Thankful Thursday?

The email daily devotions I receive have been sending a Thankful Thursday devotion during the month of November.  That made me think, "Why just have Thankful Thursday in November?" Then there are those Facebook posts "Day 22: I'm thankful for..."  Why just have month of being thankful?  Why aren't we thankful for what we have all year long, for our whole whole lives? Being thankful should be a lifestyle.  It should be engrained in how we live, how we raise our children.  We start comparing to others, become unsatisfied with our lives, basically we let the selfishness creep in. I know I do anyway, maybe you are better than me.

Being thankful should be a lifestyle.

We made Thankfulness Journals in my mom to mom bible study group recently. Instead of our normal study, we had craft time.  The journals were a type of Thanksgiving craft activity.  I just thought, "What a great idea." The mom who lead us said she started it when she was in a funk one day. You know, the day nothing goes right and you are just not happy. She suggests sitting as a family and write what each person is thankful for.  Some from her journal were "My belly button" "I got to eat candy today" Simple things maybe, but there is always something we can be thankful each day. 

Here are a few things I'm thankful for:

• God-my Father, Jesus my Savior & the Holy Spirit: who looks after me, gives me strength, and guides me...no matter what life brings, I am always thankful for my God 
• My loving husband
• My sweet, beautiful daughter
• Our lovely home
• Charley, the crazy little dog in my life
• My loving & supportive parents
• Siblings who are also friends
• The wonderful family I married into - I have some great in-laws
• Friends who encourage me and help me through all situations in my life
• My mommy friends - some days they are the only ones who truly understand me
• My small group where bible study & fellowship = great memories
• Finding a mom's bible study that is so supportive
• My husband's job which allows me to stay home with my girl
• The location of our house - being able to walk to the park & being in a safe neighborhood
• Generous friends who pass on clothes and toys for my girl
• My flower garden which makes me so happy all spring & summer

So many more things I could write (or go into specifics on some points), but I think you get the idea.  Let's be more thankful every day, for each day truly is a gift.

God's Promise

God is so cool sometimes.  Like the other day when I saw this rainbow above my neighbor's house while doing the dishes. I ran got my camera and took some pictures.  Then before bed, reading my bible, I came across these verses in Genesis.  "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." (Gen 9:13-16) I didn't look these up or find them on purpose!  I'm doing a read through the bible in a year program, and this is what I was scheduled to read.  I love when stuff like this happens!

With a kiss

My devotional today talked about how Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Such a familiar & friendly way to betray Him or something like that was mentioned.

I think of all the times I try the behind His back betrayal (like that even makes sense). Without a thought I betray Him, which is worse?? It makes no difference. It's still betrayal...still sin...still needs to be forgive. It is forgiven! Thank you, Heavenly Father, for Jesus' sacrifice & resurrection! Thank you for forgiveness.

A year!

"Can you believe a year has gone by already?" NO! Well, yes and no.


Just look at how much my baby girl has grown.  From an infant who truly relies on mom & dad for everything to a little girl who can play on her own and feed herself.  A letter from me to Katie...


Katie,

I've watched you grow this year & I cannot believe what a gift you are.  I waited patiently to meet you and when you came I could not believe how much I loved you.  I knew that love was there while you were growing inside me, but it didn't compare to the love I felt when I got to see your precious face.

Now you are a precious one year old.  The personality you have is truly a combination of your mom and dad.  You love to dance & smile.  You are inquisitive & observant.  I just marvel as I watch you.  I wonder what interests you and who you will become.

May the Lord grant me the wisdom, patience, and grace that I will need as you continue to grow.  I love you so much Kaitlyn Grace.

Love, Momma