I love Thanksgiving! It has always been one of my favorite holidays. This year, my family is enjoying a quiet, peaceful day at home.  After enjoying a breakfast of baked oatmeal,  we mingled in the kitchen to cook while Daddy and my Sis took turns practicing the church music they will be playing on Sunday.  Mom read a few chapters of Farmer Boy out loud while the turkey baked.  Our family usually eats the Thanksgiving meal around two or three in the afternoon, then dessert later.  Daddy read Psalm 8 then blessed the food and we ate.  Now the chores are done, some people are napping, ohers are crocheting, a couple are playing with the baby.  I am stealing a few minutes to type the blog post that I had intended to write earlier this week. 

Traditionally, I try to spend this holiday thinking of the things for which I am most thankful.  On Sunday our church held its Thanksgiving service and our paster gave a short sermon before giving the congregation a chance to tell how the Lord has blessed us through the past year.  I appreciatted hearing many of the testimonies, but what really struck me was something my pastor said. He reminded us that we are not supposed to save up our gratefulness over the entire year only to mention it and thank the Lord for it one day out of 365.   We are to constantly have an attitude of thankfulness.  I do know that, but the truth is that I often think of thankfulness as a feeling rather than an attitude.  If I don't feel grateful, I probably won't say thank you.  God is deserving of my praise though, and for me to not be grateful is sin. I must first remember all the things he has done and provided and give thanks for it.  My emotions will follow when my attitude is right.

So here are some of the things I am most grateful for this year. They are not in any particular order.

1.  My Savoir,  who chose to give His life to save someone so completely undeserving as me. 

2.  That I can hold fast to the promise that the Lord will complete the work He has begun in me.  I am not on my own, He holds fast to me and He will not let go.  

3. Parents who are willing to homeschool myself and my siblings and who have taught me the "why"  in addition to the "how'.

4. That I live in a red state!

5. For a church that teaches that God's Word is infallible. 

6. That I am able to be at home during the years that my younger sibling are little.

7. That I am old enough to vote in the next presidential election!

8. That my parents passed down a love of reading to me.

9. That I live in a time where books are so readily available.

10. That I am able to live in my favorite part of the United States!

11.  For church leadership that is committed to shepherding its flock by teach truth and encouraging us towards righteousness.

12. For the way the Lord has provided this year for a location to teach ballet.

13. For each of my siblings.

14.  For my family's health.

15. For the fellowship the Lord has given me with other believers.

16. For a Daddy who so willingly and uncomplainingly provides for us, yet always makes sure He takes time off to spend with his family.

17.  For a mom that is committed to staying home to train her children.

18. For the freedom I enjoy in this country.

19. For the promise of an eternity with Christ!

I could go on for a very long time. Have a great Thanksgiving!