THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Is it just me or was there some kind of odd planetary alignment that was causing the world to spin a little bit off kilter this past week? LOL! Whew! I so needed Thankful Thursday to help me get my focus back where it should be: on the blessings I've received from God!

This week I'm thankful for:
(1) my job
(2) my family
(3) my home
(4) my friends
(5) my Savior

I decided to "keep it simple" this week. I could write volumes about each item on the list, but I'm going to just leave it as it is, so the proper focus is on the "simple" things in my life--they are the best!

What are you thankful for this week? Hop on over to Truth 4 The Journey to pick up Mr. Linky to join us, or to link to other "Thankful" bloggers.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Welcome to Thankful Thursday again this week! If you'd like to participate, just stop by Sony'a Blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to sign up! Next write down five things you are thankful for this week. Finally, link up with Mr. Linky at her blog. It's that easy!


Here's my list:

1) I'm thankful for my friend, Pete. He is a true brother in Christ and a dear friend who offers wise counsel and a strong shoulder to cry on.

2) I'm thankful for my friend, Kelly. She is a wonderful encourager and sweet friend.

3) I'm thankful for my friend, Andrea. Not enough I can say about her--sister, friend, "co-conspirator," visionary and a huge heart!

4) I'm thankful for my husband - yep, he's on the list again:-) He has taken over his mother's financial and health affairs since her stroke, adding to his already full plate of responsibilities. He has been grace-filled through it all and I just know when he get's to heaven he's going to have several years in a hot tub, watching a big screen tv (as wide as the sky) and no one reminding him where he needs to be or what he needs to do:-) into eternity.

5) I'm thankful my son will start his job next week! YAY! He has worked so hard to acquire the training he needs and has matured so very much in the past year. I don't know who is more excited-him or us!

My bonus item on the list this week is my Lord and Savior. I am ever breathless at the marvels of His mercy and love! He is so faithful in our lives and I am so thankful for His gift of grace.

What about you? What are you thankful for this week?

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Welcome to Thankful Thursday again this week! If you'd like to participate, just stop by Sony'a Blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to sign up! Next write down five things you are thankful for this week. Finally, link up with Mr. Linky at her blog. It's that easy!

I'm not going to say it's been a long and trying week again (even though it has) because in the midst of my challenges and trials, God has directed dear and loving friends to cross my path. This week I am thankful for:

1) My Lord and Savior who died for me so that I could be made perfect one day and so that I could NOT be perfect while here on earth, and still be loved and embraced by God's grace.

2) My family who continually blesses me by who they are and the way we all lean on each other. We really like each other and that is a blessing in and of itself!

3) The lovely weekend we had last weekend. Our in-laws were visiting our daughter and their son and we hopped up to Washington, D.C. for the afternoon and evening so we could see them. They're great people whose company we enjoy very much. (We've only seen them a couple of times since our children were married:-)

4) Wisdom offered from God. I've waged a spiritual battle over a particular situation for a couple of weeks and the other day God revealed the simple and proper solution to my turmoil: Give it to Him and let it go!

5) The ways God is pushing and pulling me to the next level in my faith and my writing.

"So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly" (Ecclesiastes 7:25 NIV).

'From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another" (John 1:16 NIV).

What are you thankful for today?


Blessings on your journey,
Mary

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Welcome to Thankful Thursday again this week! If you'd like to participate, just stop by Sony'a Blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to sign up! Next write down five things you are thankful for this week. Finally, link up with Mr. Linky at her blog. It's that easy!

This has been another long and trying week. However, we have a great deal for which to be thankful!

1) I am thankful my son had a job interview this week and his job coach will take him to a job fair this weekend. He has demonstrated such maturity with being proactive in helping us around the house and going the "extra mile" to help us as we juggle work and caring for Audrey.

2) Emotions and stress have been very high at work. We have all been under a great deal of pressure and feeling overwhelmed this past week. I am thankful I work in a place where we can advise one another to "breathe and pray" when things get to be more than we can handle in the moment.

3) I am excited and thankful we will be visiting our daughter, son-in-law and in-laws this weekend:-) I think we have only seen our in-laws once since the kid's were married and we can't wait to see them!

4) My husband is about to complete a week of training for his new job. I'm so thankful he views each new undertaking as an adventure -- and an opportunity to minister to others.

5) I'm most thankful for Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made for me. It has been by grace alone we have come through fairly intact over the past several weeks.

What are you thankful for this Thankful Thursday?

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Welcome to Thankful Thursday again this week! If you'd like to participate, just stop by Sony'a Blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to sign up! Next write down five things you are thankful for this week. Finally, link up with Mr. Linky at her blog. It's that easy!

This has been a long and trying week. However, we have a great deal for which to be thankful!

1) My son-in-law, daughter and I got all but one strip (painters tape width) of my son's room painted. I'm going to work on that tonight and tomorrow night (so coats can dry) and my son should be able to move into his room only one week late. My son got all his laundry done and the (future) contents of his room organized.

2) Friends and "stranger" alike are praying for my mother-in-law and our family. We feel the prayers. We covet them. We need them.

3) The Bible contains the words of comfort and respite we need in those moments (and hours:-) when we feel too overwhelmed and tired to go on.

4) My son has been accepted into a one-year grant program through a partnership with VCU and the Dept. of Rehab Services. He has a job-coach assigned to him who will help him develop a current resume, help him find jobs for which to apply, conduct mock interviews with him and even attend interviews with him!

5) My sister-in-law is affording my husband a "day off" from visiting his mom. She will pick Audrey up and take her to have her hair done. Tomorrow Jim and Jeff will take Audrey to the doctor and then out to lunch.

My bonus Thankful Thursday item: We had a wonderful time last weekend with all three adult children here and rejoice in the blessing bestowed upon us by our children.


""Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?" In all this Job did not sin in what he said" (Job 2:10(a) NIV).

"As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed" (Mark 5:18-20 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Welcome to Thankful Thursday again this week! If you'd like to participate, just stop by Sony'a Blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to sign up! Next write down five things you are thankful for this week. Finally, link up with Mr. Linky at her blog. It's that easy!


Thursday has truly become my favorite day of the week, simply because of Thankful Thursday. All week I have been anticipating making this post. It may seem odd, because on Friday night my mother-in-law suffered an Ischemic stroke. Symptoms occur suddenly and may include muscle weakness, paralysis, lost or abnormal sensation on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, confusion, problems with vision, dizziness, and loss of balance and coordination. (She has experienced all of these, though we see some good improvement already)

So why is this included in my Thankful Thursday post? The reasons are too numerous to list here, but here's my best shot at capturing our thoughts and conversations over the past week:

1) I am thankful my husband was with his mother, Audrey, when this occurred. They were at the store together when she became dizzy and lightheaded. He was able to immediately get her to the doctor, where she was sent to the Emergency Room. (With strokes, immediate diagnosis and treatment are crucial.)

2) My husband was scheduled to work nights on Friday night so he could stay with his mom until I got off work on Friday. (He is a devoted son and I know this has really thrown him for a loop!)

3) My sister-in-law drove down from an hour away with one of her boys and spent the weekend at the hospital with her mom so my husband could maintain his work schedule. I was there a lot as well and ended up staying with her on Saturday night as Audrey had a very rough night and my sister-in-law needed emotional support to get through.

4) My mother-in-law has outstanding health insurance and enough financial resources to provide for her for the rest of her life regardless of the level of care she will need.

5) My marvelous, amazing, wonderful son-in-law is self-employed. He called me on Tuesday and asked me if he could come down to (a) paint my son's room. (My son graduates from Woodrow Wilson Rehab. Center on Friday and we really wanted to have his bedroom painted and ready to welcome him home. (I had planned to do that last weekend.)) Then John asked if he could ride down to Fishersville with us so he could attend the graduation ceremony and help us pack up my son's room. (My mother-in-law had planned to ride with us-she and my son have always been 'special buds' and he was thrilled she would watch him walk across the stage.) My daughter cannot take off on Friday's typically so my son-in-law said he would like to represent them. I still cry just thinking about his generosity.

5a) Here's the thing: Wednesday was the 2nd wedding anniversary of my daughter and son-in-law. They offered their day to us and on my son's behalf. Blessed, blessed, blessed!

There are so many other blessings we have received - God's grace has astounded and humbled us beyond words in the past week. In the days and weeks to come I'll be writing about it all. For now we covet your prayers for our family and for Audrey. Feel free to pick up the prayer button Edie at Rich Gifts designed for Audrey.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Welcome to Thankful Thursday again this week! If you'd like to participate, just stop by Sony'a Blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to sign up! Next write down five things you are thankful for this week. Finally, link up with Mr. Linky at her blog. It's that easy!

Here's my list this week:

1) I'm thankful that God continues to create "divine connections" that will both help me benefit financially AND grow in my ability to minister to His world.

2) I'm thankful that God invests His time and energy in me. I am a work in progress and He sticks with me through every "one step forward and two steps back."

3) I'm thankful for my employer and co-workers. Every morning I wake up knowing I am blessed to be in a once-in-a-lifetime work situation. Yes, most days I'm exhausted both physically and mentally when I get home, but I can't imagine working anywhere else with any other people!

4) I'm thankful for modern medicine. I've been undergoing some (routine) testing over the past couple of weeks to figure out the source of some mild pain/discomfort. They are getting frustrated because they can't find any cause to this point. I don't want to tell the doctors this after all their hard work: I think I'm just getting old! LOL!

5) I'm grateful for my husband. I've not placed him on the "bottom" of the list, but rather in the "anchor" position. That's because he is my anchor and ever a blessing from God. Even when I get irritated with him, I thank God for him and his strength.

What are you thankful for today?


Blessings on your journey,
Mary

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Welcome to Thankful Thursday! If you'd like to participate, just stop by Sony'a Blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to sign up! Next write down five things you are thankful for this week. Finally, link up with Mr. Linky at her blog. It's that easy!

This week, I continue to be blessed by God in ways I never could have dreamed and in ways I never imagined!

1) I'm thankful for a God who is faithful and mighty. God has uplifted and sustained me in my life-long quest for His will for my life and MY endurance and wisdom in striving for His will.

2) I'm thankful for my husband, who is the hardest-working man I know. He labors each day to provide for us. He also makes sure to fit in time in the Word and private time with God each and every day.

3) I'm thankful for family. I have been especially blessed over the past couple of weeks to have had family together at our house. I just can't express my deep and abiding gratitude to God for giving me my husband and children, my "family of origin" and the "family by marriage." Blessed, blessed, blessed.

4) I'm thankful the Christian writers and bloggers I have been working with on various projects-their own as well some collaborations. It encourages and energizes to me to know that God's mighty army is out in full force, working to bring about His kingdom here on earth.

5) I'm thankful for the healings God is working in my life--physical, emotional and spiritual.

What are you thankful for this day?

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

To sign up for Thankful Thursday, stop by Truth4TheJourney, where Sonya is hosting this meme. It's a wonderful way to focus on blessings and express gratitude to the God who is the source of all good things in our lives.

Here's my list:

1) I am thankful for the prayer warriors around the world who prayed for my husband and our family while he was in the hospital and since. I'm especially thankful for my dear friend, Andrea who put out the word that we needed prayers. (Please continue to pray for Gladys, the mother-in-law of a coworker. She is not doing well and that family needs prayer.)

2) I am thankful our family doctor was able to accurately diagnose that Jim actually had an infection around the lungs (not heart related:-) and prescribed antibiotics that have almost cleared up the infection! He is feeling so much better!

3) I'm thankful that we had health insurance prior to my husband's admission to the hospital. We thought throughout Jim's stay how fortunate he was to receive top-of-the line care because we had good health insurance. We also thought of others who can't afford insurance and will continue to pray for them collectively.

4) I am thankful for co-workers who are becoming like family. We can scrap and fuss and yes, sometimes even yell, and then hug and make up:-)

5) I am thankful for my writer's group and the way we share our gifts, ideas and joys and lift each other in prayer on an on-going basis.

I have a HUGE list this week! This time last week we were "hanging on hope" that Jim would recover from "whatever" it was he had. That hope has turned to thanksgiving and joy!

What are you thankful for today?

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

To sign up for Thankful Thursday, stop by Truth4TheJourney, where Sonya is hosting this meme. It's a wonderful way to focus on blessings and express gratitude to the God who is the source of all good things in our lives.

Here's my list:

1) I am thankful my husband is home from the hospital. Doctors still not sure what happened but he is scheduled for follow-up visits.

2) I am thankful for the hundreds of people who prayed for Jim and for our family. We felt blanketed in prayer throughout the entire ordeal.

3) I am thankful for my job. My boss assured me that I could have as much time off as I needed and not to worry at all.

4) I'm thankful that we have had full-coverage health insurance since June 1, 2009!!!

5) I am thankful most of all for a loving God who hears our prayers.

BONUS: I am thankful for my dear friend and sister in Christ, Andrea, who put out a call to prayer that extended around the world! She rallied God's prayer warriors to storm the heavens on our behalf.

These all sound like understatements after the week we have been through! Thankful doesn't even begin to express our gratitude and joy we have to worship a strong and loving God and to have friends and strangers around the world praying for us!

"[ For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David. ] Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer" (Psalm 4:1 NIV).

"I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer "(Psalm 17:6 NIV).

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:12 NIV).

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

To sign up for Thankful Thursday, stop by Truth4TheJourney, where Sonya is hosting this meme. It's a wonderful way to focus on blessings and express gratitude to the God who is the source of all good things in our lives.

Here's my list:

1) I'm so very thankful for my Lord and Savior! I need Him every day, and on some days, it is my trust and faith in Him that is the only thing I can cling to!

2) I'm thankful for wonderful co-workers. I feel truly blessed to work with a group of counselors who are committed to their work and consider it a calling.

3) I'm grateful for the children and families who are being helped by the counselors at my company. It is so amazing to watch an individual or family move from crisis to wholeness.

4) My husband makes the list yet again this week! He is my best friend and I cannot imagine my life without him!

5) I'm thankful for good and caring friends who pray for me, rejoice with me and sustain me!

What are you thankful for today?

THANKFUL THURSDAY

I'm participating in Thankful Thursday again this week. The idea is to list 5 things for which we are thankful. Here's my list:

I am thankful that a friend who has been dealing with some serious emotional issues has made a breakthrough and is on the path toward healing and wholeness.

I am thankful that though I have had a stress-filled week at work, last night as I spent quiet time with God and offered up each situation that came to mind, I felt lighter and unburdened as He lifted my stress.

I am thankful for the rain last night and that no trees were knocked down and none of our vegetable plants were damaged.

I am thankful for clarity and second chances - offered daily by a God who gave us the 'ultimate second chance' in Jesus.

I am grateful for my life and everything in it! No, it's not the life I had planned, but in so many ways it is so much better than I could have dreamed.



I praise God for your visit to my blog today and pray you are blessed by something here. Stop by Sonya's blog, Truth 4 The Journey to see what others are thanking God for today.


But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. (Psalm 5:11 NIV)

I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. (Psalm 9:2 NIV)

THANKFUL THURSDAY

I woke up this morning knowing exactly what I would post!

I am thankful for my husband. He is the hardest working person I know and the most faith-filled man I have ever met.

I am thankful for my daughter. She continues to amaze me with her strength, wisdom and intelligence.

I am thankful for my son-in-law. He adores my daughter and is a good brother to my son and good son to my husband and me.

I am thankful for my son. He turned 21 yesterday and he is one of the strongest, kindest, most loving people on the earth.

I am thankful God is not finished with me yet!

What are you thankful for today?

Leave your comment then stop by Sonya's blog, Truth 4 The Journey to join in this meme:-)

THANKFUL THURSDAY

To sign up for Thankful Thursday, stop by Truth4TheJourney, where Sonya is hosting this meme. It's a wonderful way to focus on blessings and express gratitude to the God who is the source of all good things in our lives.

1)Today I am thankful for the Love Dare. A group of about 40 women at Christian Women Take Root are reading this book (that was featured in the movie Fireproof). I was a bit resentful at first, but I have already noticed even small changes in my attitude and behavior, yield results in my husband's.

2)I am thankful for my job. In a time when so many are struggling to find work or are at risk of losing their jobs, I'm grateful to have found work that is meaningful to me.

3)I am thankful for the ways God is growing my ministry and using me to minister to His world.

4)I am thankful for the truly good friends in my life. It may be cliche to say friendship is a gift, but it's one that is very true.

5)I am thankful for my Christian writer's group. The directors and members continue to be a source of encouragement, advice and support.

What are you thankful for today?

THANKFUL THURSDAY

1) I am thankful that my son is beginning a work internships next week. He's doing so well in his job training program and realizing some successes! He is beginning to feel really good about himself.

2) I am thankful for my job. It is challenging at times, but I thoroughly enjoy it and know that I am making a positive difference for my employer and the children our agency serves.

3) I am thankful for my husband. He is the hardest working man I know--and the most faith-filled.

4) I am thankful for the gift of grace. I am often awe-struck that God sent His Son to die on a cross for such as me. Incredible. Amazing. Incomprehensible.

5) I am thankful for my friends-"old" and new. I am richly blessed to have loyal, loving and genuine Christian friends in my life.

What are you thankful for today? Stop by Sonya's blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to find out how to share your gratitude and see what others are thanking God for today.

THANKFUL THURSDAY

1) I am thankful for ever-growing number of prayer warriors I am blessed to be meeting. These folks pray just because they are asked to and because they believe so ardently in the genuine power of effectual fervent prayer.

2) I am thankful for the way God reminds me He is intimately and lovingly involved in my life. I had a discouraging day recently and that evening two Christian sisters offered encouragment and love. AND God used their obedience without question to share a devotional on encouragment. AND my husband called while I was meeting with them to urge us to go outside to see the double rainbow God has placed in the sky! (Great is His faithfulness!)

3) I am thankful for my new job. I have already had the opportunity to make a positive difference there and will be continue to have opportunities to grow and share my talents and abilities.

4) I am thankful for the simple things in life: morning prayer, coffee, clouds, my faith, and most of all my Savior.

5) I am thankful for the work God continues to do in and with me. I know that means He cares enough to refine and reshape me for His purpose.

What are you thankful for today? Stop by Sonya's blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to find out how to share your gratitude and see what others are thanking God for today.