Happy Thanksgiving

The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. -H. U. Westermayer


Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more. -Brother David Steindl-Rast


At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. -Albert Schweitzer

Thankful Thursday Thirteen

A short list of what makes me thankful.

1. There is a God who loves me so much he sent His son to save me.
2. I have a husband who loves me - sometimes in spite of me.
3. I have children who love and respect me and who have, as adults, become my friends and who have given me wonderful in-laws.
4. I have a close family that is supportive and who are always there for each other.
5. I have an amazing group of friends who are just like family. We really do "do life" together.
6. I have two amazing, healthy, beautiful grandbabies and one more on the way.
7. I have a dog that makes me laugh.
8. I live in a country that allows me "the pursuit of happiness".
9. I have a job, a vehicle, and a home.
10. I have the ability to see, hear, smell, talk, walk and feel.
11. I have the ability to think and access to places for and instruments of learning.
12. I have a Bible in my own language that I can read whenever I so desire. (Actually I have several translations.)
13. I have a computer that allows me access to the world, to new friends and ideas, and reminds me that no matter how big the world seems, we all live under the same sky! (If you doubt that, check out just a few of the many Sky Watch Friday links here.)

13 Things I'm Thankful For This Week

Our wreck on the 23rd has been an eye opening experience in many ways. We have seen first hand God's protection and blessing and we have been made aware of how many things in life we take for granted. The following 13 are just some of them.

I am thankful-

1. for God's hand and sovereignty over every situation and that He can bring good out of anything.
2. to be alive - to be able to have more time on this Earth with our children, family, and friends, and to hold my granddaughter, and pet my dogs, and watch the snow, and feel the warmth of the sun.
3. that my husband is alive and recovering. (And being a very good patient, by the way.)
4. that our daughter and unborn son are alive and healthy.
5. that everyone else involved in the accident is alive and that once my vehicle was hit it did not hit anyone else - just a light pole.
6. that we are blessed with children (including our son-in-law and daughter-in-law) who are willing and able to "step up" in an emergency situation.
7. nurses - who every day do a job that I certainly never could.
8. for the CNA/CPA's who change the sheets, gowns, and bathe the patients and do so with kindness, consideration, and respect.
9. for the EMT's who were quick, professional, and understanding.
10. for dear friends and family who have provided prayers, meals, help with housekeeping, companionship, run errands, and other things to numerous to mention in order to help us. We are truly blessed to have you in our lives.
11. for the lessons that God has and continues to teach us throughout this ordeal and that He has allowed us to share His love with roommates and others.
12. for His amazing provision which is so perfectly timed.
13. for a "wake-up call" about priorities, what is truly important, and how very, very blessed we really are.