posted Wednesday, November 26th, 2008 @ 10:15 am

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I feel that one of the blessings that I received with my health is the fact that diabetes is a disease that can be controlled unlike many other unlucky children. The family around me helps control my sugar by helping me control what I eat, and they help by asking me questions about my sugar and insulin levels. I feel extremely blessed with the ability to be in control of my health. — Hunter Williams

One example of a blessing in my life is my parents, Lia and Jonathan Fryday. They work very hard to provide a nice home and a roof over our heads. My mom and dad also supply nice clothes for me to wear and food for me to eat. My parents feel that it is very important to know right from wrong. They take me to church regularly, and they help me to grow in my faith with Jesus Christ. I am indebted to my parents, and I know they always have my best interest at heart! — Halie Fryday

In addition, I am thankful for my siblings which consist of my sister, Nena Grace, and my brothers, Hayden and Garrett. Even though they are young and wild, I can tell them anything, and I know that my secret is safe with them. Considering the fact that they are so annoying, it is hard to remember how tremendous these small children actually are, but I love them all very much anyway. Even with their being bad and acting crazy everywhere my family and I go, I enjoy spending time with them, and I take the moments we spend together for granted. One never knows when his/her last day is which is why I should spend every moment like it is the last time I will see my family. I would not trade these youngsters for the world, and I am truly blessed to have them in my life. — Faith Elizabeth Hable

As well as freedom and family, my well-being is better than people in other countries. I do not have to worry about not having a roof over my head, and I am very blessed to have a wonderful home. Food is bountiful in my home, and I never worry about going to bed hungry. Without the love and support of my family, my attitude towards life would not be positive. Therefore, my well-being is affected by many things that some people take for granted. — Courtney Phillips

First off, each of my family members has certain characteristics that make them amazing. My parents, Jay and Joan Reeves, juggle school, work, and family and I admire them for this. They have raised me well, and they often make many sacrifices for their children's benefit. Kaitlyn Reeves, my little sister, and I are very thankful to have them as parents, and they have raised us to be very close. My sister is easy to talk to and have fun with due to her crazy personality. Other places I go for fun are my grandparents' homes. Each pair of my grandparents is very different than the others, but they will all make time to have fun with me. I do not know what I would be or do without my family! — Amber Reeves

Another example of a group of people in which I am grateful for is my teachers. My teachers help me constantly, and they keep going over a subject I do not understand until I fluently comprehend it. My teachers educate me, and education takes a massive role in my life. My teachers all want me to continue my education in college because they want me to prosper in life. My teachers will always be there for me, and they all enjoy teaching my very much. I am extremely thankful for my teachers, and I will always respect and revere them. — Ibrahim Bouchaffra

Also, I am grateful for freedom and health. Freedom is very important because everyone should be able to do and say what they want. Freedom of religion is important because people should believe in what they want to believe in. I am thankful for health because many of my family members have had health problems in the past. Health is a blessing for which I am grateful because it is an enormous part of a person's health. — Rebecca Bradley

In addition, I am very thankful because I have the right to freedom of religion. This is a privilege that many take for granted. I am extremely lucky to live in a country where I can choose my beliefs. Although I have been raised going to two different churches, Catholic and Baptist; I am fortunate that my parents have not tried to sway me into following just one religion, and I am allowed to follow my own convictions. This is why freedom of religion is so important to me. — Lauren Hampton

Also, my friends are blessings that have helped me grow and improve myself. They, too, cheer me up when I am down or even when I am not. It is truly amazing how they are patient and loving. to me, showing them how thankful I am can be giving them a hug. A simple thanks is also a way of me telling them how much I appreciate their friendship. Being grateful reminds me how to be a true friend, and it reminds me what an important role they play in my life as well as what a big spot they occupy in my heart. — Anahy Hernandez

To begin with, I want to give thanks to my family. My mom, Jamie Hobson, has always encouraged me to try my hardest. She has supplied me with anything that I have needed at home or school. My dad, Tony Hobson, attempts to explain things to me that I do not understand and tries to be helpful. since he is a natural with math, he makes a wonderful tutor. Paige, my sister, gives me suggestions and ideas when I do not know what to do but not without laughing at me first. — Suzanne Beth Hobson

To begin with, the person for whom I am most appreciative is my mother, Maria Knies. I realize that she never is thanked for what she does around the house. If she was not there cleaning, cooking, and doing the laundry, I do not know where my family would be. Along with all that, she does most of the chores, which the rest of my family should be responsible for, without complaint. Plus, she can stop whatever she may be doing and help me if I have trouble with, for example, a question in my homework. I am thankful for her. — Austin Knies

In addition, my father, Floyd Harris Jr., is a wonderful person to look up to and be thankful to have. my dad is periodically helping me with my homework; he is what I call my "homework helper". Also, Daddy is considerably encouraging just like my mom. Because he helps me through all my rough spots that I have from time to time, I am truly grateful for his guidance. Dad is also exciting to be around. He will play games with my sibling and me whenever he has the spare time. — Sarah Harris

In addition, the last person I should be thankful for is my great-grandma, Eleanor Repaci. She died of cancer this year. my mom told her everything I did at my cross country races or with my grades, and that was one thing that kept her alive. She always told my mom to tell me good job. my great-grandma made the best Italian food on the world, and she could cook anything and make it taste amazing. Every time I do something I remember her. — Brent Turner

Another person who has made a difference in my life is my aunt, Laura Clawson. She is a very creative person, and I enjoy being around her. Every summer I go stay a week with my aunt and her family, and we always have a wonderful time together. We make brownies, go shopping, and swim, and we also go to movies sometimes. When I have dance recitals, my Aunt Laura is always there, and she's supporting me one hundred percent. I am so delighted to have an aunt like my aunt Laura. — Rachel David

Another example of a person who inspires my life is my older sister, Kristen.
I can always count on my sister to counsel me about my problems in life. 
Whether it is boy trouble or a fight with one of my friends, she is always ready to help. since she is the best secret keeper I know, I can always confide in Kristen. If my mom is working late and I need to be somewhere, Kristen will get me where I need to be on time. She rarely misses any of my cheerleading and dance performances, and she supports me all the way! I could not possibly ask for a better sister than Kristen. — Kelsey Coon

I am also very thankful for the friendship I have with my friends. I love them because they are very silly, and they are fun to be around. My friends are the people I confide in when I have problems, such as boy, school, and family. I enjoy all of our inside jokes, and their funny comments about how "blond" I can be. we are inseparable, and we all get sad when it is time to depart from each other. The qualities of my friends such as loyalty, honesty, and Christianity help me be a better person. — Taylor Whitehead

To begin with, my mom, Melinda Bourgeois, is a magnificent parent, and I look at her as my role model. my mom will do anything and everything, even put her life on the line, to make sure I do not get injured in any way. Sometimes I feel like my mom is way to hard on me when it comes down to my school work, but within the past year, I have realized that she wants me to be successful, and she would like to see me excel in everything I look forward to becoming. My favorite thing about my mom is that she teaches my younger siblings not to judge people by what they wear or by the company they keep, but to judge them by who they are as a person. — Megan Cooke

To begin with, Michelle Pittman, also known as "Aunt Chelle," is the greatest influence in my life. She is a great role model to me, and I hope I can live up to the wonderful being she has become. Aunt Chelle always gives me significant advice that will help me later in life, and it is sure to make me a better person someday. She and I always have a great deal of fun together, and Aunt Chelle is always sure to make me smile. Of the many people I know, she is the only person who an relate to what I go through, and she always understands how I am feeling about a certain situation. my Aunt Chelle knows me better than anyone, and she is the utmost importance to me. — Cortney Carr

To begin with, my family is my rock. They never miss a single piano recital, school award ceremony, or tennis tournament. When I come to the end of a difficult day, anyone in my family is willing and able to drop what they are doing to sit down with me to give me advice. It is easy to talk to my adult family members about problems because they have been there, too. I am also always able to be silly with anyone in my family-especially my mom- by playing games or telling jokes, and we laugh to relieve any stress and relax. although friends are awesome, I would never be able to be myself without my family. — Karlee Buckridge

Next, my dad, Jay Mitchell, is a major blessing in my life. My dad is an extremely hard worker, and he will help anyone in need. my dad helps me to do better in many extra curricular activities such as sports, schoolwork, and life in general even if it means I beat him in an intense game of tennis. Along with helping me, he teaches me life lessons that have made me a better person. For example, he taught me at a very young age to try my best at any task, and I have always followed his advice. My dad is always making me laugh, and I am thankful for him and his fun spirit. — Mary Allison Mitchell

Finally, the last person that makes a great difference in my life is my new baby sister, Peyton Renee. Peyton brings me great joy everyday when I see her because she is so loving and is always happy. When she starts glad to see me. I love my sister so much because she is full of personality, and she is fun to be around. She is beautiful on the inside and out, and that inspires me to be a great role model for her. I am thankful for her and her personality. — Imani Nash

To begin with, my home offers me with so many glorious things, and I am very grateful for them. I feel the warmth and tranquility on the cold winter nights. I am sustained with food that is put on the table every night and the roof that covers our heads from the rain. In my home, my family showers me with love and care. I live in a home that is special, and it represents love, comfort, and happiness. — Abbi Scallan

For example, my youth minister, Scott Brandle, is one of the people who make a difference in my life each week. Scott is selfless due to the fact that he puts everyone, whether it be his wife, Theresa, grandchild, daughter or friend, before himself. Mr. Scott is most Christian individual I have ever met. He teaches Sunday school; he's a member of the choir; and teaches youth choir at St. Matthews and a CCD youth class at church. Mr. Scott is quite a comedian and likes telling jokes, and when he visits mu house or I am at his house, he yells many, many jokes, which make laugh and smile! These are just a few reasons that I am grateful to have Scott Brandle in my life. — Laura Elizabeth Moore

As well as Carly and Ashton, my mother, Sonya Hogg, gives me countless reasons for which I am thankful. I could not ask for a better mom. She goes above and beyond to make me happy. For example, she cooks me healthy meals, comes to all of the football and basketball games to watch me cheer. and buys me things that I could definitely live without having. My mom supports me one hundred percent, and she volunteers at Axis on Wednesday nights. She pushed me to do my best whether I am cheering or doing school work, and she deserves gratitude for all that she does for me. — Maddie Hogg

Also, I am very thankful for my dad, Charles Williams. He always tells me to do the right thing and to not fall in with the crowd. I love and appreciate the fact that he wants nothing more than the very best for me. He always wants me to feel important and never left out. When I go hunting with my dad it is a good time to get to talk to him about his past, and the mistakes he has made throughout his life. I am very blessed to have a wonderful dad like him. — Brooke Williams

Second of all, expressing my religion freely is also another great blessing we all share! In this great nation, no one must hide their religion or what they believe. Though in some countries they have to hide their religions and their belief, and they cannot express their religion as freely as we can. Some people have to believe what they are told to believe, and not what they want to believe! We are all very lucky to be able to express our religion as freely as we can. — Rachel Lynn Wise

First, there are all of my teachers. They have always been there like a quiet superhero. Without them my whole education would have been impossible. If you really think about it, no one really ever thanks a teacher for making them come to school every day, but it is the reason we have come so far. Teachers always go the extra mile just to help us understand things easier and better, and they always answer questions we ask, even the ones that have been answered a hundred times! — Kandice Morgan Yancey

Also, Jaime Nicole Blazier, my step-mother, definitely changes my life. She makes my daddy happy, and that is all that I could ever ask. Jaime talks to me on a personal level. She does not act like I am just a young child babbling about my puny little problems, but she listens to me as a trusted friend. I can tell trust her with my biggest secret of all time or just a small sercret. Everything I tell her I know is only between me and her. Because she is one of our church's youth directors, she helps me get closer to God, my Savior. I cannot show enough gratitude to her. — Morgan Blazier

Also, I am very appreciative that I am able to have such wonderful friends. They are the people in my life, other than family, that I can trust fully. My friends are like family to me because they are always there when I need them most. They help me by cheering me up when I am sad, telling me when I do a great job at something, and also having my back. I have so much fun with them, and many go to my school so I see them all the time. Without my friends, my life would be very different, and they are the best friends anyone could have. — Morgan Bailey Bloodworth

Third, my church will always be here when I need them. They will repeatedly help me when I need spiritual advice or just common advice. My church members at First Baptist Church are permanently assisting me as I become a better, more religious Christian. I know that my Christian friends at my church will always care about my well being, I feel extremely loved! My church means the world to me! — Kerrie Layne Cammack

Second, I have a great school with helping and kind teachers, who will help me on anything that is giving me problems. The school is in a good community and is in magnificent condition. West Ridge does not have as many discipline problems as other schools, and we also have a loving, honest principal. I am very thankful for the helping teachers and principal. I am also thankful for the cleaning staff at my school for keeping it spotless. I would never go to another middle school, and I feel blessed to be able to call West Ridge my own! — Madison Claire Carter

Last, gratitude cannot explain how thankful I am for my brother, Justin Chriceol. He is very protective of me. Nothing bad will ever happen when he is around me. He does not let anything hurt me. Justin is another one of my heroes because he is someone I can look up to and follow in his foot steps. He is also very genuine, and he is special to me. He is much older than I, but I think we have alike minds. Justin can be immature when he wants to be, but if he has to be, he can be very mature and serious. — Annie Morgan Chriceol

Also, I have an excellent education. Because of the responsible teachers at West Ridge and my helpful friends, I have a great education. I also go to a new school, and it is clean, modern, and very safe. The lessons are also very interesting, most of the time, which makes it easier to pay attention in class. I am obtaining the needed materials and knowledge to enable me to progress intellectually. — Matt Tyler Eubanks

Next, I am grateful for my loving and tender church family. They are the best influence I have ever had. they have shown me that it does not matte how sinful you may be, it is never too late to start living your life for Jesus Christ. my church is the first place I would go if I needed help because I know that if I start to fall, they will hold me up and keep me standing firm. the last reason is that their arms are always wide open for anyone and everyone. For example, I started to bring my best friend, Morgan Blazier, to church with me about two years ago and they made her feel welcome the very first day she was there. Now she asks to come to church with me every time I go. It is because of these reasons that I am a faithful daughter of Christ. — Ashlyn Paige Jackson

Also, I have magnificent friends! They are always there for me when I need them. they always help me get through the rough spot in life, and they help me do my best. For example, when I have a huge test, they help me study for it and make sure I know it backwards and forwards. I am so appreciative of the friendships I have, and I know we will be friends forever! — Richmond McGough

In addition, my gratitude goes out to my stepmother. Rhonda Moorehead, as well. She has always been a mother to me, and she takes care of me whenever I am sick. she takes me to church at St. Joe Baptist church in Rhymes, Louisiana, and she what's more, she encourages me to take part in the Christian activities there. Her encouragement led to my choice to be baptized. Rhonda also does many things for me. Furthermore, Ronda helps me to understand problems in my life. A model of one of these problems is when I am having trouble studying on my own. all I have to do is ask, and she will call out whatever I need called out, or she will explain whatever I am having trouble with. I am utterly indebted to her for all that she has done for me since met her. — Shaile Moorehead

As well as family, freedom of religion is also a blessing to me. I am applauded that have the privilege to worship whenever and wherever I please. I also have the opportunity to share this great blessing with others and express my feelings. When I have the freedom to read my bible, I am thankful and proud. I am glad that going to church is not a hassle, and I can choose my faith without any repercussion. — Macey Sanaie

To begin with, God blessed me in one way by being musically talented. I can pick up nearly any musical instrument and play it very well. Another ability I have been given is the ability to draw. I am very artistic and able to sketch any kind of picture. One more skill I have is a retentive mind. All I have to do to make a high grade on a test is listen in class. — Conner Brad Underwood

Another reason I am fortunate is the fact that I have a guardian angel. I have been severely sick many times, and the outcomes could have been worse but with the help of my guardian angel, I was able to pull through okay. I have been in a few accidents before, and people said that I should not have survived but with the protection from my guardian angel, I was unharmed. When people quote, " One more step and I would have been dead", I realize that applies to me in many ways. I feel very fortunate because my guardian angel has kept a very protective wing around me. — Alyssa Taylor Walker

T o begin with, my parents are the most loving and caring people any daughter could ask for. my mom, Lisa Vige, encourages me to do my best everyday. When I do well in school, she praises my work. My dad. Eric Vige, is hilarious, and we have tons of fun together. For example, we go hunting, watch the television, and just hang out. He also knows how to make me laugh when I am down. My parents try their best to make sure that I am well and happy, and I admire them very much for that. — Madison Elizabeth Vige