Counting My Blessings
“A thankful heart is one of the primary identifying characteristics of a believer. It stands in stark contrast to pride, selfishness, and worry. And it helps fortify the believer’s trust in the Lord and reliance of His provision, even in the toughest times. No matter how choppy the seas become, a believer’s heart is buoyed by constant praise and gratefulness to the Lord.”
Happy Thanksgiving
I sincerely hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving. The holiday can get a little stressful—hours of cooking and preparing, mountains of dishes, and of course, navigating those extended-family conversations that remind you why God created grace…But amongst the chaos, this year I found myself reflecting on all the things I’m deeply grateful for. Looking back on the past twelve months—and ahead to 2026—I’m amazed by how much has changed and encouraged by all that lies ahead.
I love Psalm 9:1, which says, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”
Many Reasons to be Grateful
If I were to list all of His wonderful deeds this year, we’d be here awhile. But I’ll share my top five:
A deepening faith. My relationship with the Lord grew in unexpected ways this year. God stretched me through moments of obedience I wasn’t prepared for, and I’m not sure where He’s leading next—but I have a feeling those stories will make their way into future blogs.
A healthy, growing family. Tyson and I celebrated 13 years of marriage, and I’m learning firsthand how quickly kids grow. What a blessing it is to be a wife and a mom.
A home we love. It may be a mid-century work-in-progress, but it’s ours. The property gives the boys room to explore, and it’s the perfect location for hosting family and friends.
Thriving businesses. Tyson’s real estate business, Sunrise Land Company, flourished this year, and we are abundantly blessed by the listings, sales, clients, and referrals that came our way. Creekside Capital also had its best year yet—and I’m grateful beyond words.
A published book. This time last year, I had just signed with WestBow Press and was stepping into the unknowns of publishing my first devotional, Grit and Grace. The process stretched me, but the Lord carried it through. As a bonus, that book opened the door to this blog and numerous speaking engagements, where I had the privilege of meeting many of you.
Of course, this year also brought its share of challenges and disappointments. However, holding onto a thankful heart has reminded me again and again of how faithfully God shows up.
Blessed Beyond Measure
So now I’d love to hear from you:
What are you thankful for? What blessings came your way in 2025? Write down your top five:
Take a moment to thank God for the grace and blessings He brought into your life this year. How did He show up? Where did He invite you to grow? Please share in the comments below!
I’ll leave you with a short prayer:
Father, thank You for guiding us through another year—through the highs, the lows, and the moments that felt a bit like herding cattle that absolutely refused to go in the right direction…Help us walk into the new year with joy, gratitude, and a good sense of humor. Amen.
I pray you had a blessed Thanksgiving, and I’m truly grateful you’re here.
Godspeed,
Kari
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
