Daybook...March 14, 2011

FOR TODAY ...March 14, 2011...

Outside my window...IT IS SNOWING!!!! Really? I need to get on the road!

I am thinking..."REALLY???? I need to get on the road!"

I am thankful for...My husband who has been very understanding on this long journey to menopause--that is still not over.

From the learning rooms...One boy does school on the road, one boy does school at home with Dad.

From the kitchen... I will not be in mine.

I am wearing... Pajamas. I need to get dressed and on the road. But it's SNOWING!

I am creating...I have about seven knitting projects going. My goal is to finish ONE, 1, one, uno, next week.

I am going...to take care of a relatives needs for a short while.

I am reading...Salem Falls, by Jodi Picoult and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (yes, again).

I am hoping...for safe travel. Actually, I am praying for that.

I am hearing...the clock ticking.

Around the house...Everyone else is asleep.

One of my favorite things...a quiet cup of coffee in the morning.

A few plans for the rest of the week:Driving...

No picture today. Hopefully, I can start sharing some soon.

Off the computer now. Must load the van. Hopefully the snow will lighten up soon. Will be visiting my bloggy neighbors this evening when Boo and I touch down.

Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more daybookers.

Laryngitis of the Blog

I lost my voice for a while.

No, I didn't really have laryngitis. At least not the vocal kind (although, perhaps my children wouldn't have minded a bit). I've experienced what some might call "writer's block" but it was that and more. It spilled over into a lot of daily living. The outcome was that I've not been visibly "around" much here. In all honesty, I have been on FaceBook and Twitter, but those are so different. They can consume a lot of time--but they are different.

A couple things happened. Around October I was continually getting a sense that the LORD was telling me that I needed to take a break from my blog. Really? I didn't want to hear that. And I didn't want to announce I was taking a break, because I kept thinking I would "get better" and/or I wouldn't really be able to take a break after saying I was.

One problem with naming your blog "Joyful Days" is that there is a perceived (and maybe only by me) notion that my post should/will be positive. Naming my blog "Joyful Days" however was a challenge to myself. I wanted to start finding "joy in all things" I wanted to see joy in the tiny blessings as well as in the huge miracles. I still believe joy is a choice. I've seen what happens to people who choose to be the antithesis of joy--grouchy, depressed, angry, obstinate...in a word--me.

I've been hesitant to talk about my health issues--certainly not large and devastating, more of the chronic and persistent type...just annoying really, and in the grand scheme of things, very manageable. I didn't want to talk about them much because I didn't want my blog to go that direction even though those things are very much a part of who I am. I didn't want to define myself that way then.

But I have found joy is easier when you are addressing your health issues. My diagnosis of hypothyroidism was a blessing. Depression comes in many forms. I was experiencing sometimes debilitating depression--the depression that took all the energy I had to get out of bed. That kind and other depressions that are caused by chemical imbalances are not depressions that involve choice. But after my blanket of gauze was lifted I saw patterns I had allowed to creep into my life..."Poor me, life is unfair, people are mean..." Well those things are true sometimes, but the better choice is to see the "blessed me." I know I don't deserve all of the blessings I have and I've seen most often people are so kind.

Pre-diabetes has become part of my vocabulary. And when it did I finally chose to lose weight however I could get it off without surgery or medication (other than my thyroid medication, I guess). I've been hesitant to talk about my weight loss, but last year I lost 50 lbs. I've been worried lest I say anything and every last ounce will jump back on my body. My choice of diets has been debated in "real life" and while it is a choice due to my health issues, most people don't like the idea. My choice of exercise has taken a few hits too. Those two things combined with a few others molded my health choices last year. In all likelihood, now that I am a little more comfortable with them, I can share a little more.

My blog found some new readership and I had to decide how much personal information I can allow out here--both my personal "stuff" and my children's and the stuff that belongs to others in my life. I've been hesitant to talk about anything controversial or potentially offending.

Apparently I can be controversial and offending without intending to.

I've been hesitant to post about the reality of my days lest I sound like I'm boasting or worse whining--that "joyful days" thing again.

So, what have I been up to?

Exercise and diet. The road to "healthy" has helped me choose joy.

I found myself slipping a lot in my witness. Asking myself the "What Would Jesus Do?" question more often; asking myself if my action is "Christian" helps in finding joy--it is oftentimes inconvenient and takes a little extra thought--but the reality is liberating.

One more joyful thing is that I've been sleeping more. Part of my research shows that as you age you should get a certain amount of sleep. For quite a few years I worked overnights and still came home to school the boys during the day. That kind of lifestyle catches up with one sooner or later. So four or five nights a week I am in bed before eleven, which for me is huge.

I've pushed my children in ways I said I would not. I've allowed my children things I thought I wouldn't--still surprised when I realize how culturally deficient we are--why do I feel the need to apologize for that?

Driving lots of driving

Sitting and waiting.

Knitting

School--although I daily feel inadequate, and humbled by the children God has given me.

Trying to keep clothes clean and food on the table.

Facebook, Farmville, Farm Town, and Twitter.

Hopefully hitting "Publish Post" will help me blog again. I miss my blog. I miss my bloggy friends. Maybe I can get back on track...

Count it all joy,

Julie

midwest squall

high level thunder rumbles. mirrors reality on the ground. will it storm soon or be delayed? it is inevitable. the wait is is the hardest.

planting flowers in the thunder and rain was good therapy...

so grateful for the prayers. i am certainly blessed by friends.

Contrasts

I am used to falling asleep & waking up to the sounds of the nearby highway; motorcycles, jarring sirens, hot rods, smooth running cars, garbage trucks. It is a shock to fall asleep to almost total stillness and wake to the birdsongs. I love the country.

The boys have had their first encounter with recently born kittens. Lots of Benedryl, but apparently worth it. Fresh air, come and go in and out as you please. A far cry from having to keep an eye on them constantly, even in our own backyard.

No need for air-conditioning. Lots of breezed to cool the house. What a concept.

Small town, slow traffic...use the turn signal? Why? Everyone knows where you are going. Shop keepers, bank tellers know your name (and maybe your business?). A far cry from the anonymity of city dwelling.

Need to find the camera.

Daybook...April 27, 2009

FOR TODAY ...April 27, 2009...Can you believe we will be leaving April behind this week? One third of the year 2009 is already gone. How does that happen. I'm trying to catch up.

I keep saying I am going to spend time catching up with my blogging buddies and I don't feel I'm doing a great job with that either. Such is the life of a mom, I guess.


Outside my window......"and the rain rain rain came down down down so Piglet started bailing..." Feeling like we better start bailing soon. We've missed a lot of bad weather and I am grateful. But I certainly hope everyone else is okay. I know there were tornadoes not far from us last night. 'Tis the season for twisters. Sigh...

I am thinking...I haven't started any projects I'd planned for the last few weeks. School is taking up a lot of time and energy.














I am thankful for...a patient husband who helps with the house.

From the learning rooms...marching forward in the face of Spring Fever. Mom is the worst culprit for not wanting to do our work.

From the kitchen...eating on the fly tonight. Grabbing a bite between dance and church. Last time we should be doing that for a while. A nice roast and trimmings for tomorrow.

I am wearing...my jammies...does that count as a uniform for me???

I am creating...Still messing around with knitting. Learning. Things have been too cluttered to drag out my beads. Sat down to do cards yesterday. Spent time instead with the husband. I think it was a good change of plan. :)

I am going...to get more blood drawn tomorrow. Yuck.

I am reading...Inkspell.

I am hoping...to get it all together one of these days.

I am hearing...noise off the highway.

Around the house...I think everything is just going to be on hold until school is done.

One of my favorite things...the art gallery. We have a phenomenal one and I spent a few hours there alone on Sunday while waiting for Roo.

A few plans for the rest of the week:A couple friends may swim float stop by this week. Need to figure out a nice lunch.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...It's in Swedish which gave me a smile for the blustery day...



Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more daybookers.

A Kind Award

Mrs. Pogle atMrs. Pogle's World. shared the "Lovely Award" and the Butterfly Award with me. Thank you for the sweet blessing!!

“These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”

I'd like to share both these awards with :

Mrs. Pogle--right back to you (())!
Leah at South Breeze Farm
Jill at Quiet Needs
Irene at The Green Greek
Katie at Turning the Page
Buttercup Counts Her Blessings
Kim at Falling on His Grace
Esther at A Catholic Mom in Hawaii even though I know she already has it 'coz she shared it with me.

Thanks Mrs. Pogle. Sorry it took so long, but know it really brightened my day!

Blessings,

Julie

Grains of

I've been lax in my Grains of Gratitude posting. That doesn't mean that I've not been grateful, just poor in sharing it.

I'm very grateful that we've missed all the bad weather--many prayers for those who are still dealing with some of the awful effects of late. It has been such an odd winter so far with widely fluctuating temperatures and rollercoaster weather.

My health is improving and for that I am very grateful. I'm still dealing with a few issues and pray that they can be addressed soon. The first week with the synthroid was surprising. I felt wonderful. I don't know if things are leveling out (or bottoming out) but the huge energy burst didn't last long, although there's been great improvement in my mood. It is my understanding that this will take a few months to get sorted out.

There's groceries in the cupboards and the fridge, there's laundry in the washer that I should be doing and there's books to read all around me. My children are content (although Boo is dealing with yet another version of upper-respiratory yuck) and my husband is enjoying the football game. I should be getting more work done, but here I sit blogging away.

Life is good!

What are you grateful for?

Grains of Gratitude is home at Brady's Bunch, where Christine shares her sweet six children--especially that handsome Brady.

A Lovely Gift

Esther A Catholic Mom in Hawaii shared The Lovely Award with me. Thanks, Esther! I love Esther's blog. I'm always encouraged and refocused after a visit there. Maybe it's the Hawaiian winds blowing warmth my way? Hmmm...

The award says: “These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”

I'll pass the award on to these lovely eight bloggers.

Squelly at The Dreamer's Day
Carrie at Quite the Normal Life
Renee Two Peas in a Pod
Kim of mom-musings
Lisa at House of Many Blessings
Robin at My Two Blessings
The Bird House
Do You Weary Like I Do?

Thank you, Esther!

Christmas Spirit

Ever the encourager, Kim at mom-musings gifted me with a Christmas award:


Thanks, Kim! Sorry it's taken me so long to post this, but I'm finally feeling a little better tonight so I thought while the boys (all three of them! LOL!) are occupied, since there is no company (I was blessed by visits from both my father and my sister and her children) and since we have nowhere to go, I could visit my much neglected blog and hopefully my bloggy friends.

So, what are the rules?

The rules:
The rules for this meme are very simple. Good manners dictate thanking (and linking to) the person who gave you the award. Then simply list five things you love about Christmas and pay the meme forward by tagging as many people as you'd like to. To keep the Christmas spirit flowing, be a good sport and tag at least one person.


Five things I love about Christmas? This Christmas, I will have to say, did not turn out how I had envisioned in my rose-colored imagination. No one plans on being sick before, let alone on a holiday--especially when that "one" is the Mommy-person. I got a slow start in the first place and then kicked up the pace a little and went on a decorating binge. But (she says with quite a whiny whine) I had soooooooooo much more planned to do, so much more to bake, special menus to make, cards to send, books to read, songs to sing, people to see, places to go, blog friends to visit, posts to post, sigh ...

And I don't think those all where what God had in mind. I'm not saying He made me have pneumonia, but He can use everything for His glory. And a few days ago I had to come to terms with what was essential for this particular Christmas. And that helped narrow down the choices. So five things that I've loved about this very different Christmas? They are:

1. God. Sounds kind of cliché and trite, but it is true. He met me in everything I purposed to Him. Everywhere I made an effort to seek Him, He was there. Whether I was in church, with my family, exhausted and lying in bed--He was there. Christmas is about God and His great love for us. Let the commercialism and retailers and those who would deny Him protest--it won't change the truth: Christmas is about God, YHVH, the Great I AM's love for His wayward children.

2. My family. My guys make it all fun. My husband really took over so much for me this year. My boys just love anything anyone does to make things more festive. Spending time with my father and my sister and her children just blessed me and reminded me that to slow down and enjoy the moments.

3. Church. No matter your denomination, I bet you love to go to church during Christmas to sing and praise the LORD with other believers--other members of Our Father's vast and diverse family. I bet you love to hear the Gospel message of how the Father sent His Only Son to our world as a tiny infant, a child born not it a palace, but a smelly stable. I bet you love to hear the message of LOVE. I know I do.

The one thing I had asked for this year was to go to Midnight Mass again, just like last year (probably not what the doctor ordered--but my heart was crying for it). We went and it was wonderful. I am always amazed at how moved I am to hear the Christmas hymns, to hear the Word, to come to worship the One.

4. Surprises. Christmas is always about surprises. From the first surprise that God would send His Son as an infant, to the surprises of today. Maybe a family member got to come home, maybe you got something you really wanted, maybe it was the surprise of giving a gift to someone and you could tell you had blessed them and they were thrilled.

I had so many surprises this year--really good and sweet surprises. I have to tell you I ended up crying quite a lot--happy tears mind you. But crying leads to coughing, so I coughed a lot too. But the surprises were worth it. Someone gifted my children in an unexpected way. Someone delivered a beautiful dinner on a night I had company and hadn't had the energy to put anything together. Surprises are a wonderful part of Christmas.

5. Lights. I'm trying to imagine Christmas without light. If you didn't notice in my decorating--I like lights. I'm not sure that it always works, but I hope that with the lights we remember the Light of the World.

Now I am supposed to pass this on, and so to everyone who commented on my posts through Advent to Christmas (and if you comment on this one too!), I'd like to share this award with you. I wasn't sure where Christmas this year was going, and your sweet comments, e-mails and encouragement blessed me more than you will know.

Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope your days have been merry and your families blessed with joy.

Julie

Grains of Gratitude

An eleven day old baby.

I got to hold one this week.

A precious, sweet new soul—tiny and fresh and a gift from God. She joined a family as the sixth and joyfully welcomed child. Her oldest brother smiled when he told me about her. Both parents have that air of contented love about them. I was grateful her sweet mama let me hold her for a while and I was grateful to listen to her mother talk about their trust that the LORD will provide for each child the things that will help them grow to what He wants them to be. What a blessing.

A one-year-old’s birthday party.

My goddaughter’s birthday party.

Family and friends, food and fun, loud and joyful Celebrating the gift of a child’s milestone of one year. She sat on my lap for a bit, allowing me to hold her as long as I didn’t squish too tight or snuggle to close. We played with a pink stuffed dog and a brown stuffed horse. She delighted in playing, “watch the grown-ups dive for the toys when I throw them on the floor.” My sons had a great time and I got to sit and enjoy good company. All celebrating a child’s life.

Can you imagine over 2000 years ago Jesus was a baby, tiny and fresh from God? Stretching in His sleep, relying totally on the care of his parents. Can you imagine that He grew the first year and just like our children, reached milestones—rolling over, sitting up, crawling, striving to walk, talk…just like our children, just like us.

I am so grateful for a Savior who felt all of our feelings, experienced all of our experiences. In this busy time of year, during this time of run here, drive there, it is easy to feel disconnected from the true meaning of the holiday that is coming. My house still isn’t ready for Christmas, but this week I was given gifts to prepare my heart.

It’s beginning to look feel a lot more like Christmas.

What are you grateful for?

Grains of Gratitude is from Christine at Brady's Bunch.

Six Things that Make Me Happy

Esther has tagged me for Six Things that Make Me Happy. And her timing was good!! I need to stop and think of six things that make me happy six times a day (at least)!! I have been so blessed.

1. My God. The closer I draw to Him the happier, more joyful I am. I may look very odd to the world, but we are called to be a peculiar people.

2. My guys. My husband and my sons. Again, we may look very odd, but maybe that is because we enjoy each others' company.

3. My friends--both IRL and bloggy. You challenge me to new and better things. You keep me fresh!

4. Being backstage with the guys and hearing The Nutcracker Overture. Here we go again!!

5. Good books & good coffee--together!

6. My pillow.

And now I am supposed to tag six people so they will share their happy things.

Okay...

1. Sheryl at Taking the Challenge

2. Barbara at Stray Thoughts

3. Renee at 2 Peas in a Pod (when she feels better)

4. Do You Weary Like I Do?

5. Kim at mom-musings

6. and YOU!!

Grains of Gratitude

How does life go on after a loss? I'm not sure but it does. And it is by God's mercies that we continue to go along with it.

There are events which the pain fades mostly away. Those are the events that I try to remind myself and others won't be more than a "blip" on the radar five years from now. Six years ago we were in the process of losing our house--today it is not the first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning. There are days I don't think of it at all. Time and space and much love and many blessings have filled the gap of that thing. And to be honest, I lost a house, not a home and the difference between the two is HUGE.

Then there are losses that involve people. I don't think those holes are ever completely filled. But we somehow manage to go on. And with time and God's grace those losses aren't always the first thing we think about when we get up in the morning. But there are always little points in the day when we realize things won't be the same again.

But that doesn't mean we live without joy. God is too good and even in our personal times of trouble and even watching the evil that invades this earth we need to cling to Him and know that His hand is over all and heaven waits for us.

This week I just want to say I am grateful for love; for His unending, unboundless love and also for the love of those who make my life a joy.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35

I am grateful for you! Spread some love this week!

Brady's Bunch is where Grains of Gratitude originated.

Happy Father's Day

What Makes A Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

Author unknown

Grains of Gratitude (Belated Edition)

My husband made it home!! I am so grateful. Life seems back to our version of normal. It seems we’ve been busy, but I’ve not much to show (or tell) for it. Do you ever seem like you run around faster and faster and then stop and say, “What did I really do?” Hrumph!! I feel like those Veggie Tale veggies singing, “Busy, busy, dreadfully busy!”

I need to thank all of you who left me a comment last week. I am so grateful for the wonderful people who reach out across the internet to share comfort and peace. Bless each one of you.

I’m grateful that the day turned out to be beautiful. Spring is arriving slowly, but it is fascinating to watch the trees and plants change sometimes hourly. I can step out in the morning and see one thing and then go out to get the mail at lunch and there are more buds, leaves and birds!!

For the first time in several months I’ve sat down to craft again. I had squeezed in a few items that were necessities, but it had been since last July that I sat at my desk just for the pleasure of playing with color and paper and glue and…just stuff. There were many reasons why I couldn’t/didn’t/wouldn’t do this before, but I am grateful I am at a place where I can use my creativity again.

Have a great week everyone!

Grains began over at the every busy Christine's blog--Brady's Bunch.

Recommended Reads

Some books that I would highly recommend if you are looking for good reading and exploring faith issues.

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller

The Cross and the Prodigal by Kenneth E. Bailey

Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church by Ron Moseley

God's Appointed Times by Barney Kasdan

God's Appointed Customs by Barney Kasdan

Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives by Wayne Muller

At the Corner of East and Now: A Modern Life in Ancient Christian Orthodoxy by Frederica Mathewes-Green

Under The Overpass by Mike Yankowski

A New Kind of Christian by Brian McLaren

Venturing Out Again...

After two days of imposed, but much needed, weather-related vacation I think we are ready to face the world again. At least I know I am. Because of ice in our area we stayed home for two blissful days of going nowhere, baking sweets and doing blissfully little else. We stayed in our jammies, showered and then put on clean jammies. ‘Tis time for some real clothes…

My prayers are offered for those that the storms affected in a much more hurtful way. I know that many are without power and that the ice caused a lot of damage to homes and trees and all manner of things people care about. It is amazing how different things are a few hours away from us.

We will be venturing out today for some final classes. Our teachers’, piano players’, and friends’ little gifts are all wrapped and ready. They came together amazingly well. The boys were happy to help with the assembly. We simply filled holiday mugs with cocoa mix, cider mix, teas, caramels, peppermints and a mini-Toblerone or two. I really am lame when it comes to those kind of things. But tomorrow is a big library day and then we will begin some more baking next week for family. Only five more Nutcracker performances on our schedule!! Whew!! It has been fun for the boys, but very tiring for the chauffeur.

How are you all weathering the season?

Grains of Gratitude: The Monday Edition

The lack of my Grains of Gratitude posting is not indicative of my actual gratefulness. The LORD has been extremely kind to my family in so many things, I cannot begin to express. But I need to try.

I have been grateful for the traveling mercies we have received, these last few weeks, especially. I have been seriously questioning my parenting skills. The weather has been dubious at best and we have had commitments to keep. We have had to drive in some awful weather and thankfully we have made our destinations safely.

My husband has started a new job. While it may not be a place to retire, it may be a place to grow and learn and provide for our family. It seems to be where God wants him to be right now.

Friends have been a blessing. One particular friend has proven herself “a friend indeed.” She’s seen me at my worst and close to my best and is a consistent friend. She’s walked many of the same roads as I have and offers some fantastic advice and insight. Thanks T!

We are extremely grateful my friend J has had her new little baby girl. Two pounds less than Roo when he was born, almost three pounds less than Boo when he was born the tiny little girl came about twenty days early. But she and her mommy are healthy and safe. Praise the LORD.
Homeschool has proved to be a good thing for us and we are pretty much on track. We will be doing some holiday things and some fun things, but we are grateful to be ready to take a bit of a break.

I am thankful my sister has found a new job. This will mean that she will be giving up homeschooling her daughter in January, and likely her son in the fall, but we believe God is answering prayer in this and that He will continue to be faithful in all their needs. We just need to look for the mercies that we may not be aware He wants to bestow.

The friends that have been made while this blog have been a source of joy and comfort this year. I am so grateful for you all.

What are you grateful for?

Grains of Gratitude is home with Christine of Brady’s Bunch.

Gifts

Sometimes I am slow. Well...okay, I am slow most of the time. You would think I would be nominated for the "Moves Like a Turtle Award." But sweet Maria at Free to Fly gave me the Ray of Sunshine award almost a gazzillion two weeks ago. And it really blessed me. Thanks Marie! Those rays of sunshine gave me the warm fuzzies!

And then today Renee at 2 Peas in a Pod shared her Spirit of Christmas award with me. The award note says: This award is for those who talk about and show the spirit of Christmas in their blogs. What is the Spirit of Christmas you ask?Quite simply it is those that have a generous and giving nature. Those who care about others. Those who have a kind word to say or a broad shoulder to lean on in the times that others need that. Those who display the “Spirit of Christmas”. This was like getting a hug across the internet! Thanks Renee!

What I would like to do is to share both these awards with all the bloggers who have contributed to my Blessed by the Best post. You all are the ones keeping me reminded of the joy of this holiday season. And if you are going to let me share a wonderful Christmas post, but just havent' gotten that post finished yet--you can share the award too.

We'll be sharing ideas for quite awhile. I've enjoyed visiting and reading all that's been shared so far.

Thanksgiving Thankful Thursday Thirteen

It just wouldn't seem right to do anything but a "thankful" post today. So, while not original, a very heartfelt Thirteen Things I am thankful for:

1. My faith
2. My husband
3. My sons
4. My father & the time with my mother
5. My sister
6. Her children
7. My friends both IRL & internets
8. The opportunity to homeschool my boys
9. Food in the cupboard
10. A roof over our heads
11. Vehicles to drive
12. My pets
13. An endless supply of other things to be thankful for.

THE PURPOSE BEHIND THE THURSDAY THIRTEEN:
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. What do you do? Write Thirteen things about yourself, summarize your week in one entry, make it easy for other bloggers to get to know you on a weekly basis. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Giving Thanks

Leah at South Breeze Farm is spending Novemer giving thanks and wants to challenge her friends to focus on their blessings. She writes:

Yesterday, I started jotting down some Christmas gift ideas because, you know, one can never start too early. But I don't want to rush through "The Thankful Month" and miss so many opportunities to thank the Lord for all He's given me. Before I start adding to my wish list, I need to work on developing a more thankful heart for the things I already have.

So, in honor of the month of November which boasts a most wonderful holiday, I'd like to encourage all of you to join me in a month-long CHALLENGE. All you have to do is post one thing you're thankful for each day somewhere on your blog. It doesn't even have to be an actual thought-out post. Just start making a list on your sidebar - somewhere you can see it every day to encourage an attitude of thankfulness.

I hope you'll join me! Grab the button, post it on your sidebar to let all your friends know you're joining in, and encourage your own readers to begin as well - to develop a more thankful heart.

It doesn't matter if you start now or mid-month. It's never too late to acknowledge God's love for you and His faithfulness to you!

Leave your name and blog address in the Mr. Linky below and I'll swing by your place every day to see how your list is growing!

How lovely!

If you've visted my blog before, you know how important being grateful is to me. So I'll be joining Leah during November. Stop by South Breeze Farm and share some thankfulness. Her challenge started yesterday and she said I could be thankful for water. I was grateful for the chance to laugh, just a bit.

Today, I am grateful for the blessing of being able to homeschool my boys. It has allowed many other blessings to be possible.