Thankful Thursday

Ok, it isn't Thursday, but I'm still thankful. Actually, I have been thinking of what am I thankful for -- that I could include something here no the board. Here goes.... I am thankful for:
1) No train at railroad tracks. On average, a train passes through town 1 every 15 minutes. Typically, there is one that gives everyone the opportunity to stop -- especially when running late... I was running late, so I figured I'd be stuck there for at least 5 minutes. No stop... I was on time for an appointment.
2) Glasses /contacts. With that resource I can see like a normal person. I recognize that being able to see 20 / 20 with visual correction does not necessarily make ME normal... But at least I can see...
3) Internet / web connection. Through this wonderful mode of communication I can "chat" with family and friends, teach courses from the comfort of my recliner, and search for answers to questions. Communication is wonderful!
4) Sewing machine, fabric, and patterns. I love to sew and am thankful that in 1979 (give or take a year) I was given a sewing machine. It was not a new machine, but pretty close. It is not any newer now, but it still works just fine. This summer I have actually done a few fun things without a time pressure. And, now I am in love with sewing all over again.
5) Slight breeze, sunshine, flowers, trees, birds, and bunny rabbits. Quite a list of beautiful things outside, and more could have been added, but I picked the first 6 that came to mind.
6) Rocking chairs and swings. Just sitting and rocking -- slowly moving back and forth can make time seem to stand still. That unhurried atmosphere that encourages simplicity is welcome when classes and committees and activities require thought and planning and coordination of efforts. But rocking does not require thinking or planning, but can simply be enjoyed for a moment or an hour.
7) Answer to prayer... Last Sunday I substituted for Connie at church and had my usual shaking like a leaf for the prelude and first hymn. This is typical, but believe me not the preferred for me or anyone close enough to see me. Our prayer of confession was, "Triune God, you dance among us in joy, inviting us into the mystery that you are. Yet we want understanding; we want answers. Forgive our thickness. Encircle us in your oneness, and teach us to trust you with abandon, as we invite others to join the dance; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." I thought of the Lord and that phrase "encircle us in your oneness..." And I prayed again. "Lord encircle me with your oneness that my hands would be still and my heart calm as I lift my music and heart before you."
And my hands were still. I played without any further shaking, and my heart was filled with joy as I knew the reality of God with me.
Thankfully, Connie is back for this Sunday. But now I know without a shadow of a doubt that God can do miracles -- even within and for me.

And I am thankful.

Thankful Thursday

I determined to be more active with items like Thankful Thursday to help me be aware and sharing my faith on a daily basis. Also, this activity might help scatter the winter blues. So here is what I came up with as I was driving during the day -- and I start with I thank you God, Almighty, for:

1. A warm house for shelter from the wind.
2. A vehicle that enables me to go many places easily and safely.
3. A job that I love, even if being observed by my boss that day.
4. A husband who is indeed my valentine.
5. Comfortable clothes that keep me warm.
6. Snow that swirls around and that I have been safe when driving in it.
7. Family and friends.
8. Baby Girl soon to be born.

And this last one, as I prayed throughout the day, I had no idea how soon it was for her to be born. #8 should now read, "Hannah Elizabeth and the non-laborous labor to bring her into the world."

Hannah Elizabeth was born last night about 9:30 p.m. to my daughter, Sarah and her husband Kevin. Mom and Hannah are fine and doing well, and Eli slept peacefully while sister was born.

Many answered prayers related to delivery and afterwards were answered -- and I can honestly say, "God answered those prayers in a way I NEVER imagined." But praise to Him anyway, because His way is better than anything I could dream. And now we have lots of stories to tell of Hannah's entrance to the world.

And now, I am speechless. The awe and wonder of it all... Thank you, Lord, for this Thursday...

Thankful Thursday

It is good to give thanks to the lord, and to sing praises to Thy name, O Most High; to declare Thy lovingkindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness by night...I will sing for joy at the works of Thy hands. (Ps. 92:1-4 selections)

Indeed, God has been good! I am thankful for many things, but here are just a few for today:
* Summer weather with sunshine and blue skies. I love getting outside in the morning and taking walk -- without bundling up in coat, hat, gloves, scarf.... And hearing the birds sing... And seeing the bunnies...
* For a house that is nice and enables me to have a computer, pictures, Bibles and other books, a sewing machine... Although my focus is not to be on things of this earth, I appreciate having "things" that help me enjoy my time here.
* God's hand moving in Marshall's and my thoughts. A year ago I did not want to stay in Iowa. A year ago, Marshall could not think of retirement and steps in preparation. Now, I am willing to stay here (and it seems evident that God's calling to Marshall is here), and Marshall is also saving $ and looking at houses to possibly buy so we have something when we must move out of the manse. Our thoughts run more parallel -- not in different directions.
* The Husband Encouragement Challenge revises my thinking of ways to improve my relationship with my husband. The simple tool of communication between us has us talking of things that previously I thought were off-limits and he has shared things more freely because I think I am getting better at listening.
* Two children who love the Lord and live daily for Him. That reality has been my prayer for 20 some years now -- and they both have wonderful comments or postings on their own blogs that help me in my walk with Jesus Christ. Sarah is also sharing her faith with her son -- so faith is being carried from one generation to another.
* For family and friends that help me see God working here on earth through and with us.

I praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Thankful Thursday

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (I Thess. 5:16-18)

Last week I tried to come up with a list and it was actually very hard. This week, my daughter (Sarah -- In Light of the Truth) encouraged me to put something down -- just keep it simple if I want.

Does God ask any more from us than to give back to Him our thanks and praise? With that, I come to Him with these items for which I am thankful:
* Sunshine, flowers, blossoms on trees and green grass.
* Summer vacation -- the semester is completed and I do not teach summer sessions this year.
* Extended family that gives places to go for vacation. =) (We leave tomorrow for Houston.)
* Studying economics is going smoother than I had imagined. (Studying for an accounting test -- economics is included, but this area is not easy for me.)
* Feet that enable me to walk, ears to hear, and hands for touching.
* Parents that I love.
* Eli -- my grandson who reminds me of the steps in learning development.
* Children that love and serve the Lord.
* Husband that loves me. (Today is our anniversary...)
* Brothers and sisters in Christ who encourage just by being there.
* I am thankful, Lord God, for your hand that moves. Thank you for being a God that knows His people and cares for us.

Amen.

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