Psalm 30:12

To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever. 

Psalm 30:12

On this last day in November, with Christmas music playing everywhere I go,  (and although I already said that I was thankful for music and singing), I'm going to be more specific today and say, I am thankful for Christmas music. 

To hear the words Hark the Herald Angels Sing Glory to the New Born King, and Go Tell it on the Mountain that Jesus Christ is Born playing over the speakers at various public places makes me smile, knowing that the gospel message is going out to all people. 

Psalm 97:12

Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. Psalm 97:12

I am thankful for internet shopping. 

Not just on Black Friday, but also on any day of the year... shopping isn't a favorite pastime of mine (unless it's for groceries...that, I do love). 

Psalm 50:14

Offer to God thanksgiving, And pay your vows to the Most High. Psalm 50:14

I am thankful for holidays. Especially Thanksgiving Day since we only travel next door. We focus on food and family, with dinner around noon, and dessert in the evening. It's very relaxing and so enjoyable.

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

I am thankful for our treadmill.

I'd rather walk or run outside, but with colder weather, my treadmill is nice. Now I just need to use it every day, especially after making three pies for tomorrow.

1 Thessalonians 3:9

For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God. 

1 Thessalonians 3:9

I am thankful for hugs. Every morning at work I am blessed with many. They make my day. 

Psalm 26:7

That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works. Psalm 26:7

I am thankful for chocolate. 

Thank you, Lord, for creating the Theobroma cacao tree and for giving wisdom to people to make it into how I love it today.

Psalm 119:62

At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, Because of Your righteous judgments. Psalm 119:62

Thank you, Lord, for sleep (and naps). I love going to bed early and getting a good night sleep. Last night something woke me so I got up to check and make sure the kids were all home. They were snug asleep in their beds. Going back to sleep wasn't a problem, thankfully, but I still needed (and thoroughly enjoyed) a small nap this afternoon, something I do almost every Sunday. 

My pillow is a welcoming sight each evening and Sunday afternoon.

Ephesians 5:4

neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. Ephesians 5:4

I am thankful for Saturdays. While they can be busy with kids' activities (today it's indoor soccer, piano lessons, and baking sweet treats for next week), I do enjoy them because it's a different type of "busy" than the weeknights. It's also a day I just throw on a hat and forego makeup. 

However, Saturdays can also be challenging. Bad calls by refs, impatient shoppers and drivers, and so forth can put my self-control to the test. I really have to watch my tongue. So with this verse in mind, instead of unpleasant remarks, I'm just going to be thankful and enjoy this day.

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.1 Corinthians 15:57

I am thankful for sunshine. We've had several cloudy days. This morning, even though we had frigid temperatures, the sun was peaking out of clouds with the rays shining downward. It was a beautiful and welcoming sight. But when I arrived at work, it was completely hidden by clouds and hasn't been out again today. This picture is from this past summer, but reminds me of what I saw...even though the rays are shooting upward. 

Psalm 95:2

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. Psalm 95:2

I am thankful for laughter. Today, our school is having a special day, "dress as your favorite book character." I chose to dress as Amelia Bedelia. 

In her books, she is a maid who always gets things wrong (putting lace on a turkey because the list said to dress the turkey) and makes her readers laugh. 

Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance

Colossians 4:2

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; Colossians 4:2

Thank you, Lord, for the rain. 

It's been dry here for most of our fall, so the rain is a definite blessing. But no matter what our weather is like outside, I remind myself not to complain, because I know that it comes from God.

Ephesians 1:16

do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. Ephesians 1:16

I am thankful for friends, those whom I lift up daily in my prayers and I know who also keep me in theirs.

2 Corinthians 9:12

For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God. 2 Corinthians 9:12

I am thankful for our employment so that we can not only pay our bills, but also that we are able to ...labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Ephesians 4:28

Psalm 35:18

I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people. Psalm 35:18

Thank you, Lord, for the preaching of Your Word, not only in my church, but in churches all over my community, country, and world. 

Isaiah 52:7 (and Romans 10:15)

How beautiful upon the mountains

Are the feet of him who brings good news,

Who proclaims peace,

Who brings glad tidings of good things,

Who proclaims salvation,

Who says to Zion,

“Your God reigns!”

Colossians 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15

I am thankful for our vehicles. Our two older kids are now driving, and a huge help with chauffeuring siblings. But with that comes enormous responsibilities, and sadly, worry. I pray that I can be at peace when they are out and about driving. 

2 Samuel 22:50

Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles, And sing praises to Your name. 2 Samuel 22:50

I am thankful for our health. Smart eating and exercising habits are definitely beneficial, but I know it's by God's grace and mercy that we are a healthy family. 

Romans 14:6

...He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; Romans 14:6

I am thankful for our food. I love to cook, especially for my family. I am looking forward to the holidays because cooking and baking are a creative outlet for me. I have my tried and true recipes, but I also enjoy new dishes and flavor combinations, and glean many ideas from food network and Pinterest.  But even with the coming and going of many food fads, my favorite since I can remember has always been and still is spaghetti and meatballs.  

1 Chronicles 16:8

Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! 1 Chronicles 16:8

I am thankful for our home. It's getting rather chilly outside and our house is nice and toasty...thankfully, Ernie and the kids keep us well supplied with wood for the woodstove.

Psalm 147:7

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises on the harp to our God. Psalm 147:7

I am thankful for music and singing. I especially am thankful for hymns and our singing them at my church. And again, I am very thankful for our wonderful pianist. 

Psalm 140:13

Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence. Psalm 140:13

I am thankful for our Veterans and their families for their dedication to our country.

Luke 22:19

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Luke 22:19

I am thankful most of all for my salvation through Christ, which was humbly reflected upon today as The Lord's Supper was celebrated at my church. 

Hebrews 13:15

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15

Thank you, Lord, for pets. We've had many, but our current two are Ace & Tigger. They make me laugh...daily. 

2 Corinthians 2:14

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14

I am thankful for our church ladies' Bible study. 

I have the joy of leading of which I am also thankful because it motivates me to do my lessons and not skip any. This year, we are going through Nancy Leigh DeMoss' book, Lies Women Believe. It has been so encouraging as well as convicting. No room for excuses. This is a book that I will encourage my own daughter to read one day. 

Psalm 79:13

So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture, Will give You thanks forever; We will show forth Your praise to all generations. Psalm 79:13

I am thankful for our families. We are both blessed with growing up with Christian parents and grandparents, and now our children have that same legacy and influence. And it doesn't stop at just siblings and grandmas and grandpas, but they have it with aunts, uncles, and cousins, too.

Ephesians 5:20

giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:20

I am thankful for our little traditions in our family: coffee time, meal devotions, bedtime devotions, & morning prayer.

Coffee time was something Ernie and I began about fifteen years ago when we wanted to have quality time for about twenty minutes each day to talk without interruptions (kids, computers, phones, laundry, etc...), and to enjoy a good cup or two of coffee. 

Meal time devotions is something that was done in both our own homes growing up, and something done for generations. Lord willing, our own children and grandchildren will continue this time of reading the Bible and praying after dinner each evening.

Bedtime devotions began when our kids were toddlers, a tradition I learned from my uncle, Bill. When my kids were younger, we read Bible stories and prayed. We continue this, reading the Bible and praying, even though our kids are teenagers and I go to bed before them. 

And finally, morning prayer. Before our kids go off to school, I exclaim, "time to pray!" which signals to them to quickly do those last minute tasks and meet in the kitchen. My prayer focuses on their work being done for God, that they shine their lights around their peers, and to pray for safety. 

Psalm 107:8

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:8

I am thankful for my children, Sam, Caleb, Hannah, & Luke. As they are all teenagers, challenges come at us every day. I pray for them without ceasing, for strengthening of faith, for safety, to be blessed in their schooling and activities, and to be a light to their friends. They are such a joy and I couldn't be more blessed.

Philippians 1:3

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Philippians 1:3

I am thankful for my husband. We've been married for 19 & 1/2 years. He's my helpmate and best friend. He's a godly husband and father, and we're so blessed to have him as the spiritual head of our family. Words cannot express my gratitude for all he does for me. 

Psalm 100:4

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4

I am thankful for my congregation. Even though we aren't a large group, the praise raised up in singing is wonderful. It's a small glimpse of what heaven will sound like when all the saints together are praising God with singing. 

I am also thankful for our pianist who beautifully and faithfully plays each Sunday for our congregation. 

1 Chronicles 16:34

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

As I drive around, I'm always amazed at this time of year by the beauty of the fall colors. Some years are better than others, but even then, there are still colors of trees that blow me away. His mercies are truly forever. 

Romans 1:20

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.

I am so thankful for my eye sight, that I can enjoy the beauty of God's creation year after year after year. The little girl I care for at school is blind. While she can't see God's creation, I constantly tell her how beautiful things are...flowers, pictures, trees, etc..., knowing the importance of God's creational revelation. The awe in my voice makes her smile, and she is very aware that a flower looks as pretty as it smells.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (month of thankfulness)

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

While it's marked on the calendar to be thankful one day of the year (Thanksgiving Day), as Christians, we need to be thankful every day and for everything. 
These aren't in any order, just day to day postings of what I'm thankful for all the time.

Today, I'm thankful for my iPhone. I have finally learned how to add blog posts with it, and not be dependent on a desktop or laptop computer, (both of which I don't have access to very often). I always have my iPhone. And when I'm sitting at one of the kids' practices (or before/between games), I have plenty of time to write. 

Today, I'm writing this while sitting in a presentation for our oldest son's college campus tour. 

I also love having the Bible and Bible Gateway at my fingertips 24/7. As I reflected on Reformation Day yesterday, I also thought about all the work men and women did to get Bibles into the hands of all people. We are so blessed to have God's Word whenever and wherever we are.