Raising Thankful Kids

Wednesday January 30, 2013

It's not November, but raising thankful kids is a year-round task. And here at the end of the first month of the year, why not embark on a "Thankful Journey" together?

There are lots of ways to share thankfulness, but this is a new one to me. And I love it because it has a year-end (as in New Year's) activity attached.

A friend shared this on Facebook, from a friend, from a friend...and I thought it would be great to pass along to moms!

Make a "Grateful Jar" together. You can decorate it, or just go with the plain jar on the kitchen table. Have slips of paper handy. (I'd punch a hole in them and tie them with a ribbon around the mouth of the jar -- or something to keep them neat and right at hand.)

Whenever anyone in the family has something to be thankful for, they simply write it on one of the slips of paper, fold it, and put it in the jar. Let those blessings collect, and on New Year's? Have a family time. Crack open the jar and read all of the year's blessings.

From the big to the small, you'll relive all those thankful moments together.


Photo credit

Grace washes over us.

Friday  November 16, 2012

On the cusp of Thanksgiving week, I just have to share.

Driving to school today, I heard a song that took me back to the cold, gray days of January. As I drove a borrowed car to and from the hospital to visit my seriously injured son, often with tears streaming, I'd listen to the local Christian radio station.

I've always felt Chris Tomlin and whoever writes for him was inspired, but in this season, the Lord confirmed so much for me through music. The song that spoke so clearly to my heart then--and again this morning--was "Let Faith Arise." Songwriter Kevin West writes about its meaning for him in this post.

You can click below and listen to this song. The words are there for you, too.

Just remember -- He is a healer.

His mercy is unfailing.

We can believe again. We can confirm, renew our belief in Him. ("I believe. Oh, help my unbelief" Mark 9:23-25.)

And when we do, pure grace washes over us.

And faith arises.

He is faithful forever.

 
Chris Tomlin - I Lift My Hands (Official Music Video) from chris-tomlin on GodTube.

"I Lift My Hands"

Be still, there is a healer
His love is deeper than the sea
His mercy, it is unfailing
His arms are a fortress for the weak

Let faith arise
Let faith arise

I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God, forever

Be still, there is a river
That flows from Calvary's tree
A fountain for the thirsty
Pure grace that washes over me

So let faith arise
Let faith arise
Open my eyes
Open my eyes

I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God
You are faithful, God, forever

I can look back with thanksgiving--and for that, I'm thankful.

Blessings,

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,

Say thank you.

Monday November 12, 2012

The countdown to Thanksgiving has begun.


How will you show gratitude today?


Find someone who:

• Helps without being asked. What a great model!
• Needs a hug. Someone in need prompts me to value my own blessings.
• Is “just doing their job,” and gets no recognition. She needs to feel valued.
• Is battling something. He helps me put my struggles in perspective.
• Just blesses you by being there. This person sometimes isn’t even aware what a blessing she is. Tell her!
• Has served our country. On this day after Veteran’s Day, let a veteran know how much he or she is appreciated. And tell them about Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday, where every veteran receives a free dinner. More information here.

Here’s your—and my—chance to show gratitude today, and bless someone in the process.
I'm linking up with Laura, Jen, and Michelle today.

Thanks and Rest

Friday October 5, 2012

As you can see, I’m linking up with the 31 days blogs during October, and I’m writing on rest—a much needed topic for me. (One of my friends pointed out that writing blog posts on rest sounded like work to her…but I figure it will be good discipline and a learning experience for me!)

So, today I’m combining my thoughts on rest with my usual Friday’s Fave Five post, where we name our blessings for the past week. You can visit Susanne at Living to Tell the Story to link up with us.

Here are this week’s favorites:

1. Thoughts on thanks and rest. When I’m in an attitude of thankfulness, it’s easy to find myself at rest. When we’re thankful, we’re not striving; we’re grateful for what we have. It may sound redundant, but I’m thankful to be thankful!

2. A nice review! Annette from This Simple Home (one of our FFF friends), reviewed my book, I’m Outnumbered, on her blog this week. I so appreciate her kind words and support, and it blesses me to know the book spoke to her. Thanks again, Annette!

3. A visit. My son Andrew and a special young lady are coming to visit. We’re so excited to see them. Their visit will make the upcoming week very special. Love having the house fuller, even if just for a short while.

4. A trip. My sweet husband has planned a surprise October trip again this year. I love that he does this all on his own! Looking forward to getting away and having some relaxing time alone together.

5. A thankful quote that can put you at rest:

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” (Epicurus)

When I think about it, that’s really true. What I have now—my husband, boys, family, job, friends—were things I hoped for years ago. What a blessing! I can rest in that.

Wishing you rest this coming week,

A Secret Passage

Friday September 14, 2012


Well, I made it through the first five day week of our school year. (We began on a Tuesday, took the next Monday off for a tropical storm, stayed home for Labor Day on the next Monday…and here we are!)

What secret passage? Hang on for the quote!

I’m checking in to post my favorites of the week, linking up with Susanne of Living to Tell the Story for Friday’s Fave Five.

And here are mine:

1. Friends who need you. When you’ve been the one who needed friends for so long, it’s nice to be able to lend support or just a listening ear to a dear friend for a change. The experience of receiving all that love and support just makes encouraging words come so easily and naturally.

2. A thoughtful husband. He’s just always looking out for me, and I’m so thankful for that. After a hard day and a terrible headache, he said, “I’m taking you out to dinner tonight.” My headache was gone and my appetite had returned, so we had a nice evening.

3. Hearing from my boys. They’re so good about checking in, texting, just keeping in touch with Mom. Sometimes there’s something to share, often a food or laundry question (!), and sometimes they just call to see how we are. I’m thankful for their thoughtfulness.

4. Thankfulness. That may sound strange – I’m thankful for thankfulness. But it’s amazing what it does. When I can step back and recite my blessings, my perspective changes. The other night I couldn’t sleep, so I just thanked the Lord for everything I could think of—big things and small—until He sent me sleep. And the next day began with a fresh perspective on everything.

5. This quote:

“Thankfulness is a secret passage into a room you can’t find any other way… It allows us to discover the rest of God—those dimensions of God’s world, God’s presence, God’s character that are hidden, always, from the thankless.” (Mark Buchanan)

Wishing you discoveries this week!


Photo credit

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?

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.

Toddler Rules: Hear It on Sunday, Use It on Monday

October 24, 2011

I’ve been thinking about writing a post about toddlers and teens because when you think about it, they’re similar in a lot of ways.

But I was unprepared for the revelation my ego received in church this morning. The pastor said, “Many Christians are still playing the game of life by toddler rules.”

Hmm…a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Ouch.

In Acts 4:32-37, we read of a time when “all the believers were one in heart and mind.” They shared everything; they sold land and brought the money to those who needed it. It’s a beautiful picture.

This story has important lessons in the context of radical giving, but it spoke clearly to me this morning about radical living.

But there are those “toddler rules” that often get in the way. Here’s one.

Who’s in charge? (Toddlers answer, “I’m in charge.”)

Yes, unfortunately, that’s often me. I mistakenly think I’m in charge of my life. (Mary Engelbreit’s Queen of Everything comes to mind.) And if I’m in charge, then I make all these decisions about how to live my life with my own “wisdom.”

How did the believers in Acts avoid the “I’m in charge” mentality? Reading the passage leading up to verse 32 yields an answer. Look at what they did. First they prayed and, in Acts 4:24, they acknowledged that absolutely everything came from Him. Then they asked for boldness, and they got it.

Another “toddler rule” that gets in the way?

What will I get out of it?

How often do I give – just give – out of love and thankfulness? Undeservedly, to the biggest rascal or offender, with joy? (Paul really steps on my toes here…)

How did the Christ followers in Acts avoid getting caught in the “what’s in it for me” trap? Again, look where they started – with Him. First, they acknowledged Him as the source of all things. It’s Him that matters. And if He has it all and loves us, can’t we trust that He’ll give what we need when we need it?

So I back up to Acts 4:23 again and realize that this wonderful prayer that attributes everything to God came on the heels of Peter and John being hauled before the Sanhedrin. They were commanded not to speak in Christ’s name; they were threatened. They were mistreated.

So what did they do? They prayed and gave Him the glory for all—good and bad, big and small.

November is coming, and I have gratitude on the mind. My goal? Gratitude through it all.

So maybe I can leave those toddler rules behind. With His help.

Will you join me on my gratitude quest in November?

Linking up today with Michelle at Graceful for Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday. Click on over and come along with us!

Words That Make Me Think

Tuesday August 2, 2011

Doesn’t this sound familiar?

“I gasp for more time, frantic for more time. But I have to wonder: more time for more what?”

How about this?

“But, someone, please give me—who is born again but still so much in need of being born anew—”

I just finished chapters 2 and 3 of Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts, and you can see how it speaks to my heart. It’s like a bud that gradually unfolds, the way Ann shares her journey and I see its necessity.

She stumbles on the Greek word eucharisteo, meaning thanksgiving and she writes, “…how else do we accept His free gift of salvation if not with thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance of whatever He gives.”

Whatever He gives—the big and the small.

If those lists of the everyday seem trivial to you, consider this: “Why would the world need more anger, more outrage?…Rejecting joy to stand in solidarity with the suffering doesn’t rescue the suffering. The converse does. The brave who focus on all things good and all things beautiful and all things true, even in the small, who give thanks for it and discover joy even in the here and now, they are the change agents who bring the fullest Light to all the world.”

See what I mean? Her words make me think.
And I love it.

What about you? Did any of those quotes pique your interest? Are you reading something thought-provoking right now?


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

My Thankful Top Ten

Saturday February 5, 2010


I know, I know. Yesterday was Friday’s Fave Five and here I am, listing again. I can’t help it – I love Candra’s idea, especially since she says “You can do it any day of the week.” After having to cull down to five for my favorites on Friday, there’s still a lot of thankfulness going on!

So here’s my Thankful Top 10:

1. Videos on my phone. My oldest son sends videos of Baby Aiden (my sweet grandson) and I get to see and hear him. It’s awesome!

2. An evening out. My hubby suggested we go out for dinner last night, and it was nice just to sit and talk with no distractions – and to be waited on.

3. Interest in my novel. I’m so excited and hopeful, but I’m trying not to get my hopes up. My agent is going to talk it up this week at a big writers conference.

4. Inspiration. I don’t understand it at all, but I love it. How do little ideas just jump into your brain? I do know God plants them there and maybe that’s just part of his mystery. I think back to how I was inspired to write that novel in #3, and it just amazes me.

5. A little grading break. I’m a high school English teacher, and I’ve been grading research paper work like crazy. I have a little break while they work on their rough drafts – then it begins again.

6. A job possibility for my son. It sounds so good…just really hoping and praying on this one.

7. Florida weather. I feel bad for so many of you, but I can’t help but be thankful that the sun is shining here today and it’s oh-so-nice. It's easy to take that for granted here.

8. A pile of good books. I have three or four waiting for me, and little time to read right now. But I love the anticipation!

9. My blog friends. I’m so thankful for you! Just this week, one of my bloggy buddies told another about my book and a nice review was the result. Love it!

10. My dear husband. He works so hard and has such a heart. I love to hear him talk about “my boys.” He’s a definite keeper.

Hope this finds you with lots to be thankful about. If you’d like to join in, visit Candra here to read more about it.

Have a great week ahead!

A Week of Gratitude: Friday's Fave Five

Friday November 26, 2010

Happy Friday!

Thanks to Susanne at Living to Tell the Story for hosting Friday’s Fave Five. It’s a great opportunity to share our favorites of the week. If you’d like to join in, just visit Susanne and get the details.

Here are the blessings of this past week for me:

1. A whole holiday week. In the past, we’ve had school on Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week, but this year, we have the whole week off. It’s been great. My carpets are clean, and we had time to get ready for the holiday. It was nice.

2. A Thanksgiving guest. One of my sons had a friend who couldn't get home for Thanksgiving, so he’s visiting us. “What’s one more boy?” I said. I like to think some mom somewhere would do the same for my boy if he couldn’t get home.

3. A month of gratitude. If you’ve visited here, you know that gratitude has been my theme this month. It’s amazing what that constant attention to an attitude of gratitude has done for me.

4. Thanksgiving food. There are things I only cook at Thanksgiving time, and they’re such a treat. And what’s more, another season is on its way that lends itself to all kinds of cookies I only bake in December. Such fun!

5. A quote to end the month – and ease us into the next season – by William Faulkner.

Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all. (William Faulkner)

We’ve all encountered gratitude at some level this month. If you haven’t discharged it, the coming season is a perfect time. Remember the Purkiser quote I used a couple of weeks ago? "Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving."

So often, when I set out to write, I think I’m going to communicate a message; instead, I learn through the process! My wanderings through thankfulness this month have taught me that gratitude is about so much more than just saying, “Thank you.” You can click here to read my musings on that, if you’d like.

How can you carry gratitude into December? Yesterday’s post may give you a few ideas. I’d love for you to share yours, too.

I know some of my Canadian friends have already celebrated Thanksgiving, but I hope you’re still carrying your thankfulness around with you.

Happy Thanksgiving to all – I’m thankful for you.