Thankful Thursdays: 4th & Final Week + an Announcement

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, and welcome to the final week of Thankful Thursdays. I'm joining Gabby of Mama Gab and Caroline of Anchored in His Grace to share how the Lord has blessed us each week. It's about being conscious of the gifts our Heavenly Father gives us and thanking Him for His goodness and love. Feel free to share in the comments how God has blessed you lately.

7 {More} Things I'm Thankful for This Week

Let's keep counting . . .  

22

After our 10K in October

Sweet friendships. While I have a lot of friends, I do not have many close friends--the kind where you don't worry about the mess in your house because you know your friend isn't judging you. My friend Sarah is that type of friend. She inspires me to be a more patient mom as I watch how gentle she is with her little ones. Her homemaking binder totally motivated me to create my own. Her little boys play so well with my little girls, and we both have toddlers named Anna Elizabeth {born before we even knew each other :)}. I'm so thankful for our friendship.

23
Breakfast at IHOP. When Daddy suggests breakfast (lunch, dinner, lupper, linner, even a snack) out, Mama is happy to oblige :) Thankful that we have the means to eat out every now and then as a family.

24
Our church family. I think I list this blessing every week, but what is more wonderful than worshiping our God with other people with the same faith and hope. I am encouraged every week to put my trust in Him, even when fears assail me on all sides. The precious people at our church dote on our girls and never make us feel like their boisterousness is a nuisance, although I know it must be.

25
A wonderful doctor's report! Two years ago my endocrinologist wanted to remove my thyroid because of a nodule he thought was cancerous. After an inconclusive biopsy, my gut instinct, and a second opinion I declined surgery, and praise the Lord I did! This week I found out there are NO nodules on my thyroid and NO risk of cancer! I'm still taking Syntheroid daily, but I'm so grateful for that peace of mind.
 
26

Membership to our local children's museum. That was the best $75 we ever spent! Thank you, Lord, that we had the money to cover it. The Discovery Center offers preschool classes three days a week plus afternoon exhibits and activities that are free for members. Plus, the museum is filled with fun, educational things to do. My kids LOVE going here, and it certainly helps that our dear friends, the Swaffords, also have a membership.

27
Answered prayers. I went today to see the surgeon about the growth on my breast. The doctor thinks the place is almost definitely benign. I can't tell you what a relief that news was. I will have a biopsy in December just to make sure.
 
28 
Family & Friends. Last night we had dinner with my husband's mom's family and some of their friends. Today, we're having lunch with my husband's dad's family, and Friday, we're headed to my parents' for dinner with my mom's family. Time with loved ones is so rare these days, but I'm thankful for what little time we have together.  

What about you? How has the Lord blessed YOU this week?

Feel free to share a link or comment in the comment section below.  

An Announcement!

  
Beginning next Thursday and for the duration of December, I will be starting a series on "Unique Christmas Gifts for Children."  

I'll be sharing some fun, inexpensive, and memorable gift ideas that will, I hope, expand your search for the elusive "perfect gift" beyond the hottest toys at Toys-R-Us. I hope you'll join me!

 Blessings to you,

Linking up to these lovely parties.

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Thankful Thursdays in November: Week 3

This is our third week of Thankful Thursdays, hosted by Gabby at Mama Gab. Caroline from Anchored in His Grace and I are joining in, and we hope you will too. Leave a link or share what you're thankful for this week in the comment section below.

7 {More} Things I'm Thankful for This Week

Let's keep counting . . .  

15
My dad and his generosity in taking my husband pheasant hunting in South Dakota. It's a great time of male bonding, and Daniel needs the time away from work. 
Good news from the doctor. The place under my arm was nothing serious.

16
All the senior citizens at my church. We are blessed with a lot of older people at our church, several of whom my girls are close to. On Saturday, we had a banquet celebrating those seniors, and some of the youth -- including my eldest daughter Kate -- performed in a Winter Wonderland skit for these sweet seniors who always have a kind word to say about our children.

17
My husband's safe return. Sunday was a stormy, dreary day here in Tennessee. After Daniel called from the South Dakota airport with news that flights into and out of the Chicago airport were delayed, I was fearful that he would be stuck there or flying in bad conditions. But thanks be to God, he made it home safely at 10:00 that night!
 
18
My middle girl's sweet concern for their Mama. I had to go for a thyroid ultrasound on Monday {I have hypothyroidism.}, and since they are usually very quick, I took all three girls. I explained what would happen and told them not to worry; nothing hurts me. But still my three-year-old {this one} stood by me and rubbed my arm and stroked my hand through it all. Melt my heart, ya'll.

19
Finding out a sweet friend who's had numerous miscarriages is 32 weeks pregnant! Oh, how I have been heartbroken for her, and now to find out she is having a baby boy very soon! We serve an awesome God!

20
Missing Bible study. At first, I was devastated to miss because my eldest wasn't feeling well, but the time we spent at home together was so precious and sweet that I knew that only the Lord could have planned it so perfectly. He knew we needed that time together, and I'm so grateful for it. 
 
21 
Encouragement & prayers from family & friends. My doctor called this morning to tell me a fibroid adenoma (usually benign) on my right breast has grown and that she wants me to have it biopsied, possibly even removed. Nervous, scared, and fearful, I called my husband and mom who only offered positive words and emailed my CBS leadership team, many of which replied with emails that brought tears to my eyes. I'm so grateful for the love and support of Christian friends and loved ones. 

What about you? How has the Lord blessed YOU this week?

Feel free to share a link or comment in the comment section below.  

 Blessings to you,

Linking up to these lovely parties.

If you would like to have posts delivered to your inbox, click: Growing in His Glory. Or join us on Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest.

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Thankful Thursdays in November: Week 2

This is our second week of Thankful Thursdays, hosted by Gabby at Mama Gab. Caroline from Anchored in His Grace and I are joining in, and we hope you will too. Leave a link in the comment section below, or share what you're thankful for this week.

 

7 {More} Things I'm Thankful for This Week

Let's keep counting . . . 

8
Healthy children. Last Friday I took our middle child for her 3-year check-up, and she's healthy as a horse. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for protecting our children from horrible diseases and debilitating illness that afflict so many innocent babies. Mine may be struggling in the obedience department, but what a blessing it is that they all have good health!


9
A storage unit full of our belongings, much of which is junk, I know, but still it's our junk. This past weekend my husband and I waded through our six years of accumulated stuff to find fall/winter clothes and purge. Each bag of bedding and clothes, each box of books and toys make me aware how materially wealthy we are compared with the rest of the world (and that I need to stop accumulating!)

10
Our church family. Sundays are usually not restful days for our family like they probably should be. But Sunday is the day we fellowship with our Christian family and encourage one another in our walks with the Lord, worshiping our heavenly Father together. I look forward to going to church because of the love I feel for the men and women I worship with and their love for me. Don't get me wrong. Sundays are hard days with little ones, but I usually leave feeling a little more loved and a little more convicted to get back to work.

11
Doing school at home with my girls. Homeschooling has been so much fun this year. We're doing our Thanksgiving unit now, so this week we learned all about Pocahontas. My girls have devoured everything I've read about the Indian "princess" and know more about her than I do. And the questions they ask... I'm so grateful that I can stay home and teach our girls. What a blessing!

12
Long nap days. Ahhhhh..... As a mom of littles, any day when the kids all nap at the same time is a gift, but when all three nap for over 2 hours!!! it's a special blessing from the Lord. I didn't waste that precious time alone either :) Thank You, Lord!

13
A hard day at Bible study. I've mentioned before that I'm a core leader in Community Bible Study. The group I lead is for moms with babies.This precious group of women and their sweet babes bless me every week, but this week was very discouraging for me. Satan, that ol' accuser, was attacking my confidence and making me doubt my ability to lead this group. But God works even in our challenges and has reminded me through a handful of people that He is the one who gives the increase, not me. Some days I'm thankful for the chastening.

14
Time spent with my mom. While my husband, dad, and brother are hunting in South Dakota this week, the girls and I are spending the rest of the week with my mom. My mom has a servant's heart like no one I know, and she is always an encouragement for me to be around. Plus, the girls adore their Gram Gram. I'm so thankful for her example.


What about you? How has the Lord blessed YOU this week?
Feel free to share a link or comment in the comment section below.  

 Blessings to you,

Linking up to these lovely parties.

If you would like to have posts delivered to your inbox, click: Growing in His Glory. Or join us on Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest.

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Thankful Thursdays in November: Week 1

My friend Gabby at MamaGab is hosting Thankful Thursdays where we share one thing we're thankful for each day of the week in November. Lucky for me I've been keeping track of my blessings lately, so I've decided to join her. 

7 Things I'm Thankful For This Week

1
The life of my grandmother who celebrated her 81st birthday today. My Mema Jean has a heart of gold and never an unkind word for anyone. She exemplifies Southern hospitality: you can't go to her house without eating a meal, even if it's lunch at 10:30 in the morning.

2
My Dad and his family of five brothers and sisters, who together, with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren came to celebrate Mema Jean's birthday. We only see my Dad's side of the family a handful of times each year, so anytime we gather, it's special. Family--it's what really matters, right?

3
A sweet couple at our church who has offered to temporarily take over the Sunday night class for young children my husband and I started this summer. I've been very discouraged and even considered calling it quits many times, but the Lord heard my need and answered with their desire to help out.

4
The American Heritage Girls troop my daughter is a part of. As a homeschooler, Kate's social activities are pretty limited. AHG has introduced her to new friends who love the Lord and also given her responsibilities and new experiences like scripture memorization, service projects, and fundraising efforts that are broadening her perspective on life.

5
Having my middle daughter at home with us. One month ago I hesitantly took Cora out of Mother's Day Out--prompted by the Holy Spirit. It was a tough decision to make, but the Lord has been faithful and I haven't looked back since. Cora participates in school right along with Kate, and the two are inseparable.

6
My Community Bible Study core group. The young moms that I have gotten to know and their sweet little babies I've held have been such a blessing to me. I never would have seen myself as a leader of anything, but the Lord called me to lead this group, and He has been faithful to see me through.

7
Exercising at the Y with my husband. I'm thankful that the Lord has blessed us where we can afford to go to a gym with child care and exercise alone or together. Knowing we're both working towards improving our health is a comfort, and I'm grateful the Lord has provided.

What about you? What is one thing you're thankful for this week?

If you want to join in on Thankful Thursdays, visit us here.




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