Be Thankful....

It is that time of year again, when we start to into the holiday season and I am working on my heart to ready it for the time ahead.  This year will be different in many ways and a selfish side of me is frustrated by that because I have had to face so many changes over the last few years and it seems the very shadow of family and holiday traditions are no more.  Even as I have tried to hold on to traditions, time and life has had other ideas. 

So this year, more than usual, I need to focus on the thankful in the little things and the challenges.  As has been by tradition since I started blogging I am sharing my thankful thoughts here as part of my preparation to celebrate all that we have been blessed.

Even though my family again has under gone changes and looks a little different, I am still thankful for each and every one, especially my children.  My daughter and son-in-law are a great blessing to me as I get to watch them grow the life they desire and flourish in their endeavors.  My oldest son always has a piece of my heart and will always be loved more than he will ever know.  I am so thankful for my youngest son and his daily presence in my life.  Time is short, and I am never more aware of that than I am now.

 "Let’s grasp hands and promise to be thankful for those seated at our table, for we never know when it’s our last chance to love, listen, 

and lean on each other."

~Micah Maddox

Happy Thanksgiving 2016

I hope this finds you having celebrated a day full of family, friends and food.  Mostly, though, I hope you have had time to feel thankful for all the good in your life and our world.  This is my final Thanksgiving Thankfulness recap but I am committed to Living Thankfully past today.  It is so easy to forget all the little blessings when the world seem to throw big problems and roadblocks in our way every day. 

Thankfulness Recap:

Thankfulness, Day 16: I am thankful for God's unfailing protection, mercy and grace.
Thankfulness, Day 17: thankful for this...

Thankfulness, Day 18: I am so thankful it is Friday!!!!
Thankfulness, Day 19: I am thankful for the great people Florence Little Theatre and what a great job they did on To Kill a Mockingbird!
Thankfulness, Day 20: I am thankful when something comes along to remind me of how important it is to discern what is important in life and to grab hold of Faith in all things.
Thankfulness, Day 21: I am thankful for forgiveness and from it, the freedom God has given, and the healing He provides.
Thankfulness, Day 22: today I am really thankful for talented writers and speakers who help me grow. This book in particular is amazing: Fervent by Priscilla Shirer.
Thankfulness, Day 23: Being #thankful for the challenges and striving to continue #LivingThankful long after #thanksgiving has passed. #GodisGood
Thankfulness, Day 24: This morning my house is quiet except for the clicking of claws as the fur babies move about and I can't help but be thankful for the small blessings in my life. I pray for all of us a spirit of peace, contentment in all things...the big and small, the happy and the painful, the mountain tops and the valleys.

Live Thankfully🍂🍁

Thankfulness Recap!

I am proud of myself as I have kept up my daily thankfulness shares on Facebook so here is my recap for you:

• Thankfulness, Day 7: I am thankful for the 2 fur babies I get to share life with! They complete our family...not to mention are a continual source of loose fur.
• Thankfulness, Day 8: Today I am incredibly thankful that I live in a nation kept safe by heroes of many kinds that wear many uniforms and I have the freedom to be involved in choosing my next President! What a HUGE blessing!!!
• Thankfulness, Day 9: I am thankful for friends. What is life without those special people?
• Thankfulness, Day 10: Thankful for my job. At times it feels overwhelming but I do see God's hand in my work path. I am especially thankful for my sister Managers and all their support, encouragement and the things they continue to share and teach me. 
• Thankfulness, Day 11: I am so very thankful for all the men & women who have served to protect our great nation. If it were not for our Veterans we would not have the privileges, opportunities and freedoms we take for granted.
• Thankfulness, Day 12: I am thankful for a trip to the Southern Christmas Show today. It is a tradition I love and always puts me in the spirit of the holidays. 
• Thankfulness, Day 13: I am thankful that my children have had the opportunity to attend great Christian schools. They have been blessed with a Biblical World view and amazing teachers!

Worth repeating....as my Thankfulness, Day 14 (5 years later!)November 14, 2011 · Florence ·

30 Days of Thankfulness, Day 14: I am so very thankful for the policemen & firemen (and women) that risk their lives daily to keep us safe.

 

• Thankfulness, Day 15: I am thankful for the access to medical care. We have the best, most caring professionals around!

Live Thankfully!

Thankfulness Recap for this week:

I did well on sharing my daily thoughts of thanksgiving each day on Facebook but did not do as well transferring them here, to the blog!  Here is a recap of my days for this week and please don't think these are the only things I am thankful for because I could list so many more.  I am blessed and I know that!

• Thankfulness, Day 2: I am overwhelmed by the blessings that are my children. I am so grateful that I get to be their Mom.
• Thankfulness, Day 3: I am very thankful my parents are still with me and are there for me through thick & thin.
• Thankfulness, Day 4: I am thankful that today I have a warm, safe home and more provisions than many people can imagine.
• Thankfulness, Day 5: I am thankful for crisp, beautiful Fall days and long walks in my neighborhood at the end of a busy week.
• Thankfulness, Day 6: I am so very thankful for my Church Family. Life would have a huge hole in it without them.
   

I hope that you have taken time to find something each day to be thankful for.  Even when life hits us with curve balls, there is always something worthy in your life.  I can attest to that as I am dodging and maneuvering through an unexpected maze of stress but still seeking the good in today.  Lets cultivate our lives in a way that makes thankfulness on the forefront of each morning, noon and night.  Live thankful.

Being Thankful 2014

I have to admit, this year I have had a hard time finding my groove in being thankful.  Most of that is my own selfishness.  I know I have more than I could ever count to be thankful for...but this has been a hard year.  I have lost a great deal...my life as I knew it, my children's lives as they knew it and love I thought was for a life time. I have had to come to terms with the ugly realities of betrayals and the shock of realizing you don't always know the people you are most vulnerable with.  I have had to begin wrapping my mind around a reality that the last 30 years of my life were not what they seemed and only a mirage.  So, I find myself stunned often by those realities and they make me overlook what I should be thankful for.

Each year on the blog I try to post about what I am thankful for, and this year it is taking more thought, more consideration than usual.  I haven't spent the month of November documenting the special blessings in my life as in the past; but there have been blessings.  I have 3 jobs (yes, 3 part time jobs!) that I like which have come just when they needed to, I have a warm, safe house, a car that is reliable and most importantly I have 3 amazing children to share my journey with.  I know if it had not been for their presence in my life I would not still be standing.  They each have unique strengths and talents and bring different joys into my life.  I am waiting expectantly to see just what God does in their lives in the coming seasons, because I know in my heart He has big plans for them.  He would not take them through what they have faced if He didn't have BIG plans for them.  I can't wait to stand on the side lines and cheer them through their lives.

I also have many dear, special friends to be thankful for, some old and some new.  I wish I could tell you what each one has brought into my world this year but it would take days to write each blessing down.  I am just thankful for their love, support and help.

I am also thankful for my parents and their support this year.  It was a painful year of loss for them as well but they did all they could to help me and the children.  I am blessed.

It is a different year...this 2014.  Holidays won't be the same and our family is learning to be a family...just a smaller one...but we are blessed.  Thank you, Lord.

Be My Valentine Marriage Challenge Week 1 ~ Take the Initiative

As I mentioned in my post last week I am taking the Be My Valentine Marriage Challenge with Courtney at Women Living Well and this is officially Week 1.  Courtney outlines the Challenge for Week 1 as:

"Week 1 Challenge - Take the Initiative!  Look for ways to praise your husband verbally.

Praise him in front of the kids, friends, family, co-workers, on Facebook, tweet it – get praise out anyway you can! Try to mention something noteworthy he has done – in his role as provider, father, husband, lover, or friend. If the thought of trying to come up with one terrifies you, then pray right now that God will give you new eyes to see your husband as God does. Then open your mouth and say something kind and uplifting to your husband today and tomorrow and the next day until Valentine’s Day arrives!"

For me this is an easy challenge as my husband is a wonderful man!  He works harder than just about anyone I have ever known to provide for our family.  He often sacrifices what he would "like to be doing"  to do things for me and our children.  He has done more "honey do" projects that I can count and I am sure he thought were senseless just to please me (our current laundry room redo topping that list!)  He is gentle but strong and seeks God in his daily life.  I count him among my greatest blessings! I feel honored to be his wife and though we have gone through dark days during our marriage, I am so thankful that he is still my husband and I can't imagine walking this journey without him.

“The wise woman builds her house,

but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”
~Proverbs 14:1

Be My Valentine Marriage Challenge ~ Week 1

Happy 30 Days of Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for today, for life

and the joy that God has given me!

Whether you have big plans with friends and family or you are spending this day more quietly I hope you find blessings and joy.  We do Thanksgiving dinner here about 7:00 pm so this morning finds my daughter baking cookies and we are watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and enjoying this beautiful fall morning.  I am thankful that my immediate family (plus my daughter's beau) will be gathered around my table this evening and will also help start the Christmas decorating.  We actually already have 1 tree up (in my office) and I don't feel one bit guilty, as truly here we celebrate one massive holiday called Merry Christgiving! 

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:15-17(ESV)

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 16-29

30 Days of Thanksgiving

Day 16-29, 2012:  Oh my, I haven't done very well with my daily posting!  (But rest assured I have focused on what I am thankful for and spent more time IRL on that than in the virtual world sharing about it!)  It has been a crazy, busy month and I think this morning is the 1st time I have felt I had time to sit down and share. 

This year, I am acutely aware of how much I am thankful for my youngest DS.  We started this year not knowing what the future held for him (not that we know that now...but you know what I mean!)  If you don't know the back story you may want to start reading HERE  In the last 12 months I have witnessed his very close brush with death and more seizures.  Then walked with him down the path through some scary months of doctor's visits, tests and a major lifestyle change.  It hasn't been easy, but honestly, it hasn't been hard.  When faced with a very somber reality and what possibilities it brings into your life, it is amazing what strength God gives you to change.  I don't know that I have slept through the night in over 10 months but I don't resent that...I am so thankful to have the opportunity to check up on an alive, sleeping child. 

There have been some very poignant moments of thanks where he is concerned this past year, some of them big and some of them small, but none insignificant.  When he walked on stage to perform at his piano recital, I sent up prayers of thanksgiving that he was fully functioning.  When baseball season rolled around, I was astounded that we found ourselves sitting on the bleachers...there were many months that we didn't think that would ever happen again and I was in tears of thanksgiving.  When Mother's Day rolled around and he was there.... I felt thankfulness beyond compare. During the summer days spent swimming in the pool...I was thankful for each and every moment. When flag football season started and I got to see him take up his spot at quarterback I felt thankfulness that was overwhelming. 

The last few months have clarified so much in my heart and mind and put life in a perspective that I "knew" but had never had to live with each of my children.  Considering how much I know now about what we are dealing with ...seizure disorders...Epilepsy....I am so very aware of how blessed we are.  I have met so many families that are carrying a much heavier burden and that gives me pause for gratitude daily.  So, I thank God every single day for my children and husband because I know, without a shadow of a doubt, HE is the reason I am blessed to share life with them.

I am also immensely thankful for my handsome husband.  He is a great husband and a wonderful father.  I and so grateful for his patience, love and how he takes care of our family. I know that I have a lot to be thankful for in the marriage department and I count those blessings every day!

I know that even though my 30 Days of Thanksgiving posting was not as consistent as I had planned, I am still very filled with gratitude for all the blessings in my life each day....and for a Savior who made it so.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him, all creatures here below;

Praise him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

`~Thomas Ken, The Common Doxology

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 16

30 Days of Thanksgiving

Day 16, 2012: On this chilly Fall morning I am thankful for a warm, secure and safe house.  It may seem like a simple or obvious thing to be thankful for but one which I do not want to ever take for granted.  Thank you, God, from whom all blessings flow.

That my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.

O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

Psalm 30:12 (ESV)

Please join me in celebrating 30 Days of Thanksgiving by leaving a comment and sharing what you are thankful for today!



30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 15

Day 15, 2012:  Today (and always) I am thankful for my oldest son.  Almost 16 years ago he came into my life and just turned it upside down and for that I am grateful.  He has stretched me as a person and shown me so much about myself through my reactions with him. Being a "mom of boys" has really challenged me and taught me sides to life I had no idea existed!   

DS1 is compassionate, smart, strong,  handsome, funny and loves God.  I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to be a part of his life and that I get to watch as God's story for him unfolds....he has big things ahead. 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17 (ESV)

Please join me in celebrating 30 Days of Thanksgiving by leaving a comment and sharing what you are thankful for today!



30 Days of Thanksgiving: Days 13 & 14

30 Days of Thanksgiving

Day 13-14, 2012: I just got back from voting.  Yes, it was a bit cold out this morning, cloudy and dreary as well, but I was not missing the opportunity that most of this world never knows.  I got to walk into a warm building, be greeted by friendly and helpful poll workers, stand in line with strangers who all seemed pleasant and happy to be there and boldly, without fear, cast my vote for who I think should lead our great nation.  I am so thankful that I have that freedom. 

I am also thankful for a special group of girlfriends.  We have come together through a mutual love of books to form a little book club.  Through our shared love of words we have developed a wonderful, supportive sisterhood.  Although we only officially meet once a month, I am so thankful for these sweet women and the special blessings they are. 

And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name,

make known his deeds among the peoples,

proclaim that his name is exalted. “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;

let this be made known in all the earth.

Isaiah 12:4-5 (ESV)

Please join me in celebrating 30 Days of Thanksgiving by leaving a comment sharing what you are thankful for today!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Days 11 & 12

Day 11-12, 2012: Today I am thankful for a wonderful church family that felt it important to gather for prayer for the future of our nation tonight. 

I am also thankful for the ability to pray freely without fear, as so many, in other countries have never known that freedom. 

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15 (ESV)

Please join me in 30 Days of Thanksgiving and leave a comment sharing what you are thankful for today!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 10

30 Days of Thanksgiving

Day 10, 2012:  Today I am thankful for my sweet daughter.  She has grown into a lovely young lady, both inside and out.  She has shown me so much and my heart has grown because she is in my life.  I am proud of what a successful and hard working woman is.   In giving me a daughter, God blessed me with not just a child but a friend for life.

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.

Psalm 127:3 (NIV)

 

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Days 7-9

30 Days of Thanksgiving

Day 7-9: The last few days the weather has brought devastation to many in our nation so I can't help but be thankful for the beautiful weather than we have experienced.  It has actually felt and started to look like Fall! We have only felt the breezes of the storm that raged north of us.  Living close to the coast teaches you to respect these storms and they are always a concern, so you learn to be thankful for when they pass you by while also anguishing over the lives they wreak havoc upon.

I am thankful that my youngest son has now been able to say good bye to the crutches he has been hobbling around on as of late (he fell from about 7-8 feet out of his tree house....I am overwhelmingly thankful that other than bruises and a bad ankle sprain he was OK!)  I am also thankful that I survived yet another "Mom of boys" moment with this one without having a heart attack! 

On a lighter note, I am thankful for a couple of good eBay scores this week!  I got 2 silver platters for a steal and I can't wait to get them in the mail!  I also got a great deal on some unopened Christmas party napkins (50 cents a pack!) at a thrift shop this week that will be put to great use in the coming season!!!

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

  Ephesians 5:20 (ESV)

 

Please join me celebrating 30 Days of Thanksgiving

by leaving me a comment telling me

what you are thankful for today!



30 Days of Thanksgiving: Days 3-6

t

30 Days of Thanksgiving

When I started this series of posts I don't think I gave much thought to my ability to post on the weekends!  This weekend didn't find me having a moment to sit down at the computer but it did find me with plenty to be thankful for! 

Day 3-6, 2012: I am thankful for my boy's school.  We are blessed with a school that truly partners with us as parents to help rear young men that have a solid foundation not just academically but also spiritually, socially and physically.  My boys have teacher's and coaches who go above and beyond the call of duty to reach out and show true servant leadership. 

I am also thankful that our Varsity Football team has a slot in region playoffs!  My oldest DS plays on the Varsity team and he is so excited to be part of such a great team!  The 1st playoff game is Friday night so wish us luck.

I am thankful for dear friends and neighbors.  We had a great time with friends for dinner on Saturday and laughed and talked until late into the night.  On Sunday night we had a great party with our neighbors as we wished a very sweet neighbor (actually we call her the "mayor" of our neighborhood) well as she leaves our little 'hood for another across town.  We have a neighborhood that is hard to beat...more like family than just folks who live in the houses down the street!

Today I am also grateful that this weekend that I had my entire family under one roof!  DD came home unexpectedly from college which was GREAT.  When we are all here, everything feels right with the world. 

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 107:1 (ESV)

Please join me celebrating 30 Days of Thanksgiving

by leaving me a comment telling me

what you are thankful for today!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 2



30 Days of Thanksgiving

Day 2, 2012: It is only the second day of my 30 Days of Thanksgiving and I am embarrassed to admit that today my “thankful bone” isn’t feeling very strong. There have been a series of annoying, albeit minor, incidents that have my selfish nature wanting to throw my hands up and scream, “Why me???” or “I hate my life!!!” But, as I sit here trying to focus and unwind from the stresses that plotted to take me down, I am determined to see the blessings in today.

So, on Day 2, I am thankful for access to a great Doctor when we need it. When I called him today with an issue…he said just come over. I am thankful for his consistent care and concern for my family on big and little issues. I am thankful for his staff who are always patient, even when I seem to be a frequent flyer in their office.

I am thankful for the summer like temperatures that allowed me to plant pansies this morning without wearing a jacket in the beautiful fall morning sun!

I am thankful for a school secretary that cares enough about my child to call me just to double check on his health issues.

I am thankful for T-shirt/yoga pant days, even if those are days I always seem to have to take a child unexpectedly to the doctor. And, also that our Doctor hasn’t asked if that is the only outfit I own.

Well, my thankfulness might not be all that deep today…but I am filled with the overwhelming blessings that abound in my life.

Rejoice always, pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Please join me celebrating 30 Days of Thanksgiving by leaving me a comment

telling me what you are thankful for today!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 1

If you have been reading Southern Somedays for any length of time you may have gathered that I am a holiday junkie. I love Christmas, Easter, 4th of July…you name it, but my favorite is the quiet and less noticed Thanksgiving. It has been that way my entire life. I truly think because, in my mind, it kicks off the most wonderful time of the year, that magical season that starts in November and runs completely through January 1st!

This year I am approaching Thanksgiving with the spirit of the holiday in focus and going to celebrate Thirty Days of Thanksgiving by blogging 30 days of things for which I am thankful. I would love it if you would join me and leave a comment about what you are thankful for today and lets all let this season touch our hearts and lives in a deeper way this year!

30 Days of Thanksgiving

Day 1, 2012: Tonight I was reminded that the 1st and greatest blessing in my life is my relationship with Jesus Christ; nothing else compares. I am so thankful that I have Him in my life and can’t imagine how I would get through even one day without Him.

This past year has brought many challenges and I didn’t see them coming. I was completely and totally unprepared mentally, physically and spiritually. Had I not had a loving Heavenly Father that loved me enough to give His son so that I might live fully, I don’t know how I would have made it through this year. Christ was truly my saving grace in the face of fear, anxiety, uncertainty and pain. He is the foundation I need day to day. I am so very thanksfilled for His forgiveness, grace, mercy and presence in my life.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)

Please join me celebrating 30 Days of Thanksgiving!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day one and all, but especially the man with whom I have been blessed to share my life.  He is truly my best friend, and I can't imagine walking through life without him.  He is patient with me, has more energy than I can comprehend and is the best Father I have ever seen.  I see so much of what is good in him developing in my boys and that makes my heart sing.  These last few weeks have been difficult, to say the least, but I am so thankful he has been here with me and don't know how I would have made it without his love and support. 

Happy Valentine's Day to my most amazing husband. 

Love is the condition in which the happiness

 of another person  is essential to your own."

-Robert Heinlein

Monday Musings

Source: paloma81.blogspot.com via Bella on Pinterest

Just a quick update from our house; my youngest son is doing well. He is back in school and seemingly back in the groove and full of energy.   We are waiting on the appointment with the Pediatric Neurologist.  My daughter is home for a couple of days and last night all 3 of my children were in rare form and this house was filled with laughter and joy.  For that I am more thankful than I can express. 

Somehow though, we seem to be in the cross hairs of something because a couple of (non related to my youngest son) issues have arisen that have me shaking my head and wondering, "what else?" Yes...mostly I seem to be asking God, "What else?"  I feel like a little kid most of the time when I come to God in prayer these days.  I probably sound like a spoiled child to Him for the most part, I am sure.  "What else, God?"  But, I will still go before Him, knowing He is there and loving me.  I am thankful that even in my most drained, tired, angry, fearful moments He is there.

This morning, after I dropped my boys off at school, I heard this quote on the radio and it felt like balm for my emotions:

"The enemy wouldn't be attacking you if something valuable wasn't inside of you!

Thieves don't break into empty houses!

You've got purpose!"

~author unknown

Thank you on Veterans Day!!!

I am so grateful to the men and women who have sacrificed to defend and build this great nation. I am also thankful and indebted to the families who have, and continue to, stand behind the brave men and women of our armed forces.  Our nation is blessed and I am so glad to be an American.  I am especially proud of two of my hero's and want to say Thank You to them for making my world a safer and better place.

My Father-in-love, who served in the U.S. Air Force. 

I know what kind of man he is by the quality of the sons he reared! 

Thank you, Papaw!

And my Daddy,

who was away from me for the 1st year of  my life
 because he was in Vietnam.

He was recognized for heroism during military operations against hostile forces with 3 commendation medals and 3 bronze stars. He was stationed at Chu Chi home base during his tour in 69-70.

Take time today to thank a Veteran and our currently serving Service Men and Women

(and their families.) 

They are the reason we are free!