Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Being Thankful



Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, next to Christmas. I try to remember to count my blessings daily, but it's so good to have one day each year that is set aside specifically for that purpose. I love looking back over each year and seeing what God has done for us, both spiritually and physically.

This year has been another wonderful one, and it has gone way too fast! Jim and I were just talking the other day about our upcoming trip to Ohio for Christmas, and I said, "It seems like we were just there!" It's so strange that the more kids we have, the faster the time goes! Anyway, as I look back over this year, here's a small list of some of the many things I have to be thankful for:

* God's love for me. I am SO thankful that He gave me the privilege of being born into a Christian family, and that He touched my heart and saved me at an early age. How humbling and amazing that this is the life He gave me, and that He desires to have a personal relationship with me. I know I take that for granted way too often, but when I really slow down, stop and think about it, it is awe-inspiring! How much He has given me, and how little I give back.

* My precious family. My sweet husband, who grows dearer to me each year. I love seeing him with our little ones; what a wonderful daddy he has become! My little Sam and Julia, who have given me the blessing of motherhood. I am challenged and delighted by them every day. My parents, grandparents, Jim's family, extended family on both sides . . . so many loved ones who are close in heart, though some are separated from us by many miles.

* Our church and Christian family. We are enjoying being a part of a vibrant ministry where God's Word is preached with power. We have been so blessed and learned so much in the time we've been going there. I'm so thankful for the new friends I have met there, and for the many other dear Christian friends who have touched my life over the years. I am grateful for the gift of e-mail, which helps me keep in touch with friends all over the world! (Even though I'm not so good at keeping in touch as I should be!) Thanks to you all for your friendship. :)

*Our home. I absolutely love where we live. Not just our house, but our surrounding acreage, as well. This lovely spot is so peaceful and quiet, even though we're not all that far off the beaten path. I am thankful for the time we have had to live here so far, and for how ever many future years God gives us in this place. I'm also so very thankful for my amazing husband who has the skill to build our beautiful house-in-progress! :) We are really loving having our own home, made just the way we want it.

Well, I have so much more I could write about, but I've been working on this post off and on all afternoon/evening, so I'd better wrap it up and finish cleaning up the kitchen, in preparation for more cooking and baking tomorrow! We will be going over to my parents' house for dinner, and I'm bringing make-ahead mashed potatoes, broccoli casserole, honey rolls, pumpkin dessert, and apple pie. You can find the recipes for the broccoli casserole and pumpkin dessert here at my mom's blog, as well as a yummy sweet potato recipe. And I'll try to post the recipes for the rolls and mashed potatoes later tonight or tomorrow.

Oh, before I forget, I'd like to encourage you all to read Crystal's post from today about not doing things in our own strength. It was hugely encouraging to me, and such a good reminder . . . one I really needed!

Well, I hope you all have a very happy Thanksgiving Day! If you get a chance to comment here, I'd love to hear some of your blessings, too!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Thanksgiving!
Hope you have a wonderful time in Ohio and the little ones travel well.

Carrie said...

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving, too! And yes, I also hope our kids will travel well. Last year Sam did great, so it will be interesting so see what this year brings. We plan to travel through the night, so hopefully they will sleep a lot. We also got a portable DVD player which we can use if need be, though we don't plan to use it non-stop. Just if the natives get too restless. :) Well, it'll only really benefit Sam, since Julia still needs to face backwards in her carseat.