Thursday, November 17, 2011

THANKFUL THURSDAY...2011 top ten THANKFUL list

PSALM 118:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever."

As we quickly approach Thanksgiving of 2011, I can't help but to look back over the past 11 months and trace God's hand. From the first day of January to today, He has led me, guided me, provided for me, healed me, seen me thru some difficult times and at all times He has loved me and believed in me.

It is a tradition in our home to take a moment around the table to give special thanks. As I begin to make preparations for the holiday feast, I have asked God to also prepare my grateful heart. So I am getting a head start on things here on Thankful Thursday by offering up my top ten THANKFUL list for 2011...

#10. I am thankful for surviving a cold, wintry January. 3 things that I couldn't do without ... central heat, hot chocolate and my electric heating blanket!

#9. I am thankful for being able to receive my 31st valentine from my one and only valentine. God has given us so many great years together and I am blessed to be married to my best friend for over 30 years.

#8. I am thankful for God's provision. Even in times of turmoil and unstable financial times, He is still an on-time God! Heat, Air, food, clothing, and luxuries such as the washing machine, microwave and Internet service can be all taken for granted. I'm thankful for all of it!

#7. I am thankful for good health. A common cold, a slight headache and a sinus infection is nothing compared to cancer, lupus or chronic depression. Without good health, I may not be able to work, or enjoy day to day activities.

#6. I am thankful for good memories. Even in the shadow of death of a loved one, I can always cherish memories of a last smile, a last conversation and a last "I love you." Alot of things can be taken from us but our memories stay intact.

#5. I am thankful for my Dad. Even though we were separated for 40 years, the few short years we had together were a blessing. I am grateful to be reunited with him before God took him home this year.

#4. I am thankful for our freedoms. Not only for the American freedoms I enjoy but also the freedom to worship my Lord freely and safely in our Country. I am truly thankful to be an American!

#3. I am thankful for the tests and trials that God has seen me thru. They have caused me to step out of my comfort zone and strengthen my trust in God.

#2. I am thankful for my beautiful family and for their love and support. During times that nobody else has been there for me, my family has been. I am grateful for the love, support and faithfulness of my beloved for over 30 years. I am grateful for the trust God gave me to raise 4 of His beautiful children. (David, Jeremy, Jordan and Anna) I am grateful for the godly mates that our children have chosen (Sue, Rachel, Krista) and lastly I am so grateful for our first grandchild born recently. Family is a never ending circle of love!

AND THE #1 reason I am grateful in 2011...

#1. I am thankful for salvation and everything that comes with it. Love, forgiveness, acceptance and deliverance. I could not and would not want to face one day without God. He is the reason I can face each day, even the tough days.

Maybe you would like to join in and see what you can come up with. I promise you that as you reflect back, you will be astonished at how easy it will be to trace God's hand in your life! To join in on THANKFUL THURSDAY, link your post up below in Mr. Linky!

12 comments:

Cami said...

AMEN!! Loved reading this :)

I will have a post up tomorrow for Thankful Thurs - will link it up then!

<3-Cami from First Day of My Life

tammi said...

AMEN!! What a great list!! I like your "Top 10" idea... might do something similar for the last TT of the year or something like that. (since up here in Canada, we had Thanksgiving last month already!)

It Feels Like Chaos said...

Great list and it is such a good exercise to look back and see God's hand and blessing!

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful blessings.

Tami said...

God's touch encompasses everything, doesn't it? So glad and thankful you recognize it so freely. Happy Thankful Thursday!

Kathleen said...

I like your top 10 idea... There is so much to be grateful for. I haven't participated in awhile (since it was at Lynns) so am thankful to participate.

Nice getting to know you :)

becky aka theRAV said...

This is a wonderful post, Laurie!!!! I'd never thought of a top 10. Great idea!

bp said...

Hi Laurie I liked your top 10 list! Thanks for hosting this month. See you next week on Thanksgiving!
Bethany

Mommie Kate said...

Great top ten! It can be so easy to take things for granted. God is so good - even in the tiny details. You are so blessed to have a large family. Congratulations on the new grand baby!

Kandi said...

Laurie,

I popped over from Phil's blog, I love your list. First I love #10, I could not survive the cold without hot cocoa and my electric heating blanket. But #1 is the best, I could not live a day without God.

Blessings Laurie, and I am glad I found you.

Jocelyn said...

I love this list! :) Especially the ones about the memories :) It's so important to cherish the moments!

From the Heart said...

You are invited to a Birthday Party at my blog, From the Heart. http://fromtheheartae.blogspot.com, for our special friend, Denise (shortybear) on Sunday, November 20th hosted by AliceE and Peggy at Amazing Grace. There is a place to click on to go to Denise's blog and wish her a Happy Birthday. If you would leave a comment on my blog letting me know you are participating, I would appreciate it. I know this will please Denise and hopefully lift her spirits.