Thankful Thursday

It seems like forever since I have done a Thankful Thursday and since I was inspired last night by a friend to focus more on being grateful, I thought it was time to do one again.

I have struggled the last several weeks for a variety of reasons and have found myself focusing more on what is not than what is, and the many things I have to be grateful for. I want to see the blessings each day and to praise God for them.

So this week I am thankful for

1. The ladies in our small group. our group hasn't meet in several weeks because of the holidays then the weather. I was encouraged last night by these women as they pointed to various scriptures and truths. We need fellow believers in our lives to help point us to God's truths. I am thankful for these ladies.

2. For the visit we had with our youngest son during the holidays. We were able to see a movie together and play some Top Golf, plus I had a chauffeur whenever we had to go anywhere during the day

3 Safe travels for my son. He left for his home right before the storm

4.The gifts we got from our children for Christmas. One gave us a gift card for Airbnb because as my daughter in law stated "We know how much you like staying in other peoples houses" I think she was trying to be humorous but we are going to use it and I love how they got us something that was personal for us. My other son took some of the old movies from my in laws and made it into a DVD. My husband was surprised and very touched, we enjoyed watching my husband as a boy and his sister chasing chickens. I am thankful for my sons and my daughter in love.

5. Health and strength to do what we need to do each day. I don't think about it much until someone I know is struggling with an illness or we are having problems, but it is something I want to be more thankful for.

6.Sweet Lady's continued health and how happy she is where she lives. She loves to sit in the Lobby/Living Room area and when anyone comes in for a tour she will be one of the first ones to ask if they are looking to live there and if they say yes she will "talk up" the place. Hearing that makes our heart happy.

So that's some of what I am thankful for today and I hope have a change of focus as time goes on. How about you, what can you be thankful for?

Oh, did I mention the snow is all gone, it was close to 70 today...I can be thankful for that!

Thankful Thursday

Yesterday evening our small group from church met. Most of the time we will go over Sunday's sermon in these meetings, but last night our Group Leader had questions prepared that he wanted the group to think about and answer.

The first question out of the box, "What good thing has God done in your life this week?"

I hate to admit it, but I thought to myself, nothing good going on in my life, please don't ask me. I've been thinking a lot about that since. My attitude, was bad (sinful) I was so focused on the circumstances around me that I wasn't seeing any good in my life...really?!

God is good, always, and even though our circumstances may not be to our liking, he will use them for his purposes and for our good. I know this, his word says so, and I have experienced it during other times of my life.

My circumstances aren't likely to change any time soon. I have a choice, I can focus on the storm swirling around me and eventually sink (remember Peter) or focus on Jesus who commands the storms, by his strength I will focus on Jesus.

Despite the stormy waters we are in right now there ARE many good things, mercies and grace moments that I am thankful for

• Sweet Lady continues to make slow but steady progress following her hip fracture. This week's x-ray didn't show any improvement but it didn't show any negative findings either. Therapy will continue and my friend will continue to help get her to those appointments.

• My own Doctors appointment went well this week. My PCP  finally feels things have turned around since my surgery more than five years ago, and I don't have to go back to see her for for three months.

• My son, has offered to sort and move furniture in my in-laws house while off on spring break. His willingness to give of his time has meant a lot.
• Warm days and flowering trees. There is something about being able to get outside and marvel at the beauty of spring that refreshes my soul. I brought sandwiches to the park close to my husband's work the other day and we were able to eat outside.
• I am thankful for my siblings that are doing what they can to help my parents. Mom celebrated her 85th birthday this week.
• My Bible Study Fellowship. It has required commitment and time, which I have struggled with from time to time, but what a blessing it has been to us. It has helped me to refocus on things eternal when I started getting sucked into the here and now. (we are studying Revelation)
• Finally I want to thank all of you that have prayed for me, I was so blessed and encouraged by the comments I received after my last post. I am thankful for this blogging community, for those that are willing to pray and encourage. This was an unexpected blessing when I started blogging five years ago. 

How about you, can you find the blessings amidst the difficulties of life, I know there are things you can be thankful for

Thankful Thursday

Life has been so full these last few weeks. We've had expected and unexpected events fill our days this month and in our attempt at getting through these days I have lost track of the time. Can it really be the middle of February already? Instead of giving a running account of events, let me instead list the things I can be thankful for today.

Safe travels on wintery roads. We've made two trips to the mountains in the last couple of weeks. The first trip we drove through some terrible icy roads, there were accidents all around us, we were protected. This week, after a failed first attempt to leave town (our car couldn't make it up the snow covered hills) we were finally able to head back south. After we had gotten out of town my husband suggested prayer because the roads and weather ahead were questionable, I started praying and texted others to do the same. I am thankful for the prayers of others and thankful that we were able to get home safely

I am thankful for my sweet friend who thought lunch and a trip to Hobby Lobby would be a great distraction for me. Our times together are always ones of encouragement, she lets me talk then reminds me of truth, I do the same for her.

I am thankful for the community of believers God has knit us into.

I am thankful for good test results.

I am thankful for my handy guy who is painting and fixing my downstairs bathroom...I can't remember who's bright idea it was to start that project....might have been me, but I thankful he is so willing to complete it.

I am thankful for our Sweet Lady. The world would say she was disabled, but the Lord uses her to teach me things all the time. She has a gentle spirit and is a delight to everyone she calls friend.(which is everyone)  She makes me laugh and humbles me with her attitude, she is a delight.

I am thankful for a praying husband. Last summer my husband was asked if he was going to continue as a community group leader. He prayed about it, but never had peace about continuing so he said no. Initially he wondered if he had made the right decision, there were some that expected him to continue. Looking at what life looks like right now there is no question he made the right decision.

How about you, can you think of something you have to be thankful about today?

Thankful Thursday on Friday

I meant to do a thankful Thursday blog post yesterday but got hit with a nasty little bug, so even though I'm a day late there has been so much to be thankful for that I didn't want to let the moment pass.

Speaking of the little bug, I was only down for about 24 hours, that in itself is something to be thankful for. My SIL had a doctors appointment today and I didn't want my husband to have to take her by himself.

We are thankful for the wonderful progress Sweet Lady is making with her Rehab, we were able to transfer her into the car for her doctors appointment with minimal difficulty today. I am also thankful for the good report we got from the doctor today....the fracture is healing nicely and she is beginning to walk a little.

Although this is not the post-op recovery I had envisioned I can see God's hand in it all. This would include the timing of her transfer, the way she has adapted to the change and the facility itself. I can think of several places she could have been transferred to for rehab but she got to go to this one. (sometimes you only have a couple of places to choose from because of lack of beds) It's brand new with a fully equipped gym. Every time I walk through the door, I am thankful for God's mercy and blessing in the midst of a difficult situation.

I am thankful to be part of a new bible study. When I initially registered I was told I would be put on a waiting list because they were full, but I was called within a few days. I've only been two weeks but have been getting so much out of it.

I am thankful for the mild weather we have been having. It's given us the opportunity to get outside and take care of projects that need our attention and has been great for walks and photo taking.

Finally, I am thankful for a God that is sovereign over all, even in the difficult situations we face, even when things don't go as planned, even when it doesn't look like God can't be in "this" at all. (you fill in the blank for your "this")

We have been reading Daniel this week, and something I have been mulling around for a couple of days, is that it was part of God's plan for Daniel to be in captivity. Think about it, he was taken away from his home and everything that was familiar and held captive in a strange land. Imagine if you had to face something like that today....but God used it for his glory. I believe whatever situation we find ourself in today can be used for God's glory....remember nothing that happened to you today took him by surprise.

I am thankful that he is in control, no matter what my today looks like.

Thankful Thursday

It's hard for me to believe we are already almost into two weeks of August, summer is winding down for some, with school right around the corner.

It's been a busy couple of weeks for us, but each day there is something to be thankful for.

Quiet evenings outside after dinner. This has become kind of a routine for us this summer. We'll eat our dinner then sit and linger and watch the birds till twilight. It's been relaxing and a great way to "decompress" after work and attending to family matters.

For weather that has been absolutely delightful. Our Augusts are usually hot and humid, so the milder temperatures, have given us more opportunity to be outside.

We are thankful for an upcoming visit we will have with our youngest, it will be a short one but it will be nice to see him and hear all about his summer adventures.

My dad's continued improvement, he was able to be transferred to a rehab center today.

My MIL agreed to Meals on Wheels and is enjoying them, she continues to make progress as well.

I am thankful for the Lord's continued reminder to my husband and I through scripture, thru things that we read and even from teachings that we listen to that he is working thru all our circumstances. When I am weary, I am reminded that the Lord's strength is made perfect in my weakness 2 Corinthians 12:9. When things seem out of control, I am reminded that he rules every moment of every situation and he is always working things for our good and his glory. (Remember the story of Joseph) These are truths can give you peace no matter what things look like on the outside, and these are truths that have helped us thru this challenging time.

Take time to look thru the circumstances in your life, I'm sure you too can find things to be thankful for and areas where God is at work.

Thankful Thursday

I am feeling a little blue over the return of the cold weather. It had looked as if winter might have been winding down but, surprise...it's downright cold again. I feel a little wimpy complaining, especially in light of what you folks in New England are experiencing, so let me focus instead on the things that I have to be thankful for this week. (spring will be here soon enough)

The weather was mild this past weekend and hubby was able to do some needed repairs on our railing going up the front steps.

We are getting an unexpected visit from our young son this weekend. He has a local "gig" and will be here for three days...we are very excited

Complimentary tickets to the symphony this weekend. This is quite a treat and the timing could not be better since we are celebrating Valentine's Day and my husband's birthday this weekend.

God's provision in so many different ways. He provides for our needs and not just practically. He knows our hearts and where we struggle. I can't tell you how many times, I'll hear a word or read a scripture that ministers to my heart right where my need is.

Our little CSA family, Saturday was our last day of the winter season. No more produce till the strawberries are ready. I was able to store lots of root vegetables and freeze excess produce that we will be able to use the next couple of months. Lots of frozen greens for smoothies.

Our Care Group, the group continues to change and I am at times discouraged, but I am thankful for this group of people. These are the people that know me, the good the bad and the ugly and are willing to remind me of truth when all I want to do is believe lies. God is at work

I am thankful for technology (I know I've mentioned that ,so many times before) because of technology I get to do things like *face time* I am also thankful for my DIL who is always willing to do *face time* when I ask ( I know how hard it is, because everyone wants a turn and it can end up being a long event.) This is a favorite photo of my youngest grand...pure joy in that face.

Thank you Lord for the blessing of being a grandparent

How about you, are there things that you can be thankful for this week?

Thankful Thursday

It's been another quiet blogging week for me. Life has been busy with routine things that needed to be done. Throw in a bad tooth and a misbehaving back and you get a quiet blogging week.

Things are settling down, back is better and tooth is *in process* Almost everything on my to do list for this week has been done, with the exception of Sweet Lady's laundry so thought it would be a great time to stop and reflect on the many things I have to be thankful for this week.

I had jury duty this month. In our region you are on call one day a week for a month. I found out I had to go in one day this week.  I really didn't want to do it, my tooth was bothering me as was my back. I called and found out I could have gotten excused but was informed, I would have to serve again another month this summer. I decided to go in. I was there long enough to go through orientation and see the video, we were then told we were free to go home there was no longer going to be a trial. Because I went in, it counted as service. This was a huge blessing

I was able to get a physical therapy appointment on short notice. He was able to figure out why I was in such pain with my back and correct the problem.

We had youngsters in the house for a couple of days. It has been so much fun interacting with these little boys.  Their family has been part of our Care Group. They are moving out of the area and have blessed us with staying in our home during their "pack out"

New recipes for our winter CSA

I was able to get an earlier appointment for the tooth that has been driving me to distraction. The last week or so has been bad. Again I am thankful for the kind staff and compassionate dentists that were willing to *work me in* I was originally scheduled for the 3rd of February. This has been a long process and it's going to take several more months before we can call it done.*Expect to see more soup and smoothie recipes in the future* Just sayin!

A harder week than most, and I could easily focus on how bad this week has been. But in the midst of all of it I can see God's mercies, and grace. I can see how he worked out many of the details in the difficulties and how gave us little gifts along the way in the form of laughter and phone calls from loved ones far away.

Life is hard sometimes and it's easy to get swept away in it all, it's easy to get discouraged, believe me I've been there a few times this week, but I belong to him and I know he is working good in my life through my circumstances.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those, who love him, who have been called according to his purposes Romans 8:28

I believe this to be true

Thankful Thursday On Friday

I'm a day late for Thankful Thursday but I didn't want that to stop me from taking time to stop and list some of the things I am thankful for today

I am thankful for friends willing to help friends. Tomorrow is going to be a work day for some of the men in our Care Group, they are going to go over one of the members home and help clear out the back yard and make a dump run.

I am thankful for time away with my guy. My husband and I had a few days off together and were able to get away.

I am thankful for the baskets of produce we continue to get every week. Some of the things we have been feasting on have been kale, squash, cauliflower and beets. We are signed up for a Winter CSA and for next year as well. Getting a weekly produce basket has been challenging, I haven't always known what to do with some of the produce, but we are eating healthier and it has saved us money.

For the Lord's provision this holiday season. We have anticipated that the holidays would be difficult this year because our family is so far away but it turns out we will not be alone. We will be celebrating Thanksgiving with two other couples (and Sweet Lady) The other two couples each have grown children who will not be able to be home for Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for the sourdough starter our youngest son gave us the last time we visited, making preps to make bread tomorrow. This will be the third time we have made the bread and it is delicious.

And as peculiar as it sounds, I am thankful for the more difficult times in our lives. Don't get me wrong, I hate going through trials, especially when I smack dab in the middle of of the storm, but I can usually say that it's during those times that the Lord has used to grow my faith, or to change my heart or to continue to transform me.

So what about you, are there things that you can be thankful for today?

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails, and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior  Habakkuk 3:17-18

Thankful Thursday

It has been a little rainy today, the temperatures are mild and the leaves are beginning to turn color around our area. These are just some of the things I have to be thankful for today

Other things I am thankful for

I found chicken and beef broth on sale today for 49 cents a can. I make a lot of one pot meals and soup in the winter, so I stocked up. My parents always had a pantry when I was growing up. and I used to tease them about what they were going to do with all that food, especially when they became Empty Nester's. (we now resemble this, ha ha) Husbands grandparents lived on a farm, so their pantry was full with all they had grown and canned over the summer. That mentality has influenced us...you never know who you might want to feed.

I am thankful for my DIL's sister who came over yesterday morning and helped me clean up around the house before Care Group. My first response was to refuse (it's that self sufficiency thing going on) but the truth was, I did need the help.

I am thankful for flowers that are still blooming in the garden

I am thankful that all is well with Sweet Lady, her most recent MRI should no changes from last year.

I am thankful for people that the Lord has put into my life that take the time to encourage.

Encouragement should be sincere and is different from flattery. I love when someone shares a scripture or comes up to me and mentions how they see a change of attitude or behavior that I may have been struggling with and praying about, or the encouragement to continue to press on.

I am thankful for praying friends, for those that tell me how they are praying and are willing to encourage with scripture. (It spurs me to do the same for others)

How about you, are there things in your life today you can be thankful for.

"So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthen in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness"
Colossians 2:6-7

Thankful Thursday

Has it really been a week since I last posted? Spring cleaning continues in earnest at our house, what started off as one closet has mushroomed into a huge purge. Today my sweet husband carted off five bags to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) of things that don't fit, don't work, aren't needed or no longed useful and did I mention the furniture sitting in the garage waiting for it's new owner to pick it up. THEN there is all the stuff that would be considered trash, my shredder has had quite the workout and we're not done yet.

There's been a lot of reflection time during this process and the Lord has used it to remind me of how faithful he has been through the years and all we have to be thankful for. This is just one example 

I told you I keep everything, well I found my husband's orders to Scotland. In the Navy you rotate from Sea Duty to Shore Duty then back again etc. After husband's first Sea Tour he was due to rotate to Shore Duty. We had spent a lot of time apart and were looking for orders that might give husband more time at home, he thought a personal visit to the Detailer might help him get better orders. Detailers are the guys that give you orders for your next duty station. The office we were going to had Sea Duty Detailers, Shore Duty Detailers and Detailers that fill positions for overseas, it was a fairly large office. Long story short the personal visit to husband's Detailer wasn't helpful at all, the job options were okay, I mean he would be on shore duty, but we were going to have to move and the hours at his next job would probably be long. We began to head out, disappointed that things didn't go any better and got on the elevator. The elevator door shut, then we heard a banging on the outside of the door. We opened the door, and it was another Detailer trying to get our attention. He had overheard our conversation with the Shore Duty Detailer and wanted to offer my husband a billet overseas. We were young, and the idea of living overseas was exciting and best of all we were going to be able to spend more time together. 

Why is this little story significant, Scotland is I where I came to faith in Jesus Christ. I think that's why I've kept those orders for such a long time. 

Thankful Thursday

Taking a moment to stop and reflect on some of the things I have to be thankful for today

1. Blooming flowers in my garden, roses that are beginning to leaf out and a friend who sends me coupons for discounts at the local nursery
2. Answered prayer, a friend was hospitalized two weeks ago, she was ill enough to spend three days in the ICU.  Yesterday she was back at Care Group, still weak but fully recovered.
3. A new baby in our family, a Great Nephew, mama and baby doing well, Grandma delighted (my sister)
4. Tea Parties with granddaughters
5. Weekend excursion with friends and the chance it gave us to get to know each other better. 
6. The opportunity to see an old friend when we went to DC 
7. Sleepover with three of my four grandchildren this week, lots of chances for snuggles
8. Pretty Apple blossoms, the freezing temperatures nipped them a bit but I got some photos before the temperatures dropped
9. Chickadee's checking out a bird house that I can watch from inside my family room
10. The Lord's daily provision for us, he has been so faithful in our lives

Thankfulness to God is a recognition that God in his goodness and faithfulness has provided for us and cared for us, both physically and spiritually. It is a recognition that we are totally dependent upon Him; that all we are and have comes from God.   Jerry Bridges

Thankful Thursday

Taking a moment to reflect and record the things I am thankful for today

1. The beautiful Bradford Pears that have been blooming for the last week, I have been so blessed by the sight of these all over town.
2. God's grace in my life. I have been walking down memory lane the last couple of weeks cleaning out closets. While sorting through photos and papers I have been reminded of God's many mercies in our lives.
3. Cardinals at the feeder
4. A husband who is handy enough to do many of our car repairs himself
5. Continued health, we have a friend who took ill suddenly, it was a fresh reminder that each day is a gift and that we really don't know what tomorrow may bring
6. The opportunity to be at home
7. Sons that call just because
8. Spring vegetables making there appearance at the grocery store. We have been enjoying asparagus, arugula and baby spinach
9. Sweet smelling hyacinths, Spring is surely here
10. Promises that give me hope

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24

Thankful Thursday

There are always things to be thankful for, take a moment to consider how the Lord has blessed you, even in the simple things that make your day a little more pleasant. This is what I am thankful for today.

1. Warmer weather, we have had spring like temperatures and sun the last two days and it has really lifted my spirits
2. Daffodils are popping up out of the ground in the yard
3. The smell of chocolate permeating the house, I have snacks tonight and am baking brownies
4. Boxed brownies that I found on special the last time I went to the store (I bought 4)
5. A birthday celebration last weekend
6. Youngest son was able to come home for a few days
7. I have a Secret Sister praying for me for the next two months. Secret Sister is an annual event for our ladies group.
8. My previously hard to manage blood pressure is responding well to the most current medication change with minimal side effects. Praying the results I get at home will be duplicated when I see my physician next month. We also now know what probably caused my pressure to go up in the first place
9. A flock of squawking birds in my neighbors yard....sign of spring?
10. Being able to listen to the bible on computer while I read it, there is just something about hearing the Word while I read it.
11. The days are getting longer...another sure sign spring is close

How about you, do you have a day that's not going quite as planned, finding yourself a little blue or discouraged. Take a moment, do it now, think about the many things you have in your life to be thankful for...it will change your attitude, it does mine.

Happy Birthday to my sweet husband

Thankful Thursday

Thankfulness helps in developing an attitude of gratitude and on this very cold winter day I want to be
grateful for my many blessings. Giving thanks

• For electric blankets, warm fuzzy throws and rice bags that can be popped in the microwave and warmed up
• The ability to remove Sweet Lady's sutures. (Sometimes being a nurse comes in handy)
• On that same note, I am thankful that Sweet Lady did not break anything when she fell last week.
• That we live close to Sweet Lady and can be available when things like falls happen
• Meals in my freezer, when I cook I usually make a full recipe and freeze half for another day. Last night was care group, so it was nice to have a quick meal to pull out for dinner.
• For the sweet ladies in our care group, a group of ladies that are willing to serve one another, pray for each other, encourage and point each other to the truth of scriptures. I am so thankful to the Lord for putting each of these ladies in my life.
• A new baby in our circle of friends, an answer to many prayers
• Birthday celebrations for daughter-in-law and grandson. We've had a busy couple of weeks

Thankful for this daughter-in-law of mine. I have said many times and I will say it again, she is the daughter I never had and I am blessed that she is part of our family.

I am thankful for naps with sleeping grandchildren...the best kind of naps

I am thankful that we didn't get any of this white stuff this week, we did have the cold weather but I did not have to venture out in it.

It's your turn, can you think of some things in your life that you can be thankful for, take the time to list those things, you'd be amazed at how it can change your perspective on things.

Happy Thanksgiving

We have spent the last couple of days getting ready for tomorrow. I love everything about Thanksgiving, the food that we cook, the smells that fill the house and most importantly, sharing it all with family and friends. I even enjoy all the preparations.

Continuing with my "Thankful Thursday" this month, I am thankful

• For son and DIL that are willing to go to two Thanksgiving dinners tomorrow, thankful that DIL family lives in the area
• For young sons' ability to come down for a couple of days and spend Thanksgiving with us
• For the many hands that have been willing to cook
• For the Lord's provision "all I have needed his hands hath provided"
• For a sleepover with all the grandchildren planned for Thanksgiving night...it's been awhile since all four have been over together
• A husband that's willing to try just about anything I cook
• That all is well with my husband and for son and DIL who fussed at us because we didn't call right away... point was taken
• A warm bed to sleep in tonight
• That all my siblings and parents have someone to spend Thanksgiving with tomorrow, they are all out of state, so my thoughts will be with them tomorrow

         Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his loving kindness is everlasting

                                                                       Psalm 106:1

                                                                Happy Thanksgiving

Thankful Thursday

Considering once again all of my many blessings and what I have to be thankful for

• The beauty of this fall, it seems the colors have been more vibrant and longer lasting than in years past, or perhaps I am just more aware. Such a display of the handiwork of God
• Weather so warm Sunday that we were able to take a walk in the park after church
• More "routine days" I know ALL my days were ordained by Him, today I am thankful for the "routine ones"

 "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before each one came to be " Psalm 139:16

• That God is sovereign in all the details of my life, nothing takes him by surprise
• For the ladies in my small group, thankful for lives that have been knit together.
• For my husband who works so hard
• For my sister and for the ability to share the experience of being grandparents together (since we live in different states, I am thankful for the technology that helps make that a reality)
• For parents who are still able to live independently
• For a brother that lives close to parents and is able to check in on them 

"A grateful heart is one that finds the countless blessings of God in the seemingly mundane everyday life"  Anonymous

Lord help me to be more aware of my many blessings and to be thankful for all you have provided.

Faith And Gratitude

                           

                                    Gracious Father, grant me a lowly spirit of gratitude.

                                          Make me feel the preciousness of past grace.

                                               Give me an honest memory of mercy.

                                           Forgive me for the pride of unremembered

                                                   gifts and callous thanklessness

                                                Waken faith in my wavering soul

                                                  and give me strong confidence

                                                        in your solid promises.

                                                    Where past and future meet

                                                     make me humble and bold.

                                                              In Jesus' name

                                                             and for his sake,

                                                                   Amen

Excerpt from "Life As A Vapor" by John Piper. This prayer was the conclusion of Chapter 8, "Endings Are For Gratitude, Beginnings Are For Faith" It is my prayer today.

Thankful Thursday

Taking time once again to list some of the things I have to be thankful for this week

• For His mercies which are new every morning. 

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" Lamentation 3:22-23

• For the opportunity to have a weekend away with husband
• For the hairdresser that cuts Sweet Lady's hair, she is kind, compassionate and treats her as if there were no disability. She is a gem and a blessing to us.
• For never having to put gas in my car, thankful for my sweet husband who takes care of that task
• For heat and a home that keeps us from the cold
• For continued "routine" days
• For some terrific thrift store finds, thankful for the many thrift stores we have in our area
• For hot fragrant tea on a cold morning. Winter arrived in our neck of the woods yesterday, complete with a dusting of snow in some areas. Thankful we did not have this cold weather last weekend
• I am thankful for today, for new opportunities to reflect His light, and yes, for mercies that are new each morning

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for

• The rain outside my window and the forecast for cooler, drier weather this weekend
• Running into a friend I had not talked to in three years. We had lunch together, caught up on family and encouraged each other, by sharing how the Lord has been working in our lives. More get together's planned.
• My sons and the men they have become
• The freedom to vote
• The freedom to worship
• Phone calls and text messages from family "just because"
• Weekly "lunch dates" with my husband, we generally meet on Thursdays or Fridays for something simple, like Subway.
• "Sweet Lady" living close to us, she continues to do well in Assisted Living
• The availability of fresh local produce, it's close to the end of season, but I have been able to get tomatoes, squash, onions, apples, and all kinds of greens and root vegetables inexpensively. Many of these vegetables I have never cooked before, so cooking has been kind of an adventure.

We all have things in our lives to be thankful for, won't you take the time to consider your many blessings and give thanks to the Lord for His provision.

Lord you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:5-6

Thankful Thursday

It's the end of October, can you believe it? Our trees are beginning to change color and the weather has been lovely. Today I want to stop and take a moment to reflect on some of the things I have to be thankful for the last several weeks.

• Husband is back to work, although he was able to get quite a lot accomplished during the time he was home, he was very glad to get back to work.
• Young son has found employment at a small bike shop where he lives. Biking is something he enjoys doing, so this job is a great fit and he will be able to continue to "gig" on the side.
• Release from GI doctor, things have been stable, no longer need MRI's every six months...happy dance
• Still getting peppers and tomatoes from the garden...we are just about done, will probably pick the last of the peppers this week.
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• Weekly phones calls from my sister
• I say this all the time, but I can't over emphasis how thankful I am for my church and pastors and how the Word of God is faithfully preached every Sunday. We are just finishing up the book of Ephesians, don't you love how God can show you something different every time you read his Word, even though it may be a familiar book or passage. His Word is always fresh, always relevant.
• Thankful that the car we thought  might need a fuel pump, only needed an inspection
• Thankful for "Grandma Days" I had to miss a couple last month, makes me all the more thankful for them
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• Thankful that we are included in the other activities the children have, I have gotten to go to soccer games and a pep rally
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   Pansies and chrysanthemums
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• Today marks the end of Breast Cancer Awareness month, and it is the month that I celebrate three years of being cancer free...thankful!