date night

I am so thankful for my husband, who regularly takes me on dates. It is important to remember that it is the husband/wife relationship that is the key to the health of the family. Kids are great, the house is nice, but they should not become the priority over the marriage. Make the effort to connect with your spouse in meaningful ways on a regular basis, you'll be glad you did when your kids leave home and you still know your mate.

Eph. 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

happy people

I am thankful for the happiness that I see in others. The day is always more pleasant, when the people you are around are exhibiting joy. Oh Lord, let me be that kind of person to my family and friends as well as strangers.

Ps. 34:5 Those who look to him for help are happy; their faces are not ashamed.

fall back

I am always excited for that extra hour of sleep that we get when it is time to go off of daylight savings, but it is hard to get on schedule the next few days, especially for the little ones.  Please be mindful of them and yourself and have an extra measure of grace for yourself and those around you while everyone gets adjusted.

Ps. 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. 

Constantly pray

Currently, I am with some women from church on a prayer retreat. It is so refreshing to be away from the demands of my home and given to prayer.  I am expectant, hopeful and excited to see how God is going to use this time that we've set apart for Him to change us.
I am so thankful that we can have such access to the Father. Christian, we serve an awesome, mighty, holy God who invites us into His presence.
Pray, constantly.

1Thes. 5:16 Always rejoice, 17 constantly pray, 18 in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not extinguish the Spirit.

happy heart

I think veggie tales got it right with this one...a thankful heart is a happy heart.  If I am busy thinking of things that I am thankful for I am much more content in the day. I am thankful that all of my needs are met.

1 Tim. 6: 9-10 Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation and a trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root  of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.

2 dearly loved children

I posed the "what are you thankful for" question to Mollie, my almost 2 yr. old at breakfast yesterday.  Her response, "Betsy" her 8 month old sister.  I tell you, it made me nearly cry.

Eph. 5:1 Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children

friends

Whenever November arrives, I begin thinking seriously about the things for which I am thankful.  I asked my husband what he was thankful for, his reply, "our friends". I could not agree more. We have awesome friends.

Phil. 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you.