Thankful Thursday

How easy it is to forget to be Thankful!  Practice Gratitude!

*  I am thankful for my Family of Choice - God has chosen each of us to be members of His Forever Family!  Our birth family may be flawed and hurtful, but our Family of Choice is covered by grace and bound by the Blood of Jesus Christ!  Are you a member?

*  My Sisters of Grace - the beautiful women in my life that have spoken truth and love;  that laugh with me and cry with me;  that know the good, the bad and the ugly and only see Christ in me.  You know who you are!

*  My Husband - who supports and, well, finances my dreams and adventures!

*  My children - who spend all day with me and still like me!

*  My God - who sees me.  The real me.  Who loves me so much He would let His only Son die for me.

What are you Thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for -

. . .rain
. . .the beautiful music of my children's laughter
. . .all the other little friends we have
. . .and all their parents
. . .my husband home safely!
. . .pain medications
. . .power steering in my car
. . .air conditioners
. . .the rainbow colors - blue especially!
. . .God's amazing, wonderful, perfect Grace.

Grace, Grace, God's Grace
Grace that will Pardon and Cleanse within.
Grace, Grace, God's Grace
Grace that is Greater than all my sin.

Thankful Thursday - January Snows

Yes, it's beautiful!  It's just wet enough to build stuff with yet still so fluffy.  And it keeps coming and coming and coming. . .

The snow sticks like fluffy cotton balls to the pine tree.

Playing in the Snow.

Shovel what?

The snow came out for Tuesday afternoon and we played outside.  The kids fell off the porch backwards into the snow banks, dug a snow tunnel and made a path for Sherman from the front door to the backyard and around the trees for him to play.  The next snow fall filled the path and the only trace of it was the deer tracks left by our neighbors.  They liked having snow only 4" inches deep to walk through instead of 15"! 

See the water well top behind Chris?  The snow is now covering it.  And we still have at least 2 more days of this storm!  Yeah!  Hope I can get out to get eggs, milk and bread!

It is very humrous to me to hear people complain about our snow.  First, they live in Coloardo, what do they expect?  Second, it provides moisture to the ground, rivers and lakes and helps prevent those nasty little forest fires.  Third, it is a reminder of God's grace and provision.

The snow covers the dirt, brown grass left by the fall.  As it melts, we will see little sprigs for green grass pushing through the snow.  A new birth! 

Much like God's grace covers our sin;  erases it!  And as He melts and molds our heart, a new creation springs forth!

The snow is also God's provision and reminds us that it's not always easy.  Sometimes it's down-right inconvenient!  But every bump on the path has a purpose, providing us the character we need for the next steps He calls us to walk.

So don't miss the beauty of the path!  Enjoy the course! 

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for my couch at this moment.  I can sit back, kick my feet up and use my son's computer to keep in touch.

I am thankful for technology.  Computers, phones, ipods - love all of it!

I am thankful for the Off Button on all this technology.  I love the quiet.  Especially in the afternoon when it's reading time.  No computers, music or tv's, just books and silence.

I am thankful for washing machines.  With all the laundry I do, I can't imagine doing it by hand and line-drying. 

I am thankful for the home friends are building and how God has proven Himself so large in their lives!

I am thankful for time to go to Oklahoma and visit friends and family.  And I'm praying those contractions Aunt Kelli were having today prove productive before I have to come back home!

I am thankful for babies.  That's sweet, gurgling, peeing, pooping, spitting bundles of joy that remind us how much God loves this world.

I am thankful for Thanksgiving - I love this Holiday!  My favorite season of the year!

I am thankful for all of those who read this blog and I pray blessings on their life today, In Jesus Name!

Thankful Thursday. . .on Sunday

This week's Thankful Day is late, and spurred by Fort L*ewis's Graduation.

I am thankful . . .

* for my Country - I am proud to be an American. I am proud to be part of the most benevolent nation in the world. I am proud of those in my family and of my friends who have served to bring peace to other countries and to ensure the peace in our Home;

* for the freedoms that allow even wacko's their weird points of view;

* for the National Anthem - I am sorry for the graduates that did not get to hear that
beautiful song sung this weekend;

* for the ability to choose education;

* that we get to vote for a new President in 4 years;

* for those students, Master Plan included, who stand-up for Christian values on secular campuses across this nation;

* for the internet, where enterprising folks can verify the commencement speaker's "facts" as inaccurate;

* for God's promises, which are bright and beautiful and represented in each Christian Graduate;

* that though we may not be able to change the whole world, we can change the world for someone;

* that I can - and will - tell each Graduate that I meet: "well done! you worked hard! you are full of potential and dreams - go after them!"

Thankul Thursday . . .

. . . a Sense of Humour.

My parents gave me the ability to find laughter in everything. That ability has gotten me through some tough times.

David and I have developed that skill in our marriage, often laughing at inopportune times yet it was better than tears.

After Ashley had her stroke, we called her Ladybug. Not because she liked Ladybugs, but our weird sense of humour saw the resemblance for her head to a the tiny insect after they had scrubbed her head to remove the EEG cords yet had marked each placement with a blackmarker so they knew where to attach them again after an MRI. Her bright red head with black dots looked like a ladybug's body. Weird, but we smiled.

Yesterday, Chris had his endoscopy. While we were talking with Dr. B*B, I heard the words playing on the overhead radio - "She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels/By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees/And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting/And I know she's smiling saying/Don't worry 'bout me." This prompted a laugh from me and we began laughing about songs you don't want to hear at a hospital.

And the list began:

1. Highway to Hell
2. Sissy's Song (where the lyrics above came from)
3. A proctologist whistling, "take this job and shove it"
4. The Christmas Shoes
5. "When we get to Heaven can I help pour out the rain"
6. "Don't Take the Girl"
7. "How can I help you say goodbye"


Got any to add?

Thankful Thursday - with a Request

You may have heard the story of doctors telling us, after years of infertility treatments and a miscarriage, that David and I were "incompatable" (really?) and would never have children. So what a suprise when 4 weeks later, I was pregnant! (yeah, really!)

Chris was the son I prayed for - another David to carry his father's name as well as his grandfather's, a great-great grandfather, several uncles and cousins (it's a Southern thing!)

His birth was a little long! I went in on Tuesday night, he was born on Thursday morning at 2:07 a.m. (Ashley as born on a Thurday at 7 minutes til 2 in the afternoon!) I laughed with extreme, Godly joy was he was born! I've never laughed like that again but I knew in that moment how Sarah felt!

He has been our joy. He is talented. A little stubborn (hmm.) and loves little kids. It was my extreme pleasure to direct him in this year's Passion Play.

On Easter Sunday he woke with a sore throat. By Monday he couldn't talk and was complaining of his stomach hurting. Tuesday to the doctor - no strep just a virus (and yes, Ashley hasit too) but his stomach was hurting - something his sis did not have. Wednesday night we spent at the ER. They thought gall bladder or enlarged spleen from the virus. Nope. Did CT scan, ultrasound, a ton of blood work and still no results. They sent us home around midnight with pain meds and a "hmm, this is a mystery. call your doctor."

With meds he slept last night, but today he is hurting. Badly. We go back to the doc at 1:50 today. We need an answer or a healing. One or the other. Or both! Just a move towards closure. He's in pain, uncomfortable and a little irritable. Hmm, wonder why.

Pray for us to know what to do; how to help him; how to force the doctors if we must.

Thankful Thursday

It's been a long week. Rehearsals. Set Construction. Followed by another rehearsals. Doctors appointments. School meetings.

My children have been on my last nerve most of the week. Unfortunately, most people I know I have danced around my nerves, tapping on them at random.

My loving husband has annoyed me to no end. Simply things. Nothing big. Just big in my mind.

Financial stresses are burdening me. Health problems after weighing me down.

And if I don't refocus my heart and mind and soul, I will "surely be ruined!" (Passion Play script!)

I am thankful. . .
. . .for Chris's talents. That he sees the good in people. That he watches out for his family.
. . .for Ashley's heart. That she wants to serve God. That she loves everyone deeply.
. . .for David. That he loves me deeply. Even when I seem to cost him more money that I could ever make!
. . .for the Passion Play cast - they are all working so hard. I know that. I hope they know I know that.
. . .for Doctor's who care.
. . .for friend's who love.
. . .for a God who sees the end from the beginning and will walk with me Never leave me.

Thankful Thursday

A few minutes to go before this day is done, but here it is!

* Friends who will drive 15 hours to be with you.
* Friends that you can laugh with and cry with - all within 3 minutes in a crowded store
* Grace for those days you are so tired you can't move
* Peace that God gives when news is not so good
* Rest for the body and mind
* Tears that are happy and sad
* Children that you love so much it hurts
* Nieces and Nephews that make you smile
( who wouldn't smile at here sweet voices say,"KimKim" and "Auntie Kimmie"!)
* Weekends to be with my family

Thankful Thursday - Keep Moving Forward!

This week has reminded me once again of the reality that people everywhere are in crisis or pain. That life is happening and hurting people are everywhere. I've talked to several friend in the middle of divorce, another with the death of a close friend while another friend lost their step-dad. I spoke with a class of students who are hurting and in trouble. They have the opportunity to turn their lives around - but will they?

After Ashley's stroke I was very angry when I looked around me and saw other people going on with their lives. Inside I would scream, "MY LIFE HAS STOPPED! WHY AREN'T YOU STOPPING WITH ME?" I would be angry when I heard about movies my friends and family saw or dinners they went out to have with friends. All I did was go to doctor's appointments and therapy appointments. I learned a new language - medical speak. I learned how to give medications, track seizures and then, with whatever spare energy I had, I spent with Chris trying to make his life "normal."

The angriest I ever became was with a dear friend who said, "at some point, you have to pick yourself up and move on." Move ON? Was she kidding? (Yes, we are still good friends today.) I wanted her to sympathize, to cry with me. But after 8 weeks, crying more would not change anything. After 8 weeks, retelling the story would not make it go away. This stroke was part of our lives. Another tear or pat on the back was what I wanted - I got a kick in the pants that I needed!

Oddly enough, I had to embrace the stroke. I could not go forward until I looked it in the eye, addressed it and said, "let's go!" Then I had to embrace David's knee surgery - 4 weeks after the stroke - and his cane (for another 2 months); I had to embrace the miscarriage and then the hysterectomy that took from me the ability to ever have another child - 4 weeks after the knee surgery!

Okay, 1999 got off to a really bad start! But it's part of who we are now. Oh, yes, I would take it all back. Yet that's not an option. So, it has become part of the molding of who we are today in Christ.

Today I am thankful for that friend (I love you Rhonda), who spoke in love knowing it would hurt me and that I would probably be furious with her.

I am thankful for those friends who kept going on with their lives. I view those friends as the river that was running along a sandy beach. My life boat had been thrown violently on the beach. They kept the river flowing so that when the time was right, I was able to push my boat back into the river that was still flowing.

I am thankful that I learned to look at those around me and breathe a prayer for their own storm -tossed lives.

I am thankful that God has taught me to "Keep Moving Forward!" Keep my focus on him and the cross and realize that "these light afflictions cannot be compared to the glory of God that awaits us."

If you are in a crisis, rest on the beach - but get back in the river!!! If you're the river, keep it flowing so that others can jump in!

Thankful Thursday - Alison

How many people are lucky enough to have their Sister-in-law as one of their best friends? Not many. In fact, Alison and I were friends before she and Jeff, David's brother, ever dated! Their first date was a double with David and I and a little girl she and I both baby sat.

I met Alison when, as a Junior High Student, she volunteered in the multi-handicapped class that I taught. Later, we began going to church with her and her family. Her mom an dad welcomed us right into their lives and home. We ate many meals there and spent lots of time with the family.

Then she became family!

So here's my Thankful List:

1. that Alison volunteered in my class so I could meet her.
2. that she loves my brother-in-law so much. He's like my brother, too!
3. that she loves God. We have spent much time around the altars praying together.
4. that she was there for me when the doctors said I'd never have kids.
5. that she was there when my children were born!
6. that her mom listened to God. That scripture she gave me after the stroke still rings in my ears: This illness is not unto death but the Son of God would be glorified.
7. that she's a mom! I love my neice and nephew.
8. that we can shop together.
9. that we can eat fajitas together!
10. that we can travel to Texas together. That was so much fun.
11. that she is sharing her love for children in her own classroom.
12. that she is willing to travel to see me.
13. that I can travel to see her too.
14. that she prays for my kids.
15. that she is still one of my closest friends.

Love you, Alison. I pray God's blessings on you and Jeff today. In your job, your business, on your children. You are loved by God. He calls you friend. He calls you precious. And He calls you redeemed.

Thankful Thursday (on Wednesday Night)

Tomorrow is yet another horribly busy day in this endless week! So if I want to post my Thankful Thursday, it has to be now.

This week, I want to honor my best friend Kelli.

Kelli Dawn Tiffany -
25 years now! Wait, we're not that old! Twenty-five years since I came as a mid-year transfer to a huge high school, scared and alone. I sat by you in band. Okay, you weren't thrilled to have someone challenging you in the clarinet section, but we fast became friends. You know, I can only think of one other class we ever had together!

Did you know, you've been there through my major milestones?
* High School
* Graduation
* Engagement - you and Kelli were the first to know!
* Wedding
* Birth of two children! Okay, you and your mom earn special jewels in your crowns for
staying through 22 hours of Labor with DCB!
* Keeping Chris when I was put in the hospital with Sis
* You bought your wedding dress on the day Ashley was born
* Ashley's stroke - you were first to the hospital
* Moving in our first Country Home - that scared you! Five hours of cleaning in the kitchen
and I was a little scared, too.
* Calls in the middle of the night
* Calls in the middle of the day
* Voice Mails
* Emails

You are my dearest companion next to my husband. I cannot have imagined this life without you. I truly Thank God for you. For the husband he gave you - I love the way our hubbies look after the other's wives and kids. For our beautiful Prince. (Okay, now I'm crying). For Erica - we needed her as much as she needed us. For Keith - okay, when doesn't want Auntie Kimmie to go home, my heart aches! For Macy - I love the way she crawls into my lap. For the friends you have near to you and for your family. For your brother who walks now with God. For your mom, who now directs the Lord's affairs!

You are so loved. I am so blessed.

Next Week: My other best friend - Alison Lauren. How cool to have a best friend and sister-in-law in one package!

Thankful Thursday

"In everything give thanks."

This is I know very well. But honestly, I feel horrible and can't make a thankful list. I could talk the talk and write what people might expect me to say. But that's not honest.

I don't have any complaints either so I think I will just "be" tonight. Be still. Stand still. Stand and see.

I can muster this:

I am thankful for . . .
. . .neighbors who can take the kids to school when you're sick
. . .husbands who make breakfast each morning
. . .piano teachers who drive students home
. . .Autumn taking Ashley to school for me
. . .Autumn for bringing me a Diet Coke when I couldn't hold up my own head
. . .that Survivor started again tonight
. . .that I get to go back to bed in a little bit
. . .that Ashley brought home candy from her school party
. . .that I know great women who take care of each other
. . .that I know great men who take care of their great women

(Okay, I'm on a role now!)

. . .that I come from a long line of strong women
. . .that I know this sickness will soon end
. . .that God heals!
. . .that this has not settled in my chest
. . .that tomorrow, everyone is off from school and we can sleep in
. . .that my supervisor cares for us as individuals and not just numbers

I can sleep now. Sometimes the act of writing starts one to thinking and then thinking of God's blessings. And you then you see beyond your own pain.

Father God, thank you that I have the assurance that no matter how hard life gets, it's still a "light and temporary" affliction. I wish I could see how you see - not linear but globally. But I will trust in you now. Tonight I will rest in you and even now, I thank you for my health.

Thankful Thursday

...for the internet -a new way to "reach out and touch" the ones you love.

...for microwave ovens.

...for my favorite coffee mug. It can go in the microwave.

...for calls from my hubby. We talk several times a day and I'm always so happy to hear his voice.

...for TIVO. I can watch JACK without commercials.

...for my Jeep. It can go anywhere, fit anywhere.

...my my Jeep's gas alarm. Yes, I know I don't have to wait for it to "bing" before filling up, but why take the chance?

...for my talents. They aren't really mine. Just gifts from God he has given me to use while I'm here.

...that no one corrects my grammar and punctuation on the web. (Sorry Kathy)

...for those who will use their talents, too! God's service needs everyone - babysitters, actors, prayers, singers, laborers, harvesters.

...for those reading this today.

Thankful Thursday

1. Take Out Food
2. Nyquil
3. Vicks Vapor Rub
4. Hot baths
5. Husbands who cuddle
6. Kleenex
7. Chloraseptic
8. Fire Alarms
9. Email
10. Blogs
11. Hot Tea
12. Splenda
13. Hot Cocoa without Sugar
14. Diet Coke (it hasn't made the list in a few weeks)
15. Great friends at work
16. Children's laughter
17. Puppy dog cuddles (okay, Polly is growing on me!)
18. My Bible
19. Hershey's kisses
20. Hand lotion

Thankful Thursday

Wow! I haven't written a Thankful Thursday in a long while! First it was Christmas, then New Year's then back to work and now. . . here we are!



I am up to Ashley on my Thankful list. And although there's so much to be thankful today after the fire (http://www.aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/), I want give my daughter her day.



So, dear Ashley, I am thankful for. . .



* Your birth. We had not planned for you - you were a total surprise! I'm so glad you are here!

* Your smile. I loved your first smile - both of them (pre and post stroke!)

* Your tender heart. Youcare so deeply for people.

* Your heart for God. He loves you, too!

* Your athletic ability - skiing, running, four-wheeling! Wow! You are amazing, sis.

* Your love for your brother.

* Your ability to make me smile.

* Your toughness - you are the Girliest Tom-Boy! Precious in Pink on a Quad! And
able to face surgeries, medications, pain meds and therapies with a smile.


* The way you scrunch your nose when you smile. Too cute!

* That you don't blame me for your stroke.

* That you don't blame God either.

* That you are able to see how God redeems your pain and problems to help others.



Sis - I love you. (I like that you like your nickname, too!)

Thankful Thursday - Chris

I am thankful for my son, Chris!

I am thankful for. . .
* his life - doctors told me we would never have children.
* his heart - he loves his family.
* his laugh - it is infectious!
* his humour - he's a pretty quick wit.
* his love of God - he quietly studies and reflects God in his life.
* his athletic ability - it amazes me the way he can run and pass the ball and and stop a ball.
* his music ability - he is a wonderful drummer; he played a pretty mean cello,too.
* his empathy - he has been the best physical therapist for his sister.
* his love of all sports - I love hearing him talk to my dad about football!
* his love of the outdoors - he gets that from his dad!
* his flair for the dramatic - he gets that from me!
* that he is taller than me - something he is very proud of, too.
* his willingness to help others - he gets that from his Heavenly Father.

Father God, thank you for this beautiful child. I see your hand in his life and they way you have ordered his steps. Let his life be a reflection of your mercy and grace.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for my husband, David.

1. His smile - it makes my heart stop!
2. His wink - yes, he still flirts with me!
3. His hands - they are strong; they have callouses from working around the house; they they are tender to wipe tears; they are able to change diapers; they can help with piano lessons; they can do dishes (very manly!); they can cook (mmm! Muffins!); they can hold my hand
4. His mind - he is a thinker; a planner
5. His heart - it has been broken and mended; it listens to God
6. His prayers - I know the children and I are on his lips as he petitions the throne of God for us

Father God: thank you for the gift of my husband. He is all I have listed and more. He is the head of our house and I gain joy in deferring to him as our shepherd. Bless him in all that he does today. Order his steps. Set his mind at peace. Give him wisdom for the tasks you have laid before him. Let his sleep be peaceful and restorative. Let his faith grow as he sees the work for Your hand.
Amen.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for. . .

1. My friends who read my blog and post such encouraging words!
2. My friends who read my blog and pray for me.
3. My friends who read my blog.
4. My friends.
5. Peace.
6. Sleep.
7. A place of rest.
8. My hubby.
9. My kids.
10. Cake with buttercream icing.

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursdays is catching on!

Each morning, my kids and I get in the car, back out, put the garage door down and stop to pray. After prayer this morning, I announced that today was Thankful Thursday and each person (even the guy who carpools with us) had to list one thing he was thankful for. They grumbled and mumbled and Chris finally said, "Okay, drums." "My family," sis mumbled from the back. Brandon was thankful I took him to school so he didn't have to walk!


Teaching our children to have a heart of gratitude is a lost art in today's world of speed and gimmees.


Today, I am thankful for:


1. My laptop that still works so well.

2. My car that runs well and a heater that works great!

3. Diet Coke and Diet Dr. Pepper.

4. World's Finest Chocolate Melt-Aways.

5. The knowledge God has give to medical professionals.

6. The quiet in the house when everyone is just home and doing their own thing but they're still there under my roof.

7. God's financial provisions.

8. God's emotional provisions.

9. My talents and gifts adn the chance to use them for His glory!

10. New opportunities and adventures that are waiting just around the next corner!



Father,

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.