Days 28 thru 30: Thankfulness

Wow!  This month is almost over!  It has been a very easy task of being thankful for just one thing each day.  Imagine how this could change our attitudes if we did this each month!  How could we be sad or angry, when we realize how much we have to be thankful for?  I look around and there are numerous people and things that I have not named. 

A warm house to come home to.
          A pot of soup waiting in the crock pot.
                    Christmas lights shinning in the evening.
                               Homemade blankets to cuddle on the couch with.
                                          Warm fuzzy socks are some of my favorite things!
                                                     Beautiful sunsets that remind me that God is near.
                                                               Yes, my list could go on and on.

Day 28:  Today I am thankful for beautiful Christmas decorations that bring back memories each year.  I truly love my Christmas tree.  Not because it's the fanciest.  Not because everything matches.  Not because it has lots of bling.  But, because it has lots of love.  The ornaments are from when my kids were little.  There are also pictures of my nieces and nephew.  Each year we add another family picture.  I look through my tree and see my babies growing through the years.  I see our family expand and grow.  I see my many blessings!

(One of the many pictures from our tree.  It's from Christmas 2008.)



Day 29:  I am thankful for the teachers in my children's lives.  Each of my kids need different things.  Joey needs to be pushed and some one to believe he can do it.  Luke needs understanding and patience while being pushed to see how far he can go.  Faith needs to be challenged so that her interest stays put and she does not get bored.  It's amazing that with a class of 28+ children with different needs, that any of them can be met.  But, my children have had some wonderful teachers through the years that hugged when they were needed and pushed my kids when they got too comfortable.  I am also thankful for those teachers who stuck by me when it came to Luke.  Some cried tears with me while holding my hand through the processes and changes a special needs child brings.  What a blessing the right teacher can make! So thankful!

Luke's 3rd Grade Class, a wonderful teacher and a true friend!

Day 30:  I am SO thankful my kitchen is about done!!  It has been a long process.  Just the demolition part seemed to take forever!  Long staples, wood glue, and 3 or 4 inch nails held up the old cabinets.  Oh, my goodness, I didn't even mention the floors.  The plaid 70's carpet, layer of glue, layer of laminate, then (of course) a layer of paper from underneath the laminate.  Such a blessing to walk into my kitchen on my new terra-cotta tile and be able to turn my stove on!  Or to bake bread in my oven.  I love the openness of the kitchen arrangement as well as the bar area which is my baking area.  LOVE!  :) I know there is another project just lurking in the background (master bath) but I want to stop (and rest) to enjoy the beauty and blessings. Well, plus, get the kitchen totally done! :D

Thank You Lord for loving me.  Thank You Lord for the many blessings You've given me.  I know that every good and perfect gift has came from You. 

Days 24 thru 27: Thankfulness

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Day 24:  I am thankful for little get aways that break up the work we've been doing on the house!  We got to escape to Branson on Friday and Saturday.  Yes, that's Black Friday.  Yes, I did a little shopping. :)  But, even for a little shopping, I still had to cruise the parking lots just for some one to leave and pull out so I could get a spot!  Shopping is NOT my favorite thing.  So many times I questioned myself on why we are here again! But, we got a room at the Grand Country Inn.  Which to those of you not around here ~ they have indoor water slides for the kids.  Kids loved it.  They played all Friday afternoon while my mom and I ran around the stores.  It was great to just get away for a couple days.

Day 25:  Today I am thankful this beautiful weather we're having.  This fall I was unable to get out and enjoy it as usual.  We've been so busy with the kitchen that the fall leaves came and went without one hike.  :(  But, it's the end of November and we are still in the mid 50's.  Fall weather is lasting a little longer this year.  It is my favorite time of year! So, even with the leaves on the ground, I am loving it!

Day 26:  I am thankful for our Pastor and his family.  Their love for not only the things of Christ, but the purpose of church is a blessing.  They don't want to do the same old, just because it's comfortable.  They want to help us to grow in our walk with Christ.  And, they love our kids.  (just as we love theirs!) My children are able to know them as people with a sense of humor with ups and downs.  They have been such a blessing to not only my life, but many.

Day 27:  I am thankful for the word of God.  It's amazing that a document that is so old, still has a bearing on the world today.  It is after all, the LIVING word.  God still speaks through His word.  He provides comfort and hope through His word.  God also convicts through His word.  I do love to read Christian books and bible studies, but nothing is the same as reading His word.  To read the examples of other men and women who have chosen to follow Christ.  As well as, those who have chosen to deny Christ.  The Bible is still relevant today.

Days 19 thru 23: Thankfulness

Day 19:  My day just wouldn't be the same without Christian radio like KLRC.  I am thankful that there are stations and artists that put me in the right frame of mind.   They remind me as I am driving or at home that God's with me where ever I am.  Their message has to the power to speak to me even when my mind might be going 100 miles an hour on something else.  It blesses me to hear my daughter singing in the back of the car.  Or my son ask me to turn it up.  So thankful.

Day 20:  I am thankful for my brother-in-law, Brent.  In February, it will be 16 years I've been married.  Through the years, Brent has become truly like a brother to me.  Being a family is not held together by blood relation.  Family are people held together by memories, times spent together, and love.  My Dad would always speak of Uncle Howard as his brother.  (Although Howard was his brother-in-law.)  I am lucky enough to have that as well.  He is there to give me a hard time and pick on me as a brother should.  Yet, I know he is there when I need it.  (like the hours he has put into our house the past couple months!!) I am very thankful that God has given me a brother like Brent in my life.

Day 21:  Where would I be without friends??  Seriously, where would any of us be?  The laughter through the years.  Inside jokes.  Songs on the radio.  Movies.  The tears.  The moments when everything is stripped away and there's nothing left but beat-up heart and red-rimmed eyes.  (usually a running nose as well)  And there is a shoulder to lean upon in the mists.  No, friends don't have magic that can make everything better.  But, they have an open heart and open arms.  I wouldn't have made it this far without my friends through the years.  When I was younger, friends brought me to church.  Through the years, they have shown me the love of Christ.  What a blessing!

Day 22:  I am thankful for our church family.  We go to a church of around 200.  There are several large, even "mega" churches.  We attended one close by for around a year (several years ago).  But, it never felt like home.  Does that make sense?  When you go, no one really knows you.  There's so many people in the congregation, the pastors never make a personal relationship with you.  You are just one of many.  When there's a death in the family or illness, who really knows or cares?  It just felt very impersonal.  I know a lot of people go to the mega churches (or they wouldn't be so large..ha ha!)  But, I am just saying that they are not for me.  If I am in Texas, yes, I'd love to sit through Joel Osteen preach to 10,000.  But, for most Sundays, I'd like to shake your hand and welcome you.  And, notice if your gone or cook a dish for your family member's funeral.

Day 23: I am also thankful for my in-laws.  When I got married, I married into a large family.  Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins live nearby.   A bit overwhelming at first. :)  But, since I came from such a small family, I loved it!  It is such a blessing that my children know not only their aunt and uncles but their great-aunts and uncles!  I love getting together with everyone a couple times a year.   My father and mother-in-law also helped us get into our home which I'm so thankful!   My in-law family are a blessing that I don't take for granted.

Days 12 thru 18: Thankfulness

I've been blessed with so much.  Of course, I had to mention the biggies like my kids, hubby, and home.  But there are those 'other' things that just make life a bit easier!  So, for this grouping, I am shifting gears! :)

Day 12: What a blessing a dishwasher is!  Ok, now since we've moved in our new home in August, we have not had a working dishwasher.   How I miss the days of one kid-o would empty the dishwasher, then the other kid-o would fill the dishwasher.  And so the cycle went.  Now, there is a working dishwasher in a box just waiting for a working sink in our kitchen!  It will be so soon, I just know it! :)

Day 13:  With a family of 5, having two cars is a big deal.  We have dealt with one car for a while and it was hard.  My husband and I were both tired.  He would get up to take me to work by 7:30.  Then, I would take him to work in the afternoon and pick him up at 11 p.m.  Get up the next morning and do it all over again.  By the time we went to sleep it was midnight and well ~ my body tells me it needs more sleep than that!! ;)  So, thankful to have two working cars right now.

Day 14:  I am thankful for children's picture books.  Those beautiful books filled with pictures and short sentences that get children's attention.  Those wonderful books that teach children the joy of a library!  The simple books with catchy rhymes that taught my children to read.  I love the children's section of a book store or library...just to see the magic of reading and love of books at such an early age.  It's a wonderful thing! After all, "Sometimes I like to curl up in a ball so no one can see because I'm so small..." but that's okay because we must "Step with care and great tact and remember that life's a great balancing act..."

Day 15:  Another convenience I wouldn't want to give up?  My washer and dryer!!  Oh, yes, just a few years ago our washer and dryer died on us.  The washer wouldn't ring things out so our clothes would still be very wet.  Of course at the same time, our dryer wouldn't dry no matter how many hours the thing would run.  The laundry mat ~ not much fun.  Especially with three kids.  Yes, we filled up about 4 washers.  Then about 4 or 5 dryers.  Also, walked down to a pizza place and brought pizza back for supper while we waited.   Not much fun at all.  My washer and dryer may not be the newest but I am thankful it's still hanging on!

Day 16:  I am very thankful for.....ssSHHhhhh!!....hair color!  I know, I know, it's not one of those things we like to talk about.  But, I seriously started to get gray when I was in my 20's!  I am now in my 30's and still not ready to be gray.  There are some ladies out there with beautiful silver and gray hair out there.  Really very pretty!  I am just not ready to embrace that part of me yet.  So, until then, Miss Clairol and I will meet again monthly. ;)

Day 17:  Okay, I now it's not the best thing for you.  Really far from it.  But, one of my favorite things are cinnamon rolls.  More than chocolate cake.  More than apple pie.  Yep, for my birthday give me a cinnabon with a candle in it and I'm a happy camper.  :)  Soft and warm, filled with cinnamon, and topped with cream cheese frosting.  Delish!!

Day 18:  Hummm....I am thankful for warm, homemade blankets to cuddle up with on cold winter nights.   As I have gotten older, I've learned to appreciate the colder weather.  It's time for warm homemade soup.  Treats from the oven.  Colorful fuzzy socks. Warm hot chocolate.  And, last but not least, cuddling up with blanket and a good book.  I love my homemade blankets that I've gotten over the years.  It's a wonderful thing!

Days 7 thru 11: Thankfulness

Day 7: Today I am thankful for the democratic process.  Gods plan has put me in the United States during a time where women can vote.   It is something that I shouldn't take for granted.  Not that many years ago, women wore clothing that covered them from head to toe.  Not because they liked it, it was because they had no say.  Faces were hidden behind lace veils because their voices where never meant to be heard.  Once the right to vote came about in the 1920's, women's lives changed for the better.  I am blessed to live in a country where we elect our officials.  Whether or not everyone that I voted for becomes elected, I am still thankful for the process and God's hand in it.

Day 8:  The things we take for granted, like a place to call home.  We moved into our home in August of this year.  This place has changed so much in 4 months!  We'd been renting and moving for the past couple years.  It's been a struggle in so many ways, especially emotionally.  Now, God has blessed us with a home that is large enough to have family and friends over.  Yes, we moved into home that was stuck in the 1970's.  :)  But, we have been slowly taking out the old and making it ours.  Each time I pull into the driveway, I am thankful.  I don't take it for granted like I once did.

 Day 9:  I am still thankful for my parents and the love they have given me.  As an adult, I realized that they did the best they could.  I stopped looking at them from a little girl looking up at her parents.  I looked at them from one parent to another.  I realized they are not perfect, but then neither am I.  With God's help, I was able to forgive.  I was blessed to have two more years with my Dad after his cancer diagnosis.  The doctor's only gave him 6 months, but God have him two years!  Those were years filled with healing for us.  I miss him and look forward to seeing him healthy once again in Heaven.  And, He lets me know that he's still around once in a while even from the other side.  What a blessing!  My mom is my rock.  She is there to help or to just listen.  She knows my moods by the tone of my voice or the look in my eyes.  She always looks out for us.  I am a very blessed person and thankful for my parents.

My parent's at Chuck-E-Cheese during a birthday party

Day 10:  Awww....my doggie.  I always thought a Cocker Spaniel would be a great family pet and he is.  Teddy is wonderful.  He is always there ready to tell you how much he's missed you during the day.  He is great with the kids and other's that come into our home.  He is not a barker, unless there's a thunderstorm.  :)  Teddy's big enough to take on walks.  I've thought about getting another dog to keep him company, but I just think Teddy would always be my favorite so that wouldn't be fair.  I am thankful to puppy lovin' on a hard day!

 Our sweet little guy, Teddy

 

Day 11:  I am thankful for G.G.  My Grandpa passed away when six or seven.  My Grandma passed away when I was an early teenager.  Then, when I got married, I had a Grandma again!  She always loved and accepted me.  I knew how important she was from the start and make sure that my kids have a relationship with her.  She loves to play games and cook for her family.  Even when she was 80, she played Frisbee with the kids!  The time that we've spent with her through the years has been such a blessing for my family and myself.  Grandma is a very special lady and I love her dearly.

Sweet G.G. with Luke, Joey, and Faith

 

 

 



Days 2 thru 6: Thankfulness

Day 2:  I am thankful for FIELD TRIPS! :D  I love being able to take a day and spend individually with my kids.  On Friday, we drove to Little Rock and spent the day with Faith.  I have loved going to pumpkin patches, hiking, and to battlefields through the years with each of my kids.  That one-on-one time means a lot to me as well as them.

Faith on a field trip Friday to our State Capital.

Day 3:  What a busy day!  I am thankful that we got the tile down today.  One step closer to having a kitchen again.   I used the wet saw for the first time and I did ALL of the cuts in the entire kitchen.  Looks pretty good too! ;) Cannot wait until the cabinets!

Day 4:  I am thankful for my kids.  It is true that time goes by too fast.  I look at my children and wonder how I can have a 15, 13, and 10 year old.  I'm not old enough, am I? ;D  I am thankful that I can still kiss them good-night and that God has given me another day to be their Momma.  They have made me a better person by having them in my life.  Being a mother has increased my faith through the many trials that have come our way.  I have learned that before they were mine, they were God's.  And, He has their life, as well as mine, in the palm of His hand.  That's a beautiful thing!!

Day 5:  I am thankful for my husband.  Through the past 15 years, he has done his best to support his family.  He has got second jobs when bills over-rided our income.  He has been in there working on my kitchen daily even before his real job starts in the afternoon.  He'll spend time picking out a six dollar Hallmark card for Mother's day to let me know what's inside his heart, even though I've told him for the last 15 years that's too much for a card! :)

Day 6:  Before my own kids, I was an Auntie.  I love being an aunt!  It's close to grandparent status where I can spoil and send home! ;D  I have three nieces and one nephew which I love so much.  It means so much to me that even as they have out grown my lap they still try sometimes.  And, they are always there with hugs, kisses, and "love you's".  They make my heart happy!

 Summer, Phillip, and Cara Rolf

Abby Snow (with Faith)

Day 1: Month of Thankfulness

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 

Simon Peter answered and said, “You are
the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
  ~   Matthew 16:15-1

Would you know God if He were before you?

 

Would you act different if He were standing before you?

 

I think honestly we all would. 

So it is easy to forget that He is everywhere.  Not just in the church.  God is in the car with us.  Walking with us through our workday.  There is not a place that we could go that God would not walk with us.  In times of troubles, we rely on that message.  The knowledge that God will not leave us or forsake us.  The faith that will carry us through the storm.

But would we recognize the hands of God in our own life?  God is there working through others constantly.  We have to stop for a moment and recognize it.  Stop for a moment and be THANKFUL.  Many times, God is working through others to bless us.  Or maybe  God is trying to use us, to be a blessing to others.  No, God doesn't care if you have black coffee or a latte.  BUT, maybe He put you in that coffee shop at that certain time for a reason.  Maybe there is some one there that needed to see the love of Christ through us.

Day one in of a month of thankfulness would have to be my Savior that loves me warts and all.  He loved me even when I rejected him.  He has never given up on me.  He loved me through the rough patches and gave me strength when I had none.   God hears my heart when I cannot speak.  He loves my singing even when I'm off key.  :D He fills my life with hope and blessings.  I just pray for God to use my life for His purpose.