Giving Thanks for Giving

Today I'm grateful for the blessing of giving. It's something the Lord has been teaching me about, and which I'm learning to enjoy more and more.

Usually at Thanksgiving we are thankful for all the stuff we have (and I am thankful!). But this year I'm also thankful for what I can give away.

When I hear about a need, I can do something about it. I can provide food and clothing to orphaned babies. I can send Bibles to China. I can help fund micro-loans and allow a poor widow to support her family.

I have tasted the joy of giving. Investing money here on earth is always risky. Everything I buy will one day end up in the garbage dump. But investing money in God's kingdom guarantees a safe investment with a great return, and that's pretty exciting! Today, I'm thankful that I can give.

Quote of the Week: Making Graves

The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. H. U. Westermayer

7 Miles

I did it; yesterday I walked seven miles. My pedometer went on as soon as I got up in the morning. Since I usually walk around three miles a day, four at the very best, I knew it would be a stretch and I wanted to count every step!

Fortified with warm layers, my i pod and the comfy walking tennies that Kyle gave me for Christmas, Alaina and I headed out on two different walks. We hit a mile and a half on our morning walk, and about a mile in the afternoon. A couple laps to the mailbox and a few more with Alaina on my back (she loves to be in our little carrier) helped to rack up some more mileage. The rest came from not saving steps around the house.


By the end of the day I have to admit that my feet, in spite of the ultra comfy walking shoes, were a little sore, but I did manage to stave off a blister. So much for being in shape! I also got through about six chapters of my latest recorded book. (Nate, I put it on my I pod all by myself. I still remember how!)



So, what's the big deal about walking seven miles? What does this have to do with thankfulness? Let me see if I can tie it all together for you.

The average woman around the world walks seven miles a day for fresh water.

For the month of November . . .

. . . I've decided to do a theme for the blog - and hopefully for my daily life too. I want to prepare my heart for the celebration of Thanksgiving, so the focus for all the posts this month will be . . . Gratitude. If you think that sounds boring, well, just wait and see!


To start us out, here are some things I've been thinking about lately. For those of us who are Christians, we will always be able to give thanks. Following Christ isn't easy, in fact, we are guaranteed that we will suffer in one way or another if we do give our lives to Christ. I know of Christians who have suffered, and who are currently suffering unspeakably horrible things. But as Christians, we really can "give thanks in all things". Because will never experience the worst.

1. We will never suffer alone.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. Isaiah 43:2


This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses. Hebrews 4:15a


For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

2. We will never suffer fruitlessly.

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 2 Cor. 4:17


And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Rom 8:28

3. Our suffering is temporary.

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10

Thank you Lord Jesus that whatever happens, I will always have something to thank You for!

Something New

Well, I've learned something new - how to process persimmons! Thank you Larry and little miss Kristen for sharing your crop with us! It was tough to decide whether to make the pudding or the cheesecake, but the Persimmon Pudding turned out great - a mild fruity taste makes it a lovely autumnal dessert. Of course, I just might get back into making cheesecake again now that it's on my mind . . .

Anyway, thanks!

Quote of the Week: Good Friends

God's choice acquaintances are humble men. - Robert Leighton

Evidence of Autumn

Sure signs that we're right in the midst of fall: I'm wearing sweaters, and I feel like cooking again! Soup is back on the menu, and Kyle made the best sugar cookies. They were not around very long.

Our neighbors are back. They seem to be a quiet bunch this year.

Yet another sign of fall: bugs, bugs, bugs! We've been attacked by those little lady bug things, the ones that bite. Towards midday they start to look like rain, they're just everywhere. Kyle was my knight-in-shining-hoodie the other day, and brought me green beans from the garage freezer, since I didn't want to leave the house! They have gotten better since yesterday though. Should be almost done.

I'm so grateful for cool weather and a quiet place to walk! The trees around our house are just lovely. No sugar maples or burning bushes, but the yellows just glow on dark days, and the sumac give us some red.

Hey! What about ME? Scenery is nice and all, but don't get carried away!

Oh yes, sorry sweetie. Is this better?

Yes, thank you.

Speaking of fall and bugs, someone in the family has developed a taste for ladybugs. Literally, I'm afraid. I could sweep five times a day and still be fishing them out of her mouth! At least we know she has good eye sight. Her fine motor skills are also developing nicely.

Family fun.

Enjoy your autumn!