two have taught me so much about being a parent and about loving you. Thank you for the perfect parents for my life, even in imperfect circumstances.
5. My Friends - You've given me some of the greatest friends in the world, that not only challenge and encourage me, but also love me unconditionally, even when I'm not the greatest friend.
6. My siblings - Mallory & Zachary are two of the greatest people that you've given me the privilege of being their big brother. I know I was not the greatest growing up, but thank you for allowing me to lead by example, to love, and now to have two of the greatest growing friendships with both of them...I also want to thank you for Daniel, Crysta & Randis the greatest in-law siblings that anyone could have.
7. My calling - God you've given me a huge responsibility and a lot of trust in building up Generation Church. Not only am I completely overwhelmed at times, but I cannot do this without you!
8. My pastor - You know how I've struggled finding someone that would really pour into my life and help me be the pastor you've called me to be, the husband you've chosen me to be, and the daddy you've created me to be and you've provided the man for the job. Thank you for my pastor who lives out your calling, lives what he teaches, and loves unconditionally.
9. My home/neighborhood - The place you've allowed us to live and given us to use is absolutely amazing. You have given us neighbors who are great friends, and you've allowed us to live in a house that can accommodate our family, our church, and grow with us in the process.
10. My favorite NFL football team - okay, I know this one is silly, but seriously God thank you for the awesome season that the Detroit Lions are having so far.

James 1:17: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."