November Days

Friday November 16, 2012

I'm so ready for these November days. How about you?

Today I'm linking up with Susanne at Living to Tell the Story for Friday's Fave Five. It's time to recount the week's blessings...with a touch of anticipation thrown in!

(FFF buddies, I'll be spending time with friends and family, so I'm not sure how much I'll be visiting in the coming days. But I'll be back and anxious to catch up!)

Here are my blessings for this past week:

1. Holidays! Thanksgiving is oh-so-close, and time with family is hours away for me. Can’t wait to see family and friends.

2. Good neighbors. We have some great ones who always help us out, and I’m so thankful my mom does, too. She has taken a little tumble a time or two, and someone is always there for her. Her neighbors are real blessings—to her and to me!

3. Articles, books, ideas… I finished up my magazine article this week, and it felt good to get it sent off. New book idea is simmering, too. (My only problem is that I have more ideas than time to pursue them!)

4. A new read. My son lent me a copy of Letters to a Diminished Church by Dorothy Sayers, and it has sat by the bed for a while. I picked it up last night, and I discovered I’m going to enjoy finishing it over the Thanksgiving holiday. I love it. Witty, insightful, full of faith and intelligently written. Really a good one.

5. A quote:

“The years teach much which the days never knew.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

I know…that makes me sound old, doesn’t it? But you know what they say—that hindsight is always better.

And I think that just drips of hope. All those rocky paths aren’t for naught. We learn from them. The years, the experience, even the pain are part of the redemption; they bring renewal, patching up, reconciliation, change.

So don’t despise the days, even if they’re tough; down the road a bit, they’ll be fraught with revelation.

Wishing you wonderful November days,

Awed Adoration: Friday's Fave Five

Friday November 18, 2011

Can you name five blessings from your week? Susanne from Living to Tell the Story hosts Friday’s Fave Five each week. Click on over and see her if you’d like to join in!

Thanksgiving is almost upon us!

I’m so looking forward to family time. And here are this week’s favorites for me:

1. Hearing a student say, “I really liked this book.” My students just presented an Outside Reading Project, and I got to hear those great words. They’re great from any student, but these came from a sixteen-year-old boy, one who struggles academically. Warmed my heart to see his excitement over the book he had read!

2. The countdown. It’s days now until I get to see all my boys, my sweet daughter-in-law, grandson, and a young lady who’s special to one of my boys. I’m glad for every day that takes me closer to them!

3. April. Yes, I know—it’s far away. But my writer buddies and I have made plans, and we’re hoping to spend a weekend together. It’ll be great.

4. More holiday time! I do love Christmas, and the fact that Thanksgiving is the doorway to that season isn’t lost on me. I’ve already pulled out the Christmas music, and I have it ready for November 25th.

5. This quote:

“The life of true holiness is rooted in the soil of awed adoration. It does not grow elsewhere.” (J.I. Packer)

That’s what thankfulness is—awed adoration. And holiness? That’s being close to Him.

What a place to be at the Thanksgiving season. Full of awed adoration, standing next to Him.

Hoping that for you this week.

Anticipation and Gratitude

Thursday November 17, 2011

I'm thankful for anticipation. I love having something to look forward to!

And this week, I'm thankful I can anticipate these things:

1. The whole family under one roof. Just. Can't. Wait.

2. Time with grandson Aiden. It's been months, and the little guy has grown and changed and learned. I can't tell you how much we're looking forward to playing with him!

3. Time to talk, listen, read, write, think…. No school means time - time to do all those things I love to do.

4. Seeing my boys together. It's so much fun to watch them together and remember what their early days were like.

5. A day set aside for thanks—no pressure, just cooking and love and decorating for Christmas. Need I say more?

What are you thankful that you can anticipate?

Tough Times and Gratitude

Wednesday November 16, 2011

Being thankful in tough times? That’s not easy. Sometimes we get a glimpse of thankfulness when we see the sun peeking through…other times it comes in the calm He gives in the very eye of the storm.

Looking back, I can thank Him when things are hard because:

1. I reach the end of myself. Just when I thought I could do it, work hard, make it happen, fix things…I reach the end of me. And then the good news is #2.

2. I realize He’s truly my provision. Not my husband, my friends, family, as wonderful as they all are. Our peace and provision truly come from Him, and tough times make that pretty clear.

3. That breath – that sigh – when you’re through the flood. Or that peace that comes from knowing He has you by the hand in the midst of the waters. The peace amidst the storm is precious.

4. Lessons learned in the darkness. Oh, the lessons learned! And fallen as I am, I turn around and have to learn them again sometimes, but I’m thankful He uses those times to teach.

5. Having a hiding place. When we think we’re doing fine, when we have it all figured out, we don’t really think about having a hiding place. But when things crumble, we realize we have a strong and mighty tower, a hiding place like no other. What a great reminder.

This song talks about this very thing, and it's simply beautiful. It's written and performed by Laura Story. Take a moment to listen.



Have you had tough times? How can you be thankful for the storm?

Things I Feel: Attitude of Gratitude

Tuesday November 15, 2011


Today, my Attitude of Gratitude offering focuses on Things I Feel.

I’m thankful I can feel:

1. Florida fall. I do miss those crisp, cold November mornings in the north, but lately we’ve had some cool weather and nice breezes.

2. New sheets. We just got some, and they feel so nice!

3. My husband’s big hand in mine. I love holding hands with my man, and he has these big, strong, protective hands.

4. My grandson Aiden. Come Thanksgiving, I will be SO glad to feel him in my arms, to read to him in my lap, to tousle that sweet head.

5. Joy. I’m so glad I can feel joy. Joy isn’t based on circumstance or how the day is going—it’s that underlying, ever-present contentment that comes when my heart is close to His.

What are you grateful that you can feel today?

Linking up with Jen at Finding Heaven Today for Soli deo Gloria. Click on over and come along with us!

People: Attitude of Gratitude

Monday November 14, 2011
Continuing with my Attitude of Gratitude, who doesn’t like to be needed? So today, my focus is on being thankful for people who need me - people I need to bless.

1. My other half in this marriage team. He needs me, I need him. It works great that way! I went to a conference last month, and it felt great to know he had missed me while I was away. I’m thankful that together, we have a team.

2. My students. I do love my subject matter, English, but I quickly learned that to be a teacher, you also have to love kids. They don’t say, “I need you to teach me, Mrs. Groves,” but after the first essay of the year it’s pretty clear. I love to watch them learn! (By the way, I’m posting over at Inspired Teacher today about using a Classroom Gratitude Journal. Click on over!)

3. My boys. I laugh about the phone calls that ask things like “Can I heat a hot dog on a paper towel without the towel bursting into flame?” or “Does this stuff at the top of the peanut butter jar mean it’s bad,” but it is nice to be needed, even when your boys are older. Teacher talks with one, parenting chats with another, talks about life in general with them make me feel needed.

4. My mom. She’s in her eighties and my dad passed away ten years ago. I look forward to our phone chats, and I know she does, too. She has great friends, but sometimes you just need to talk to family, so we do that twice a week.

5. Those He puts in my path. Knowing you have been given a plan and mission in life is great. God has given me abilities and the chance to share, and I’m thankful for the people He puts in my path; I pray I can let Him shine through my feeble words and deeds.

What about you? Won’t you join in the Attitude of Gratitude? I wrote last week about people who bless me and today about people He gives me to bless.

Are you thankful for someone today?
Linking up today with Michelle at Graceful for Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday.

Attitude of Gratitude: Friday's Fave Five

Friday November 11, 2011

Can you name five blessings from your week? Susanne from Living to Tell the Story hosts Friday’s Fave Five each week. Click on over and see her if you’d like to join in!

Happy 11-11-11! And most of all, Happy Veteran's Day. Hug one or thank one today; their sacrifices are beyond measure.

1. An attitude of gratitude. I’m counting down until Thanksgiving, focusing on a different subject each day. And my gratitude is growing. I’m really enjoying doing these posts!

2. Anticipation. I think I name this about once a month or so…but I’m so excited about Thanksgiving this year. We’re getting everyone together, and we’ll get lots of time with grandson Aiden. Just can’t wait!

3. Friends who can relate. It’s so nice to have people around who understand how you feel – who’ve been there or are there right now. I feel so much support from friends who share my frustrations and concerns. They’re great. It doesn’t turn into a pity party, but instead an uplifting “We can get through this” time.

4. Plans. I came home from my conference on fire, with so many plans. Alas, real life hit me square in the face and I realized I had no time to attack all these great ideas. Frustration quickly set in and I thought to myself, “Why did I even go? It just made me want to do all these things I have no time to do.” But my dear hubby helped me make plans, and I already feel better. When I have a plan, I have a mission. And now, I do!

5. This quote:

“In this crazy world, there’s an enormous distinction between good times and bad, between sorrow and joy. But in the eyes of God, they’re never separated. Where there is pain, there is healing. Where there is mourning, there is dancing. Where there is poverty, there is the kingdom.” (Henri Nouwen)

These words just remind me of my limited view of life—they remind me to look to Him for His view. And this quote carries such hope. He sees it all, and He brings healing, He brings dancing, He brings the kingdom.

Wishing you healing, dancing, and more of the kingdom this week!

Memories: Attitude of Gratitude

Thursday November 10, 2011


With my Attitude of Gratitude, I’m counting down to Thanksgiving, with a laser focus on a different subject every day.

Today? I’m thankful for what I remember. Can you name five memories you’re thankful for today?

1. Memories of happy, fun-filled childhood. So many memories to be thankful for there. Loving parents, a household of faith, close family all around. For awhile, we all lived close—aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins—and everyone’s birthday was celebrated at Grandmother’s house. Great times.

2. Memories of words. I’m thankful for a good memory—not photographic, but pretty good. Because of that, I have lines and poems and verses rolling around in my head, and I love that!

3. Memories from my college days. I had a great time in college, learning, acting, singing, speaking. And my roomie is still a treasured friend today. I just loved college life.

4. Memories from a bunch of years of marriage. (Over 30, actually…) No, it hasn’t all been easy; there have been hard times and stress, but the great memories easily overshadow those hard times. We’ve had sweetness and fun, adventure and teamwork…so much more.

5. Memories from my life with four boys. I know, it’s crazy—but it was great fun! There were days I just held on and wondered if I’d make it through, but I did survive. And I have some great memories from those jam-packed days and nights.

What about you? What memories are you thankful for?

Things I Hear: Attitude of Gratitude

Wednesday November 9, 2011
In my Attitude of Gratitude series, I'm giving thanks for specific things. Today, it's things I hear.

I'm thankful for these things I hear:

1. Music. I chose a picture of musical notes because music is important to me. I don't know how it got to be that way except that God put it in my soul. I'm no musical artist, but I love, love music. I listen in the car constantly. Music is one of my favorite parts of our worship service on Sunday.

2. The sound of a loved one's voice on the phone. So nice when you aren't close...and we are too far, geographically, from one another!

3. Laughter. Oh, it does my heart good. My husband knows how to make me laugh and my boys certainly do. And my students? We've had some rip-roaring times in my classroom, and everyone leaves feeling good after laughter.

4. High school voices raised in song. I think my students are especially talented, and their music teacher is a marvel. The sounds she gets out of them are just incredible. About 7 boys came to my room after school the other day and sang for me, and it was awesome.

5. The stories and songs and verses of His promises. I'm taking a class right now, and hearing of Him, His people, and the longing of the human heart for Him just warms my heart.

How about you? What are you thankful for that you can hear today?

People Who Bless: Attitude of Gratitude

Tuesday November 8, 2011

Gratitude is ever on my mind this month, so I decided to pen a few thank you notes to people who bless me.

I'm thankful for:

1. The aforementioned people. I wrote about these people yesterday; they're the ones who help me get through each day. The ones who reach out and hug or laugh or smile with me, in person.

2. My writer friends. My Kindred Heart Writer buddies -- Clella, Jeanie, Johnnie, Karen. They're heart friends, and I only get to see them once or twice a year. We're in contact every day though. They support me, encourage me, pray for me, even push me. I'm so thankful God put us together.

3. My family. From my mom to my sister, to my sweet boys, daughter-in-law, and grandson...and on over to the other side of the family, the one I married into. They're all so great and loving and supportive and fun. If I need encouragement, I don't have far to go with this bunch.

4. The blog bunch. Yes, that's you. Daily I'm blessed (if I make time to cruise around and read your words) by your honesty, your humor, your love for family and faith. I could start naming names, but you'd be here all day.

5. Those who've gone before. Maybe it's the teacher in me, but daily I'm blessed by the words of someone who walked this path before me. First and foremost, in the words of Scripture that begin each day for me. My love for literature is no secret and the truths found there bless me over and again. I'm thankful for those who fired that love in me--teachers, my sweet dad--and whose memory blesses me each day.

What about you? Can you name a few people who bless you, that you're thankful for?

What I See: Attitude of Gratitude

Monday November 7, 2011

I'm working on my attitude of gratitude. This is the month for it, you know.

In November of last year, I posted Gratitude Checkups, focusing on things I was thankful for. It's fun to go back and read what I was thankful for a year ago!

This year, I've decided to take a laser focus on my thankfulness, choosing a topic every day. (A sneak peek--tomorrow I'll be giving thanks for people who bless me. Come back by and share!)

Today's gratitude is focused on What I See. Today I'm thankful for these things I can see:

1. God's beautiful world. I got to spend about 4 days in beautiful South Carolina last week, and His handiwork was breathtaking. I do miss those fall leaves.

2. My sweet husband's face. I'm so thankful for him--for his love, his advice, his sense of humor.

3. Pictures. When loved ones aren't in reach, I can still smile at the sweet pictures I have. (Like my sock monkey grandson...)

4. Friends and colleagues. Without my teacher friends, the workday would be dismal indeed. Lunchtime, before school, after school -- I love seeing their faces.

5. Books. I love the fact that I can set my eyes on the printed page and be transported anywhere. I saw a news report the other day that brought tears to my eyes. An organization had gone into an underprivileged school and totally outfitted the library. Oh, the potential in that one room -- for learning, wonder, discovery, imagination. I do love books.

What about you? Can you name a few things you can see that you're thankful for?

Linking up with Jen at Finding Heaven Today for Soli deo Gloria, Michelle for Hear It on Sunday, Use it on Monday, and Laura for Playdates with God. Click on over and come along with us!

Get Ready for Gratitude

Wednesday October 26, 2011


Wondering what you can do to get your family ready for November?

Decorate the house with leaves and turkeys and pilgrims. Trace your kids’ hands, cut them out, and have the kids write what they’re thankful for on them. Glue the thankful hands to a turkey so they form the turkey’s feathers and use it as a Thanksgiving decoration.

Start a family gratitude journal for everyone to use. You can decorate it together or just place a plain journal on the kitchen table. Invite everyone to jot down what they’re thankful for every day. On Thanksgiving, take a moment and let everyone read their favorite entry.

One day, set out to talk about the little things you’re thankful for. Show the kids as you fix breakfast or drive them somewhere how to be thankful for the smallest of blessings. (“I’m thankful for your smiles this morning.” “I’m thankful that the sun is shining today.” “I’m even thankful for the piles of leaves we have to rake up!”) Explain that when we show thankfulness for the small things, we’re showing God we’re grateful for everything He gives us and we know that all—big or small—comes from Him.

Choose a family verse for November and post it on the refrigerator. Let one of the kids do a keyword search on Bible Gateway, find verses about gratitude, and have each family member choose one to memorize this month.

Thankful time is coming! A month of gratitude sets the scene for the season of giving—so make the most of it, as a family.

Gratitude Checkup #1: A Family Gratitude Journal

Monday November 1, 2010

Are you thankful? This is the month for it, you know.

Can you increase your gratitude – and your family’s?

I’d say definitely. We’re thankful when we realize and appreciate what we have. And too often, we’re just too busy or too hassled to contemplate what we have and see the blessings there.

So take time this month to contemplate what you have and encourage your family to do the same.

Consider a Gratitude Journal. It can be a pretty journal that you buy or fashion, or it can simply be a notebook. Label it and put it on the kitchen table with some pens and crayons. Encourage everyone to contribute to the journal when they’re struck by something they’re thankful for – big or small.

If you have a hard time getting started, you can label a few pages to get things going. Here are some ideas:

Use the alphabet. Put an A on one line and skip a few, then a B on one, etc. List A’s and B’s you’re thankful for, continuing through the alphabet. This is a great activity for your young readers.

Use pictures – photos, cut outs, or child-created drawings. Have a picture of something you’re thankful for? Tape it in. Let your children find pictures from magazines of things they’re thankful for, and add those. Encourage them, though, to see beyond "stuff." Their pictures can be symbolic -- a heart for love, a smiling face for jokes or laughter. You or your teens or your little ones may want to get artistic in the journal – go ahead!

Label pages with the five senses. On one page, write “I’m thankful for the things I see…” and leave space for family entries. On another, “I’m thankful for the things I hear…” Don’t forget smell, touch, and feel.

Highlight the big and the little. Make an “I’m Thankful for the Little Things” page and an “I’m Thankful for the Big Things” page.

Encourage thoughtfulness. Especially if you have older children, make an “I’m Thankful for the Gratitude Journal Because…” page. It’s a great place to list what you learned through the Gratitude Journal.

Support thankful actions. Title one page "Ways to Show My Thankfulness." Entries can be as simple as saying thank you for something specific to writing a thank you note to someone.

Be sure you date the journal. It’ll be great to look back upon one day.

That’s my first idea for encouraging thankfulness in your family. You’ll hear more ideas throughout the month.

Have you ever used November to encourage your family’s gratitude? What worked for you?

Interested in a giveaway for my book? See Sunday's post below.