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?