Day 17 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

I'm Thankful

(137)  That I'll get to see Tasha, Kylie & Wyatt today, although I wish it was under different circumstances.  Tasha's grandmother, Mildred Newberry, passed away from a heart attack early yesterday, and they are flying home for the funeral.

(138)  For Tasha, who loves Aaron & Kylie & Wyatt.

(139)  For Kylie, who is 3 going on 30!

(140)  For Wyatt, who wasn't walking last time I saw him, but is now.

(141)  For the fact that they'll soon all be home for good, and I'll be able to see them whenever I want, not just maybe twice a year.

(142)  For family, and knowing that you can depend on them.

(143)  For memories that we make each time we are together.

(144)  For the hope and the joy that the memories bring us.

(145)  For knowing that even in the bad times, there are those who love us and care.

(146)  For the hope of better days ahead.

(147)  That my Uncle Clarence is being released from the hospital and moved to a facility for rehab.

(148)  That even though he will have to wear the neck brace for 6 weeks, it wasn't any worse than it was.  There could have been spinal cord damage or neurological damage.  God is so good!

(149)  For multi-focal contacts that help aging eyes to view small type.

(150)  For laughter.

(151)  For good friends that laugh with us and at us.

(152)  For good friends to laugh at and with.

(153)  For the ability to realize there is always something to laugh about.

Day 16 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

I'm Thankful

(122)  That I woke up feeling alot better today.  Still have a headache.

(123)  That I made it to work on time.

(124)  That the sun is shining.

(125)  That my workload isn't overwhelming this week.

(126)  For tasks completed.

(127)  For windows that open.

(128)  For cool breezes blowing.

(129)  For the smell of fresh air.

(130)  For kind words spoken.

(131)  For work day almost over.

(132)  For the ability to pray for family in time of need.  Tasha's grandmother passed away this morning.

(133)  For words of scripture that come to mind when most needed.

(134)  For the comfort that comes with the words of scripture.

(135)  For songs that play on repeat in my mind.

(136)  For the ability to memorize those words of scripture and song.

(137)  For the Savior we sing about.

Day 15 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

I'm Thankful

(107)  That I could rest and sleep today so hopefully I'll feel better.

(108)  That husband and sons are capable of fending for themselves when it comes to eating.

(109)  That even though I'm unable to attend church, they still go.

(110)  For medicine to take away the aches and pains.

(111)  For sleep and the healing that comes with it.

(112)  For laughter.

(113)  For a comfortable chair.

(114)  For a warm blanket.

(115)  For the comfort of folks praying for you.

(116)  For being missed.

(117)  For good friends.

(118)  For Dr. Pepper.

 

(119)  For hope. 

 

(120)  For a warm bed.

(121)  For a new day.

Day 14 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

I'm Thankful

(93)  For another good day at the Harriman Holiday Festival.  I did well today.  Not as good as last week, but close.

(94)  For another day spent with Stephanie & Carly.  They are very entertaining companions and made the time pass much more quickly.

(95)  That Stephanie has such a good friend as Carly.

(96)  For Misty, who came and sat with me today.

(97)  For getting to see Debbie today.  She and Wendell and Kiah came by.  She looked good and it was so good to see her out and about.

(98)  That Debbie is able to eat better and is gaining some weight back.

(99)  For the beautiful fall day today.  I took some flowers by the cemetary, and it was so nice out. 

(100)  For the hope we have of one day seeing our loved ones again, and spending eternity with them.

(101)  For the chance to visit with Dad for a while this evening.

(102)  For my uncle's friends who came to sit with him last night and today to give Dad a break.  He'd been at the hospital since Wednesday morning.

(103)  For quiet time at home.

(104)  For a husband who straightened up the house while I was gone for the second weekend in a row.

(105)  For the son who waited on his tired momma.

(106)  That though I woke up not feeling well today, I made it through the day and the things I needed to do before starting to feel pretty bad tonight.

Day 13 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

I'm Thankful

(80)  That it's not quite so noisy at work today, with all the construction.

(81)  That today is Friday, and the weekend's ahead, even though it's going to be a busy one, with the Holiday Festival Sale at the American Legion Building in Harriman tomorrow.  I'll be set up selling my jewelry and there will be lots of other vendors.  It's from 9-2, come if you can.  My neice Stephanie and her friend Carly will be there with some neat Christmas ornaments.

(82)  That today is our Thanksgiving Dinner at work.  We're having to have it early due to the busy court schedule.  Lots of good food and so much to be thankful for!!

(83)  That though it's Friday, there's no football game tonight that I have to attend.  Maybe I can get everything ready for tomorrow, tonight!

(84)  That my sweet, loving, kind husband is going to take me to dinner tonight, even though he doesn't know it yet.

(85)  For my dear friend, Gina.  Today is her birthday.  We've shared many happy times together and a few sad ones, too.  I love you, Gina!

(86)  That it's not true when Gina says that I'm almost 50.  I have a few years to go.

(87)  That the night so long ago when Gina scared me half to death telling me that there was a man in the backseat of the car, there really wasn't a man there.  It's made for a great memory, though.

(88)  That I know if I needed anything, absolutely anything, Gina would be right there.  She has proved it over and over again.

(89)  For Jay & Roxie, two wonderful people that mean the world to me, and who brought Gina into this world just to make my life more interesting!  Love you!

(90) For Olivia, Gina's daughter, who is a very smart (did I tell you I taught her to read), very talented, sweet girl who used to fall out of the buggy every time we went somewhere together.  Love you, Livvy!

(91)  For Joseph, Gina's son, who likes to spit in my hair (not really, just makes me think he is), is a very smart young man (except when he spits in my hair), (hey, did I tell you I helped teach him to read, too?)  and is a good friend to my boys.  I love you, Joe!

(92)  For Ronnie, Gina's annoying loving husband, even though he calls me the "mouth of Mossy Grove".  Their family is dear to me, and I'm so thankful for them!

Day 12 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

I'm Thankful

(68)  That I got to keep four of my grandbabies tonight, Kyra, Elijah, Owen and Abby.

(Abby, Kyra, Elijah & Owen)

(69)  For the enjoyment I get out of watching each one of them be themselves.

(70)  For Kyra's intelligence, sweetness and love of her siblings.  She is a serious computer junky and way more tech savy than most people, especially her tech-challenged papaw!

(71)  For Elijah's gorgeous smile and twinkling eyes.  He's the quiet, serious, rule-following child, with the big heart.  He likes to wipe mammy's kisses off with a big grin on his face, which just means he gets that many more!

(72)  For Owen's ability to entertain.  He's such an entertaining little stinker. Those mischievious eyes and impish grin warn of what's to come.  He has an amazing sense of humor for one so young and keeps us all laughing.

(73)  For Abby's big smile and happy personality.  She's usually smiling and laughing and clapping her hands.  She is a mommy's girl, though.  She took a spell where nothing made her happy tonight.  I think she missed her mommy.  She broke everyone's heart with those teary eyes and pitiful sobs.  Uncle Jace catered to her every whim, and when he left, Seth had to walk her around.  Every time he offered her to someone else, she clung to him and whimpered.  She finally settled down and went to sleep in my arms, where she stayed until Mommy returned, at which time she was her laughing, happy self.

(74)  For the pictures I saw of Tristan and the report that he's growing and weighs over six pounds now.

(Tristan)

(75)  For the ultra sound picture of the newest little Francis, and the report that all looks well with him/her.

 

(76)  That Papaw is much more aware of his grandkids these days, and that they have him wrapped around their little fingers.

(77)  That I had my children when I was young, because it was alot easier then.  I'd hate to think I had to do it all now.  Believe it or not, I'm alot older and tired-er these days.

(78)  For the fact that with grandchildren, you get to enjoy them and don't have to worry about all the hard stuff.  Like feeding and clothing them, disciplining them, etc., you just get to love on them.

(79)  That God allowed me to be a grandma to all 8 (soon to be 9) of these wonderful grandbabies!

Day 11 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

I'm Thankful

(57)  That all my Christmas shopping, except for Charlie & Seth, is done.  Finished.  Complete. Hurray!!  That's no easy feat when you have 18 members in your immediate family (husband, 6 kids, 1 son-in-law, 2 daughter-in-laws,  8 grandkids), plus Dad, in-laws and a few friends.  And, I did it all in one day, armed with a budget and a list.

(58)  That now that the shopping is done, I can plan special activities with my grandkids and neices.  Like a trip to the playhouse, to see Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.

(59)  That Misty has volunteered to help me wrap the umpteen dozen presents.

(60)  That I unexpectedly got to have lunch with Abby and Rachel today.

(61)  That as soon as Abby saw me, she started clapping her hands.

(62)  For conversation with my cousin tonight.  Not so sure about the realization that we are now the "responsible" generation. 

(63)  For spending time with Uncle Clarence at the hospital again tonight.  Please pray for him.  There was a major difference in him  tonight from two nights ago.  His mental state appears altered in that he's talking to people not there, etc., Not sure what's causing it.  And the neck brace that he has to wear for the next six weeks, besides being uncomfortable, hinder's his eating and swallowing.

(64)  That even in his altered state, laying flat on his back, he was raising his hands and praying.

(65)  That the wheel bearing that went out on my car was covered by the extended warranty, so didn't cost me anything to have it replaced.

(66)  For the quiet ride, now that the bearing has been replaced.

(67)  That I work in the back office at work.  Construction started this week and affects the front office.  Very noisy and distracting.  It will be going on for the next 6 months or so.

 

Day 10 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

Well, it's a little after one a.m. and I've only been home a few minutes.  I went with my dad to UT Hospital where they had airlifted my great uncle Clarence from Morristown/Hamblen Hospital.  My Aunt Bonnie was there too.  Though tired, I want to post the things I'm thanful for before going to bed.

I'm thankful

(47)  That Uncle Clarence is doing well.  He got up from a stool and fell, hitting his head.  He fractured the first vertebrae in his neck. 

(48)  That there was no damage to his spinal chord, and no neruological damage.

(49)  That through it all, he never complained and was even making jokes and laughing.  He is such a sweet man.  He's 85 years old.

(50)  That Aunt Hassie, who is 90,  was handling the situation well after finding out the damage and that he was going to be okay.  He will have to wear the neck collar for 6 weeks.

(51)  That Clarence will probably get to go home tomorrow evening.

(52)  For the stories that Uncle Clarence told.  Things we'd never know without taking the time to really listen. 

(53)  For dear friends, Jeff & Bud, who heard the worry in Dad's voice and showed up at the hospital.

(54)  For the man in the waiting room, who I got to talk to about the Lord.

(55)  That I got to tell Uncle Clarence that I love him before leaving the hospital.

(56)  For memories.  Memories of events shared by three young girls, 15, 16 and 18, who are now 47, 48 and 50.

Day 9 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

I'm Thankful

(38)  That Mondays do not last forever.

(39)  That even when the day seems to be going wrong, I can still find things to laugh and smile about.

(40)  That my sisters have such a wonderful sense of humor.  Thanks for the comment, Kim, you made me laugh!

(41)  For little arms that wind around my neck in great big hugs!

(42)  For sweet little voices that say "I love you to the stars" (Kylie) or "I love you to the moon" (Kyra) or "I love you to infinity" (Elijah, he's 5, go figure) or "I love you to Jupiter" (Owen, who is 3, who knew he'd ever heard of Jupiter).  They make my joy overflow.  I love it!

(43)  For 4 little bodies all piled into the recliner with me, going every which way, all cuddled together and for Mackeinzie, whose grown too big for the recliner.

(44)  For 2 more little bodies who'll soon be clamboring to join us and the hope that one day, Tristan will join us too.  I will need a bigger recliner!

(45)  That Kyra thinks my 30 Days of Thankfulness is "cool".

(46)  That thinking of these things has made my day brighter and my Monday doesn't seem quite so bad.  (Thank goodness there is only 5 1/2 more hours in my workday, though).

Day 8 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

I'm thankful for

(30)  The Brady Rochester family being with us in service today.  They were truly a blessing.

(31)  The message Bro. Rochester preached this morning from Genesis 45:27-28, on how when God fills your wagon, "It Is Enough".

(32)  Knowing that what God has given me is enough!

(33)  The message Bro. Rochester preached tonight from Psalms 92:1, on "It Is A Good Thing To Give Thanks Unto The Lord".

(34) The fact that the keys my father in law accused me of stealing were found today on top of his refrigerator where Mamaw had put them.

(35)  The day I get off in the middle of the week this week.

(36)  The job I have where I don't have to worry about what goes on in the workplace.  All of the people in my office are Christians and attend church regularly.

(37)  Payday this week.

Day 7 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

I'm thankful for

(23)  The beautiful fall day today.  Fall is my favorite time of year.

(24)  Doing well at the Holiday Festival in Wartburg.  Sold enough of my handmade jewelry to cover half the cost of my new camera.

(25)  My new camera.  I love taking pictures of my kids and grandkids, and my camera bit the dust a while back.   I got a really nice Canon.  Love it!  I got some really good pictures of Seth at the ball game las tnight. (posted soon)

(26)  Getting to spend some time with my neice, Stephanie, today.  We don't get to see each other often.

(27)  Friends who come through for you in a pinch.  Thank you, Ms Tonia!

(28)  Seeing old family (and former) family members I haven't seen in many years.

(29)  My recliner.  It feels really good right now, after sitting on the bottom bleacher at the civic center for the last 6 hours.

Day 6 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

So thankful this morning that

(17) My friend Peggy's son, Shaun, and my children's friends, all stationed at Fort Hood, are safe this morning.  Praying for all those at Fort Hood and their families.

(18) My two sons and son-in-law that have served this great country are all alive and well today.

(19) I have the opportunity to go and help today in a local Veteran's Day celebration honoring those who have served our country, some who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

(20)  That there are people willing to fight for our freedoms and for the families who stand behind them.

(21)  I have an awareness of what it means to be a part of those families.

(22)  We have a God that is greater than all our enemies!

Day 5 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

I'm thankful for

(11)  My Dad and the fact that he's active in church again, and has a church family to help him through these trying times.  I love you, Dad!

(12)  My baby sister, Kim, and her family, Robbie, Kelvey & Meg.  We don't see each other often, but I love them dearly.

(13)  My little sister, Debbie, and her family, Wendell, Stephanie, Michael, Punky, Kiah, Jess, Josh, Misty & Rene.  They, too, have their own very special place in my heart.

(14)  A Wednesday afternoon visit with Debbie, just sitting, and talking and being sister's together.

(15)  The fact that Debbie is still here so that we can spend the afternoon together, that cancer hasn't defeated her, though it's put up a good fight, she's whipping it one day at a time with God's grace.

Thank you, Lord!

Day 4 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

I'm thankful for

(7)  My church and church family, many of whom I've known and loved for over 29 years.  I know that if I need them, they'll be there.

(8)  My Pastor and his family, who love the Lord and are willing to serve Him.

(9)  God's Word.

(10)  The fact that God DOES hear and answer prayers, no matter how dark or hopeless things may seem, even when sometimes He says "no" or "wait".

The Sophomore & The Kindergartner

Last Friday night Coalfield played Oakdale at home.  It was their Homecoming game.  Seth got to start at running back.  He played a really good game and scored his first High School touchdown.  He had a large cheering section Friday night.  Of course there were me and dad,  and also Misty, Mackeinzie, Rachel, Chris, Kyra, Elijah, Owen, Abby, Jason, Starla, Mya, Luke, Aunt Gail, Uncle Steve, Pastor Pallotta, Ms Tammy and Emily.  Needless to say, we all get a little excited when Seth does well. 

There was a lady sitting next to Steve & Gail, and after hearing us cheer, she asked Steve if he knew Seth, to which he replied Seth was his nephew.  She then told Steve to ask Seth about what he did at school that day. 

I found out what she was talking about after the game.  We went out to eat with Pam and her family, and Pam rode with us.  After getting in the car, I had asked about their Halloween contest at school that day.  You see, they had a costume contest for the elementary kids, and the kids in Beta Club dressed up and helped with it.  Seth had dressed up as a Marine, wearing Jason's camos.  All of the little kids that were dressed up got to line up and go across the stage and get candy.  Out of the 30 + kindergartner's, there was only one little boy who was not dressed up.  He would have had to sit in the bleacher's by himself while the other's participated.  Seth asked him if he wanted to dress up, and he said yes.  So, Seth took off his long sleeved shirt and put it on the little boy and offered him his cap.  The little boy got to participate with the other kids and didn't have to sit by himself.  As Pamela said "It was so sweet!"

I am so thankful that Seth has a heart that cares for others.  Though this is just a small, seemingly insignificant thing in the big scheme of things, we never know how one small random act of kindness will affect others.  It has the ripple effect.  I know that others were watching that day;  Pamela, the lady in the stands, the principal who commented to Seth later...but Seth was thinking about the little boy.No doubt it affected him that day in allowing him to take part, but who knows the long lasting affect it may have for him and others. 

The day the big high school football player took the time to be kind to the little kindergartner.

I am so proud,

so thankful,

so blessed!

 

Day 3 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

I'm thankful for

(4) The son-in-law and 2 daughter-in-laws that love my children.

(5) Eight wonderful grandchildren (4 grandsons and 4 granddaughters).

(6) The ninth grand baby that will be here in May.

Day 2 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

I'm thankful for

(2) My wonderful husband and best friend who has loved me for 29 years.

(3) The five sons and one daughter that the Lord has given me.

Day 1 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

I am so thankful for a Savior that loved me enough to die for me, sought me that I might be saved and continues to keep me and love me and bless me!

30 Days of Thankfulness.

November, of course, is the month in which we set aside a day for Thanksgiving.  This year, I want to do better than that.  I want to be thankful every day.  So, for which ever date it is, I will post that many things that I am thankful for.  For example, on the 1st I'll post one thing, on the 2nd, two, etc.  Would you like to join me in being thankful?  If so, post on your blog, but leave a comment here with your link and I'll read those things you are thankful for.  If you don't have a blog but would like to participate anyway, just leave your thankful post in the comment section for that day.  God has been so good, and I am so blessed! 

How Great God Is

I think we, as Christians, often forget how big God is, how great and amazing His works are, how wondrous the things He performs in people's lives.  It really bothers me some times when I hear preachers preach that if you do this, or this, God will not be able to use you, you've ruint your life and that's that.  God is so much greater than that!  Often, I think they forget where God brought them from, and that He is still able to use them.  I'm not condoning sin, or saying that you can live a wicked life and get away with it as if nothing ever happened.  But He is the God of forgiveness.  I believe we do things that sometimes change the way God can use us.  Because of bad choices we make, we can no longer be used in some of the most obvious ways.  Sometimes, God uses us in ways only He can see, ways that are only known well after the fact.  God can use anyone, anytime, anywhere, any way He chooses!  After all, He is God, and not controlled by our thinking.

This morning, Bro. Mike Bagwell has a wonderful lesson on this subject on his website. (Lesson 3: Ruth)  Go there and read it.  It might just change some of your thinking.