To wrap up my "Month of Thanks", I think I will just list off a few things I've been thankful for the past two days, and then have some final thoughts.
(Why I felt the need to explain that, I have no clue.)
I am thankful for:
1) The fact that today is my parent's 39th wedding anniversary (Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad!). I am so thankful for the blessing of their marriage. I have come to a new appreciation for the commitment, selflessness, and work it takes to be married for any length of time. I am very thankful for the example they have given not only my sisters and I, but also the next generation of our family. It's a real gift, and I am thankful.
2) The Little man never letting me down when it comes to making me laugh. Yesterday, after discussing the next big Kindergarten unit at school, Kindergarten Economics, he announced that his dream job when he got older was to be a Game Show Announcer.
I have no clue.
Since he was dead serious, and after a few questions I discovered he also knew exactly what he was talking about, I just tried to do my best to not burst out laughing. I think there was also a moment when he actually suggested that, "Someday the guy who's on Wheel of Fortune might want to take a break". The Hubs was also dead serious when he said, "I just hope that's something he grows out of.". Which was also outrageously funny to me.
Honey, if you are reading this, I think we're safe.
Oh, laughter, I am thankful for you!
3) The gorgeous weather I was able to soak up today, especially knowing that tomorrow will be a day full of snow and cold.
4) Having a great conversation with two of my sisters in the last two days. I am so thankful that, as adults, we choose to be each others friends and support.
5) Running into a friend at the library. Through catching up on each other, she spoke truth and life to me, and I to her. Each one of us unknowingly. I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit and the way he leads, councils, and encourages.
Lastly, and at the risk of sounding corny, I am so thankful for this "Month of Thankfulness". I will confess that at the beginning of the month I thought I needed a little help with my attitude, and as a traditionalist, since I had done this before felt almost obliged to do it again. However, through the month I have been convicted over and over again of my lack of thankfulness and gratitude. I had let the sin of complaint, feeling sorry for myself, and over all joylessness creep into my heart and take up residence. I have allowed myself to believe that it was OK to do these things because of circumstances that have surrounded our family for this past year.
Finding things to be thankful for each day has put me into a better position to draw nearer to my Lord. I cannot believe some of the ways He has gently and loving spoken to my heart this past month, through my morning devotional, about my sin. He has opened up my eyes not only to the problem in my heart, but also to the freedom only He can offer me. The freedom of being joyful and thankful in any and all circumstances. Thankful that my life is perfectly planned out by a loving Father with eternal perspective. That each thing He chooses for me, He chooses out of love. Thankful that I have a Father who does not compromise. Even when that means I have a difficult road to travel at times. These are things worthy of praise and thanksgiving. I love the way Sarah Young's devotional Jesus Calling kind of wrapped up my month yesterday when she wrote (from the perspective of Jesus speaking to me):
"...However, I have taken you along a path that has highlighted your need for Me: placing you in situations where your strengths were irrelevant and your weaknesses were glaringly evident. Through the aridity of those desert marches, I have drawn you closer and closer to Myself. You have discovered flowers of Peace blossoming in the most desolate places. You have learned to thank Me for hard times and difficult journeys, trusting that through them I accomplish My best work. You have realized that needing Me is the key to knowing Me intimately, which is the gift above all gifts."
And that is how I would wrap up this month. God is most certainly working on my heart in the area of thankfulness in all circumstances. It's hard work. Painful work at times. But I know that He is faithful finish the work He has started (Phil. 1:6), that he will never leave me nor forsake me (Deut. 31:6), and that nothing will seperate me from His love (Rom 8:38).
I can be thankful for those things 365 days a year.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Laughter
Today I am thankful for laughter. I little comic relief. Sometimes I take life a little too serious, and I miss out on the times when I can just laugh.
Tonight, as we watched TV together, as a family, one of the people on the TV started speaking in Spanish. At some point she said "Mi Amor". The Girl quickly picked up on that and said, "Oh I know what she is talking about. She's talking about love and kissing." I responded with, "Oh really? How do you know?"
"Because, Mom, I heard her say 'amor' and that means love. Remember, I take Spanish in school?" She taught us the words for love and kiss. That's about the only useful thing I have gotten out of that class!" she came back with, very matter-of-fact like.
Laughter. It's something to be thankful for.
Tonight, as we watched TV together, as a family, one of the people on the TV started speaking in Spanish. At some point she said "Mi Amor". The Girl quickly picked up on that and said, "Oh I know what she is talking about. She's talking about love and kissing." I responded with, "Oh really? How do you know?"
"Because, Mom, I heard her say 'amor' and that means love. Remember, I take Spanish in school?" She taught us the words for love and kiss. That's about the only useful thing I have gotten out of that class!" she came back with, very matter-of-fact like.
Laughter. It's something to be thankful for.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Family and Time
Saturday, November 28th
Today I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for each person separately as well as our whole family unit. The Hubs works hard, and is probably the most generous person that I know. The Girl is very compassionate and is such a great care taker. She never has to be asked to help someone hurt or sick. She just does. Instinctively. And The Little Man, he's an encourager in his core. He also loves to give, just like his dad.
Today, as we went shopping for The Girl's Christmas gift, I had to explain to him that Christmas lists are something we can use to get an idea of what people like. They aren't a list of everything we need to buy for that person. He just responded with, "But these are all the things she wants, and I want to make sure she gets all of them."
Love that.
As I met with some girls at dinner and we talked about family dynamics, marriage, and children, I couldn't help but notice how content I was with what God has given me. He has blessed me abundantly in this area, and I feel as though my heart could burst with thankfulness.
Today:
I am thankful for the amount of time we have had off from school and schedules, and the amount of stuff that was accomplished in this time. I think we need to have two-day-weeks more often. I feel very rested and ready to start a new week. I feel organized and ready to take on the tasks that lay before me. I feel thankful for the time off, and thankful that I am not dreading going back.
Today I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for each person separately as well as our whole family unit. The Hubs works hard, and is probably the most generous person that I know. The Girl is very compassionate and is such a great care taker. She never has to be asked to help someone hurt or sick. She just does. Instinctively. And The Little Man, he's an encourager in his core. He also loves to give, just like his dad.
Today, as we went shopping for The Girl's Christmas gift, I had to explain to him that Christmas lists are something we can use to get an idea of what people like. They aren't a list of everything we need to buy for that person. He just responded with, "But these are all the things she wants, and I want to make sure she gets all of them."
Love that.
As I met with some girls at dinner and we talked about family dynamics, marriage, and children, I couldn't help but notice how content I was with what God has given me. He has blessed me abundantly in this area, and I feel as though my heart could burst with thankfulness.
Today:
I am thankful for the amount of time we have had off from school and schedules, and the amount of stuff that was accomplished in this time. I think we need to have two-day-weeks more often. I feel very rested and ready to start a new week. I feel organized and ready to take on the tasks that lay before me. I feel thankful for the time off, and thankful that I am not dreading going back.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Post Thanksgiving Hangover
Ugh.
I feel so "eh".
If that is even a word.
As I was out for a walk today, I realized that this was the first Thanksgiving in five years that I wasn't part of some sort of Turkey-Trot or did some sort of pre-feast damage control in the form of a long run. With the bum hip this year, the run was a no-go. Yesterday, I didn't really miss it at all. It was quite wonderful to have a full day focused on my family and enjoying the day. Today, I felt it. Thankfully, I had time for a short walk, which really helped. I am also thankful to have something to look forward to on Monday: back to scheduled workouts.
Tonight I am thankful for traditions. It's Polar Express night in our house. I love this family tradition that we have. It is such a great way to kick off the Christmas season. I am thankful for the consistency in it, and that the kids look forward to it as much as I do.
(So, after searching for the link above I discovered that this is our SEVENTH year of this tradition! We started this tradition two years before I started this blog. Time flies when you are having fun.)
It's time to snuggle into some warm jammies, get the hot cocoa going, and get ready for Christmas!
I feel so "eh".
If that is even a word.
As I was out for a walk today, I realized that this was the first Thanksgiving in five years that I wasn't part of some sort of Turkey-Trot or did some sort of pre-feast damage control in the form of a long run. With the bum hip this year, the run was a no-go. Yesterday, I didn't really miss it at all. It was quite wonderful to have a full day focused on my family and enjoying the day. Today, I felt it. Thankfully, I had time for a short walk, which really helped. I am also thankful to have something to look forward to on Monday: back to scheduled workouts.
Tonight I am thankful for traditions. It's Polar Express night in our house. I love this family tradition that we have. It is such a great way to kick off the Christmas season. I am thankful for the consistency in it, and that the kids look forward to it as much as I do.
(So, after searching for the link above I discovered that this is our SEVENTH year of this tradition! We started this tradition two years before I started this blog. Time flies when you are having fun.)
It's time to snuggle into some warm jammies, get the hot cocoa going, and get ready for Christmas!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
At Least I Posted on Thanksgiving Day
So, my track record posting here each day is less than stellar. I realize this. However, I was bound and determined to be here on Thanksgiving day.
Tuesday, November 22nd:
So thankful that today is the last day of the school week. I don't know about the kids, but I am so looking forward to having some time off of school. Some time not to pack lunches, not to wake up early, and NO HOMEWORK! I am also looking forward to spending some time with them at home.
With me.
I love and am thankful for that part the most.
I am also thankful for the walk that The Hubs and I got to take together today. It was so nice to be able to re-connect in the middle of the day. I am thankful for his job that allows him to work from home, which allows for spontaneous walks. I think that Gracie (the dog) was thankful too!
Wednesday, November 23:
I am so thankful for the time I got to spend with the kids today. Before I got out of bed, I had some wonderful prayer time. I asked the Lord to help me to be especially intentional with them today. Without His help, I can sometimes lean more towards the "go find something to do with your sister/brother, while I find interesting things on the computer" method. Yup, I can be a pretty stellar mom sometimes. But I really wanted something different for today. And I loved how our day turned out.
We started off by planning some fun Christmas activities, since, you know, December starts next week. Then we watched a couple of cartoons together (I cleaned up breakfast as well). After that, we went on a walk together (the kids rode their scooters while I walked). I loved watching them have so much fun riding around, racing each other, trying new tricks. The sky was super blue, and I had the perfect praise music the whole walk. It really was a wonderful 35 minutes. Even the dog did pretty well on her leash, and I didn't have to clean up after her once. That's huge! Later, we went to lunch together, and ate out on the patio. The weather was stellar, and the kids and I were able to have some great conversation. I am so thankful that we are in a stage of conversation. I love hearing what's on their minds and hearts. Next, we did a little Christmas ornament shopping. We were bummed to find out that we were not going to find the types of ornaments we were looking for in the stores, and would have to go online instead. It's just not as fun online. However, when we got home, we decided that something a little more personal would be better. So, using our Halloween pics, we made our own ornaments through a photo site. I'm excited to see how they turn out. Then, we wrapped up the day enjoying some Survivor together. I am just so thankful for the time we got to spend together. It was just what my mommy heart needed.
Today:
Today, I am thankful for my family. We were so blessed to have both sets of parents, as well as an uncle of mine, over to our home today. The house was full, but not overwhelming, the food was good, and the conversation nice. Everything seemed to be low-key. I got to try my hand at making my first pumpkin pie, and I was pretty impressed, if I do say so myself.
Our parents are so important to us, especially in this past year. It was nice to have them around the table, and to give thanks together. We did not have had the best set of circumstances this year, so it was nice to have those who understand the weight of it all, and who could appreciate the gratitude that we have in our hearts.
I loved and was thankful for my devotional today (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young) which reminded me of the importance of thankfulness:
"Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction. You give me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you joy (regardless of your circumstances)."
It goes on to say, "Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts. You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see from My perspective. It is this Light of My Presence that removes the sting from adversity."
What a great reminder on this day of thankfulness.
Lord, help me to see all the things that you have placed in my day that are worthy of gratitude. Thank you for loving me so much that you have gone before me and placed little treasures for me to find. Open my eyes to your gifts. Help my heart to trust you in all circumstances, giving thanks to you for your promises, which I can hold onto with assurance, despite the adversity that life brings. Amen.
Tuesday, November 22nd:
So thankful that today is the last day of the school week. I don't know about the kids, but I am so looking forward to having some time off of school. Some time not to pack lunches, not to wake up early, and NO HOMEWORK! I am also looking forward to spending some time with them at home.
With me.
I love and am thankful for that part the most.
I am also thankful for the walk that The Hubs and I got to take together today. It was so nice to be able to re-connect in the middle of the day. I am thankful for his job that allows him to work from home, which allows for spontaneous walks. I think that Gracie (the dog) was thankful too!
Wednesday, November 23:
I am so thankful for the time I got to spend with the kids today. Before I got out of bed, I had some wonderful prayer time. I asked the Lord to help me to be especially intentional with them today. Without His help, I can sometimes lean more towards the "go find something to do with your sister/brother, while I find interesting things on the computer" method. Yup, I can be a pretty stellar mom sometimes. But I really wanted something different for today. And I loved how our day turned out.
We started off by planning some fun Christmas activities, since, you know, December starts next week. Then we watched a couple of cartoons together (I cleaned up breakfast as well). After that, we went on a walk together (the kids rode their scooters while I walked). I loved watching them have so much fun riding around, racing each other, trying new tricks. The sky was super blue, and I had the perfect praise music the whole walk. It really was a wonderful 35 minutes. Even the dog did pretty well on her leash, and I didn't have to clean up after her once. That's huge! Later, we went to lunch together, and ate out on the patio. The weather was stellar, and the kids and I were able to have some great conversation. I am so thankful that we are in a stage of conversation. I love hearing what's on their minds and hearts. Next, we did a little Christmas ornament shopping. We were bummed to find out that we were not going to find the types of ornaments we were looking for in the stores, and would have to go online instead. It's just not as fun online. However, when we got home, we decided that something a little more personal would be better. So, using our Halloween pics, we made our own ornaments through a photo site. I'm excited to see how they turn out. Then, we wrapped up the day enjoying some Survivor together. I am just so thankful for the time we got to spend together. It was just what my mommy heart needed.
Today:
Today, I am thankful for my family. We were so blessed to have both sets of parents, as well as an uncle of mine, over to our home today. The house was full, but not overwhelming, the food was good, and the conversation nice. Everything seemed to be low-key. I got to try my hand at making my first pumpkin pie, and I was pretty impressed, if I do say so myself.
Our parents are so important to us, especially in this past year. It was nice to have them around the table, and to give thanks together. We did not have had the best set of circumstances this year, so it was nice to have those who understand the weight of it all, and who could appreciate the gratitude that we have in our hearts.
I loved and was thankful for my devotional today (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young) which reminded me of the importance of thankfulness:
"Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction. You give me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you joy (regardless of your circumstances)."
It goes on to say, "Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts. You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see from My perspective. It is this Light of My Presence that removes the sting from adversity."
What a great reminder on this day of thankfulness.
Lord, help me to see all the things that you have placed in my day that are worthy of gratitude. Thank you for loving me so much that you have gone before me and placed little treasures for me to find. Open my eyes to your gifts. Help my heart to trust you in all circumstances, giving thanks to you for your promises, which I can hold onto with assurance, despite the adversity that life brings. Amen.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thankful to Blame it on Him
November 20
So....I have this really great husband. Most of the time he is a couple of steps ahead of me in whatever is going on. Many times that means he is closing down shop for the night, in our house, before I can get to the computer to do my "Thankful Post". What I am trying to do here is tell you why it is nearly impossible for me to get to this blog more that two days in a row.
He's my excuse.
He's what I am thankful for.
Even though he has been incredibly ill this entire year, he never stops. He is always doing his best. He is super generous, and is always giving more than he takes.
After this past year, I am more thankful than ever to have him here with us each day.
Today, I am thankful for my husband.
Today:
I saw this on Facebook (sometimes there are some good things on that site!). It reminded me of why I wanted to do "A Month of Thanks" again this year. I think sometimes we just get too wrapped up in ourselves, and we forget just how blessed we are.
I am thankful.
So....I have this really great husband. Most of the time he is a couple of steps ahead of me in whatever is going on. Many times that means he is closing down shop for the night, in our house, before I can get to the computer to do my "Thankful Post". What I am trying to do here is tell you why it is nearly impossible for me to get to this blog more that two days in a row.
He's my excuse.
He's what I am thankful for.
Even though he has been incredibly ill this entire year, he never stops. He is always doing his best. He is super generous, and is always giving more than he takes.
After this past year, I am more thankful than ever to have him here with us each day.
Today, I am thankful for my husband.
Today:
I saw this on Facebook (sometimes there are some good things on that site!). It reminded me of why I wanted to do "A Month of Thanks" again this year. I think sometimes we just get too wrapped up in ourselves, and we forget just how blessed we are.
I am thankful.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
He Is Always at Work
Friday, November 18th
I had the opportunity tonight to share the "highlights" of 2011 with a group from our church. It's no secret that 2011 hasn't been kind to us. This year has brought a lot of pain, sadness, and circumstances that I do not want to remember, re-live, or "highlight". When I shared this with the group, who all know what this year has brought to our family, The Hubs said, "Oh, come on, Hon! Surely, there is something good. Right?" And you know what? He is right. With the yuck this year has come tremendous amount of growth. Growth personally, growth in my marriage, growth for us as a family. We have learned so much this year about who we are, what is important, and how much we need and love God.
I don't want to do 2011 again, but I am thankful for what was learned and how I/we have grown. I wouldn't trade that in for any amount of gold, and I am thankful for the change in my perspective.
Today:
I am thankful for the opportunity that has been given to me to share God's love with the girls in a detention center in my area. I am thankful that He is moving and working in that dark place. I am thankful that there are no places off limits to Him. He sees all, He loves all, and He is waiting patiently for them. I am so thankful for the privilege of being apart of what He is doing in that place.
I had the opportunity tonight to share the "highlights" of 2011 with a group from our church. It's no secret that 2011 hasn't been kind to us. This year has brought a lot of pain, sadness, and circumstances that I do not want to remember, re-live, or "highlight". When I shared this with the group, who all know what this year has brought to our family, The Hubs said, "Oh, come on, Hon! Surely, there is something good. Right?" And you know what? He is right. With the yuck this year has come tremendous amount of growth. Growth personally, growth in my marriage, growth for us as a family. We have learned so much this year about who we are, what is important, and how much we need and love God.
I don't want to do 2011 again, but I am thankful for what was learned and how I/we have grown. I wouldn't trade that in for any amount of gold, and I am thankful for the change in my perspective.
Today:
I am thankful for the opportunity that has been given to me to share God's love with the girls in a detention center in my area. I am thankful that He is moving and working in that dark place. I am thankful that there are no places off limits to Him. He sees all, He loves all, and He is waiting patiently for them. I am so thankful for the privilege of being apart of what He is doing in that place.
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