Well, today is my birthday. What can I write about on my birthday? My wishes for the year? My goals for the year? Some random facts about me? As I pondered this, I thought I have a lot to be thankful for… so here is a list of the blessings in my life right now.

My God, Lord and Saviour… Jesus Christ.

My husband. He’s the love of my life. He’s funny, cute, generous, creative, kind-hearted and sweet. He is amazing and I love him more with every day that passes.

My little girls! Every day I marvel at what extraordinary little spirits they are!

My Mom, Dad and little brother. Not only am I blessed to have a family that lives close to me but they are a constant source of love and support. I have a mom who shares my quirky sense of humour, a dad who is my spiritual counsellor and a brother who is smart, funny and great to chat with! We enjoy each other’s love and counsel and we get along fabulously! What else could I ask for?!

My in-laws. Now how many people can say that!? I have a mother-in-law who I can call and chat to for hours. A father-in-law who will jump to our aid in a flash whether the car battery is dead or something is in need of repair. I have a sister-in-law who is amazing… she is one of the most generous, sweetest people I know! Then there’s my two brother-in-laws, they are funny, kind, loving and always make our family gatherings enjoyable. Lastly, there’s my two nieces who will play hide and seek with my little girl, make cupcakes for special occasions and always shower the family with cards, drawings and creative little gifts.

The rest of my family. I have a grandfather and two grandmothers who are alive and well. They remind me that life is to be treasured and they give me a deeper sense of family. The roots from which I was born and the history that accompanies it. I also have aunts and uncles and cousins who are a big part of my life! Whether we keep in contact by e-mail, by social networking websites, by text messages, or the occasional visit, they are ever-present in my life.

My friends. I used to be a one friend type of gal… but in recent years I have been blessed with numerous beautiful, inspiring and amazing friends. Whether we text back and forth all day, meet up for weekly yoga classes, join forces for volunteer work or go out to enjoy Indian food, they are a daily reminder of how great my life is!

My health.

My home. It is cozy, warm and full of love.

My job. Even though I’m currently on maternity leave, my job is a huge blessing! I get to be surrounded by the most brilliant, inspiring people all day long (and I’m not just talking about my coworkers here). I get to work with children… and through my work I get glimpses of a beautiful and bright future.

My country. There is a lot of grief and disparity in this world. I feel so blessed to live in a country that provides so much. Canada is beautiful… I haven’t seen all of it from coast to coast but I marvel in the majesty of our country! The Rocky Mountains, the sea shores, the sprawling prairies, our nation’s capital… we truly have a beautiful country. Then there’s the freedom to practice my religion, emotional and physical safety, adequate and affordable health care and a year-long maternity leave! I am proud to be a Canadian!

My blog and you… my readers. It’s been over a year since I started this blogging adventure and I’m so grateful that I’m able to have this wonderful creative outlet. I am thankful for the people who take the time to read my postings and I’m especially thankful for the comments I get (it’s like a gift that I can’t wait to open when I see that someone has commented on a posting)!

Since I am so blessed, I feel I need to pass the blessings on. A lovely friend of mine (thanks Natalie) recently shared a link to a website which has six free Christmas/worship songs by six amazing, talented artists.

This fantastic download also includes the lyric and chord sheets (in case you feel like singing/playing along). You can preview the songs before downloading them and you can also read the biographies of these amazing artists.

Check it out… you won’t be disappointed!

Click the EP cover to visit their website

**Note: I get no compensation for providing this link. I’m just the type of gal who can’t resist sharing a wonderful “find” such as this one!**

Jennifer Bly

Author of My Kitchen, My Classroom: An Introduction to Homeschool and creator of The Deliberate Mom. Jennifer writes about parenting, homeschooling, her faith, and life with her husband and two girls. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration Degree with a specialization in Early Learning in Child Care.