Thankful Thursday

Iris at Grace Alone is hosting Thankful Thursday for February. Come join in!


♥ I am thankful for God's faithful watching over us. What a blessing to know that he is always thinking about us. It's hard to wrap our (mere mortal) minds around the awesome power of God, but to have His Love and power in our corner every day...to be able to draw on His strength...gives us confidence to trust Him and then love others and share that Love with them.
Thank you Lord for always watching out for us...

♥ Our warm house and the haven of warmth that it is, especially with all the snow and cold weather this winter. I am so thankful that we were able to replace our furnace and A/C a few years ago. Also thankful for our new roof! My prayers are with those who have had to do without electricity and running water due to the storms and downed power lines. Most of our power lines are underground, so we rarely have outages. Lord, please be with those who need their power back on- I pray that is repaired quickly.

♥ I am thankful for the wonderful time with both sides of our family at the wedding weekend we had in Indianapolis two weeks ago. It was so nice to be there and see Karl and Emily's wedding, and be with Lon's siblings and friends of the family. We also got to spend time with Ben, Lisa and Sophie! We were also able to meet up with my brother, Steve, SIL Opal and their daughter, Kristy, her husband Dean and little Corbin! They live in Indiana- Kristy and Dean live and work in Indy. Just a great weekend! Thank you Lord for travel mercies and for blessing us with this precious time with family.

♥ I am thankful that my sister Melissa and her husband and kids are coming to spend a long weekend with us starting tonight! Thankful also that the snow storm that went through their area and ours is over and the roads shouldn't be a problem for their drive- AND that they have a 4-wheel drive! I am so looking forward to some "bff sister time"!!:) Thank you Lord for the close relationship that Missy and I have, and for this time to be together.

♥ I am thankful for my new grand-niece Emma who was born yesterday. My nephew Nick and his wife Meghan are the proud parents and my brother Tom is a first-time grandpa!! Congratulations to all! Thank you Lord for new life, and joy that a precious little baby brings to our families.

♥ Since this is Valentine week, our thoughts turn to the Love that we give and receive. My heart overflows with the love that I receive from my husband, family and friends-- and also my love for them. We are so blessed. We also have that confidence that we are loved unconditionally by our Heavenly Father who teaches us in his Word how to love.

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." I John 4:10-11

Happy Valentines Day!:)

Thankful Thursday

Sonya at Truth 4 The Journey has invited us to join her and list of five things for which we are thankful.






1. I am thankful for time spent with our family over the past few weeks at Christmas and then again last week for my birthday. Also for the possible opportunity to see Ben, Lisa and Sophie again if we get to go to our nephew's wedding at the end of the month-- not to mention all the family we will see at the wedding! Thank you Lord, for keeping our kids and their families safe in travel and for the time we have together.

2. I am thankful for my husband and his gentle ways. It is a blessing to married to a man of character and who is a man of God. Thank you, Lord for how my dh was raised up to follow you and that he has continued to make the decision to follow you in his life.

3. I am thankful for the break in the cold, subfreezing temperatures that went on for so long. -- And for the hope that Spring brings. Thank you Lord, for the four seasons and for your design of ever changing beauty around us in this world.

4. I am thankful for Christian writers whose books turn us toward the Bible to study more. So often, it is easy to read the books and not the Bible, where the Truth is. Thank you Lord, for the Christian writers, but most of all for Your writings that tell us of Jesus and your love for us! And also, thank you for the many Bible study leaders and for the hours of preparation they give to lead the studies.

5. I am thankful for the joy that a child brings to those around them- the smiles, the laughter, playing and imagination- just the joy of watching them learn about the world around them. Thank you Lord, for these little ones. Bless their parents...Help us as families to always be guiding them to you.

Thankful Thursday

Sonya at Truth 4 The Journey has invited us to join her and list of five things for which we are thankful.


1) I am thankful for our Heavenly Father who" leans his ear" (from Psalms) toward us to hear our prayers and requests. I think he might have a crook in his neck from leaning down to hear our prayers during this last week:) Our new little grandson, Elijah was born with fluid in his lungs and had to spend a day and a half in the NICU. Thank you Lord for loving us and hearing our prayers...and that Eli is now home with his family and doing well...

2) I am thankful for all the friends and family who were praying for little Eli and his mommy and daddy. It's a wonderful blessing to be able to put out the word for needed prayer and know that people are praying in unison for a need! Thank you Lord for those who know you and talk to you every day...

3) I am thankful for the wonderful time we had together on Thanksgiving Day. Thank you Lord for sweet fellowship within our family and that you are the center of that love and closeness...

4) I am thankful for the success that our son Jonathan is having with his college classes this semester. He has done very well on some crucial tests in his major subjects in the past few weeks. Thank you Lord for being with Jonathan in his busy school and work schedules...

5) I am thankful that I got (and a ride with Tim and Brooke:) to go see little Elijah for the first time on Tuesday. He slept through our visit, but that's ok:) Thank your Lord for the blessing to go see this precious new little one in our family...

Thankful Thursday

Sonya at Truth 4 The Journey has invited us to join her and list of five things for which we are thankful.


1) I am thankful for this community of Christ-following ladies who know the Lord and pour out their gratitude each week. For the encouragement and inspiration that they give and get in return...Thank you Lord for bringing together those who love you and share that love with others- online and off.

2) I am thankful for our son Jonathan, whose 22nd birthday we celebrated on Tuesday. He is our youngest son- and it's hard to believe he is this old already. So proud of the young man that he is! I am thankful that his diligence in studying has earned him good grades on some very tough tests worth high percentage points in the last month- and now for this short time of less stress for him. Thank you Lord for Jonathan and the blessing that he is to us and those around him.

3) I am thankful for my husband whose hard work is fixing a water run-off problem we have had at the front of our house. Thank you Father for his ingenuity and strength to do jobs around our home. And thank you for this home...

4) I am thankful that Amanda and I are planning a trip to Illinois to visit my mom and siblings this weekend. It will probably be the last trip there before the snow flies and travel gets too unpredictable - along with schedules... Thank you Lord for mom's good health at age 81-- for her constant love for her family. Be close to her as the anniversary of Dad's going to Heaven is this weekend also. And thank you for my brothers and sister and for my BIL and SsIL. Thank you for family - the love, memories and faith that we share.

5) I am thankful for this string of sunny days that we are having throughout this week! The beautiful fall colors along with the sunshine make us just feel better. Thank you Lord for your creation of the earth, and how you set the seasons in motion-- and for it's beauty that inspires us. It's beauty is reflected in art around us and in our hearts as we reflect your love for us.

Thankful Thursday

Sonya at Truth 4 The Journey has invited us to join her and list of five things for which we are thankful.


1) I am thankful for lessons that God is teaching me these days. I remember thinking in my younger years that by the time I would be in my fifties surely I would have things all figured out and life would be smooth. Well, maturity does bring some wisdom, I hope:), but I've found that here I am-- with still sooo much to learn. And, faithfully, God keeps working on my heart. Thank you Lord for grace and mercy. Those are to be my first response to others also.

2) I am thankful a trip home from Pittsburgh planned by Ben and Lisa and little Sophia for mid-October! Yes, we will get to see that precious granddaughter again soon! Thank you Lord for joyful surprises in our lives.

3) I am thankful for my hard-working husband, who is faithful to his employers and does his best there. And his is also faithful to his family with love and care at home. Thank you Lord, for bringing us together those years ago:)

4) I am thankful for the beauty of the earth. The fall colors are starting to peek out here and there... God's creation brings beauty and joy to our lives each day. Thank you Lord, the mighty Creator.

5) I am thankful for kind friends who take the time to call and stay close. What a blessing they are! Thank you Lord and please bring them to mind often and make time, so that I am a faithful friend also.

Thankful Thursday

Sonya at Truth 4 The Journey has invited us to join her and list of five things for which we are thankful.





1) I am thankful for mercies that are new every morning. Our Lord loves us so much and He gives us a new opportunities every day to live for Him and not ourselves. Thank you Lord!

2) I am thankful for our home. I believe that the Lord picked it out for us. Twenty-three years ago, we literally bought it sight unseen. Yes-did not see it before we bought it. My husband's dear father found it for us with our real estate agent (after another house bid fell through at the last minute). This was a week before we were to arrive from Nashville with four kids and a truck full of our belongings. We raised/(are still raising one of) our six children here. There are sweet memories in each and every room:) Thank you Lord- this is your house - help us to use it for hospitality and comfort for those who need it as you see fit...

3) I am thankful that our son Ben has recovered from the flu (probably H1N1) and that so far Lisa and little Sophia haven't come down with it. Thank you Lord for your protection.

4) I am thankful for our DIL Jess whose birthday is this week! She is a sweet loving wife to our son and a wonderful mother to little Sam. Sam's little brother is due in November:) Jess shows love and kindness to those around her with her sweet spirit and beautiful smile. Thank you Lord, for Jess's heart for you.

5) I am thankful for the cool, refreshing weather of Autumn. For the beautiful colors and cozy feelings it gives us. Thank you Lord for giving us the beautiful colors of nature and for painting our world with your love.

Thankful Thursday

Sonya at Truth 4 The Journey has invited us to join her and list of five things for which we are thankful.




1) I am thankful for how faithful God is to lift me up when I get to thinking too much about me. That's usually when I have a tendency to get down. Today He used a fellow blogger to touch my heart with a video to remind me how my life is about Him and what He wants for my life . How much He loves me and wants me to let Him lead my life and then things will be so much better for it.

2) I am thankful for those generations of faith who came before us. And now our family is living in the benefits of knowing Christ. That seed has been passed on. In knowing that what we do each day, the decisions we make, will affect our children, and grandchildren and their grandchildren... Psalm 102:18 "Let this be written that a future generation, that a people not yet created, may praise the Lord." Again, it's not about me...

3) I am thankful for those who have a heart of encouragement. There is so much tearing down in the world today-- everyone needs to be lifted up now and then.

4) I am thankful for the time that we had with our kids last Sunday. A shower for Brooke and Tim ( a coed shower:) was held at our house. The guys weren't sure about coming to a shower, but I think they enjoyed it, too:) And of course, Grammy and Papa love any time spent with Sam. He is talking in short sentences now and is so fun.

5) I am thankful for the circle of friends that Tim and Brooke have to support them. At the shower, we were invited to petition the Lord in prayer for them and their upcoming marriage. I was brought to tears while listening to, and agreeing with the blessings and petitions for Tim and Brooke. These are young friends (& Tim's siblings also), some single, and others who are newly married themselves--had scriptural wisdom of what the Lord intends for a marriage that just overwhelmed me.-- hearing their sweet blessings and guidance for the serious responsibilities that come with being a husband or a wife seeking to live for Christ. As one of their friends said, "Lord, you invented marriage..." Anyway, it touched this mother's heart.

Brooke and Tim reading messages on cards and opening gifts. Their big day is a little more that two weeks away.

Thankful Thursday

Sonya at Truth 4 The Journey has invited us to join her and list of five things for which we are thankful.




1) I am thankful that the Lord uses the chirping of birds around our house and yard to bring my mind around to thinking about Him and his awesome creation. This morning they are really chirping away. I often wonder what they are saying to each other...

2) I am thankful for our daughter's friends. They are a close group who love to do things together and most of them are in the same youth group- so they also encourage each other in their walk with the Lord. What a blessing.

3) I am thankful for the high level of health care and excellent hospitals that are available in our area. Our university hospital was just given a high rating in a national award.

4) I am thankful for summertime and the change in schedule and the wonderful seasonal veggies! Farmers Markets are such a blessing to us city dwellers:) uh-hem- I'm a country girl at heart:)

5) I am thankful for this refreshing, comfortable summer weather we are having. It doesn't drain your energy or your pocketbook (for a/c) as badly as hot summers. If you are having high temps, I hope some of this weather front reaches you soon:)

Have a happy Thursday!

Thankful Thursday

Sonya at Truth 4 The Journey has invited us to join her and list of five things for which we are thankful.











1. I am so thankful for this beautiful, low humidity- pleasant temperature- weather that we are being blessed with. I am so not a hot weather girl:)


2. I an thankful for the great time that we had last weekend with a visit from Kristen's family from Ohio. It was so nice spending time with her sweet mom Kim and her brother and sisters. Kim is an amazing mom and woman of God.


3. I am reminded again and am blessed so much by our three precious DIL's - Kristen, Jess and Lisa. And next month, Brooke will join our family-- four dear young women after God's heart, who love our sons. Thank you Lord...


4. I am thankful for the comfort in knowing of God's close watch-care over us. For prayer, and that He is aware of every detail of our lives and shows us His love in so many ways.


5. I am thankful for the connections that I have through this blog world with amazingly talented women. Yes YOU!!:) You who use those gifts and talents for their families and churches, and also encourage and uplift their bloggy sisters all over the country.
I know you encourage me more than you'll ever know!

Thankful Thursday

Sonya at Truth 4 The Journey has invited us to join her and list of five things for which we are thankful.









1) I am thankful for the beautiful weather we have been enjoying.

2) I am thankful that we have not had to have any vehicle repairs for several months. That is a huge blessing!

3) I am thankful for our family- and extended family's jobs in this economy.

4) I am thankful for all the family and friends who are planning to come to celebrate Amanda's graduation next week and for the plans that are coming together for that.

5) I am thankful that God led our son Tim to meet Brooke, the love of his life-- and for their upcoming wedding.

Here is the happy couple:)

Thankful Thursday

Sonya at Truth 4 The Journey has invited us to join her and list of five things for which we are thankful. This picture on her new button really looks like her- so cool! Check it out:)






1) I am thankful for a loving Father who loves us more that we can even imagine. And each day of our lives He cares about what is happening to us.

2) I am thankful for my husband, who is loving and hard working. He shows mercy and concern for others. He love his children and cherishes time spent with them.

3) I am thankful for the example that my parents were in their marriage as models, that in good times and bad, you stick together- you don't give up. And now for Mom as she goes on without Dad, I pray that she finds things that give her joy in filling her days. I am thankful for her good health and the blessing that she is to our family.

4) I am thankful for our children and wonderful DIL's (we count them as our children too:). I treasure the memories of their childhood, but am so blessed by them as young adults- their faith, and their genuine caring shown to each other and those around them. I have to add in here the blessing of our grandchildren, Sam and Sophia. What a joy they are!

5) And I am so thankful for my blogging friends. You have no idea how you have brightened my days since I started this blogging journey back in September! You kindness, humor and encouragement have put tears in my eyes and a smile on my face many times. You truly are a blessing. Happy Mother's Day to you all:)

Thank you, Heavenly Father...

Thankful Thursday and The Smallest Blessings

Today I am posting gratitude for blessings at Thankful Thursday and The Smallest Blessings.


Please join Laurie from ‘Women Taking a Stand’ who will be hosting Thankful Thursday in April.

And join The Southern Housewife for The Smallest Blessings. Check out her blog and see what its all about.

I am thankful for the joy that comes my way each day...

from watching the birds that come to visit our backyard...

and remind us that God made these creatures for our enjoyment...

and that the wonder of His creation leads us to seek the Creator, come closer to Him, and give Him glory.

"Notice the raven: they do not sow or reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more important are you than birds!" Luke 12:24

Thankful Thursday and The Smallest Blessings

Today I am posting gratitude for blessings at Thankful Thursday and The Smallest Blessings.


Please join Laurie from ‘Women Taking a Stand’ who will be hosting Thankful Thursday in April.

And join The Southern Housewife for the very first The Smallest Blessings. Check out her blog and see what its all about.









Look who else has discovered a smorgasbord on our deck. I am thankful for the joy it brings to watch God's creation and little creatures in our backyard. I think I'll call this little chipmunk "Theodore"-- (Alvin always gets top billing;)

I'd love to see how he gets up the deck stairs!

Thankful Thursday- So Many Blessings

Today is Thankful Thursday. Lynn from ‘Spiritually Unequally Marriage’ will be hosting Thankful Thursday during March, and Laurie from ‘Women Taking a Stand’ will be hosting in April.
Stop and visit Lynn and see what others are thankful for.




I am thankful for:

• for God's faithfulness in providing our needs. For His mercies that are new every morning--I need them every day!
• For His Word, where we can find the answers to live our lives.
  
• my husband who as a man of God, lives his faith and demonstrates that love to his family and those around him. For his gift of teaching that he uses to help others succeed at work.
  
• for our children (and our that includes our dils!) who are a blessing to me everyday! For their many talents that they use willingly in service to others.
  
• for the safe delivery of our granddaughter Sophia last week.
  
  
• for our grandson, Sam, for his good health and loving ways.
  
  
• for the changing seasons- and signs of Spring!;)
  
• and for this wonderful community of kind and talented women, who amaze me every day with their use of blogging as a ministry and encouragement to others!
  

Bless You!

Thankful Thursday- The Everyday Things

Today is Thankful Thursday. Lynn from ‘Spiritually Unequally Marriage’ will be hosting Thankful Thursday during March, and Laurie from ‘Women Taking a Stand’ will be hosting in April.
Stop and visit Lynn and see what others are thankful for.


As I go through my day, I talk to God. I thank him for many things and ask his help in others.

I thank him for the reliable furnace as I hear it come on throughout the day. I ask him to protect our home when storms and ice and rain come- because it's his house. I've turned it over to him for using as he wants. I offer it for hospitality, and warmth and comfort for others when needed.

As I load the washer and hear it swishing our clothes clean, I say thank you. As water goes through the pipes (not frozen) or when the dryer, with all of its options for how I want my clothes to dry, does its job- I whisper, wow, God, thank you.

Loading the dishwasher, I say thank you. All of these conveniences I try not to take for granted. These are every day things -easy to just use and go on.

Maybe because I've lived long enough to have had all of these machines at one time or another break, I remember what is like to live without them for some time. That's when you realize how much you use and depend on them.

I ask God's help throughout the day for safety and strength and knowledge and wisdom, and for our needs. I ask him to watch over our family as they travel to jobs and such. I feel him close. Caring about what I am doing. And I thank him for that.

I look around our home, and thank the Lord for these blessings- the everyday things...that really are quite amazing.

"...give thanks to Him and praise his name." Psalm 100:4