Happy Thanksgiving!

It’s Thanksgiving morning, and before I start my sweet potato casserole, I thought I would blog about all the things I’m thankful for! So here goes…

My husband and son, both of them good men – and they love me.

My daughter-in-law, Misty; My son is happily married to a good woman, truly an answer to prayer.

The fact that Doug and I still have all four parents with us; hardly any of my friends do.

Good jobs – for Doug, Sean, Misty, and me. I’m also thankful for the great people I work with. There is no politics in my workplace, none. It’s great to work with Christians who really love the Lord.

My schedule – teaching two mornings a week has been ideal. I get to contribute in some small way to the lives of others, make a little spending money, and still have time for other pursuits I love and enjoy. Best of all, it keeps me sane!

A good class this year; they have been a joy to teach!

Good health – I’m starting to feel my age, but everything still works!

A close-knit family that enjoys getting together – as we will later on today.

Mary Jane and Cindy, sisters that are fun to be with, especially on shopping trips!

Kevin and Mike, the good men who had the good sense to marry my sisters.

Blake and Brent, nephews who are fine young men in every way.

David and Deb, fun cousins, and family reunions.

In-laws I love and get along with well.

Wayne Glowka, who brought happiness and stability into my sister-in-law’s life.

RAIN!!! Yes, it is pouring down rain as I write this. In this time of drought and water shortage, I’m sure everyone who is not an atheist is thanking God for rain this morning.
(Whoops, I better stop a minute and go get the paper with all the sales flyers out of the driveway before it gets wet!)

I’m back, with a good cup of coffee, something else I’m thankful for.

My friend Charlise and our weekly lunches together. She is one of the few people on this planet that I can talk to about anything. Aside from my family, she knows and understands me better than anyone else and still loves me despite that!

The Breakfast Club – Ken and Vivian, Hattie, Don and Pris, and David and Linda. We’ve been friends for so long they are like my “other” family. There is nothing better than having old friends you know you can count on. I’m also thankful that we stay in touch by having breakfast together every Saturday and by having game night once a month at each other’s homes. We get pretty silly on those nights, but we sure do have fun – and laughter is the best medicine!

Our really old friends, Jim and Elizabeth. (Old in terms of how long we’ve been friends, NOT in age of said friends) Our old college buddies are still an important part of our lives, and Saturday we’ll be getting together to cheer the Dawgs on to victory against GA Tech! GO DAWGS – SIC ‘ EM!!!!!

Our Connect Group. This small group, part of our church, meets most Sunday evenings. I’m especially thankful for Mike and Deborah, who lead us and open their home to us each Sunday. They are truly good and caring people, and I’m thankful to know them.

Other great friends, like Kim, who helped me get started writing, and Margaret and all the people in my book club.

A vibrant church with a pastor who genuinely loves the Lord and loves the people he serves.

The opportunity to serve others through Angel Food Ministries.

A gorgeous fall – and I’ve got the pictures, taken from my own backyard, to prove it!

A beautiful fall day spent driving over the mountains, with colorful leaves raining down around me.

The beauty of the North Georgia mountains.

The beauty of nature everywhere, and the fact that we live in one of the lovelier parts of God’s creation.

My home – it’s not big and fancy, but it's and cozy and homey - and I love it.

Our nice big yard. It is a lot of work, but I truly enjoy getting outside and playing in the dirt and seeing the results.

Puppies, one in particular. Sean and Misty’s little Dixie has brought a lot of joy into all our lives.

A good night’s sleep and a warm, comfortable bed to sleep in.

All the food we could possibly want, too much in fact! Today I look forward to turkey and dressing and carrot cake!

Good neighbors in a great neighborhood – we enjoy walking together. We are all there for each other if there is ever a need.

Computers, which make writing so very much easier than it was in the past.

Being free from financial worries.

The priceless privilege of living in the United States of America and the freedom we enjoy here.

Good books!!! (and Barnes and Noble and Amazon)

Art - and days spent painting in my attic room.

Music - especially bluegrass.

The joy of the Christmas season.

The soldiers in Iraq, putting their lives on the line every day.

The fact that it is still raining – hard!

And most of all - salvation through Jesus Christ and a God who loves us and watches over us.

I’m sure this list could go on and on, but I have to get cooking! Feel free to add to the list with your comments.

We live in a world where there is much cause for anxiety. Sin is rampant and evil threatens our very existence. But today is not the day to think about any of that. Today is a day to be thankful for all the countless blessings we enjoy.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!