Today I am grateful for:

1. "Luxuries" that our ancestors never knew....my electric stove, indoor plumbing, refrigerator, washer and dryer...they truly make life easier
2. The truth of the old song: "Wonderful, wonderful Jesus is to me, Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God is He; Saving me, keeping me from all sin and shame....wonderful is my Redeemer, praise His Name!"
3. A wonderful Sunday sermon...a powerful time of worship with brothers and sisters and a message that I carry through the week
4. The religious freedom that is still ours in this country...I am mindful of the suffering of so many others in other lands
5.The abundance of uplifting, godly music to fill my home as I go about my day

Lord, keep my heart focused on you and filled with praise.

Sentimental Moments

Today I am thankful for:

1. Memories....our ability to reminisce and re-live precious times of the past. Like this one of my son, now 27 years old, when he was only 11 months old. Look at that smile! God used that joyful smile and disposition to bring me through the darkest time of my life...his daddy had died only 2 months earlier. What a gift this little boy was..........and still is.

2. My little boy's little boy.....Riley is absolutely wonderful....so much like his father when he was a baby...the same charming personality and disarming smile. How good God is to allow us to experience a bit of the joy of creation...can you imagine His joy when Adam was created? And then Eve? And then Cain and Abel? And then...and then... Here is a shot of that bundle of joy and Terry in January:

3. My truly wonderful daughter-in-love (no, that's not a typo). For years I prayed that when my son married, that God would give me a daughter....He answered my prayers so magnificently. Windy is as beautiful inside as she is on the outside...and a terrific, godly wife and mother. She loves Eddie and Riley and makes a good, loving home for them. Thank you Lord! Windy and Riley ready for church on Sunday morning:

4. The raise my husband received on Friday. Jehovah Jireh, my Provider, His grace is sufficient for me...My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory; He will give His angels charge over thee...Jehovah Jireh careth for me. Who remembers that dear old chorus? We humbly thank and praise Him.

5. The days of sunshine we enjoyed last week! Oh how sweet the air and green grass and clear skies are after so many rainy days.....

Today I am thankful for:

1. having rediscovered the goodness of juicing
2. the beautiful flowering shrubs and trees that are everywhere this time of year (and it is just beginning! :)
3. a great weekend with three nephews
4. beating my husband in Scrabble (finally)!
5. the hope that is always ours in Jesus Christ

Five Things I Am Thankful For Today

1. The success He has given my son in business...thank you Lord!
2. The Champion Juicer that has been in the pantry too long...I remember praying for one for the longest time and finally using a tax return to buy it 9 years ago. What a blessing to be able to make a fresh glass of healthful juice!
3. The magnificence of our physical bodies...what a wonderful Creator!
4. Turkey leftovers...it's so great to be able to make Turkey Stock, Creamed Turkey, Turkey Potpie and more! (I'll post the recipes)
5. My salvation...so rich and free!

God is Faithful and Can Be Trusted

Thank you Lord...

1. For test results that reveal no present cancer
2. For the knowledge that He hears our prayers...and answers!
3. For family and friends who are faithful in their prayer support
4. For the beauty of the mountains all around us in this incredible Pacific Northwest
5. For the abundance of fruits and vegetables all around us

Thank you Lord....

Today's gifts:

1. That now-familiar sound of a picture message coming over my cell phone... of my delightful grandson... instantly brightens my day!
2. Finally, a new DVD player to watch good movies on

3. Leftovers, for a take-it-easy kind of day
4. The timely message of an old hymn...so rich for the soul
5. My considerate husband, who is always so willing to lend a hand with the dishes...I am blessed.

Just a List?

Having decided to list 5 things I have to be thankful for each day, I wonder sometimes if it will become just a "list." As I sit and record each item, there are times I really have to think. Does that mean I'm just conjuring something up in order to have 5 items? Is it becoming something I "have" to do?

No, in fact that is the very reason I am doing it. I am making a conscious effort to turn my focus and thinking to the good, the eternal, the positive. The very exercise of "having to think about it" is so valuable. I am training a new habit in myself.

We all have so much to be thankful for. Here are the gifts in my life today:

1. The simple happiness in making my husband a cup of tea when he is sick
2. The fulfillment of praying together
3. The riches of having an abundance of books in the house, and having had the education to be able to read and understand them
4. The incredible amount of help and information that is available through the worldwide web
5. For the comfort and instruction of God's Word in our moments of need

Today I am thankful for:

1. For our postal service...although we have children and grandchildren 2,000 miles away, we are able to share our hearts and bless them with Easter baskets

2. For my son and his wife finding a new home in the area and price range they hoped for

3. For the sweet, gentle heart of my husband

4. For my brother and his new wife...God has blessed our family with Tracy, and has given me encouragement through her

5. For an abundance of great online recipes readily available

God is so Good

Today I thank God for:

1. 1. Giving my Dad another 10 years with us when we thought we'd lost him after his two strokes
2. 2. Our wonderful pets...Journey, my gentle black lab/greyhound mix who has brought me joy for over 11 years ~ Zeke, who, although brings some challenges is a very loving and affectionate golden who gets better everyday ~ and Elizabeth, our "diva cat" who actually answers to her name and is beautiful and loving.
3. The blessing of a home computer to accomplish many things that would be much more complex if we had to do it manually
4. A home that allows me to gaze at the gorgeous Cascade Mountain Range through my huge front window as often as I desire
5. Teaching me how to be my husband's helpmate

Grace for the Day

Cultivating a thankful heart is one of the best things I've begun doing. Although a strong walk with God takes more than that, it is a principle that is shown throughout scripture...praising God in the midst of difficult circumstances, worshiping Him while flooded with fear, rejoicing even in the face of immediate danger -- it is a powerful spiritual weapon. In my life right now though, it is transforming my heart and mind. In spite of trials, difficulties and fears, I am able to look up and see the many blessings God has poured into my life...and to find joy in everything. In this way, I am finding much grace for the day.

Today I’m thankful for:

1. For God-given doctors and medical research...I am grateful for treatment that is available for life-threatening illnesses
2. For the wisdom and support of my husband in the care of my elderly father
3. The wonderful grandson God has given me
4. For a car that gets good gas mileage in these days of $3.30+ per gallon gas
5. For God’s provision even while unemployed

An Attitude of Gratitude

One of my greatest weaknesses is discontentment and negative thinking. My prayer is that I will have a grateful heart, aware of all God's blessings in my life...and to be more focused on those things. It can be a real stronghold to dwell on what we lack, or what has hurt us, or what is hard about our lives...or even on our own weaknesses (not to mention the weaknesses of others).

I have begun listing five things I can be thankful for each day (most days at least! ;) In this way, I have purposed to look at the good, at the eternal, at the good gifts God has given. This is where I will list them.

Today I’m thankful for:

1. A steaming cup of delicious herbal tea
2. For a man who brought my heart to life after 20 years
3. For 7 nephews who bring joy and delight to my heart
4. For another day, another chance to honor God with my thoughts, body, and behaviors
5. For my little kitchen with dishes that need to be washed because of the food that is available for us to enjoy each day