Are you starting to feel ready for Thanksgiving yet? Let's not save our gratitude for one day out of 365 - we need to practice thankfulness every day! What are you thankful for today, the 8th day of November? We are so blessed in our country - in spite of what the media would have us believe! Don't fall for this old world's tactics to take away your joy, blessing and happiness - give thanks at all times! OK - sermon for the day is over! Here is what I am thankful for today:
Long walks on cool nights.
Homemade biscuits with homemade apple butter and lemon curd.
The Bread of Life that is freely available for every hungry soul.
Foreign missions.
Praise reports.
Sales and coupons.
Salvation.
Obedience that comes from a love of my God.
Great conversations with friends.
KC is starting back next week!
A good nights sleep.
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
Today was an awesome day! Change of plans last minute meant a day at home with my family - that NEVER happens! I have so much to be thankful for today so let's get started!
Having the windows open with a breeze blowing all through the house all day.
Christmas music.
Crossing things off the to-do list.
Organization.
Daughters who love to bake and fill my house with yummy smells - Apple Butter, homemade bread, Pumpkin Dessert - MMMMMM!
Family time.
A hard working husband.
Did I mention Pumpkin Dessert?
Fulfilling and completely satisfying Saturdays.
A clean house.
Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. 1 Chronicles 16:8
His mercies are new everyday. I have the most amazing friends - Jesus knew just who I needed. I am able to learn from my children and see God reflected in them. My Thursday night Ladies Prayer Group - these are some of the most amazing, inspiring, sensitive women on the planet. Peace that passes all understanding. God's touch and His presence in prayer tonight. KC starts in a week and a half! Coupons and sales. My puppy. Laundry hanging on the line - there is nothing like the smell of clothes that have been hung out. Workouts. Church leadership. People who lovingly and willingly invest their lives in my children - just because they can.
Hopefully you are at least half as blessed as I am!
An amazing Pastor who continues to teach us the truth of God's Word. The never changing, forever settled Word of God that is as alive today as it was 2000 years ago. A great checkup for my dad at his Heart appointment today. Provision. An on time God. Homeschooling. Family. Leftovers. Great deals. Homemade bread and the yummy smell that fills the house while it is baking.
It's funny - the more you think about gratitude, the more that it just kind of finds you everywhere you turn! I never want to cease to be thankful everyday - not just one set aside day a year. If we are to enter into His courts with Thanksgiving, shouldn't we want to be thankful everyday, all day?
Ok, I have come to the conclusion that coming up with one thing each day is so not going to work for me! How do I limit my thankfulness when it is bubbling up inside of me??!! And, for that matter, why should I? So, in no particular order, here are the things I am thankful for today:
My 3 amazing children. Awesome friends. Overall good news at the kids dentist appointments today. Lunch with my kids at Chick Fil A (for almost free). Going to Publix and spending $33 while saving $85. Christmas songs. Seeing my husband do what he does best as reported in the Orlando Sentinel. Homecooked dinners. The presence of God at the end of choir practice tonight. Great deals at the thrift store. Ice cream.
Well, I truly could go on, but those are on my mind right now as the tops for today! I shall continue tomorrow.
Contentment is a notion that has truly become foreign in our culture. I know how to be content and grateful when things are going well, the bills are all paid, the freezer is well stocked, etc. But is that what true contentment is? Or, is it as Paul said in Philippians 4:12 – “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. In whatever state you find yourself be ye content.” True contentment is not affected by circumstances - it means simply that we know Who is in control even when everything around us seems to be spiraling out of control - and trusting Him with the outcome.
I have decided to try my best to post something each day between now and Thanksgiving that I am truly thankful for as a way to keep me focused on the truly important things. We are coming into a very busy season and my calendar is already full of so many things that my family and I treasure doing to celebrate. While these things are good and meaningful, so often they too can crowd out our ability to be thankful - in all things! Before I start out (and catch up for yesterday!), I want to start with this little poem that helps put things in perspective:
I am thankful for...
bills to pay because it means I have financial provision.
dirty dishes because it means I have food to eat.
taxes because it means I am employed.
dirty laundry because it means I have clothes to wear.
the mess to clean up after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
the pool pump that needs fixing and the lawn that needs mowing, because it means I have a home.
for this bathroom, complete with all the splattered mirrors, soggy, grimy towels and dirty lavatory - they are so convenient.
the power bill, because it means I am warm .
the space I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I can walk.
the person who sings off-key behind me in church, because it means I can hear.
our government, because it means we have freedom of speech.
the alarm that goes off in the morning because it means I am alive.
unmade beds - they were so warm and comfortable last night.
even for that slamming screen door. My kids are healthy and able to run and play.
a loving Savior who forgives my sins and makes me whole!
He has richly blessed my family.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess. 5:16-18 (ESV)
Sometimes, just looking at things from a different perspective makes all the difference!
So, Day 1. I am thankful to know that if I fear God, I do not need to fear anything else because:
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be singing of praises to God.
6. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
7. There will still be room at the Cross.
8. Jesus will still love you.
9. Jesus will still save the lost.
It is so good to know the goodness of God and His blessings. Nothing that happens in this world can change that!
Day 2 - The blessing of my husband. Through good and bad, ups and downs, twists and turns, we make each other laugh, comfort each other, forgive each other, and love each other through it all. God truly provided that man that He knew was just right for me.
Anyone interested in coming along on this journey with me? Let's celebrate the season by truly expressing our gratitude and learning to be content - no matter what life throws at us!
"I'm mothering young children who some day will fill important and useful spheres in life, and washing clothes is part of my grand task in caring for these souls who shall live forever."
Elisabeth Elliot
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About Me
Tammy
Welcome to a small yet meaningful piece of my life. If you want to know who I am, you should hang around for awhile, since I am still learning more everyday the answer to that question! For now, I am happily:
*Married to my best friend
*Homeschooling my 3 awesome kids
*Learning more about God and who I am in Him and how to trust Him more
*Cooking lots of yummy food
*Trying to be the best mommy, wife, friend, Christian I can be
This is the journey of my life where I want to make every moment count - come on the journey with me!
