I'm Thankful For... Pilgrims, Church, Bible, Prayer, Trials, Friends, Adoption, Christmas

Weellll... I started out strong, posting every day, but we all know what happened. Since I made the commitment I plan to finish so here's the rest of the 30 things I'm Thankful For...

PILGRIMS

We all know that story, right? What better time to mention them than Thanksgiving. But if it weren't for them, our country would not have been founded upon religious freedom. It's hard to imagine life without freedom of religion; to live in a place where it's illegal to gather together for worship. Which brings me to my next thankful thing...

CHURCH

I love my church! I love my pastor, the ministers, the programs. We have something for everyone, literally. No, it's not perfect, but neither is any church.

BIBLE

It is the Living, Breathing, Word of God. I didn't understand this as a child. How could a Bible be alive? Well, when I read a scripture and then reread it at another time it is applicable in different ways depending on my situation at that time. Love that! We're fortunate to have several copies, some homes in this world don't have any.

PRAYER

Direct access to the most High God. We don't realize the untapped power that's right there waiting for us. It has proven to be a most amazing thing in our lives. We would not have our daughter or son if it weren't for prayer. There's not enough room to list all the things that prayer has done for us but we would not be who we are without it.

TRIALS

Strange thing to be thankful for, right? The Bible tells us to consider it joy when we're faced with trials. Again, not something I've always understood. When I think back at all the stuff we've had to go through, and it seems like nothing ever came easy, it's then that I've grown the most in my walk. When you're forced to rely on the Almighty instead of yourself, giving up that control, you can more easily see His hand move and it changes you.

FRIENDS

I am blessed to have a handful of close friends who support and encourage me. The things they have done to help while we were waiting for Kenan made it more bearable. We can laugh at just about anything, cry with and pray for one another, and grow together as sisters in Christ.

ADOPTION

Can't say enough about this topic! It's a miracle. It's also very addictive. I get overwhelmed at times thinking about how much I can love someone who didn't physically come from me. It's one of the best things I've ever done!

CHRISTMAS

My favorite holiday. I enjoy the sights, sounds, smells. No other time of year can bring about certain feelings like Christmas does. If it weren't for Christmas there would be no Easter, no salvation. It all starts with Christmas, with a baby who was born to die so that you and I might live.

What are you thankful for today?

Once again I have not kept track of my giving like I was supposed to. I can list a couple things that I remember though. I've done some extra volunteering in helping to get ready for the upcoming Christmas programs. We gave our tithe to the Lord. (I say we because it's not myself who actually gets the check in the mail but we as a couple who are being obedient by giving a portion back.) What have you done to give today?

Thanks for sticking with me during this month long experiment of Thanks and Giving. I hope it reminded you of some things we may take for granted. Every good and perfect gift comes from above, for which I truely am thankful.

I'm Thankful For... Computers, Cameras, Modern Medicine, Food, Clothes, Consignment Sales, Pets, and Peace-n-Quiet

Days 15 through 22... Got lots to catch up on so this is gonna be short and sweet. I'm thankful for...

Computers

Almost a must have these days for communication and information and to help with...

Cameras

Don't know where I'd be without mine. I love documenting our family's life story. Some day they'll thank me although right now all I hear are groans when I whip it out.

Modern Medicine

This one's pretty self explanatory.

Food

I love food. These extra 30 pounds are testament to that. Wasn't sure what we were going to do about Thanksgiving dinner this year-perhaps peanut butter and jelly sandwiches-until we received gift cards in the mail that allowed us to purchase a turkey.

Clothes

They may not be the style or size I want, but at least I'm covered and warm. Some people aren't even that lucky.

Consignment Sales

You can find some of the cutest kids stuff there and at great prices.

Pets

You might call me crazy cat lady. I've had 15 cats in my life but they're my favorite. I did have a totally cute dog once. Her name was Taffy and she was the dumbest cocker spaniel you'll every meet. I like having an unconditional friend around.

Peace and Quiet

After a day of living out loud I'm glad to give my ears and mind a break and enjoy the silence.

What are you thankful for today?

To be completely honest, I can't remember everything I've done over the last week to give. I have spent a lot of time volunteering, singing, cleaning, baking, hosting, entertaining, etc. I've been giving my time and talent. What have you done to give today?

I'm Thankful For... Home

It's day fourteen and I'm thankful for...

Home

In our current financial situation it's truly a miracle we've been able to make our house payments and remain in our home. I don't think I've shared this before so now is as good a time as any. You may remember that I've talked about the fact that our wait for Kenan kept getting pushed back for months. We were originally told that we would be traveling to get him in Aug./Sept. 2007. Then it was Nov./Dec. 2007. We were praying for no later than December so that we could claim him on that year's taxes. Next came Jan./Feb. 2008. We did end up going late February which meant having to wait another year for the tax benefit. Our return wouldn't get to us until this year, 2009. What we didn't know at the time was that a year after getting our precious Guatemalan boy, Rex would be laid off from his job. The refund we had wanted a year ago came at just the right time and it's what has kept us in our home these last ten months.

We don't always get to see reasons why things happen the way they do. We still don't know why God chose to wait three years to give us our first pregnancy, or why He chose to take that baby away. We trust that His ways are higher than our ways and that His timing is perfect. But sometimes He lets us know exactly why He does what He does and the timing in which it happens. So, today I'm thankful for the tornado aftermath environment I live in most of the time, my home. It's a four walls and a roof miracle. What are you thankful for today?

While the boys were away at a football game today, Madeline and I spent the day doing what she wanted to do. We went to the bassproshop's santa wonderland were she played the free games, we went to chucke.cheese for lunch and tonight we went to toysRus to make a wish list. She loves going to these places and today was all about her. So, today I gave my day to my daughter to do the things that make her happy. What have you done to give today?

I'm Thankful For... Military and Vacation

Once again a day got away from me so I'm combining days twelve and thirteen, and I'm thankful for our...

Military

This morning (yesterday morning) our school had a Veteran's Day Chapel. The entire elementary school came together to honor our military, past and present. Family members of students and members of our church, most all of them in uniform, stood across the front of the sanctuary as the song for their branch of service played; we even had someone from the Coast Guard. It was quite moving especially when a precious gentleman, wearing his uniform from World War II, saluted our flag as the band played the Star Spangled Banner. There was also a time when students brought forward envelopes full of letters and pictures to be delivered to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Over 700 were collected! Think of the impact that can make.

We too often forget, at least I'm guilty of forgetting, the sacrifice our military and their families make; even after my brother-in-law served I need to be reminded from time to time. Freedom is something we all expect but forget what it takes to keep it. So, today (yesterday) I'm thankful for the men and women who gave and risk their lives just so I can enjoy life as I know it, our military heroes. What are you thankful for today?

Because chapel is held first thing in the morning, I had to get up much earlier than normal. I am not, I repeat, I am not a morning person! But, if I wanted to be there I had to drag myself out of bed which is so hard for me to do. So, today (yesterday) I gave up my beauty sleep in order to attend an all-out American celebration. You may roll your eyes but for me it was a sacrifice. What have you done to give today?

Vacation

I love to go away on an adventure to a place I've never been before. Even going somewhere over and over again, like the beach or mountains, that gets me away from the every day for a while is great too. I'm fortunate to have been able to go to lots of different places. Some of my favorites are Israel, Jamaica, Brazil, Guatemala, Las Vegas, Williamsburg, and Disney World. Granted, these weren't all vacations. Brazil was a mission trip and Guatemala was more of a pick up trip to end the long journey to our son. But they felt like vacations being that far from home.

Vacationing is not something I like to do alone, though. As long as I have someone else with me that can help read maps and drive I'm much more comfortable. It's also more fun to make memories with a loved one.

So, today I'm thankful for vacations, small or large, far away or close by. What are you thankful for today?

For giving today I was simply a mom. I cooked, I washed clothes, and I cuddled. So, today I did the job I wanted for so many years. What have you done to give today?

I'm Thankful For... Music and Coffee

Yesterday was super busy so I'm combining days ten and eleven, and I'm thankful for...

Music

I have always loved music. For as long as I can remember it's always played an important role in my life. From what my mom tells me it goes back even further to when she would rock and sing to me all night long as a baby. I've always been part of children's choir, youth choir, school chorus, orchestras, even went to college to be a singer, and now am part of our adult choir at church and a women's ensemble. It's always been about music for me.

I've gone through different phases with the types of music I enjoy. Just about everything has made it's way onto my radio over the years. Every once in a while some of those old favorites that bring back fond memories or mark special occasions find their way back. The one style that has never gone away however is Praise and Worship. I'm stuck on Contemporary Christian!

So, today (yesterday) I'm thankful for music, the kind that brings me to the throne whenever I want - and sometimes when I don't - there's no better place to be. What are you thankful for today?

Tuesday was the North Carolina Baptist State Convention and our church took over 150 choir and orchestra members to Greensboro to lead in worship. It took some planning ahead to make preparations for the kids after school since we wouldn't be home until after 11:00. So for giving today (yesterday), I gave up family time to give my musical best to the Lord. What have you done to give today?

Coffee

My dad calls what I like to drink froo-froo juice since I enjoy a little flavor, cream and sugar with my coffee. He on the other hand is strictly a plain, black coffee drinker, the stronger the better. It's not something I have to have all the time but if I go too long without it I start to crave it. I love the way it smells, I have my favorite brands, and I like it iced or hot.

So, today I'm thankful for one of my favorite drinks, coffee. Especially on the days I need it. What are you thankful for today?

Tonight I gave my weekly volunteer time to help teach children's choir. We're getting ready for our Christmas musical and my angelic voiced daughter has her first solo! Yes, I'm a proud mama! What have you done to give today?

I'm Thankful For... Modern Appliances

What day is it? That's right, it's day nine and I'm thankful for...

Modern Appliances

Have you ever stopped to think what life would be like if we didn't have a washing machine, microwave or the other things in our homes that help us on a daily basis? I know it sounds silly to be thankful for this but seriously, these are things we all take for granted because we just expect them to be there. Just imagine for a second life without them. Talk about going back in time!

So, today I'm thankful for the helpers in our homes - appliances. What are you thankful for today?

My daughter is in third grade and so far is having a great year even with increased homework and having to actually study for tests. Our nightly routine is to go over spelling words and check homework, etc. in preparation for the next day. So, today I gave her help with her homework and we reviewed for a test. What have you done to give today?

I'm Thankful For... Rest

It's day eight, a whole week has passed, and I'm thankful for...

Rest

It has been a super busy day. Up at 5:30 to get ready and be at church to rehearse by 7:15. Sing for the 8:00 service, open the 9:15 service then head to Sunday School and go back to close the service, sing for the 10:45 service and get home at 12:30. Eat some lunch, take a quick rest, leave at 2:30 for a 3:00 meeting. Rehearse with one group for a fund raiser at 3:30, rehearse with another group for a banquet at 4:00, then go to choir rehearsal at 4:30. Leave early to get a sound check at 5:30 for the 6:00 service. Finally get home at 7:45...

I actually missed my 3:30 rehearsal because the meeting I was in lasted longer than I thought it would. Arrived late for my 4:00 rehearsal and didn't get to choir practice until 5:00... what a day!

So, today I'm thankful for rest, I sure need it! What are you thankful for today?

I was so busy today that I started to wonder if I had done anything to give. Then I realized I spent my entire day in the Lord's house and while I was there I was giving. So, today I gave my time to the Lord to help lead and prepare for worship. What have you done to give today?

I'm Thankful For... Transportation

Already day seven and I'm thankful for...

Transportation

It may not be the biggest, fanciest, newest, or cleanest. It may just be barely big enough for all four of us and our luggage to fit into. It may not have the bells and whistles I'd like. But our car serves its purpose and we own it. That's right! Just made the last payment.

So, today I'm thankful for a way to get around, play taxi driver or chauffeur, in our mobile society. I'm talking about my car. What are you thankful for today?

Today I gave prayers for a friend whose uncle is battling the final stages of lung cancer. What have you done to give today?

I'm Thankful For... Provision

It is now day six and I'm thankful for...

Provision

Many of you are aware that our family has been in the midst of a trial that has tested and retested our faith. My husband was laid off from his job in February of this year and is currently still looking for another position. It has been difficult even finding jobs to apply for in his field because the corporate world has so few available. I could go on and on about everything he's done for the last nine months on his part to resolve the issue but that's not the purpose of this post. I'm here to testify about God's part.

To make a long story short, severance and savings are long gone. The day this happened we received a check in the mail from someone telling us that they were being obedient to the Holy Spirit's direction. We've also gotten gift cards and the like from others who have seen our need and have felt lead to help. By the way, this is NOT a plea for money! It is however my way of recognizing from where our help comes, the maker of Heaven and Earth.

So, today I'm thankful for Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides. It has been truly amazing to watch His hand work on our behalf. What are you thankful for today?

This afternoon we saw a neighbor who we've quietly been disagreeing with for a number of years. I'm not sure we were recognized because we don't really have direct contact with them but we see one another in passing regularly. We were patronizing the same establishment and actually had for the first time a one on one meeting. It was polite enough while we were all together but when they left they forgot to take some of their belongings with them. I realized it just as they were backing out of the parking space and quickly got their attention to return the items. They were very appreciative and it made me feel good to know I had helped in some small way.

So, today I gave help to a stranger. What have you done to give today?

I'm Thankful For... GEMs

Day five and I'm thankful for...

GEMs

Today was the monthly meeting of my mom's group at church, God Embracing Mother's or GEMs. I look forward to going every month. There's always good food, great speakers, and cute crafts. It's nice to have a break from mommy duty and receive encouragement. I always leave there feeling renewed.

So, today I'm thankful for GEMs and the women's ministry at church that organizes it. What are you thankful for today?

For my daily giving... today I gave extra patience to my third grader who was just not getting her math homework even after multiple explanations. Outside I was the calm and sweet, inside my blood pressure was through the roof! What have you done to give today?

I'm Thankful For... Health

It's day four and I'm thankful for...

HEALTH

Sure, I've had my share of medical things happen to me over the years but overall, praise the Lord, nothing is or has been life threatening. It's certainly not something I want to take for granted either because I know of several individuals who have battled some pretty serious stuff.

So, today I'm thanking God for my health and praying He'll keep me and my family this way so that we can carry out the plans He has for us. What are you thankful today?

For the giving side of things - I gave volunteer time at church tonight to teach our children's choir. What have you done to give today?

I'm Thankful For... Christian Education

Today is day three of thanks and giving and I'm thankful for...

Christian Education

This morning we had a parent conference with Madeline's teacher. In our elementary school, teachers meet with each child's parents at the end of the first grading period to give them a progress report and their report card. Let me tell you, we were beaming from ear to ear when we left from all the wonderful, positive things she had to say about her.

She's doing well academically, socially and spiritually. That's why I love our school so much. We've chosen to send her to our church's private school because we believe so strongly in Kingdom Education. What is it? Well, I'm glad you asked. Kingdom Education is combining the church, the school, and the home to teach a biblical worldview. The same truths and values are taught at home, at church and at school.

So, today I'm thankful for Christian Education in the form of Hickory Grove Baptist Christian School. What are you thanful for today?

For my giving today, I gave words of praise to my Madeline for having done so well in school. What have you done to give today?

I'm Thankful For... Family

It's day two and I'm so very thankful for...

FAMILY

My parents, husband, and kids are probably the only ones here on earth who completely accept me as I am, flaws and all. I come with a lot of baggage and I know that my Heavenly Father loves me just as I am and carries all that weight for me. Through His grace and mercy He's provided the family I need to love me in spite of it all.

Today and tomorrow we don't have school so this morning we went and had our family Christmas portrait made. First in, first out, no lines or waiting, you get the picture. Ha, get it! Here's a little preview for ya.

This is my precious family that I'm so thankful for. What are you thankful for today?

As we were finishing our photo session, the ladies helping us were having some difficulty ringing up our order. Things got put into the computer wrong and between the three of them they were trying to fix the problem. Instead of acting the way I felt, irritated, I waited patiently.

So today I gave grace and understanding to retail employees by remaining calm. What have you done to give today?

Halloween Fun

We had fun with our...

Super Girl...

and Little Monkey...

on Halloween.

We went to the Fall Festival at church and as soon as we got there it started to rain. First time in seventeen years it's rained, I figure we were due. Maybe it won't rain on Halloween for another seventeen... After two games the bottom fell out and we huddled under two tiny umbrellas and a tree. Didn't know I'd wear a wet rat costume this year! Once it lightened up we made our way around in the mist and let the kids see their friends, play more games and get lots of candy. The rain finally let up about an hour later and we were able to enjoy the rest of the night without the aid of umbrellas. After another hour it was time to go home but not without first getting a funnel cake! As we made our way down our street, we stopped at the few houses left with porch lights on to get in some trick or treating. This will definitely be a Halloween to remember!

I'm Thankful For... Fall

Today starts day one of the experiment. As I was thinking about what to post, so many things came to mind and it became harder and harder to narrow it down to just one. Hopefully this means I won't have any trouble coming up with 30 things for the month. But in sticking to the rules, I've decided to go with...

Fall

I just love this time of year! The weather starts to cool off, which for me is such a blessing because I'm not a fan of hot temperatures. Unless of course it comes with a tropical beach, wait staff and maybe a cruise ship! I so enjoy a little nip in the air, wouldn't you know I'd marry a total opposite on this issue.

I also love the explosion of color! We like to take an annual trip to the mountains to pick apples and I get so excited to see the gorgeous leaves around every corner. We also have the tradition of going to a pumpkin patch which surrounds me with one of my favorite colors, burnt orange.

Fall is also the kickoff for the holidays and I love the sights, smells, and excitement they bring. I seem to get more done this time of year too. Hmmm, could be because it's not so hot any more!

So, today I'm thankful for my favorite season, fall. What are you thankful for today?

The second part of the experiment is to give and today I gave of my time to my daughter by watching a movie with her after church instead of taking a nap. This may not seem like a big deal but if you knew how much I like my Sunday afternoon naps you'd understand. We sat in front of the fire and sipped hot chocolate while we laughed at Elf. I admit I dozed off towards the end being so warm and cozy but it meant a lot to her to have me all to herself for a little while. What have you done to give today?