Thankful Thursday

I have been home with my son all week since he has not been feeling well. Turns out has strep throat. Poor thing. He complained that his stomach hurt a few times, and I didn't realize that that is one of the symptoms! I'm so thankful that I am able to stay home with my kids when they are not well. I work at their school, and they are so understanding. That is such a huge blessing! I'm also thankful for health benefits because I know it would cost an arm and a leg if we didn't have any.

And yes, I'm a weirdo. I take pictures at the doctor's office!

Since I've been home with him, I had some time to do some baking (which I love to do). I figured I would bless the rest of my family by making them muffins, so in the morning they have something to eat on the way to school/work.  We're always rushing out the door! I'm so thankful for the family that I have!!

 I made blueberry & cinnamon muffins!

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."-Proverbs 10:28

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THANKFUL THURSDAY

As I reflect on 2010, there are so many things that I am thankful for. Many of which I have mentioned on my blog already.

This year, especially, He has really taught me not to lean on my own understanding, and more importantly, not let my emotions rule my behavior. I have really put the fruits of the Spirit to the test, and of course, I failed...everytime! But, God is so gracious. He showed me how hard my heart was in a particular situation, and how I was behaving in my flesh. I also learned that I can't control everything, and also how other people choose to behave.

I'm thankful that the Lord is so patient, and that He is continually molding me to be more like Him.

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."-John 16:33 

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THANKFUL THURSDAY

When I reflect back on the last few months, I'm so thankful that the Lord allowed BIG doors to open for my kids to go to a private Christian school, and for also allowing me to work there as well. I know I've written about this before when I gave an update on changes in our family, but, it's just so amazing to me how the Lord totally knew my heart. He knew that although I was overwhelmed with homeschooling, I was not willing to give up. The only option (which seemed impossible at the time) was to send them (or even one) to a private Christian school. And not just any school, but one that we would be able to afford, and one that really focused not only on education, but also the kids spiritual walk.


When I prayed about just my oldest daughter going to this school, all I asked was for His will to be done, and not mine. Just a straight yes or a no. We would be satisfied with either answer because we knew that He knew what was best for us. 


I never imagined that the principal (who after only meeting one time for our orientation), would ask me a couple of days later if I wanted to enroll my four other children in exchange for me working there! And, mind you, my oldest daughter was accepted to go there on a 75% scholarship!!


I get to see my kids throughout the day, they are getting a WONDERFUL education, the teachers are awesome, I've made new friends, I get to fellowship throughout the day,  I get random hugs from preschoolers, and I get to work in a Christlike environment! Oh yah..and I get summers off too!! I could not ask for more!!


Wow...God's plans ARE definitely way better than ours!!!!




Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths."

To read how others are thankful, you can click here to visit Iris's blog, "Grace Alone."

THANKFUL THURSDAY-THANKSGIVING

Today I'm linking up with Sonya @ Truth 4 The Journey for "Thankful Thursday." All you need to do is list five things that you're thankful for this week! If you want to participate, just visit her blog and link up!

What better day to do a Thankful Thursday, than on Thanksgiving! I hope you are all having a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones. Even those who's loved ones may be far away, I hope you know that with Jesus, you will never be alone.

I am thankful for every breath that I have. Each one is a blessing!

I am thankful for my husband and children.

I am thankful for laughter.

I am thankful for peace that surpasses all understanding.

I am thankful that I serve a mighty and faithful God.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."-James 1:17

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Today I'm linking up with Sonya @ Truth 4 The Journey for "Thankful Thursday." All you need to do is list five things that you're thankful for this week! If you want to participate, just visit her blog and link up!

This week I am thankful for:

1. Our church family! We're blessed with a wonderful group of friends who genuinely care for one another.

2. My childrens laughter. They are so playful and goofy! I love that there is never a boring moment at home.

3. How Gods timing is perfect. He's never too early, or too late.

4. A working washer and dryer. That is pretty self explanatory!

5. Air Conditioning! With temps close to 100 in the last few days, I don't know how we'd survive without it.

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Today I'm linking up with Sonya @ Truth 4 The Journey for "Thankful Thursday." All you need to do is list five things that you're thankful for this week! If you want to participate, just visit her blog and link up!

This week, I am thankful for...

1. My kids being compliant with our new school schedule. I am staying consistent, and I already see the benefits of doing so.

2. Friendships. Old and new.

3. Supernanny! Not that she's come here, but I've recently watched her show on abc.com, and after seeing one episode, it made me appreciate my children that much more!

4. Even when I fall short with my kids, whether I'm yelling or being impatient, they love me unconditionally.

5. Being able to bond with my kids individually. Because we have five children, quality time with each one is not always so easy. I'm thankful for the times I get to be with them one on one.

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Today I'm linking up with Sonya @ Truth 4 The Journey for "Thankful Thursday." All you need to do is list five things that you're thankful for this week! If you want to participate, just visit her blog and link up!

1. I am thankful for our first week back of homeschooling. I've said this before, but even on our hardest day, I would not trade it for anything. I know that God has called our family to do this, and I will not take it for granted. I know so many mom's miss their babies while they're away at school, or even if they have to work themselves. I'm so thankful that God has made the way for me to be a stay at home mom for the last eleven years!

2. I am thankful that we homeschool because we are able to go to my dad's for lunch during the week. We can be flexible when we want to be, and that is such a blessing for a big family!

3. I am thankful that my husband doesn't mind or gripe about going to the store to get feminine products, and he will even call me to make sure he's getting the right "things." What a guy!!!

4. I am thankful that my teenage son is never embarrassed to hug or kiss me in front of his friends! My 7 year old son doesn't even like to kiss me in front of "daddy."

5. Finally, I am thankful that even when I fall short, God continues to show me His grace. I get humbled every single time.

And what may you be thankful for today?

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Today I'm linking up with Sonya @ Truth 4 The Journey for "Thankful Thursday." All you need to do is list five things that you're thankful for this week! I'm excited to do this because I have not done a thankful post in awhile. If you want to participate, just visit her blog and link up!

Here are my five!!

1. God's provision. He put it on someones heart to bless us, and let me tell you, my husband and I were so overwhelmed (in fact we still are). We don't know who it was which makes it even more of a blessing!!

2. The homeschool meeting I had with other mom's on Tuesday night. I'm excited, motivated, and encouraged to begin our new school year!

3. My children's laughter. They are so full of energy and personality. There is never a dull moment at home...never!!

4. Air conditioning! We only have a window unit for our living room, and let me tell you, it was so hot on Saturday. It was such a relief to come home to cool air!

5. Food to eat and a roof over our heads!!!

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Come join Lynn @ Spiritually Unequal Marriage as she is hosting Thankful Thursday for the month of March. As soon as my computer is up and running, I will also rejoin my other Thursday meme with Carin!

There are so many things I am thankful for that I seem to take for granted, so this is a great way to keep those things in perspective. I'm not only thankful for the "big" things but also the "little" things in life.

1. I am thankful that my husband has been recovering so quickly from his hernia surgery. It's totally by Gods grace that he is able to do what he's doing now! He only has a couple more weeks of disability and he's back to work!

2. I'm thankful that the library is so close to home that I am able to come here while my internet issues are being resolved.

3. I'm thankful for the quiet times I have to be with the Lord and to give Him all my cares and worries.

4. I'm thankful for the faith I have in only HIM!

5. I'm thankful that even though tomorrow is not promised to us, we are still hopeful in Jesus!!

THANKFUL THURSDAY

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

When I read this passage, it reminds me that love isn't just a "word." There's so much meaning behind it. We love our family and friends but sometimes our actions prove otherwise. I was so convicted today because my behavior was totally the opposite of what God says love is. But, I'm so thankful for the Lord, and how gracious He is, and how forgiving He is. Although we fall short (because that is our nature), He understands more than anyone else can.

I'm thankful for:

My husband who is totally devoted to us and our children.

That God is the center of our marriage.

My childrens unconditional love and their gentle spirits.

Gods unconditional love.

That there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)

If you would like to share what your are thankful for, click here to go to Grace Alone.

THANKFUL THURSDAY

I have not done a Thankful Thursday post for awhile, so I'm glad I'm able to participate in it this week! This week's host for TT is Lori at Lori's Reflections, so go to her blog to read other's TT's, or you can join in on this great meme too!!

There are so many things I am thankful for, that this list is just going to vary! I will share with you what is on my heart.

• Even in the uncertainty of our economy, I am thankful that we have peace in Jesus, our Jehovah Jireh!!

• I am thankful for my husband and children who are so encouraging on my new weight loss journey!

• I've mentioned this before, but I'm so thankful for my family's health. There are so many people who are ill, or have family members who's health is failing them. I will never take that for granted.

• I'm thankful for the fellowship that I have with my friends. There are no other friendships that can compare to the ones you have in the Lord!
  

• I'm thankful that the Lord has given me the desire to live healthier and to "want" to exercise!
  

• I'm thankful I have a home that has lots of laughter in it!
  

• I'm thankful that I can be goofy, silly, LOUD, have an obnoxious laugh, and people still want to be around me! I'm LOL'ing right now!
  

• I'm thankful that even through "blogland", God uses it to bring people together to use it for His glory!
  

THANKFUL THURSDAY

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift." 2Cor. 9:15

I have many things to be thankful for this week, but there's one moment that just stands out more than any other.

Last night (Wednesday), my sister in law gave her life to the Lord!!!!! She is not only my sis in-law, but now also my sister in Christ! There are angels rejoicing in heaven, as well as us here on earth!

So, I want to encourage you to keep praying for your family and friends who don't know the Lord. Anything and everything is possible with Jesus! Keep on praying for them, and remember, it's all in His time!

To read more TT's, or to share your own, click here.

THANKFUL THURSDAY

These are just random things that come to my mind when I think of what I am/was thankful for in 2008! I'm sure I've mentioned one or more of them at one time or another. God is good all the time! I am a work in progress, and oh so thankful for His grace!! To read more TT, or to share what you are thankful for, click here.

• I was thankful that my children were basically healthy the entire year.
  

• I was/am thankful for my husband being employed! There are so many people out of work. So, I thank God for his job, and for the stability thus far.
  

• I was/am thankful for the new curriculum that we switched to. It has been such a blessing! It has brought us back on track, and I feel like the kids have been learning so much in the last few months.
  

• I was/am thankful for another year to be a stay at home mom. This is my 10th year, and I can't even imagine doing anything else.
  

• I was/am thankful for my spiritual growth, although I'm not where I want to be. I'm so blessed to have friends that have been walking with the Lord longer than I, and I am so encouraged by them!
  

• I am so thankful for friendships that are rooted in the Lord. I can feel the bonds strengthening each time I spend with them.
  

• I was/am thankful for another year with our parents here on this earth. This gives us more time to share about the Lord, and to pray for them to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
  

• I was/am thankful to see how God worked so miraculously in our friends lives during a devastating time. She lost her husband suddenly, and we were able to witness Gods strength and faithfulness to her and her children. I'm still amazed at how God is working in their lives. We all know that her husband is in the presence of the Lord, and that's what gives them peace. They know, and we know that we will see him again, one day!!
  

THANKFUL THURSDAY

CHRISTMAS PAST This weeks theme is recalling our favorite Christmas memory.

One of my favorite memories that comes to mind is when I was probably around 7 or 8 years old. My parents were still married at the time and we had ALOT of family friends. We weren't even related to them, but we called them our aunties and uncles. We were always going to "family" parties! I just remember all of us getting together for Christmas and there being TONS of presents for every family, and of course, tons of food. There was never any drama. The adults would have their conversations going on while us kids would just play together. Unfortunately, after my parents divorce when I was ten, it just wasn't the same. There were no more "family" parties to attend. I can imagine that it would just be too awkward/different for everybody. Okay..now this is turning into a downer! Anyway, I just remember that time in my life being one of the happiest of my childhood. And you know I don't even remember a specific gift, I just remember the wonderful times spent as a family. I just pray that my children look back and have fond Christmas memories with our family and friends, too!

To read more TT, or to share your own, click here to go Grace Alone.

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. Philippians 4:11

I love Thankful Thursdays! It's a great reminder for me to always be thankful regardless of my situation. If you want to be blessed, or even share what you are thankful for, click here to visit Iris at Grace Alone. This week's theme is "Random."

• First and foremost, I'm thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He IS the reason for the season! If it wasn't for His birth, there would really be no reason to celebrate. I don't think I could say enough thank you's to Him for the sacrifice He made on the cross for us.
  

• I'm thankful that my children know this too!

• I'm thankful for my husband that he loves being with us and that he also loves to be in fellowship with our brothers' and sisters' in the Lord!

• I'm thankful for our church that is so family oriented! It's such a blessing for us and our kids to feel "at home" there.

• I'm thankful for my children's laughter.
  

• I'm thankful that my children love to have "family time."

• I'm thankful that my kids get so giddy when they see my husband and I hug or give each other a peck on the lips!

• I'm thankful that my kids are affectionate and love to give hugs and kisses too!

THANKFUL THURSDAY-PRAISE

Iris's theme this week is Praise, and although this is one of the best times of the year to give praise and thanks, we should be singing praises and giving thanks to the Lord continually.

"My praise shall be continually of You." Psalm 70:6b

"And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O Lord." Psalm 89:5a

"I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You." Hebrews 2:12

I am praising Him this week for....

• My husband feeling better physically.

• Two of my kids singing in the children's choir this weekend.

• Being able to spend time with my sister and nephews.

• Seeing my dad so happy with all of his grandkids.

• Me being able to have two consecutive nights of fun & fellowship with my friends.

• My children who are so loving and caring.

• Him caring about our every need.

• His presence.

• Why we celebrate the true meaning of CHRISTmas.

To read or join in on Thankful Thursday's, click here to visit Iris @ Grace Alone.

THANKFUL THURSDAY

I love Thankful Thursdays! There are so many times when I forget to give thanks for even the small things!! This is a great way to put everything into perspective on how the Lord blesses me even when I don't deserve it. To read more Thankful Thursday's, click here.

Iris's theme this week is "Thanksgiving", but I did mine last week on that same subject. So, this week, I will give thanks to random things!

• I'm thankful that my sister and her family are able to visit California at least once a year.

• I'm thankful that my kids and their cousins just start out where they left off. It's like one day has not passed since they've seen each other last.

• I'm thankful for our friends in the Lord. They have prayed diligently for my husband's health, and continue to do so. He had an allergic reaction to something he ate, and caused him to feel like he was suffocating.

• I'm thankful that even though money is tight, God still provides!

• I'm thankful that my mother-in-law was able to hear a solid message at our church on Sunday, and also be greeted in love by our friends.

• I'm thankful for all my bloggy friends! I told my husband it is like an "outlet" during the day since I'm at home all day with the kids.

• I'm thankful to hear my kids playing and laughing. There are so many children who are sick right now.

• I'm thankful for DETERGENT! There's nothing like having a mountain of laundry to do with only one cup of detergent left!

• I'm thankful that I have my favorite creamer for my coffee that I'm going to brew in the morning! Nothing like a hot cup of joe!!

• I'm thankful for all the goodies that my sister brought us from Hawaii!! Yum, yum!
  

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I could not go this week without doing a Thankful Thursday post..especially since it is THANKSGIVING!! I've done a few posts already on what I am thankful for, but I feel led to share what I'm thankful for TODAY! I'll narrow it down to ten!

• I'm thankful that our church is having a potluck for people who don't have anyone to share Thanksgiving with. You always hear that the holidays are the lonliest times for some people.

• I'm thankful for the family and friends who want to spend Thanksgiving with us.
  

• I'm thankful that we have an abundance of food on the table.

• I'm thankful for the Worship music playing in the background.

• I'm thankful that my children will have full tummies all day.

• I'm thankful for the heat I feel through the vents.
  

• I'm thankful for a husband who puts God first.

• I'm thankful for my personal relationship with Jesus.

• I'm thankful that my children have come to a knowledge of Jesus Christ at a young age.

• I'm thankful that we have a Savior that is worthy to be praised!

"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms." Psalm 95:2

THANKFUL THURSDAY

RANDOM

• I'm thankful for my Thursday night bible study with my girlfriends. Not only are we studying the book of Hebrews, but we have sweet fellowship as well!

• I'm thankful for a sister in law who loves and adores my children. She would do anything for them...anytime...anywhere.
  

• I'm thankful that my children know how to interact with both children and adults. They all have such great personalities!

• I'm thankful for the quiet times I'm able to have because I'm always around so much noise...lol.

• I'm thankful that after 20 years, my husband and I can crack each other up with just one word!

• I'm thankful for Facebook! I have reconnected with many old friends and I've been able to share the Gospel with them.

• I'm thankful for dishwashing soap because it saves me so much time from washing dishes by hand!

• I'm thankful when my sons massage my neck and shoulders without me having to bribe them first.
  

• I'm thankful for the relationship I have with my sister. It's only through Jesus that we have this bond.
  

To read more Thankful Thursdays, click here.

THANKFUL THURSDAY-LIFE

I love Thankful Thursdays! This week, Iris @ Grace Alone picked the theme "Life", both physical and spiritual.

Physical-Boy, don't we always feel that we have to work on the "physical?" Well, I know it applies to me, at least! I'm so grateful that our family doesn't battle any illnesses, mild or chronic. I know there are families out there who deal with physical issues on a daily basis. Besides the typical E.R. visits, my children have always been on the healthier side. As for myself, I know I need to exercise and watch what I eat more, but God has been good to me and he gives me that extra dose of energy I need for my kids! My husband, however, has a broken bone in his lower back but you would never be able to tell! He is probably one of the most active and strongest men I know. He's a carpenter so he is naturally moving around all day. When he gets home, he'll sometimes take a quick nap, but he does not like to sit around. He feels like he's wasting the day. Of course, we've had our share of "lazy days", but he really likes to be up and about. I know it's totally the Lord that sustains my husband. He would never be able to do what he does on his own strength. I'm so thankful that he does not have one lazy bone in his body! He may procrastinate on things, but it's definitely not due to laziness! I guess that's where we balance each other out..LOL.

Spiritual-A little over eight years ago, my husband and I accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior within one week of each other. That was totally the Lord too because we were able to grow in our walk together. We don't feel we've reached spiritual maturity, but I'm thankful that we have a church with a Pastor who teaches sound doctrine. I have also mentioned before that we have an awesome church family. Regardless of what ministries we are involved in, what matters is our own personal relationship with Him. We always need to be desperate for the Lord. Our desire is to continue to grow in Him, and for our children to also have and keep that passion for Jesus! I'm so thankful that they also accepted the gift of salvation, and I pray that the Lord continues to use us individually, and as a family to glorify Him.

To read more Thankful Thursdays, click here.