A Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Post

Yesterday morning, our Pastor invited all of us to think past the typical Thanksgiving list of thanks and find other things we are thankful for. So, here's my list, not exhaustive, by any means, but I pray that it gets you thinking about ALL the things we have to be grateful for.

I'm THANKFUL for:

having my laptop back. Nine days is a LONG time. ;)

generous family members.

the sunshine shining through my window.

Facebook and the ability to contact and connect with old and new friends and family.

Blogs. Yes, I am grateful for laughter. It is good like medicine.

my children's laughter.

a 3 yo boy who, occasionally, manages to pee IN the potty and not around it nor on the toilet seat!

my Mom's oven to bake the Chocolate Chess pies in a few days.

Chocolate Chess pie.

Cheesecake.

The Cheesecake Factory. ;)

chocolate covered pretzels.

lower fuel prices.

unsolicited hugs and kisses from my Hubby and kids.

the "Ringer Off" setting on the phone.

peace and quiet during naptime.

clean clothes and sheets.

haircuts.

jobs, even the small ones.

the BIG sets of blueprints that I have no place to store. Because, hopefully, they'll mean BIG jobs come Spring.

meals I don't have to prepare.

someone else cleaning the kitchen up.

grass stains on the knees of a 6 yo little boy, because it means he is able to run around and fall down.

Shout and Oxi Clean spray.

Guardian Angels.

pictures to remind me of great times.

Speech Therapists.

wireless mice.

wireless phones.

wireless internet.

games of Scrabble with the one I love, even if he almost always beats me!

a dog's love.

music that speaks to my soul.

my Mom's library and borrowing rights.

a call from a friend just to say Hi and I'm thinking of you.

my nieces and nephew.


This is just a short, off the top of my head list. Obviously, I'm feeling hungry! ;)
I pray that everyone would have a Blessed Thanksgiving.

What We Must Do

As most of you know, the man I wanted to be our next President gave his concession speech last night, and I cried! My heart is deeply saddened. I'm most upset that God's children are so divided right now. It troubles me. As I'm sure it does our Lord.
Today, I'm still sad, but the verse that has come to my mind several times is

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.
"As the heavens are higher than the
earth,
so are my ways higher than your
ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts..."
Isaiah 55:8-9

I know that my hope is not in man but in the Lord. I don't know why God has placed him in this position, but I know that HE did. It didn't surprise Him, and He did it for a reason.

And another verse that keeps coming to mind

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28

Although, I know that my decision had nothing to do with race, I realize that people are going to be making it a big deal, one way or another. I have talked to my children about this and am confident that they know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that color played no part in my decision. I vote for a person's character, morals, and integrity, above all else.

I have peace that I did all I could by voting and trying to educate people about what I believe to be the real reasons one should vote for someone. The final outcome was in God's hands. And knowing that, brings me peace. He's still on His throne and this is all part of His plan.

So, join me in prayers for our Nation, because we're more divided now than ever before. Pray for revival. Pray for our President Elect and his family. Pray that he would seek God and His wisdom. And pray that the world could see a difference in Christians, and that they would desire it, too.

And because Beth Moore says it way better than I, here's a link to her post for today.

http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2008/11/united-house.html

It's a good read and what I needed to hear this morning.

Praying for our great country and our next President.