Thank You - November 12th

Thank you for a new day, a new beginning. A fresh start where the failings of yesterday need not haunt me today.

I may have eaten two candy bars too many yesterday. I may have yelled at those I love one too many times the day before. Today, however, I start with a clean slate.

As I begin my day, I have not lost my temper. I can choose to pause and ask God for some self-control.

I can make healthier choices with what I put into my mouth start with my first bite today. I can thank God for the abundance of food at my fingertips.

I can begin to clean the mess that has accumulated on the family room floor. Or I can attempt to finger through the pile of papers on my kitchen counter. Accomplishing one task at a time, I can be that much closer to a clean house.

My day can begin by talking with Jesus despite the fact that yesterday my "to do" list won out. I can give Him my worries rather than attempt to heal my pain through other avenues.

"Thank you, Lord, for brand new mornings. From the moment I step out of bed, my choices are new. Thank you for a new day. Help me to live it for you."

November 11th - Veterans Day

Today is a day we remember all those who have fought for our country. Those who have given everything they had, even their lives so we can live in freedom.

Too often, we take our freedom for granted. More than not, we live our lives without a second thought for those who have lost because they cared enough to give for us. Even today, we have men and women putting their lives at stake for our freedom and our safety.

Growing up, I recall my dad teaching us respect for our country and for the veterans, both presently living as well as those that had gone before us. I vividly remember looking at a cannon that is displayed in dowtown Mokena as dad talked to us about this gift we'd been given. I don't remember what he said so much as I recall the moment. It was important enough to freezeframe in my mind.

As we attended my brother's basketball games, my parents taught, through their example, to not only stand in respect but to sing when the National Anthem was sung. To this day, I fight back tears when the National Anthem is playing. I trust my girls are watching our example as we attempt to teach them about the great great honor we have to live in the United States of America.

Although I am not surrounded with swarms of family members who have fought for our country, Rod's dad and grandpa as well as my grandpa were all in the military. More than that, our fathers and their fathers lived out their respect for this country. It is our responsibility to teach our children and grandchildren the same.

"Thank you, Lord, for our veterans. We are blessed to live in a country where so many are willing to fight and even die for our freedom."

November 10th

In the middle of folding a load of laundry, I pause.

The realization comes to me that all three kids are asleep.

I am folding laundry.

So many times, I long for quiet. Times where I have the opportunity to sort out my thoughts.

This is one of those moments.

I quick finish switching the laundry (I really needed some clean pants that fit).

I pour myself a bowl of cereal, cut up a banana, and fill a glass with water.

Sadly, I don't know where I've placed my Bible.

The computer is always on and I know my husband has the main page set to come up as Bible Gateway.

I open Internet Explorer.

Isaiah 1:18 is the verse of the day. “Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." For more to read, I pull up all of Isaiah 1. I reread verses 15-20.

I wonder about the state of my own life. Where am I? What would God say directly to me?

I need to find more time to hear His voice; more time where I can sit and clear my mind to read the Bible: His Word to me.

There is so much to be grateful for. Today I could pick the Bible, the internet or forgiveness. As none of these posts are in order of importance, today I am grateful for a quiet morning.

Thank you, Lord, for a morning where the girls sleep in and I can be reminded of how fulfilling time spent alone with you can be.

(Now the baby is crying as I finish this. Truly a gift.)

Thanks on November 9

I'm back to attending my Weight Watchers meetings. Without these meetings, I allow myself to turn to food for comfort. My mindset is completely different when I attend weekly Weight Watchers meetings. With this support, I am encouraged to plan out my meals. To think about why I am eating and what I am eating rather than just reaching to whatever I can find and shoving it in my mouth.

I realize there are people who don't face this struggle. However, my relationship with food is one that has a tendency to control me. Weight Watchers gives me a plan. I don't need to guess which foods are okay to eat. All foods are acceptable in moderation. Their plan works for my life and allows me to feel good about my self-image as well as be healthier overall.

So, probably not one you'll find on many people's Thanksgiving list, but you find it on mine.

Thank you, Lord, for Weight Watchers.

November 8th Thank You

"Her likes me," my three-year-old daughter beems with joy that her baby sister grabs hold of her finger.

"Ah-goo," is the sound my infant forms these days.

My husband laughs from his belly as my six-year-old shouts "You maniac!" as we avoid hitting another car in the parking lot.

I am so grateful to be able to hear the words, "I love you". Blessed to be able to attend to my daughter when her little voice calls. I can experience the echo of laughter. Music stirs my heart. The sound of rain hitting the windows and the rustle of the wind in the leaves connect me with God's creation. Children playing. Birds chirping. Babies crying. Girls singing.

For those times I am overwhelmed with too much noise and beg for silence, I must remember the gift of hearing. Being able to hear these sounds alert me to a need. Words of encouragement and love can warm my heart. A smile to my face or tears in my eyes are a result of the different sounds I hear. These are all a gift.

Thank you, Lord, for the ability to hear.