Thanks

Thank you Lord for...

1. Loving me, paying for my sinfulness, and giving me your Spirit to change me from the inside out.
2. Giving me a husband who loves his family and provides for us.
3. Blessing me with healthy, happy children who teach me far more than I teach them.
4. Designing an extended family for me that welcomes, forgives, celebrates, assists and encourages.
5. Infusing friends in our lives who don't keep score, but love us unconditionally and bring fun and laughter into our lives.
6. Providing unique work opportunities and life experiences that teach us a lot about ourselves and the world around us.
7. Always sending enough, at just the time we need it.
8. The messes everywhere that prove we enjoy life and have many luxuries.
9. The beauty of your creation all around us that speaks to us about your power, might and attention to order & detail.
10. Modern conveniences that make life...well...convenient & comfortable.
11. A husband who is extremely talented and can fix, rig and build pretty much anything.
12. A full to overflowing fridge, closet and book shelf.
13. Freedom to worship, educate and speak in the way we choose.
14. Giving us you Word so we can know you well.
15. Dade's crazy cow licks, Matia's crooked teeth, Kayla's open mouth smiles and  their lack of self-consciousness.
16. Good health
17. Coffee 
18. Music
19. Words, books, ideas
20. Rest, sleep & a comfy bed.

Ba Humbled!

Well, after my rant yesterday I came across this, and this.
To say the least I felt terrible about the perspective I allowed myself to take in regard to baking cookies with my kids, decorating my home, and even the weather.
I have so much to be thankful for. I read some where recently if we all tossed our troubles into a pile, we'd be quick to take back our own. I shouldn't complain about messes, when my children are healthy and whole. I shouldn't complain about broken decorations when I have the abundance to buy fragile little doo dads. I shouldn't complain about the cold weather when I have a warm home, warm clothes and reliable heated transportation. So what if ski pants get wet, I have a washing machine and dryer. It's a cinch, it's a snap, it means serving others without grumping - that is the hard part.
I don't know where the idea came from that I'm entitled to a perfect, magazine Christmas with out having to lift a finger to create that ideal atmosphere and cozy memories. I need to be thankful for the work involved because it is humbling. It stops me from worshiping the traditions and helps me to call on the strength of the Lord. He was and is the best example of a humble servant, whose 1st Christmas was anything but Hallmark! Without him and his humble life and death there would be no traditions to celebrate, no reason for the season as they say.

T.G.

I'm feeling a bit cynical, hopeless & thankless today. Could be the weather, it's definitely my attitude. I just feel like sighing and complaining all day long!!!!! What I really need to do is adjust my attitude... again. So I'm going to take 10 minute and think of things to be thankful for, like I try to do every week, and see if it helps. Here it goes...

Thanks God

• for giving me endless last chances.
• for the choice to change.
• for your spirit alive in me giving me the desire to glorify you, even when my flesh doesn't feel like it.
• for cards and words and looks and nodding heads and listening ears of encouragers all around me.
• for the fading of feelings. I won't always feel this way, it won't always be work to choose joy.
• for the experience that allows me to be compassionate and understanding when I come across someone else with the same struggles.
• for being here, with me, through it all.
• for caffeine and carbs.
• for music to cheer me up.
• for work that MUST be done to help me shift my attention from my little pity party to the necessities of living.
• for cute kids that melt my heart.
• for a husband who has high expectations for me because he knows I am capable, and he appreciates my help.
• for a warm shower and a soft bed at to look forward to when my days struggles are done.

Well, not exactly a 180, but I guess I found a turning point. Now off I go to be as productive as I can, with the energy I've got.

T.G.

Thanks God for...

New born babies
kids of all ages
child like wonder
trembling lips and crocodile tears
warm hugs and "juicy" kisses
sticky fingers
soft hair against my cheek
warm hand in mine
being asked to "huggle"
getting to witness play time
healthy appetites
budding independence
boisterous voices
wixed up mords
exuberant helpers
funny faces
introducing new experiences
the opportunities to watch wonder
attention to detail
abundant toys & books & craft stuff
focusing on the little things
princess & warriors
my kids

T.G.I.Thursday

Thanks God for...

spring
warm weather
fresh rain
longer, brighter days
birds singing
rosey cheeks
camp fires
the motivation to get things accomplished
the ability to do what needs to be done
knowing that you take care of us
being able to cast my cares on you
getting time to be home with my kids and DH
having a business that allows us to be flexible and consider many opportunities
being able to put my hope & trust in you

T.G.

Thanks God for:

Teachers who love their students
Teachers who are passionate about the subjects or topics they teach
Administrators who aren't afraid to pray in front of their students and staff
Administrators who take time to know their students
Warm classrooms
Abundant school supplies
Electricity
White boards
Books
Paper
Pencils & pens
Libraries
Computers
Playgrounds
Grass fields
Well stocked gym equipment room
Abundant coffee, sugar & cream
Desks
Lockers
Photocopiers
Laminators
Microwaves
Hot lunches
Breakfast programs
Parent Volunteers
Custodians
Secretaries
Maintainance workers
Students who get involved
The opportunity for students to have free education

Sometimes I get a bit ungrateful when it comes to our education system, but when I open my eyes to what is available to the majority of the world I gasp at how rich and educated we are.
We often complain of low funding, or old buildings or burned out staff, but we have funding, we have a roof over our heads & heat, there are willing hands in each school dedicated to serving children. We know our system, school, and teaching strategies aren't perfect, but it is definately a lot better than what most have access to.

I have certainly gained a new perspective from my time in grade 6. Thanks God for making me grow.

Thanks God

Thanks God for...

• time
• sunshine
• endurance
• good coffee
• sight
• fresh air
• hearty laughs
• hugs
• soft blonde baby girl hair smoothed under my palm and twirled in my fingers
• dimpled grins
• encouraging words
• answers to prayer
• unanswered prayers
• seasons in life
• nothing lasting forever except your love
• things to look forward to
• memories to cherish
• inspiring songs
• a forgiving husband
• good health
• a sound mind and good judgement
• the power of your resurection in my life
• problem solving skills
• interesting stories
• steadfast friends
• praying mothers

Thanks God

Thanks God

• for encouraging words, delivered to me every day this week by a different person at my work.
• for warm weather.
• for kids who "huggle"me.
• for meeting my needs abundantly.
• for surrounding me with family and friends who love me.
• for new born babies.
• for grandparents.
• for good health.
• for modern conveniences.
• for a clever and handsome husband.
• for difficulties that have forced me to grow, change, applogize, think, endure and pray.
• for faith, hope & love.
• for my new life through your son Jesus.
• for forgiving me every day.
• for a soft bed.
• for a creative mind.
• for laughter.
• for tears.
• for rest.
• for work.
• for words and books and thoughts.
• for music and singing and praise.
• for peace in the midst of chaos.
• for time to try again.
• for triumphs.
• for failures.
• for sustaining me in any situation, even when I give up.
• for funny stories.
• for heart to heart chats.
• for abundant blessings.
• for conquering death.
• for choosing to love me.