Two more days of my own personal Thanksgiving Challenge.  It's been a good practice for me to force myself to really think about and appreciate the blessings in my life.  They are many. 

"Giving thanks to God for both his temporal and spiritual blessings in our lives is not just a nice thing to do-it is the moral will of God.  Failure to give Him the thanks due Him is sin." Jerry Bridges, Respectable Sins

"You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled." Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Psalm 26:7

"proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds."

 

    Today I'm thankful for a long talk on the phone with my Gram in NY.  I don't see her often enough because of the distance but I'm going to start planning a trip for next year and pray that it works out. 
I'm thankful for a Grandmother who has always been a big part of my life. 
I love to hear about when she was growing up and her highschool sweetheart who was my Grandfather. 
She laughs alot.  
She plays the piano, banjo, and recently taught herself the mandolin. 
She walks alot too and has always had loads of energy. 
She also likes to swim. 
Her house always smelled like freshly brewed coffee and when she comes here we have coffee together.  Morning and Afternoon.
She loves the color red. 
She used to tell us bedtime stories when we visited her.  She made them up right off the top of her head. 

"A grandma is a mom with extra frosting." ~author unknown~

Today was a nice day.  I'm thankful for that.  Nothing extraordinary happened.  It was just peaceful in all that we did.  It's not always like that of course so I can appreciate when everyone is happy and things go smoothly.  We have our down days though, trust me!

I'm thankful for:

• Beau's squeals when he gets excited.
• Hearing "I shush (love) you" 15 times a day from Cody.
• My big girl Emma. 
• A husband who loves his family and plays with his kids at night.
• Warm Autumn days.

Family Photo Session

A week ago we had family pictures taken on our land in Davidson Co. where we plan to build our house.  Cory's cousin and my friend Amy took these of us and she did an AMAZING job.  She has more but I'll share those later on.  She captured exactly what I had wanted her to.  They are simple and natural.  Many of them are just simply candid shots.  A few posed.  All great.  Here are a few of my favorites. 

I'm blessed. 

I'm thankful for my husband and my children.

This picture over here is just something I got off the internet but it reminds me a little bit of the trail I like to run. 

I had a goal to run 20 miles this week.

I finished my last 5 this morning. 

Five miles were trail.....the remaining 15?  Treadmill. 

Hey, you do what you have to do! 

I have slept really really good every night this week too. 

Today's Thanks? 

• Energy for the run
• Healthy lungs, heart, and legs to complete the run (never, ever take it for granted!)
• Endorphins for after the run

ALSO, in regards to my last post about that book I picked up at Goodwill, here are my thoughts...sort of.  I'm glad that I asked my husband if he'd heard of it.  I mentioned that the author had also written one for men and he said he had heard that it got bad reviews.  WELL, I had picked up on a couple of things in just the first couple of chapters of this book that didn't seem quite right like the thought that God needs us?  What?  That definitely stood out to me as a red flag.  So I did a little research of my own and found that many others had picked up on that as well amongst some other things.  I'm going to continue reading it though with my eyes wide open and with a discerning heart. 

Today we went treasure hunting.  It wasn't planned.  In fact, I had completely different plans for our morning but for some unknown reason (so far) they didn't work out.  So we went to a consignment shop, The Salvation Army, and then to Goodwill.  Goodwill ended up being the place for us today.  "Us" being myself and my three kiddos.

So here is what we ended up with today.

That dish thingy is either a creamer or gravy thing.  Either way it matches my dishes that used to be my Gram's.  So I snatched it up.  Also, the American Girl books were spyed by Emma so I let her get those.  That book in the back is called "Captivating" written by the Eldredges.  It wasn't even in the book section.  It was just sitting amongst some other junk  treasures and it caught my eye.  Hmm.  Maybe just sitting there waiting for me?  We'll see.  I also found a book to read to Cody by Mark Twain, a flap book for Beau (in really great shape too btw!), and a couple other little things you can see. 

So today has been an unusual day anyway.  I'm thankful that I can trust that even though I make my plans every day they may not go quite like I imagined and that's ok.  I can't wait to read that book. 

Proverbs 16:9  "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

Proverbs 19:21  "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."

In this picture from left to right: Me, Elisabeth Elliot, and my mom. 

I was 18 at the time and my mom and I went to hear Elisabeth Elliot speak at a church in Virginia Beach, Va. 


If you know who Elisabeth Elliot is then you have to know that this was a special treat for me.  I had a couple of books signed by her that day.  I remember that she made me promise that I would actually read the biography "A chance to die" about Amy Carmichael that she had written.  So I did.  And I read it.  I made a promise to Elisabeth Elliot! 

So my first thanks for today is for the mentoring that she gave to my mom and to me.  I can remember as a teenager my mom would turn on Elisabeth's radio program every day and it always started with her saying "You are loved with an everlasting love, and underneath are the everlasting arms.  This is your friend Elisabeth Elliot.....".  Good stuff.

More thanks for today:

• More rain because it gives me a chance to shake up the fashion with some polka dot rain boots!
• AND I am so thankful for my kids.  I love those little buggers.  They just go with me everywhere.  All the time.  It's never convenient but we are together and I'm learning my kids.  Not "learning" as in the wrong way to say "teaching".   I teach my kids but I'm also learning them.  Learning ABOUT them.  Their personalities, their gifts, their tastes.  Their hearts.  Thankyou God for my children.  :)

Today's Thanks:

• Rain to water the earth.
• Getting to join in Emma's excitement over a bookfair at the school where Cody takes speech.
• A small, ladies-only gym where I can get my workout on.
• Naptime
• A text from my Gram.  :)

And here is a huge thanks for today. 
My husband. 
I know there are a lot of hard-working men out there who give it all they've got, put in some serious hours, and put up with nonsense (that's putting it nicely) in their workplace.  I think my husband is the hardest working man I know.  And that's not to put down other men.  It's just the truth.  That's all.

I'm getting kind of used to this thankfulness stuff.  It's been good for me to really think hard about what I can be thankful for each and every day.  I hope it sticks even after Thanksgiving is over.  With that being said:

Today's Thanks:

• More awesome NC weather.  It's exactly the middle of November and it was downright WARM out there today.  And you know it...windows open....AGAIN! 
• Fruit smoothies with the kids. 
• Leftover gumbo!!  Yumm.  Thanks Chuillis. :)
• Reading with my kids.  I think I've mentioned this one already but it's worth repeating. 

There you go!  Until tomorrow. 

Today's Thanks:

• It has been so lovely outside today.  The sun has been shining, and the air fresh and warm.  A perfect Fall day.  My windows have been open this afternoon.  Imagine that!
• Today was the last Classical Conversations class for my kids until the beginning of January.  Emma is sad because she loves it but I can honestly say I'm thankful for a looong break.

This is Cody today at CC with his finished "body" that they had been working on for a few weeks.  Emma made one too but I didn't get her picture since I spend the majority of time in Cody's class.

They had cupcakes after lunch at CC for completing all of their review work for the past 12 weeks.

•   A girls night that I had on my calendar for the last two weeks ( I really need to get out more!) happened tonight and we spent three hours talking at Starbucks.  I forgot to ask for DECAF with my latte and um, I might be kind of WIDE awake right now.  :)  Ah well.  It was good conversation with a great friend so for that I. Am. Thankful.  The end.

Today's Thanks:

• Today I'm thankful for the simple things.  I'm thankful for a good day.  I'm thankful for a cool 5 mile trail run and the fallen leaves I got to kick through made it all the better.  I'm also thankful for friends who invited us over for gumbo and s'mores around the fire.  It was a treat to be sure.  The kids had a blast, Cory jacked his arm playing foose (sp?) ball, and I love hanging with my gal pal.  I'd almost forgotten how much I like those peeps.  This makes my third bonfire in just a week's time.  I love it. 

     Today's Thanks:

• Saturday!  Saturdays mean anything can happen.  Want to take a road trip?  Go shopping?  Go hiking?  Take the kids to the park?  Actually I did none of that.....I cleaned and did some laundry.  Yeah, not so exciting.  But that's ok.  I'm thankful for a clean house!
• I'm thankful for a beautiful afternoon for family pictures. 
• I'm thankful for my family.  We never lack for drama even when taking family pictures.  (I'm very thankful that the large piece of something that got lodged in Cody's palm when he fell came out tonight.) 
• I'm thankful for a quiet evening at home with the hubby.

 Until tomorrow...

I am thankful for:

• A good workout. 
• Green tea and reading with my kids.  My favorite part of homeschooling is reading to my kids. 
• A simple dinner with my family
• Watching all 3 of my kids have a dance party in the living room.  It's kind of the norm around here.  I may have joined in.  Maybe.  :)

Proverbs 15:16  "Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble with it.  Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it."

Like a dumb sheep I often wander into the briars of discontent or longingly look over the fence to the "greener" pasture.  But my Shepherd always patiently and lovingly pulls me back and reminds me to be content and that His timing is ALWAYS perfect (as I've been re-learning).  I'm often "re-learning" things.  I don't even know if that's a word but there you go. 

1 Timothy 6:6-10  "Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.  But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.  It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."

With Christmas quickly approaching this is a good reminder to me.  My goal this Christmas season?  1. Do not make a Christmas list for myself (I already have a mental list anyways ;) ).  2. Do find joy in giving.  3. Remember that God blesses a "bountiful eye".  Proverbs 22:9  "Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor." 
Luke 6:38  "give, and it will be given to you.  Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.  For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."

So this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas I am choosing to be thankful for what God has blessed me with and to be content with what I have.  Also I want to enjoy what He gives me and to share.  I can't wait to see what happens. 

Today's Thanks

• I'm thankful for a simple life.  Simple is good. 
• I'm thankful for snuggles and kisses with Cody every single morning even if I would like to sleeeep!  One day I will miss it.
• I'm thankful for a quiet morning at home with my kids.

Here is a glimpse of my blessing this morning.  I'm gonna miss this. 

Being thankful for the simple but important.

Today's Thanks

• I am thankful for my home.  Yes, I'm anxious to get our house built but as I sit here I realize that this is where God has me right now.  Yes, we have outgrown it.  Yes, I'm ready for some space out in the country.  By the way, my mother told me that God is sovereign over all of these "things".  So, yeah, she's right.  And as I look around I can see that it really isn't a bad little place in fact.  Actually, it was a pretty nice place when we were just a family of 3.  We weren't in need of a yard or extra room for rowdy boys.  But you have to bloom where planted, right?  God's timing is always best.  I'm ready to be transplanted it's true.  But for now I will be content. Yes, I will surely try. ;)
• I am thankful for a great afternoon to meet a friend at the park.  And such a sweet soul she is! 
• I'm thankful for bottles to wash because it means that I still have a baby in my house.  I'm reluctant to let that bedtime bottle go.  I think we both love that snuggle time. 

Today's Thanks

• I am thankful for Fall.  I like all of the seasons but like many of you this HAS to be my favorite time of year.  I like the fact that one day might be warm and the next may be chilly.  Today happens to be one of those smell good, sunny, warm Fall days.  I have my windows open.  I do that alot.  I'm a fan of fresh air!  I think it's good to air out the house whenever possible.  :)
• I am thankful for some quiet this afternoon.  After lunch I put Beau down for a nap and my mom who is visiting from out of town took the other two to the park.  I love being a mom but I've learned to cherish the quiet moments when I can get them.  I am learning to NEVER take the quiet for granted because, just for my brother Jacob's sake, it can get really hairy around here sometimes.  :)
• I'm thankful for good friends.  Some "old" and some "new".  I know that each person in my life is part of my life for a reason.  I like the comfort of "old" friends because we have history.  We have memories.  I like making "new" friends and getting to know them and finding out what we have in common and I like learning from them.  I can see how God puts different people into my life at just the right time and for the right purpose. 
• I'm thankful that my swollen knee is getting better although I did enjoy having an excuse to sit around.  I think my family would only put up with so many requests from the couch where I sat.  "Could you bring me a pumpkin cookie?  My knee, you know..." 
• I'm thankful for my mom who loves my family.  Emma and Cody love for Gramma to play with them.  I swear I think she loves Cory like her own too.  Yep, I'm pretty sure about that. 

Today's Thanks

• I LOVE my kid's tutors at CC.  They rock.
• My mother and husband who understand when I just have nothing to say about it. 
• Pumpkin cookies with chocolate chips
• A mother who prays

Today's Thanks

I'm thankful for my church.  I don't know everyone but I love looking around and recognizing faces of the different people we have met since we've been there.  Some are from our care group.  Some are not.  I also hope that nobody notices me as the lady who tripped UP the stairs this morning.  :/  Doh!  Where did that stair come from?!  Hmm. 

And I'm thankful for our care group.  The realness and the love for one another is evident. 

I'm thankful for my Sunday afternoon run.  I'm also thankful that the two frisbees I felt whiz past my head didn't actually make contact with it.  I don't know if I'll be so lucky next time!

A moment from today. :)

Today's Thanks

• Saturday morning coffee with Cory
• Getting my hair cut (trimmed) for the first time in a year. Yes, seriously.
• Chicken stew, bonfires, and s'mores with friends (can't wait to get out in the country!)
• Sitting in the big chair snuggled with a baby in his sleeper jammies who is lazily drinking his bedtime bottle.  These are the good times.  :)
• Flannel sheets that are calling my name because this mama is exhausted.  Good exhausted though.

Good night.

Giving Thanks

It is already November.  November!  I must be getting old because it's true that they say the older you get the faster time goes.  For real. 

Blessings.

Contentment.

Thankfulness.

I guess those things go hand in hand in a way and I've been challenged lately in all three.  So with Thanksgiving being this month I'm being reminded to focus on those things that I'm thankful to God for.  But also to remember not to complain....about anything.  Easier said than done I know. 

So in the spirit of Thanksgiving I'm going to make a list of things, people, situations, blessings, trials, etc. that I'm thankful for.  I'm sure you could do the same!

1. This is specific to today because I had to grocery shop.  It has been cold and gray all day long and quite frankly I didn't exactly WANT to go to the store with my 3 and buy another week of groceries that cost too much.  However,( because of this book I've been reading), it was fresh on my mind that as an American I am considered one of the richest in the world.  Now, I don't feel rich but it's all relative isn't it?  Compared to other countries we are very rich.  So, with that in mind, I remembered to be thankful that I had a vehicle in which to go to the grocery store, money to buy the groceries, and a warm, dry house to come home to. 

2. I'm thankful for naptime and for the warm baby I get to snuggle with after.  It's short-lived most days but I take what I can get!   

I think I'll do some of these every day until Thanksgiving.  Wow.  Ok, I guess I just committed to do this for the next 3 weeks.  And also not to complain.  :/  Ok.