Thirty Days of Thanks...

for Advent-

and the calendar waiting to help us count down the days

to Christmas!

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for sick days.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for Christmas shopping

nearly done!

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for these two cuties-

who at first let me hold them,

but then wanted me to hold them.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for homemade bread-

the aroma, the warmth, and the taste

are all delicious.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for our apartment-

more than just a place to eat or sleep,

but a base for ministry.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

“Every time you feel in God’s creatures something pleasing and attractive, do not let your attention be arrested by them alone, but, passing them by, transfer your thought to God and say: O my God, if Thy creations are so full of beauty, delight and joy, how infinitely more full of beauty, delight and joy are Thou Thyself, Creator of all!” Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for cookies-

one of my favorite treats!

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for homeschooling-

because it serves our family well

(and for Thanksgiving break!).

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for my pillow-

because I love to sleep.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for a drawer

full of love notes.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for pumpkins-

the key ingredient to most

delicious autumn desserts.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for dirty dishes-

proof that He meets

our most basic needs.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for very warm slippers-

because my feet get very cold.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for lost things-

found.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for music.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for Calvary Baptist Church of Joliet-

the body

and bride

in action.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for morning coffee-

bring

it

on!

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for happy memories-
big and small events
etched in my mind.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for the Scriptures-

breathed out by God,

profitable for teaching,

reproof,

correction,

training in righteousness;

that I may be

competent,

equipped

for every good work.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for the storytellers-
they lovingly cared for the child
who became my husband,
and now lovingly care for my children.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for a stranger-

who became a sister.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for Kallie, Yvonne and Cassandra-

there were never such

devoted sisters.

October Reading...

I didn't do it.

I didn't read a book in October.

I checked one out of the library and hated it. After about a quarter of the way through I returned it because it was stupid.

Then I ordered a book online that I am in the middle of now...

Technically, I failed at reading a book a month.

But I'm going to pretend that the months I read MORE than one book will cover October.

Just making up the rules as I go...

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for a big brother, Ryan-

my generous

and loving

dance partner.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for my mom-

giving,

and giving,

and giving

for others.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for my daddy-

strong and brave,

gentle and humble.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for special visitors-

who stay in our home

for a short while,

but in our hearts

forever.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for Bryan Paul and Gwyn-

words cannot express

my gratitude

for these gifts.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for Bryan-

my best friend,

my love.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

for grace-

unmerited,

undeserved,

unearned

favor.