30 Days of Thanks 2016: Day 29

Today, I give thanks for friends that message me just to make sure we are okay.  Those are the friends that you keep forever! 

 

I'm thankful for our tree full of memories with new ones added each year. 

 

I'm thankful that we are almost done with school for the semester and we will be able to enjoy some much needed downtime this Christmas season.

I'm thankful for opportunities to pray with/for people who are hurting and grieving.

 

I'm thankful that even though JP and I don't always see eye-to-eye on everything, we will always be "us". 

 

I'm thankful that this day is almost in the books and I can go to bed for some much needed rest, just as soon as I pick Daniel up from his flute rehearsal. 

 

 

30 Days of Thanks: Day 28

Tonight, I'm thankful that the rain came just in time to help put out the fire that was only a quarter of a mile from my grandmother's house.

I'm thankful for God sending us the rain we need here.

I give thanks for protection for my brother, who was out helping people.

I'm thankful for the people that were checking on my grandmother and willing to help her evacuate.

I'm thankful for phones and internet to keep connected to the people I love.

Three Stories

She was seven years old in a tiny, country church as she made her way up to the front at the end of the service.  Her mother prayed with her to receive Jesus as her Savior. 

 

He was 21 in a meat cooler wrapping fish when he prayed the prayer of surrender.  His grandparents were evangelists and he had asked Jesus into his heart when he was a child, but he had become the prodigal.  He gave his life back to Jesus in that one simple prayer. 

She was a good person, a straight "A" student and one of the kindest people you could ever meet.  After she went to college she mailed a letter to her best friend that had prayed for her for years,  telling her that she now had a personal relationship with Jesus.  

 

Three stories, all very different; yet, all the same.  They all made the same decision that changed each of their lives. 

 

Have you ever wondered how to make that same decision?  It's really not as hard as some people try to make it. 

 

God sent His Son, Jesus to earth to become the ultimate sacrifice;  so that we could have a way out of our sinful life into a right relationship with God. 

 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

 

All three people in those stories had to admit that they had done wrong things and couldn't save themselves.  They admitted they needed someone to save them.  They asked for forgiveness for the wrong things they had done.

 

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23

 

They believed and had faith that Jesus was who the Bible says He was; the Son of God and that God had raised Him from the dead. 

 

"That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

"For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13

 

They accepted salvation as a free gift from God that is not earned, but freely given.

 

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."  Ephesians 2:8-9

 

 

Three people from different backgrounds, yet all connected.  You see, I'm that little girl that married the prodigal and prayed for one of the kindest people you could ever meet.

 

Three stories with the same ending....

 

What's your story? 

30 Days of Thanks: Day 27

I am thankful for the Messiah that came to earth as a baby born in a stable.

I give thanks for the prophecies that were fulfilled in the entire birth, life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior.

I am thankful that Jesus was willing to demean Himself for my sake.  He was willing to die on the cross for mankind, which includes you and me.

I give thanks for the promise of the Holy Spirit.  That when Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent a Comforter to us.

I am thankful for the lineage of Jesus that was filled with flawed people just like me.

I give thanks that His redemption is for everyone. 

I am thankful that He is Lord! 

30 Days of Thanks: Day 26

I am thankful for time alone with my husband today.  A slow waitress that forced me to slow down.  Free dessert.  A husband that knew what to order for me because he knows me so well.

I give thanks for clean water, for flush toilets, washing machines and clothes dryers.  For refrigeration.  

I am thankful for quiet peaceful days together.

I give thanks for well-behaved responsible children.  For their varied interests.  For their great friends.  I give thanks for soft beds and a comfortable, cozy home.

I am thankful for God's mercy.  That He is my comforter, the One I can turn to in times of trouble or ordinary moments.  He is my Prince of Peace and my Savior.  He is the One that changes lives.  

I am thankful! 

30 Days of Thanks 2016: Day 25

I'm thankful for leftovers.

I give thanks for time with my family. 

For memories and traditions.

I'm thankful for the cozy feeling of a room with Christmas trees.

I give thanks for finished projects. (I've been asking JP for a fire pit area for a while.  He turned my vision into reality that our budget could afford.  Now, just to get some rain, so they lift the burn ban for our area.)

For 60 year old ornaments and the ones from every year of our marriage.

I'm thankful for older kids that can put together a Christmas tree!

I give thanks for tired bodies after exercise.

For bodies resting well after a long, wonderful day. 

30 Days of Thanks 2016: Happy Thanksgiving

 

"O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker."

Psalm 95

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

30 Days of Thanks 2016: Day 23

I give thanks for low-key holidays with an easy menu that can be made up that morning.  And that everyone here likes it that way.

I'm thankful that we got a bit of rain today.

I give thanks for the 20 minute walk I got in while Daniel was at flute lesson.

I'm thankful Michael was feeling better this afternoon.  Every time the weather changes, he seems to not feel well. 

I give thanks for chocolate.  Even though I will have to buy more for stockings, the York peppermint patties are really yummy!

I'm thankful for the $6 I spent on sauce and ready made pizza crusts at Dollar Tree that made for an easy dinner tonight.

I give thanks for medicine when the weather doesn't agree with my head.

I'm thankful for this crazy life that is mine.  Oh, how I love it!

Thank you, Lord for your goodness to me...all the time! 

30 Days of Thanks 2016: Day 22

Today, I give thanks for my husband and how he has loved me through our years together.

I give thanks for my kids and our relationships with each other. 

I'm thankful for my mom and how she keeps me grounded.  She always thinks the best of me, even when I have trouble doing that.

I'm thankful for naps!

I give thanks for safe travels with all the crazy traffic.

I'm thankful in advance for rain that is forecast for tomorrow.

Thank you, Lord for loving me, for saving me, for protecting me, for speaking to me through your Word, for your provision, for your grace. 

30 Days of Thanks 2016: Day 21

Today, I give thanks that God gave us this big, old farmhouse with lots of places to have friends over.

 

We had some of our wonderful friends over today for a pre-Thanksgiving dinner.  I am thankful for their friendship.  I have the privilege of hanging with some of the sweetest people you will ever meet.  They brought yummy food and drinks and even stayed to help clean up.  I give thanks for you guys-Tammy, Tina and Akemi!  I give thanks for your kids, too! 

Today, I didn't get to spend time with some of my other closest friends, but they were definitely in my thoughts today.

 

I give thanks for my friend, Sarah and memories of our first "Friendsgiving". (I didn't even realize this was a thing and we were doing it long before people were hashtagging it.)  I missed you today, my friend! 

 

I give thanks for my friend, Lynn and her sweet, helping nature.  Our long conversations and the friendships our kids have together. 

 

I give thanks for my friend, Tanya  and our times spent encouraging other to draw closer to God. 

 

There are other people that the Lord has placed in my path that I call friend, but to name them all would take me way too long.  Those friends that can pick up right where we left off after years of not seeing each other; those friends that are always there when you need them; the ones that knew you when you had the bad hair and the big glasses; the ones that love you no matter what!

 

I'm thankful that I married my best friend in the world and pray my children do the same.

 

I'm thankful that Jesus is the Friend that sticks closer to me than any other! 

 

Thank you, Lord for friendship!

30 Days of Thanks 2016: Days 19 and 20

I'm thankful for time alone with my husband.  As a parent of three kids, it's hard to find time to go out and be together.  We went shopping and out to lunch on Saturday.  It's so nice to have responsible teenagers! 

I'm thankful for good friends and times of fellowship together.

I'm thankful for time in the Word and prayer with my family.

I'm thankful for the smell of turkey cooking.

I'm thankful for open conversation with my teenage kids.

I'm thankful for snuggles with Michael.

I'm thankful that my burnt cookies were still edible and that I restrain myself from throwing a temper tantrum when I opened the oven. 

I'm thankful for a warm fire on a cool day.

30 Days of Thanks: Day 18

Today, I am thankful that I have the privilege of homeschooling my children.

I'm thankful for their loud laughter and happy spirits.

I give thanks for their good friends.

I am thankful for grace when I mess up royally.

I'm thankful for a husband that stands by me through thick and thin.

I give thanks for easy dinners and for the fellowship as we break bread together.

I am thankful for soft warm beds and hot baths.

I'm thankful redemption.

I give thanks for my many blessings. 

30 Days of Thanks: Day 17

I'm thankful for the sounds that weave themselves in and out of my days:

the washing machine and dryer
the hum of a good car engine
the blowing of the room humidifier 
the words "I love you"
the melody of "For Unto Us a Child is Born" played on the flute
a sister reading a story to her little brother
the innocent bickering of siblings
laughter that fills a room
the instruction received from teachers
TMTN videos
the traffic that passes my house as it lulls me to sleep
God's Word speaking to my heart
old songs discovered by my children for the first time
stories about the day
words of encouragement
prayers lifted up

Thank you, Lord!

30 Days of Thanks: Day 16

I give thanks for moments of quiet.

For another late night swim.

I'm thankful for a situation that worked itself out today.

For getting most of my Thanksgiving grocery shopping done.

I'm thankful for rest.

For a less hectic week in school.

I'm thankful for another day that I woke up.

For life and breath!

"Give thanks for the Lord is good; His love endures forever!"  Psalm 106:1

30 Days of Thanks: Day 15

I'm thankful that God changes hearts.  He takes people that others have written off as too bad to change and does a work in their lives that leaves other people amazed.  He works in my life in ways that leave me amazed.  I see hang-ups I used to have and realize that God has changed me for the better.  Have I reached the "me" that He knows I can be?  No way!  But I keep striving and moving in that direction and He keeps moving in me. 

I'm thankful for second chances and grace!

I'm thankful for safety for my family today.

I'm thankful that even in a situation that didn't turn out the way we hoped that God is still working out His good and perfect will behind the scenes.   He can use that situation to refine us.

I'm thankful that I have a car to drive and access to healthy food for my family.  I can cook from scratch, when I couldn't follow the directions on a box 20 years ago. 

I'm thankful for lovely people and good conversations!

I'm thankful for hot baths and that my husband has been warming up my side of the bed.

30 Days of Thanks: Day 14

Today, I am thankful that my husband is getting on board with my "let's have a fire pit area" idea.  I'm thankful that we work well together on projects...well, most of the time. 

 

I'm thankful that we decided to take a recovery day and not start school until tomorrow!  We are all so tired. 

 

I am thankful for little kindnesses today:

 

a man in our community donating food to a ministry we volunteer with that distributes Christmas food baskets and toys.

 

my daughter making dinner for us.

 

the funny and nice things people have said about our family pictures.

 

my son sweeping the kitchen without being asked.

 

my children helping clean up around the house.

 

 

Sometimes it's definitely the little things! 

30 Days of Thanks 2016: Days 12 and 13

On Friday we headed to Alabama to visit family and see my brother's new home.   We went and visited Mom and Fred first.  She fed us a delicious lunch like my momma always does.  It's always nice to sit a spell and visit.

 

After lunch, we headed up to John and Christy's house.  He showed us such wonderful hospitality and cooked for us.  We sat around the fire pit and talked---just he and I.  It had been way too long.  I was distracted as he was talking because I was thinking just how much he looks like our dad. 

 

On Saturday, we woke up to a full Southern breakfast and then went to visit my grandmother and aunt.  When we got back, he had dinner ready and we roasted marshmallows with the kids for s'mores.  We all sat, laughed and talked around the fire.  It's in those moments you really make special memories! 

The cousins played, argued and played some more.  Because you know, that's what cousins do. 

 

So, I'm thankful for lots of things over the last two days.  Thankful for my family, for a new-to-us SUV that had more room, ran great and got pretty good gas mileage; for hearing a couple of stories from my grandmother; for times of just sitting and talking, for the non-rushed "sit a spell" kinda weekend; for safe travels; for belly laughs;  for the opportunity to get some family pictures; for penny prints so I can make an album of all those photos; and so much more. 

I regret that Mom and Fred did not make our family photo session...next time, no excuses! 

 

My favorite picture of the day!

30 Days of Thanks 2016: Day 11

With every presidential election, we all experience fear of the unknown.  How will this new leader change things for our country?   Throughout everything, I am reminded of the mandates in the Bible against fear.  I am thankful that God has given us these promises of His presence in the midst of trying times. 

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
 though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.

 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
 God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.

 

Psalm 46:1-5

 

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."    Deuteronomy 31:6

 

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?"  Psalm 27:1

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body."

2 Corinthians 4:7-11

 

Thank you, Lord for your promises! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 Days of Thanks 2016: Day 10

I give thanks for grace, when I don't get it right.

I'm thankful for scoring a great deal on some "fancy" cheeses from our local discount grocery store.

I'm thankful for little distractions in my day from the chaotic news feeds. 

I give thanks for energy when I need it most.

I'm thankful that my body is tired enough to go to sleep early tonight.

I'm thankful for Scriptures that remind me of the peace that God offers me!

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid."

 

 John 14:27

30 Days of Thanks 2016: Day 9

Today, I give thanks for the little joys in life that God has given me:

• school projects where the kids do their best work and are artistic.

• having enough energy to get some things done on my long to-do list.
• homemade ham and beans and hearing, "This is the best thing I've ever eaten."
• grace when I had forgotten to pay the flute teacher last month and didn't even realize it.
• for a late night swim.
• for Scriptures like these that refocus my thinking in the midst of many voices sending many conflicting messages.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3: 12-14

 

 "Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ...

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."  Philippians 4:4-9

30 Days of Thanks Day 8

I've been very tired today, so forgive the short post tonight.

 

Every time I get to exercise my right and privilege to vote, it reminds me to be thankful for the freedom we have in this country. 

 

I'm thankful for the men and women who have served and sacrificed for those freedoms.  I'm thankful for men like my great-uncle Junior, who gave his life so that I could vote today. 

 

Thank you, Lord for my freedoms.  May I remember to pray for those around the world who are denied these same freedoms every day. 

 

I'm thankful that no matter the outcome of this election or any other that God is still in control.  He is still God and ruler of the universe.  He is still on the throne! 

 

 

30 Days of Thanks 2016: Day 7

I've been thinking today how much music impacts our lives.  I'm so thankful for the gift of music that God has given us.  There are songs that take us back to our childhood, make us think of our significant other, or just speaks to our heart about something. 

 

Music is a powerful way for us to give our praise back to God for being with us, for loving us, for sending His Son to die for us.  It speaks to our soul. 

 

A song that reminds me that God's redemption is waiting for the prodigal to come home...

 

A song that reminds me that our God is a "prison-shakin' Savior"!




A song that reminds me that "I'm a little punk sometimes", but God never leaves me alone.




A song that reminds me of JP and I...




I could go on and on....music connects us and for that I'm thankful. 

30 Days of Thanks 2016: Day 6

It's been a good day.

 

In our home church service today, we read several Scriptures on thanksgiving and talked about what that looks like in our daily lives.  We did the ABCs of thanks by seeing if we could find things to be thankful about for every letter of the alphabet in 5 minutes.  Tera won!  We discussed being thankful in ALL circumstances and finding ways to give God praise in the midst of hard times that we face.  We finished in prayer. 

 

I'm thankful that we have the freedom to meet together as Christians wherever we choose.  We can read our Bibles and pray openly. 

 

I'm thankful for times spent together as a family relaxing while swimming at the gym.

 

I'm thankful that God has sent us great friends.  One of our friends has been working on JP's car free of charge just because he wanted to do something nice for our family.  We went over and spent the afternoon with them as the "menfolk" finished up.  He was just going to do one job and then went over and beyond that doing other things for JP.  It was such a blessing to us and that's why he does it.  To be a blessing to people. 

 

It reminds me of God's goodness and how HE does things for us, just to bless us.  Not because we deserve it.  Not to pay us back for the good we've done for HIM.  But because of HIS love for us.  That love that sent HIS Son to die for us, so that we can be saved.  For that, I am truly thankful. 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,

that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." 

John 3:16

30 Days of Thanks: Day 5

Today, I give thanks for extended time with my husband.  With three kids, work and a busy schedule, we don't have as much time together as we'd like.  We have spent the majority of the day together:  shopping, talking over kid issues, cooking a nice dinner together, talking more and watching a movie.  It's one of those days where you are so thankful that the kids are older and you can take that time together. 

 

I'm thankful for the cooler, jacket-wearing weather.  How long it will last?  Who knows?  But I will enjoy it while I can.

 

I'm thankful that my kids feel like they can talk to us about life and stuff.

 

Thankful for hugs and snuggles.

 

I'm thankful for finding some great deals on Christmas presents. 

 

I'm thankful for God's abundant provision.

 

Thankful for an extra hour on the clock, since I have stayed up way too late enjoying this day!

30 Days of Thanks 2016: Day 4

It's been one of those days--filled with smiles and laughter.

Sometimes life can just get you down, but today has been a joy-filled day.  A day where I've not forgotten to count my blessings!

Michael singing along with the Greatest American Hero theme song while doing  his handwriting.  Counting money, paper weaving and caramel popcorn while watching the cartoon, Hobbit.  

Daniel's new glasses coming in.

Tera and Daniel's Powerpoint projects they turned in today exceeded my expectations.  Their short stories this week were awesome, as well. 

Today, I sat outside in the cool breeze with the bright sun beaming down on me. I chased its warmth as I read my Bible study chapters and part of my daily Bible reading. Michael played outside in the yard and the dog laid at my feet with little expectation for me to join them in their pursuits. We each sought a solitary space in the midst of being together. It was divine!

Chats with friends on facebook and in person.  

Friends coming over for a post-Halloween costume party complete with pizza, caramel popcorn and Arsenic and Old Lace.  We had Sherlock and Watson, a couple of Pokemon characters and a gym rat/mouse. 

I sit here tired, happy and full of thanksgiving for all the gifts and blessings this day has held for us. 

30 Days of Thanks 2016: Day 3

On my way home tonight from karate and a quick grocery shopping trip, I was struck by the beauty of the clouds and the changes of the season. The first part of Psalm 19 came to my mind and I'll share the entire chapter.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.

They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.

Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.

It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,

like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other;

nothing is deprived of its warmth.

 

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.

The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.

 

They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.

By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

But who can discern their own errors?

Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins;

may they not rule over me.

Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

 

Psalm 19

Thank you, Lord for being my Rock and my Redeemer.  For giving me your Word.  For the beauty of your creation that cries out your glory. 

Thank you! 

30 Days of Thanks: Day 2

 

 

 

Today I am thankful for this little guy that lets me go through the stages of childhood for a second time around.  Dressing up,  birthday parties and read-alouds.  Lost teeth and snuggles. 

 

 



I give thanks for grace from others. I posted on facebook earlier today: "I'm an early bird usually. I arrive before the time I'm supposed to be there. As I was going my merry little way this morning taking Daniel to flute, I get a phone call as we are pulling into his teacher's driveway. Then, it dawned on me....we were almost 20 minutes late. I even had it scheduled in my phone, but I got the times mixed up in my head. Thankful for Mrs. Veal's grace today! And because I just decided to wait in the car, I got to listen to a beautiful duet of "For unto us a Child is born" on flute and read a great book. All was not lost!"

 

I'm thankful for negative strep tests.  Tera's had a sore throat and we went to the clinic just to make sure and the test came back negative!  WooHoo!  Milkshakes and movies all around this afternoon.

 

Although it seems like things feel overwhelming this week, I can still refocus my thoughts and prayers onto thanks on a daily basis!  I'm very thankful for all the friends that are joining me in giving thanks and for the encouragement we can give each other.

 

 

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,  

giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Colossians 3:17

30 Days of Thanks 2016: Day 1

As I kick off another year of "30 Days of Thanks", I've got lots of things going through my mind today.

 

I'm coming out of a season of discontent.  A season where I thought the service I do for my family, friends and neighbors wasn't as important as doing "bigger" things for the world at large.  I neglected things--people, and I have realized where my true contentment and happiness is found.  After re-evaluating and re-focusing, I am reminded that the service we do for those closest to us can make a bigger difference in the kingdom of God than we could ever imagine.

 

On this Tuesday that feels so much like a Monday, I am thankful for being able to serve my family.  For the clean laundry that needed putting away, the dishes that needed to be done, the messes in played-in rooms and the leaves on the floor.  For the math homework to check, the stories that needed to be read.  For the kind words of encouragement I can offer a friend and the kindness I receive in return.  For being here in this place with these people.   For the simple things in life and the ONE that gives me this opportunity.  The ONE that has given me THIS life! 

 

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

 

James 1:17