30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 25

I am thankful for my husband being understanding and supportive when I make a last minute decision to do a little "Black Friday" shopping ~ and take him to a CRAZY BUSY fabric store...  And, his willingness to help me clean my parents carpets and clean out their drier vent (plus he set up my Mom's skype account).  Good times!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 24

I am thankful for family, good food and being connected together whether near or far apart...

 Skyping Thanksgiving morning with Benjamin.

(currently living in Bloomington, Indiana)

 Celebrating Thanksgiving with Blaine and Nicholas.

...and going to The Muppets movie in the early afternoon with two of my favorite guys!

Blueberry pie a la mode...

Pumpkin pie with whipped topping.

Coconut rice, roasted vegetables and Beeler's ham.

Skyping with Elizabeth and Josh Thanksgiving evening.
(currently living in Wichita, Kansas)

Ending the evening with a heart overflowing with thankfulness 
for our family and how God has so richly blessed us all!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Whether many or few are gathered round your table...
Whether there is loud chatter or quiet conversation...
Whether you indulge in a huge feast or enjoy a small meal...
May your heart be filled to overflowing with thankfulness and joy ~
on this Thanksgiving Day!

Giving thanks for family and friends; near and far, but all close at heart!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 23

I am thankful that I am a Pie Maker.  

I love that our daughter, Elizabeth, is also a Pie Maker and we share this gift.  In fact, without knowing it, we both chose to make the same type of pies for our respective Thanksgiving celebrations (she lives in Wichita, Kansas); blueberry and pumpkin. 

Our son, Nicholas, has stated that his future wife must be a Pie Maker.  Obviously, pie is very important to our family...

I'm not sure where my pie making ability comes from.  My Mom is not a Pie Maker.  I don't remember my grandmothers making pies either.  In reflecting upon where I could have learned this wonderful skill from, I fondly recall that Blaine's grandmother was a wonderful Pie Maker.  Perhaps I absorbed her skills.  I love making pies, sharing pies and eating pie; especially the gluten-free kind!

Holidays wouldn't be the same without homemade pie.  And pie isn't reserved just for special occasions, for it can brighten any day or be made "just because".  Pie not only brings a smile to your face, but also delights the taste buds...  Pie is our favorite dessert! 

 Pumpkin and Blueberry pies for Thanksgiving.

 Leftover dough is turned into a homemade strawberry pop-tart.

 Homemade strawberry jam is the perfect topping...

 

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 22

I am so thankful for my rubber boots, especially in the torrential downpour today!  I still can't believe I've lived in the Seattle area for all these many years and not owned a pair until this fall.......  Hooray for rubber daisy boots!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 21

The joy of serving others...

Although I didn't intend to become a "drop coordinator" for Azure Standard, a number of things happened with the drop I had been participating in and one thing led to another and I agreed to start a new monthly drop at our home.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve the members of our drop!  They are a lovely group of people and come from all over the area to pick up their orders; Vashon Island, SeaTac, north Seattle, just a few blocks away too...  They usually have a few minutes to chat; sometimes several.  All I have to do is make myself available on delivery day (usually late afternoon/early evening) to process the order when it's dropped off, separate the orders in our garage, call everyone to let them know their orders are ready for pick-up, and be home so everyone can come by that evening or the next day.  They appreciate my willingness to provide this service for them and to keep their orders secure ~ frozen items in our freezer and chill items in our fridge (if they can't pick up their orders right away).

And while there is no financial benefit to me, I am more-than-rewarded through friendly conversation, words of appreciation, a smile and Father Paul's belly laugh...  I am so thankful to be part of this little community of people who desire good food/natural products at a great price! 

 

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 20

Overtaken by Blessings

All these blessings will come and overtake you, because you obey the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 28:2

When you walk in fellowship with God, you do not have to ask Him to bless you.  He wants to bless you!  Just as you enjoy surprising someone you love with unexpected gifts, God delights in giving you His gifts in times and ways that you might never expect.  God's blessings often come in the midst of your everyday life - an encouraging telephone call in the middle of a busy morning or a letter you receive at the end of a hard day.  A friend may drop by to help when you are overwhelmed, or you may receive unexpected financial help at a time of need.  Often, God's blessings do not come in spectacular ways but in the ordinary busyness of your life.  They come just when you most need an expression of God's love.

Blessings come as a result of obedience.  When you walk closely with the Lord, blessings will come, regardless of whether you seek them.  Blessings from your obedience will also come to those around you - to your children and to your grandchildren.  Solomon enjoyed vast wealth during his reign, but God's blessing upon him came largely as a result of his father David's obedience in the previous generation.  God promised Abraham that his obedience would bring blessing to all the families of the earth (Genesis 12:2-3).

Do not take God's gifts for granted.  When you receive an unexpected blessing, thank God for His continuing love and be alert to recognize the  next time His blessing overtakes you!

*from Experiencing God day-by-day, November 20.

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

This morning was a very frosty morning in Seattle.  Toasty and warm in the house, I looked out the window at one of my sweet maples trees and noticed the heavy frost and the beauty settled upon its leaves.  Without a moment's hesitation, I grabbed my camera and hurried out the door to capture my garden's beauty although only 7 am.  I barely noticed the chilly temps (well, at least, until I went back into the house), as I scurried about the garden in my robe and slippers.  Filled with child-like wonder and delight, I couldn't get enough of the beauty all around me. 

When I settled down for breakfast, I grabbed my devotional and read today's entry.  I was overwhelmed with the realization that God had opened my eyes and heart to see the special blessing He had sent to me in my garden ~ frosted beauty! 

I am still in awe and my heart is overflowing with thanksgiving for this precious and amazing gift I received this morning...