30 Days of Thanks 2017: Day 30

On this last day of the month, I challenge myself to remember to give thanks throughout the year.  The good days and the bad days.  The good moments and the stinky ones.  Every good and perfect gift is given to us from our Heavenly Father who does not change.  He is constant.  Our feelings, moods and circumstances can change on a whim, but He never does.  He is faithful to us when we are faithless.  He is forgiving and full of mercy.  His grace abounds in our lives even at the times when we notice it the least.  I want to remember, to be mindful, to recognize it.  To  respond with thanksgiving in the moment.   I've got a lifetime to continue to practice!

Thanks for joining me for another year of 30 Days of Thanks! 

30 Days of Thanks 2017: Day 29

To be honest, I haven't had the best day.  You know the ones where nothing really bad happens, but you feel the weight of the world.  You feel friendless and alone.  The ones where you are running from one responsibility to another and realize the headache you are having is because you didn't have time to eat lunch.   Sometimes I feel like why bother?  Does anyone but my mother even read these posts?   You know, one of those days....

It's in those times that I am reminded that giving thanks is not just for the good days.  It's every day in every circumstance.

I can give thanks that I managed to get dinner on the table and we sat down together as a family. 

That my car runs and we made it safe to every place we needed to be today.

I can give thanks for health insurance that pays for medicines I need.  And for modern medicine that can ease somewhat minor things like bug bites and headaches.  For good health. 

That in my loneliest times that I have a God that promises to never leave me nor forsake me.  And in those times that He is using my circumstances to draw me into a deeper relationship with him.  That I will learn to depend upon Him for my security, worth and in essence, EVERYTHING!  That there is nothing withheld from me in this moment that He has not ordained.  That He is in control of every circumstance in my life.  That He is worthy to be trusted!

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

30 Days of Thanks 2017: Day 28

I give thanks for:

• exercise
• errands to run that mean we have a diverse and full life
• singing
• that even though I feel alone, I am never truly alone for God is always with me!
• laughter
• medicine when we're sick
• naps 

30 Days of Thanks 2017: Day 26 and 27

I totally forgot to post yesterday!  

I'm so thankful for days of rest, for being in God's Word and for time spent together as a family.  

I'm thankful that I got to take these three to see "The Star" this afternoon!  We loved this movie so much that we will be purchasing it.  I cannot even describe the emotions during this movie.  Goosebumps, choked up, then laughter!   At one point, Tera leans over and tells me not to cry.  It takes artistic licenses and admits that, but it stays true to Gospel!  Freedom from the chains that bind us,  all because of that baby in a manger!  

I'm thankful for traditions and that my kids love Snoopy!

I'm thankful to be reminded of why we celebrate Christmas!

30 Days of Thanks 2017: Day 25

I give thanks for:

• quiet days at home
• watching White Christmas together and laughing at all the same spots
• crafting all day
• easy dinners in the crockpot
• an understanding husband
• a God who forgives and extends His unboundless grace to us.  

30 Days of Thanks 2017: Day 24

Today I give thanks for old traditions!

 and new ones!

30 Days of Thanks 2017: Day 23

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
  Serve the Lord with gladness;
  Come before His presence with singing.
  Know that the Lord, He is God;
  It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
  We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
  Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
  For the Lord is good;
  His mercy is everlasting,
  And His truth endures to all generations.

Psalm 100  

Happy Thanksgiving! 

30 Days of Thanks 2017: Day 22

I give thanks for:

• field trips and history buffs
  
  
• art
  
• easy Thanksgiving menus
• friends
  
• answered prayers--YES, God does still answer prayers!
• memories 
• forgiveness and grace.

Field Trips, Art and Charlie Brown

Field trip to the Thompson-Brown house and the Blount County Historical Museum this morning.

We have visited the Blount Historical Museum many times over the years.  The main docent there retired recently and we were sad he wouldn't be there today when we visited.  They told us that he drops in from time to time and Tera thought how cool it would be if he showed up today.  Sure enough!












The lady there told him we were visiting because we just finished studying the Civil War and he took off his jacket to stay a while.  His doctor probably wouldn't have been happy he was there, since he retired due to health reasons.  But he seemed very happy to back if only for a while.




As a Nazarene from birth, I was very interested in this blurb and I'm prompted to do a little research into this:  

A couple of friends joined us this afternoon for doodle art...

 And our annual tradition....

Watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving complete with a themed snack.