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?