As we all look forward to this unusual year to conclude (to say the very least), I wanted to take a look back on the unexpected blessings this time has brought to my family and me. While this is only the tip of the proverbial iceburg, here's my list of the top 10 reasons to still give thanks...

 

 

10. I give thanks that to people like you, Bonnie Bay Crochet has been able to continue to grow and allow me to become full-time in my design work so I can concentrate exclusively on bringing you more quality crochet content.

9. I give thanks that we are living in a world with an internet that works most of the time, allowing us to work and connect with those we love in a time when we aren't able to visit in person. This has enabled me to continue my work as usual, and connect with my children on a daily basis.

8. I give thanks for Chick-fil-A, who has become the employer of several of my children & their spouses over the years, and especially during this time while their industry (film) was completely shut down, leaving them without a source of income. Eat more chicken ya'll!!

7. I give thanks that none of the ER trips for members of our family resulted in longterm hospital stays, and ended on a happy note and a return trip home.

6. I have gained a thankful spirit for many things in this world that I have previously taken for granted, such as the the availability of staples in our home such as toilet paper and paper towels! It's funny how seeing stacks of these items at my local Costco and Walmart stores bring me an uncanny source of happiness now!

5. I give thanks for my friend Stephanie of Good Loops Yarn who more than 1 1/2 years ago insist that I begin a weekly LIVE program on my channel. Neither of us had any idea of how this would become such a needed social connection in our lives. For those who join me from week to week on Friday Fun LIVE, please know that you have helped me to get through 2020 with joy in my heart and an extra hop in my step! You are all part of my family now! (Tears of happiness as I type this...)

4. I give thanks for the special time of getting to know my wonderful mother-in-law and that she is still able to live in her home where we can care for her, especially during this pandemic.

3. I give thanks that our family now has a beautiful new addition with my new daughter-in-law Sarah! We are all looking forward to the day when we can gather as a family to celebrate together!

2. Oddly enough, I give thanks for the many months of living separately from the one I love most on this earth,my dear husband Craig. My affections and appreciation for him have only deepened, even after more than 32 happy years. I can't wait to take a trip with him to a place far, far away once this pandemic is over!!

1. My #1 problem of all time, of being a condemned sinner in need of forgiveness, has been taken care of by Jesus when He died for my sins on the cross at Calvary. Psalm 103 expresses better than I can say:

"The LORD is merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth,so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him."

I sincerely wish you a most meaningful time with your loved ones as you gather together in person and via the internet and give thanks!