Scripture ONLY Sunday

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Jeremiah 29:13

Days of Thanks - Day Twenty-Nine and Thirty:

It has been a month of ups and downs, good things, and hard things. I am thankful through it all. I have found God in it all. Mainly because I have become more aware - intentional in seeking Him. I am thankful - God is faithful. Daily He gives me grace for the journey. He sheds light in the darkness. Mostly it is a penlight and only guides me to my next step while revealing nothing of clarity to my circumstances. Yet the light is there because God's presence is with me.

In Jesus,

Nancy

Days of Thanks - Twenty-Eight

I am thankful for:

131. My memories...

132. which nourish like a good meal...

133. And are ended with a sweet treat.

Father - thank you for good memories that linger, leaving a sweet and satisfying taste in the soul.

In Jesus,
Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Twenty-Seven THANKSGIVING

Here are a few Thanksgiving quotes I have found. Through the ages men and women have opened their hearts to express gratitude to the Father of us all. May I today do no less than with an open heart joyfully express thankfulness to the Father from who every good and perfect gift flows.

If I have enjoyed the hospitality of the Host of this universe, Who daily spreads a table in my sight, surely I cannot do less than acknowledge my dependence. ~G.A. Johnston Ross

O Lord that lends me life,Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.~William Shakespeare

None is more impoverished than the one who has no gratitude. Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy. ~Fred De Witt Van Amburgh

The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings! ~Henry Ward Beecher

Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day. ~Robert Caspar Lintner

Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow. ~Edward Sandford Martin

My personal favorites:

Remember God's bounty in the year. String the pearls of His favor. Hide the dark parts, except so far as they are breaking out in light! Give this one day to thanks, to joy, to gratitude! ~Henry Ward Beecher

As I walk through the years of my life may I truly "string the pearls of His favor". Taking what is precious and lovely and joining them with the pearls that come from dark times to create an adornment of a grateful heart.

Pearls are created when a parasite burrows through a mollusks shell and into the mantle tissue. The mollusks defense mechanism then kicks in and surrounds the parasite with a membrane known as a pearl sac. The interior of this sac is lined with nacre-producing cells known as epithelial cells. These cells begin to deposit microscopic platelets of nacre (aragonite and calcite) around the intruder. This continues and a pearl grows.

In my own life it seems there are times when a parasite has burrowed. The parasite may be financial struggles, failed relationships, rebellious children - you know your parasite as well - but it has burrowed into the heart. Now is the time for action, not just tears and misery. Time to allow the Holy Spirit to surround my heart - trust God. "Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds" as James would say.

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven. ~Johannes A. Gaertner

As I begin to consider it pure joy - I live a life of gratitude and begin to touch Heaven. God in the midst - "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." Psalm 22:3. When I speak, act, live thankfully, God inhabits (dwells) me.

God has two dwellings; one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart. ~Izaak Walton

May my heart, my home be His dwelling place.

For, after all, put it as we may to ourselves, we are all of us from birth to death guests at a table which we did not spread. The sun, the earth, love, friends, our very breath are parts of the banquet.... Shall we think of the day as a chance to come nearer to our Host, and to find out something of Him who has fed us so long? ~Rebecca Harding Davis

Father, may I never fail to give you thanks, to rely upon you, to trust you. May I "string together the pearls of your favor" daily in my life. May the light breaking forth from the darkness shine so all may see Your Glory.

In Jesus,

Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Twenty-Six

I am overwhelmed that in just 26 days God has shown me 125 ways to be thankful. I am more thankful, encouraged even when I am disappointed.

Disappointed with myself - I fail to be the kind, patient, loving mother I know I should be. I fail to be the friend I should be. I fail to be the child of God I should be. I am disappointed with my children - they are unkind to one another, they are disrespectful. Yet why should I be disappointed with them? I cannot even live up to what I should be.

Yet God in His mercy comes and reminds me - IT'S NOT ABOUT ME OR THEM. It is all about HIM. He has provided for my failure and disappointment. The truth is - In Jesus I am complete (Colossians 2:10 NASV). He has provided everything by "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

I am thankful for:

126. God's provision for life and godliness

127. God has called me by HIS own glory and goodness

128. In Jesus I am fully forgiven

129. In Jesus I am fully complete

130. Power of the Holy Spirit that I am IN JESUS

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

I can extend love to my children and myself because His love covers a multitude (not just a few) of my sins.

"Help me, O Lord, in my good resolution and in your holy service. Grant me now, this very day, to begin perfectly, for thus far I have done nothing." Thomas a Kempis

In Jesus,

Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Twenty-Five

Things Above

Seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. —Colossians 3:1

Stepping outside and gazing heavenward on a star-studded evening always helps to soothe my soul after a trouble-filled day. When I peer into the night sky, I forget, at least for a moment, the cares of life on earth.

Ancient Israel’s prolific songwriter wrote a poem thousands of years ago that still rings true: “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?” (Ps. 8:3-4).

When we try to imagine the immensity of God’s heavens, our problems indeed seem trivial. Yet God doesn’t think so! With all the galaxies He has to attend to, God is mindful of us. And not only are we on His mind, He cares for us.

No wonder the apostle Paul advised new believers to set their minds on things above (Col. 3:2). In doing so, we raise our thoughts above the level of earthly disputes and focus instead on our loving, heavenly Father, who wants us to know Him, to know how to live peacefully with one another, and to know that we can live eternally with Him in a place even more beautiful than the heavens.

“The heavens declare the glory of God” (Ps. 19:1). Let’s join creation in praise to Him.

— Julie Ackerman Link (Our Daily Bread - http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2008/09/26/devotion.aspx)

Something to soothe my soul after a trouble-filled day, that is what I need after yesterday. Yes, I need to set my mind on things above, raise my thoughts above the earthly disputes (children who seem unable, unwilling to “love one another” - Oh God does this sibling rivalry thing ever end? And how can I change my response to the feuding? It makes me frustrated and short tempered) and focus instead on our loving, heavenly Father.

I am thankful for:

121. Challenges in the journey, they develop perseverance and character
122. Earthly reminders of heavenly glory (a star-studded sky)
123. A future hope and home in a heavenly city
124. I am complete in Christ, fully equipped to handle the stress of each day, even though I feel so inadequate, He is more than adequate
125. Daily grace

Father - Help me to focus on your heavenly benefits, to call on you when I am struggling with training children. Help me not be blinded by my circumstances - their continuous strife. Change the way I see my children, teach me to love them as you would love them. Holy Spirit come and change the atmosphere among my children. Bring your peace and joy, your love and encouragement. I am thankful I do not have to do this alone!!

In Jesus,

Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Twenty-Three and Twenty-Four

Meditate on God's precepts, decrees, statutes, laws,

Meditate on God's wonders and promises,
Meditate all day long.

Rising before dawn, my eyes open through the night watches,

His Word, my hope, a lamp to my feet, a light to my path,

The way to walk in freedom, Meditate.

How do we define meditate? Meditate - to reflect deeply on a subject, to contemplate, to train or calm the mind. What do I spend my time reflecting on, contemplating? What will we do in school today, what will I feed us today, how will we pay the bills, what will happen with the economy, how will things be like with a new President and Congress, what will the weather be today, how do I instill Godly values in my children - in myself. Mostly these are just passing thoughts in my mind. I do not spend a lot of time meditating on anything. It seems my mind wanders too quickly.

David in Psalm 119 mentions meditate or ponder at least seven times. He speaks of rising before dawn, in the night, and eyes open through the night watches to meditate on the Lord.

I am grateful for:

116. Two eyes to read God's word, to drink in the beauty that surrounds me (family, creation), two eyes to weep over the pain I see around me

117. Two ears to listen to the joyful sound of children and worship, two ears to listen to the heart cry of the disappointed and suffering

118. A mouth to use to glorify God and speak words of wisdom (Oh God, please help me)

119. A heart of love given by my Father above, for my Jesus, my family; compassion for troubled souls around me

120. Two arms to enfold loved ones, hurting ones, to give security and comfort, to reach up in praise and petitions to the One who holds us all.

Father I am grateful for your presence, your patience, your amazing love and grace that covers my sin, covers my life, covers all. May I always be overwhelmed with wonder and run to greet you. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and m Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

In Jesus,

Nancy

(A good perspective on true meditation vs. false meditation is at the following link: http://www.crosswalk.com/news/commentary/11596019/)

Scripture Only Sunday

"As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him."

Mark 9:15

Days of Thanks - Day Twenty-Two

Thinking about...

Words - the power to uplift, the power to destroy,

Rushing out in rage, gently tumbling encouragement,

Sweet as honeycomb, bitter as gall,

Words can push away or reach out wrapping in hugs.

The power of life and death to those who receive the words that flow from our tongue.

"Watch your thoughts, for they become words.

Watch your words, for they become actions.

Watch your actions, for they become habits.

Watch your habits, for they become character.

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

-Anonymous

I am thankful for:

112. The prompting of the Spirit to carefully weight the words I speak (conviction when the words are not pleasing to Father God) and the words I receive into my spirit

113. True understanding of the power of words

114. Precious husband who speaks words of comfort and encouragement to me

115. Sweet words tumbling from children's lips (I treasure them when they come!!)

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18

Father - Please help me to speak wise, healing words to those around me. Put a guard over my mouth when I become critical or angry. May the words I speak build up and not tear down.

In Jesus,

Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Twenty-One

Today I am late getting to things I normally do first thing in the morning. Being a church school family I usually rise about 6:00 or 6:30 and take that quiet of the morning to begin my day in the Lord's presence. I allow the children to sleep in so that I can start my day with God's wisdom and direction. Then we start school around 9:00.

106. I am thankful for the opportunity to school my children at home.

But today Helpful Son had an orthodontist appointment early so we all had to rise and get moving. On my thankful list that would be...

107. I am thankful for provision for orthodontic care and that it is almost over.

Then we had time to go have lunch with Precious Husband who was on duty today.

108. I am thankful we can have lunch with Precious Husband

109. I am thankful for Mexican food - it was delicious!

Plus the wonderful church school we belong to was having yearbook picture day today and I wanted to have the children's pictures made.

110. I am thankful for our Godly, supportive church school - they are amazing.

And finally I had to drop Helpful Son off to go with youth group for a fall retreat.

111. I am thankful for Godly youth leaders who invest their time, energy, and wisdom pouring Biblical truth into my children. For partners in training, nurturing others children in the admonition of the Lord.

Now I am sitting here, enjoying a restful moment. Looking back over my day and thanking God for all the blessings He has surrounded me with.

For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:12

Father - thank you for surrounding me with your favor. I am so in awe of how good you are, how compassionate, and gracious. Your love never fails and You always sustain me.

In Jesus,

Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Twenty

Life is fluid, moving, ever changing
Each day, each week, each month, each year,
New opportunities, challenges to trust God.
I am stretched beyond my abilities, driven to draw near to God,
Being taught to rely on His unchanging, eternal nature.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8
"I the Lord do not change..." Malachi 3:6
"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



I am thankful for:

101. Change, challenges that cause me to run to my Father God for wisdom and strength
102. Dear friends, we have so few who are there during the no matter what happens in our lives - thank you Duane and Diane for being there always
103. Peace of God when my earthly eyes see such unrighteousness flourishing
104. Worship music, exalting the Lord God and reminding me of His greatness and glory
105. The promise of a enduring city that is to come - "thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven"
Father - I am so glad that when I don't see or understand You are there and in control. Your plans and purposes will not fail and I can fully trust You. When all around in the world is in upheaval I can rest in Your peace.
In Jesus,
Nancy

(Photo Darling Daughter and Dear Son-in-love hiking shortly after they were married back in May 2008)

Days of Thanks - Day Nineteen

I am thankful for:

95. New recipes that turn out delicious - even if children did not like it

96. Sermons on the Internet - inspiring, encouraging, convicting teaching at my fingertips

97. Blogs that encourage me

98. Challenge son getting a haircut on his own (should have photographed this one)

99. Memories - been having a lot lately - children growing up makes one ponder the past

100. My life - the daily grind, the daily glory - my average, ordinary life has been blessed and I am grateful

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." Lamentations 3:22-26

In Jesus,

Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Eighteen

I am thankful for:

91. Firefighter Appreciation Day - Precious husband won a gift card - we really enjoyed the nightout!!

92. Being creative in the workshop - my father has left us a nice place to teach the children

93. I am grateful to Gold-hearted Mom for allowing us to use the shop

94. Children's creativity

"Make it your ambition to lead a quite life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."

1 Thessalonians 5:11-12

Father - Thank you for Precious Husband taking the time on days off to teach children how to use the tools dad has left. What an awesome gift! Give us wisdom to teach these children to work with their hands and do everything to bring your honor and glory. God you are sooo good!!

In Jesus,

Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Seventeen

I am thankful for:

Being thankful has been my theme for the month. It seems to me it should be my theme for life. After all it is God's will for me. How do I know this? Because He clearly tells me so in His Word. "Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It seems in the midst of life's circumstances I am a wretched, forgetful child of God. When relationships are strained, children are a frustration, finances are strained, loved ones pass from this life, and God seems far away, I tend to whine and complain or have a pity-party. How opposite from the way a child of God should respond. How my flesh gets in the way.

Oh, but God in His mercy and grace, leads me to repentance, draws me close to His side and entreats me to remember all His benefits. "He forgives all my sins, and heals all my diseases, He redeems my life from the pit, and crowns me with love and compassion, He satisfies my desires with good things,... The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love...He does not treat me as my sins deserve or repay me according to my iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him." And on and on Psalm 103 reminds me of how wonderful and gracious is the God I believe and seek to serve.

When I look upon the glory of all He has accomplished because of His love for me - joy is reborn, prayer is refreshing - I long to spend my time conversing with my Lord, thanksgiving is renewed. My eyes are no longer turned inward, but upward.

I am thankful for:

86. Father's touch

87. Cleansing tears

88. Morning prayers

89. Joy in the journey

90. Prayer

"O thou great Chief, light a candle in my heart, that I may see what is therein and sweep the rubbish from thy dwelling place." An African schoolgirl's prayer (May it become mine as well)

In Jesus,

Nancy

Scripture Only Sunday

And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:2b-5

Days of Thanks - Day Sixteen

I am thankful for:

81. Purpose in suffering

82. Perseverance

83. Character

84. Hope

85. The Glory of God

Father - thank you that there is purpose in our suffering. Just as Jesus had purpose in His suffering, hope of the glory of God, you give us destiny in our suffering. Thank you that it is for your glory. Thank you for your love given us by the Holy Spirit, poured on us. In Jesus, Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Fifteen

I am thankful for:

76. Sweet Lady girl

77. School days










78. Grammar lessons (I love words)




79. Bible lessons (God's word building character)





80. Science lessons-God's creation

is wonderful

Father - Thank You for everyday days - the routines of life. In the small things I appreciate how big You really are and how faithful. Thank You for the opportunity to be with my children daily - even though some days are difficult. Holy Spirit build character in me as I minister to them and we minister to one another. May the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart be acceptable in Your sight!
In Jesus, Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Fourteen

I am thankful for:

71. Indoor plumbing (especially when it works correctly)

72. Helpful son cleaning up broken toilet crap (literally and more than once)

73. Plumbers to help precious husband figure out what is wrong with indoor plumbing

74. Hot showers

75. New toilet

"When I said, "My foot is slipping," Your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul." Psalm 94:18-19

Father - Thank You that even when I am anxious about little things going wrong around this home (although broken plumbing seems huge to me!!) You console me and bring me joy. You provide the support that is needed to keep me from falling into discouragement. Because in the big picture, the only thing that matters is Your honor, glory, and praising You!

In Jesus,

Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Thirteen

I am thankful for:

66. Precious husband's days off - especially when I am feeling stress overload with children

67. Precious husband's many talents - fixer of things (cars, toilets, sheet rock, etc.), bill payer, tag team partner, encourager, okay the list could go on a long time

68. Precious husband's generous heart

69. Precious husband's intense passion and love of life

70. Precious husband's faith

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." Genesis 2:24

Father - Thank You for the gift of my husband. I could not have thought of a better man for myself than the one You chose for me.

In Jesus,

Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Twelve

I am thankful for:

61. Quiet streams

62. Boys and Trees

63. Late afternoon sun and a path in the woods



64. Children's exuberance

65. Old covered bridges

Father - Thank you for a joyous afternoon spent together exploring rocks and trees and a quiet stream. Thank you for Precious Husband and children with which to enjoy the moments of life.

In Jesus,
Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Eleven

I am thankful for:

56. Blue skies

57. Warm Sun

58. Shining Moon

59. Shimmering Stars

60. Fluffy Clouds

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard." Psalm 19:1-3

Father - Thank You that even in the heavens we see your faithfulness. Day after day Your creation declares Your glory, Your goodness, Your provision for man. Thank You for the beauty that surrounds us.

In Jesus,
Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Ten

I am thankful for:

52. Children's poems (From Princess Daughter's poetry last week "Roses are red, violets are blue, I hate math, but I love you.")

(She is 7.)

53. Football Saturdays - especially when my team wins

54. Card and board games with children

55. Cracker Barrel breakfast

"He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God." Psalm 50:23

Father, in my life, daily, may I offer thank offerings to You. May I remember to give thanks in all circumstances, good or bad, because this is Your will for me and it brings You honor. Help me Father to see the gifts you have given me, to recognize and remember to be thankful on days when the children are quarreling, teenagers are disrespectful, and I lash out in frustrated anger. Father, forgive me and teach me to show them Your kindness in correction that leads to repentance and a changed heart. Spirit of God, thank you for not leaving me to handle this life on my own. Fill me today with your love, peace, and joy. From a grateful servants heart,

In Jesus,
Nancy

Scripture Only Sunday

Today is a Scripture Only Sunday -

"Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever." Psalm 9:6

Father - thank You that Your kingdom lasts from beginning to end! That you are the Alpha and Omega, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty God.

Days of Thanks - Day Nine

I am thankful for:
51. Sundays - days of rest and focus on His greatness - which should include every day as well. But I love that God created a day especially for us to stop and consider.
In Jesus,
Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Eight

I am thankful for:

37. Ability to visit my darling daughter and dear son-in-law last month - time and finances

38. Safe drive for children and myself - I love road trips

39. A vehicle to travel in

40. Playgrounds (especially castle shaped ones)

41. Picnic lunches

42. Sweet fruit

43. Bubbles

44. Pizza

45. Movie Night

46. Family Laughter

47. Car DVD players

48. Convenient restrooms & food & gas

49. MP3 players

50. Car conversations

Psalm 121:8

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

Father, What a wonderful trip. It's memories linger and bring a smile to my face. Thank you God for giving the trip to the children and I.

In Jesus,

Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Seven

I am thankful for:

32. Warm tasty soup (cheesy potato to be specific with bacon and scallions on top) Yum!

33. Fresh bread

34. Dinner with family in my great-grandparents house around my grandmother's dining room table (my mother and my little family - all 8 of us - live here in the family homestead now)

35. Rainy mornings curled up in bed with Bible and children

36. Princess daughter cooking breakfast (she is 7) - biscuits cooked a little too long but creamy gravy makes everything alright.

"Give us today our daily bread..." Matthew 6:11

Father - thank you for the daily routines of life. Even the seasons show the glory of your faithfulness.

In Jesus,
Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Six

I am thankful for:

26. A Godly heritage - faith passed down from my ancestors.

27. Departed father - already rejoicing in heaven, missed by those who remain, his provision for his family

28. Gold-hearted mother - her compassionate love for us all

29. As one pastor put it "being a drug baby" - being drug to church all my life (however, church is a place I like to be so I enjoyed being drug there)

30. Precious husband's servant mother - who raised six children as a single mother, all six of whom love the Lord

31. Extended family which gives a feeling of security

Father, thank you for the provision of a stable, steady, faithful home environment in which to develop and grow. Thank you for loving parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, brothers and sisters-in-law and cousins. Thank you for the heritage they have left for me and my children to follow.

In Jesus,

Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Five

I am thankful for:

21. Bread from heaven - daily nourishment for my soul - "I (Jesus) am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever." John 6:51

22. Food for life, this one and the eternal life.

23. A table prepared in the presence of my enemies - "You (God) prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies" Psalm 23:5

24. A life of forgiveness - "If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, therefore you are feared." Psalm 13:3-4

25. God's goodness and mercy following me ALL the days of my life. Psalm 23:6

Father - thank you that in the midst of my disappointment You are there continuing to provide for all I need. You are the rock upon which I stand. All my hopes are in You. Your word, Your kingdom is what stands firm forever. I look to You for my daily bread.

In Jesus,

Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Four

I am thankful for:

14. Men and women of honor - those in the past who have lead this nation in righteousness

15. Current freedoms in this nation - we take so much for granted

16. Patriots who have given their lives to bring a better life to others - those in our military who desire to see people live with dignity

17. The ability to cast a vote without fear for my life

18. God is totally trustworthy - He reigns over all and sets leaders in place for His purposes

19. God has a plan - He desires to give us a hope and a future - it is all in Him

20. God's kingdom lasts forever - His Word stands true through all generations

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." Psalm 20:7

In Jesus,

Nancy

Days of Thanks - Day Three

I am thankful for:

7. Precious husband (married 25 years in April 2009 - he grows more precious every year)

8. Darling daughter (19, seeking to follow God's path for her life)

9. Challenge son (16, causes me to pray and humble myself daily)

10. Helpful son (14, so grateful for his servant heart)

11. Fun son (11, in his own world, full of wit, beginning to seek to grow in the Lord)

12. Sensitive son (9, a heart for God's word)

13. Princess daughter (7, a spirit of worship upon her heart)

Father - I am so grateful for the gift of family You have given me. Be close to each one of these dear ones. Guide them with Your strong right hand. Help them to love Your ways more and more as they mature.

In Jesus,
Nancy

Scripture Only Sunday

Days of Thanks - Day Two

I am thankful for:

6. Scripture - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16

God has not left me here to figure out how to live this life on my own. He has breathed, filled the Scripture, with words of life that instruct me how to navigate the journey.

In Jesus,

Nancy

Giving Thanks - Day One

Today I am thankful. I have read Ann Voskamp's blog, A Holy Experience http://aholyexperience.

com/2006/11/gift-list-thousand-things.html and she has a gratitude community. It made me stop and think about all the things I am truly grateful for. The gifts God has placed in my life - now. So I have started my list. It seems like the appropriate time of the year to have them written and remembered.

I am thankful for:

1. God the Father (I love because he first loved me - 1 John 4:19)

2. God the Son (Made himself nothing, became a servant, became obedient to death - Philippians 2: 6-11)

3. God the Holy Spirit (The Counselor, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said - John 14:26)

4. The gift of righteousness (...how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man - Jesus Christ - Romans 5:17)

5. Faith (being sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not see - Hebrews 11:1)

Stop and consider how God has blessed you. Then take the time to tell Him how grateful you are for those gifts.

"Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

In Jesus,

Nancy