ThankFULL - part 5

I have enjoyed reflecting on the things I am thankful for and posting them to you. Today's post is the final installment of ThankFULL, as I probably won't be posting again until Monday.

There is so much that I want to include in my ThankFULL list, because my cup truly does runneth over, I cannot narrow down today's list to just one or two, so I have written about several.

I am thankful beyond words for my husband Todd. He truly exemplifies a life lived for Christ. He follows after God wholeheartedly, even in the face of criticism. He is gentle and kind. He is a wonderful father. And he is getting my Christmas decorations out of the attic as we speak! He is very patient and has a teachable heart. What makes all of these qualities even more special to me is knowing he has them even though he never had an earthly example of them. He learned all of this through his relationship with God.

My daughters, I am so thankful to have been entrusted with them and that they each love me in their own unique little ways.

I am thankful for my health and the health of my family. As I cared for my sick child today, I was more appreciative of the days where no one is sick in our house.

I am thankful that God has provided for me so that I can do simple things like drop some money in the Salvation Army kettle when I see one. Not every person can enjoy that priviledge, but He has blessed us, and I can.

I am thankful for my home and for all of the memories that have been made here.

I am thankful for my computer and the ability to write to you all everyday.

I have a job that I do not deserve and employers that are not only my bosses, but also my friends, and they love Christ.

I am thankful for my parents, my brother, sisters, and their families.

I am beyond thankful for Scripture, that teaches, corrects, directs, inspires.

And more than all of these things, I am forever grateful and thankful to God - My Father, Jesus - My Savior, and the Holy Spirit - my Teacher for crafting a plan that allowed me the gift of living forever with them some day.

On this Thanksgiving Eve, what is it that you would like to add to your ThankFULL list today?




Royal Princess Daughter Of The King

Made to Crave - Coming Soon

Just a post to let you know about a new book/study coming soon entitled Made to Crave, authored by Lysa TerKeurst of Proverbs 31 Ministries. I think this subject perks the ears of many of us women, I've included the trailer below for you to take a peek at.   I plan on reading this book as soon as I can get my hands on it and would like to do the study if I can work out the details. I am excited to see what Lysa teaches in her new book.




This book will be out just in time for all those "New Years Resolutions!"



Royal Princess Daughter Of The King

ThankFULL - Part 4

Ok - this may sound kinda silly at first, but hang with me a minute. Today I am ThankFULL for Pumpkin Pie.

Yes. Pumpkin Pie.

I bet you were expecting something super-spiritual weren't you? What can I say? I love Pumpkin Pie. It's so smooth, gooshes around in my mouth, has NOOOO coconut,no crunchy surprises, it's best friends with a dollop of whip cream. Mmmm. Pumpkin Pie. By the way, I'm making one Thursday just in case you were concerned that I may not get to enjoy some Pumpkin Pie this Thanksgiving! I always take that matter into my own hands, no since trusting someone else with something as important as Pumpkin Pie!

There is more to my love for Pumpkin Pie than it's unique flavor. You see, I remember the first time I ever tasted Pumpkin Pie. I was at my Grandma's house. Our family traveled there to spend Thanksgiving and Grandma had made this funny looking pie. She gave me a piece of it with a huge helping of whipped cream on top. It was love at first bite, literally. Funny thing is, I never remembered eating it again until several years later. I had forgotten about Pumpkin Pie until I saw a slice and instantly the memories of my Grandma and her kitchen flooded back. I could hear the sounds from within her house and smell the aromas from her kitchen. Memories with her that I wish I had known to cherish at the time.

She's been with Jesus for many many years now, but my mind drifts to her often. The aroma of certain spices bring her memory near.  Baking cookies makes me think of her.  Walnuts make me think of her.  I hope in some way she knew or knows now how much I love her. I am sad to say that as a young girl, I was not always kind to her.  I didn't completely understand her illness and easily became frustrated with her. But - even when I was being less than Christ-like to her, she was always Christ-like to me, always attempting conversation with me just to bring me close. She came to live with us before she passed and looking back at those final months and days with her, I can now see how tender her heart was. She was kind and grateful, quiet and humble.  

And she loved.

Like Jesus.

Kathleen Gaines Almand
"Grandma"
July 23, 1917 to November 28, 1982

My relationship with her is one of my greatest treasures and one of my greatest regrets. I wish my heart hadn't been so resistant, but someday, I will be with her again, and you better believe, I'm gonna let her love me forever.

We had great conversation in your comments yesterday about friendships, I enjoyed hearing from you so mcuh.   What is on your ThankFULL list for today?  Let's keep chattin.

Pumpkin Pie anyone?






Royal Princess Daughter Of The King