Thanksgiving! I have participated in a little Thanksgiving challenge this year. Every day for several weeks I've posted what I am thankful for on facebook. It's been very, very good for me and has fosterd such an attitude of gratitude. I'm going to post them all here so that I have them in one spot. I got a few messages that my thankfulness encouraged others... imagine that... in our simple act of giving thanks to the Lord, He uses that to help others... God is SOOOO good.

Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son. And now, let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich, because of what the Lord has done for us. Give thanks!!

I'm thankful that God never gives up on me. As many times as I do and say the wrong things, as many times as I don't do the right things, as many times as I am impatient, rude, lazy, loud or critical. All those times and more, when I ask Him, He forgives me and helps me start anew. I'm thankful that at 37 years old ...I shine more of His light and love than I did when I first started. Now I am praying for even more!

Thankful for the things that make life easier in life... computers, online shopping, free grocery deliveries, disposable diapers, wipes, washing machines, dishwashers, dependable vehicles, microwaves... and for the technology and medical interventions that save so many lives that would previously be lost.

Gotta double dip on giving thanks today... I'm so thankful for the recipes that I have from Maw Maw Alverda and Grandma Bea, written in their own handwriting, from my wedding shower. What a blessing that is. I was happy and sad tonight as I searched through my box for some thanksgiving favorites.

I'm thankful today that I just ordered the tickets for the REVOLVE TOUR for myself, 2 neices, and my sister-in-law. It'll be a great road trip to Connecticut in two weeks. Praising God that He made a way for us to go and asking Him to bless the trip from beginning to end.

It's Sunday again and I'm thankful for loving, generous, kind, family members who have blessed my life over the years... immediate, extended, and in-laws!!!

Saturday's thanks-giving is all about friends. Lifelong friends that I haven't seen in years (Tina, Lane, Annette), old friends I've re-connected with via facebook, friends that I have made since moving to NJ (too many to name), who really step in and take the place of family for us b/c we have none right around, an...d new friends that I've met through homeschooling... friendship is such a blessing.

I've got my thanksgiving on this week because it's all I can think about. Last night, while making dinner, I pulled out my giant, 10 pound bag of rice that's lasted me about 6 months. I was overwelmed at the thought that some people only get rice to eat and not much of it. For a family of four, that 10 pound bag mig...ht only last a week or so b/c they have nothing else...... no fruit, veggies, milk, meat, snacks... nothing else and not even clean water sometimes. I gave my family this little speech, while holding the bag, as I served their yummy, hot red beans and rice. I'm thankful today that I've never really been in need of a thing and that the Lord supplies all of my needs daily, plus SO many wants too.

It's Friday and I'm thankful that the Lord's mercies are new EVERY morning. After the Thursday we had around here, I'm particularly thankful for that today. He offers forgiveness and do-overs whenever we ask... what a mighty God we serve!

It's midnight so I can post my Thursday Thanks-giving... I'm very thankful for ten years of marriage to an amazing man. I am blessed each day as we walk through this abundant life together. Andy fills my heart with joy in a million different ways- his smile, voice, and integrity, him with the girls, quiet humor, hard-...working-do-the-job-right qualities. Yep, I'm thankful for my man (as Beth Moore & Cheri would say).

It's Wednesday and I'm still thankful. Today I am thankful for the awesome opportunity, through Emma singing, that our family has to be part of Community Christian Choir. Excellence in music education, combined with a loving, friendly atomsphere and a focus on Christ... can't ask for more than that, right?

Thankful Tuesday! Today I am thankful for living in an area full of great opportunities for our kids to learn and have fun... the beach, amazing park systems, spraygrounds, u-pick farms and farmers markets, zoos, aquariums, many historical sites, and specifically for today... the educational series at Algonquin Theater... Henry and Mudge... the girls can't wait.

It's Monday and I am thankful for the beautiful sunshine; a safe, cozy home and a good night's sleep; and the great fun that we are about to have at homeschool co-op!!

This Sunday I am thankful for the freedom to worship where I choose, when I choose, and how I choose... I choose to worship the Lord, Jesus, in spirit and in truth... with my heart open, my mind ready to learn & grow, hands lifted high in praise & service, voice singing, offering prayers & thanksgiving! Yep, that's what I choose today and I am so thankful for the freedom to do so.

I am thankful for great friends and great music. We'll be enjoying both today at the Go Fish concert! Also, a bit thankful that soccer was cancelled... had no desire to sit out there on the cold, muddy field.

Well, it's after midnight, so what I am thankful for on Friday is that I am well on my way to finishing all my Christmas shopping (our girls are completely done... helps when you only give them three gifts plus stockings). I'm thankful that Andy has a good job that he loves to provide for our family. I'm thankful for... knowing the true meaning of Christmas. I know... that's more than one, but I AM thankful.

Today I am thankful for the blessing of being home with my girls... to teach them, to watch them grow, to train them, to love on them, and even to get annoyed with them sometimes... I treasure the time we have together each day.

This is one thing we did today as part of homeschool... we wrote some Thanksgiving poetry. Enjoy!

A Funny One
By: Emma Grace

I like the turkey
It’s so perky
I like the corn
It sounds like a horn
I like the sweet potatoes
A little more than tomatoes
I like the pumpkin pie
It flew high to the sky


Emma’s Grace

Parents, sister, dog, friends, and family
Co-op, choir, piano, soccer, and ballet
These are all great things to me
I’m so thankful today


Genevieve’s Grace

Daddy, Mama, Emma, and Mabel
Pancakes, cheerios, apples, and yogurt on my table
Olivia, Baby Madeline, Lily, and Emily are my friends
All of my blessings never end

We Are Thankful For:

Jesus’ love
The blue sky above
Green trees
A warm breeze
Christmas fun
Being able to run
Fluffy, white snow
A candle’s glow
Laughter and giggles
Kids when they wiggle
Yummy chocolate treats
Healthy food to eat
The bring, shining sun
Hot dogs on a bun
Cows that moo
A sister who’s two
Parents who care
Being fair
A cozy, warm fire
Swinging higher and higher
Movies on tv
God watching over me
Books and baby dolls
Our home and it’s walls
Soccer to play
Music and ballet
Colorful balloons
Good Night Moon
People who care
Money and things to share
Toys for play
Grace for each new day