30 DAYS OF THANKFULNESS - DAY 30

Day 30

This last day of November I would like to give thanks for a special lady.

Her name is Vivienne and today she is 85 years old.

I met her 38 years ago when I started dating her son (my ex-husband).

It took me awhile, once we had married, to call her Mom....I wanted to, but for two years I had called her Mrs. White.

She was always so kind to me and we got along quite well, despite our spiritual and political differences. 

I always knew that I was loved.

I learned many things from her gardening tips, love of quilts and antiques, and how to make the BEST potato salad.

When her son and I divorced we didn't have much to say to one another...there was no hatred, or what not....I guess you could say that we gave one another "space" for a few years.

Four or Five years ago we "reconnected".

We are friends, I know I am loved, and she is loved.

Happy Birthday, Vivienne.

I love you.

I hope your day is blessed. 

I pray that this next year is filled with joy, hope, and grace.

30 DAYS OF THANKFULNESS - DAY 29

Day 29

Leaves are one of the most beautiful parts of Fall.

Seeing this picture reminds me of some wonderfully fun times while growing up.

There were several Maple trees bordering the back of our yard and we would help Dad rake them up and then run and jump into them sending our nice pile all over the place.

Thankful for this memory.

30 DAYS OF THANKFULNESS - DAY 28

(from Google images)

Day 28

I am thankful for this country that God bless me to live in.

Despite all the things that may seem wrong, 

I choose to be grateful for all the "good" that we, as a nation have.

I remember when my oldest daughter came home from spending 2 months in another country she said to me, "Mom, Americans do not know how great we have it..."

I encourage all my readers to choose to focus on the good you have; I am sure that regardless of how dismal your life may seem right now there is something you can find to give thanks for.

30 DAYS OF THANKFULNESS - DAY 27

Day 27

I am amazed at the beauty that the change of each season brings.

Most of the trees have lost their leaves, but even the stark bareness has its own beauty.

30 DAYS OF THANKFULNESS - DAY 26

Day 26

Weeeeeee! I am grateful for my 2005 Subaru Outback.

It has been one of the best investments we ever made.

I certainly get another one....someday!

30 DAYS OF THANKFULNESS - DAY 25

Day 25

Sunshine in November.

30 DAYS OF THANKFULNESS - DAY 24

Day 24

The gift of "creativity",

Thanks to my mother, my Nana, and my great grandma Norma.

30 DAYS OF THANKFULNESS - DAY 23

Day 23

I am thankful that our office is closed today....

30 DAYS OF THANKFULNESS - DAY 22

Day 22

Today I give thanks for Family.

To those who could be with Rick and I, and to those who could not....

May your hearts be forever grateful for all you DO have, and for those people who paved the way for us all to have this holiday in the first place.

30 DAYS OF THANKFULNESS - DAY 21

(Picture from Pinterest - my board "Fall")

Day 20

 I woke up today with this chorus/song on my lips:

" Bless the Lord, O my soul

O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name.

The sun comes up, its a new day dawning

It's time to sing Your song again

What ever may pass, whatever lies before me

Let me be singing when the evening comes.

(Chorus)

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger

Your name is great, and Your heart is kind

For all your goodness I will keep on singing

Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

(Chorus)

And on that day when my strength is failing

The end draws near and my time has come

Still my soul will sing Your praise unending

Ten thousand years and forever more."

(Chorus)

- by Matt Redman

(Click here to hear this beautiful song)

30 DAYS OF THANKFULNESS - DAY 20

Day 20

Giving thanks today for the beauty of quietness. 

The time when you let your heart and your mind be....STILL.

Surprisingly, there you will find peace.

30 DAYS OF THANKFULNESS

Day 19

My backpacking memories.....

.......and looking forward to creating more with hubby.

30 DAYS OF THANKFULNESS

Day 18

I am thankful for God restoring my mother and my relationship to better than it ever was.

I love you Mom.

30 DAYS of THANKFULNESS

Day 16

Star Bucks Eggnog Lattes

(with a light drop of whipped cream)

Day 17

Music by George Winston

(especially "Autumn" + "December") 

30 DAYS of THANKFULNESS

Day 15

Today I am thankful for the beauty of music.

Listening to George Winston's "December"

30 DAYS OF THANKFULNESS

Day 14

Life lessons learned.

30 DAYS OF THANKFULNESS

Day 13

Unconditional love....first from Christ, second from particular friends He has put in my life.

(You know who you are)

30 Days of Thankfulness

Day 11

My soft and cozy blanket and my hubby's recliner. 

30 Days of Thankfulness

30 Days of Thankfulness

Day 1

Jesus Christ, because of Him I have life.

Day 2

Summit Lake Community Church, which includes Pastor Jeff, Pastor Don, worship leader, David, and all of  the congregation....you all are some of the most genuine people I know.

 I love you.

Day 3

My husband, Rick, who loves me "unconditionally". 

I love you so much.

Day 4

My children: Andrea, Amanda, and Caleb 

You bring me joy. 

Day 5

My grandchildren, all 7 of them: Milla, Hudson, Audrey, Elliot, Indiana, Christian, and Eliza - there is absolutely NOTHING better than being a grandparent.

Day 6

Fall in the Pacific Northwest.

Day 7

Restoration...

....and I am not talking about cars or furniture.

Day 8

My sisters, Sally and Kimm 

These two make me laugh so hard :)

Day 9

The Word of God 

 "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." 

Psalm 119:105

Day 10

My job.

I work for a great employer, and with the best staff ever - you all are great!

Day 11

My pets: Paulie, Missy, and Buck.