A Time to be Thankful

You turned my wailing into dancing;
You removed my sackcloth and
Clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing to you and
not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Psalm 30:11-12 (NIV)

It’s hard to believe, but November is actually here! When did late summer turn to mid-fall? And unless my eyes deceive me, there are Christmas decorations adorning our downtown area and “gift-giving ideas” are overflowing store shelves. Our culture is already applying the pressure!

Well, just between us, I refuse to be bullied into the holiday rush before I even taste my mom’s turkey and mashed potatoes. So…I’ve decided to take a few moments to count my blessings.

This has been an incredible year. There have been moments of joy as well as times of pain and confusion. God continues to teach our family about trusting and leaning on His unfailing love. I know that He will eventually lead me to write about the events of the past year, but for now, I just want to testify to the faithfulness of our Lord. Through it all…He is there!

Now, to count those blessings… We all thank God for the “biggies,” like our salvation, our home, family, church family, friends, health, etc. But I want us to go a little further! The following list is a “work-in-progress”…

I am thankful for: (in no particular order)

Diet Mountain Dew and Milky Way Popables
My husband’s goofy jokes
Three girls when they have the giggles (and all their giggling friends)
Early evenings around the dinner table, laughing, talking, catching up on the day
Bumping the volleyball with the girls
Walking and talking with my sweetheart
Andy Griffith reruns (It’s a southern thing)
My front porch swing
Autumn in the South (Yellow mums, cotton fields, roadside wildflowers, and less humidity)
Early mornings with my Lord
Memories of when my girls were babies
My mom-in-law’s potato salad and chocolate pie
Those fleeting moments when the house is clean
World-championship ping pong games
My favorite pair of blue jeans
Holding hands with my groom
Going to the girls’ basketball games
My mom’s thanksgiving lunch…

(To be continued…)

OK, now it’s your turn… Let’s get counting!

Oh Father, I just want to praise You for who You are! I am overwhelmed at Your continued faithfulness in my life. You show me Your love, mercy, and peace in a myriad of ways. Through the struggles and trials of life You are there. In the “everydayness” of life You are there. Thank you for loving
teaching,
rebuking,
forgiving,
encouraging,
this unworthy child.
Oh my Jesus, please keep me faithful!

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.