Well, I tried this last year, and never heard from anyone else.  So how about it, what are your top 10?  Come on, you can do it!  Believe me, it's a great exercise in counting your blessings, and in return, it will bless your socks off to recount them all!

Here's mine:

1. The salvation of a dear friend 3 weeks ago. God's is still in the business of saving even "lost causes" and restoring families! 

2. The people who have allowed God to lead them in blessing us this very difficult year. Jehovah Jireh - God provides!

3. That I can celebrate another Thanksgiving with my dad. When he suffered 2 massive heart attacks the end of March, at the age of 58, we weren't sure we'd have more holidays with him.

4. For God's direction in our lives. We still aren't sure where He is leading us next, but the trip is never boring!

5. For 4 beautiful, healthy children who help give meaning to my days.

6. For a senior pastor who is willing to preach the Word without apology, and says what needs to be said. For a worship pastor who allows God to lead him in leading us into true worship - not just on Sunday mornings, but as a lifestyle. For a youth pastor who desires that my child develop into a godly person, not a "cool" one. For a Christian Ed pastor who seeks to help us grow into mature believers who live out God's story in our daily lives. For a Pastoral Care pastor who encourages us routinely.

7. For the legacy of faith given to me by my parents and grandparents.

8. For friends who have taught me much and encouraged me greatly in the last few years.

9. For a husband who is willing to work 3 part time jobs just to keep a roof over our heads.

10. For God's grace, mercy, patience, timing....I could go on and on, but this video pretty much sums it up. Can I tell you about my Jesus?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z15FlTONVo

I was surprised when I looked today to find that I had not yet posted the recipe for my Pumpkin Bread on my blog. It is by far my most requested recipe. It's also probably my most favorite thing to bake! I made them again last night for the dinner at church, and had more requests for the recipe, so here it is!

Pumpkin Bread/Muffins     (makes one loaf or approx. 12 muffins)

3 eggs

16 oz. canned pumpkin

3/4 cup oil

1/2 cup water

2 1/2 cups flour

2 1/4 cups sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/4 tsp salt

3/4 tsp cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice, if you have that)

Beat together eggs, pumpkin, oil and water. In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gently mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Pour into a greased loaf pan or muffin pan, and bake at 325 degrees for about one hour for the loaf pan or 20 minutes for the muffins. Use a toothpick to see if they are done in the middle!

"Worry is practical atheism." -R.H. Mounce

Read it again and think about it for a minute. Let it sink in. This quote which our pastor used in his sermon on the Matthew 6:25-34 last Sunday could not have hit me harder had it been a 2x4. I would never deny that there is a God and that He is sovereign over all, but am I parking myself in the same camp as those who deny His existence? I don't consider myself to be a worrier. I pretty much take life as it comes and trust that God will see me through. But sometimes, I have to confess, what I chalk up to "thinking", really is worry.

Like the recurring "thought" I have been having lately that winter (read that SNOW) is coming soon, and my husband will be driving in it - A LOT. He delivers pizza 4 nights a week as one of his part time jobs. I am "concerned" for his safety. But have I put it in God's hands? No. I just let it keep coming to mind so that I can dwell on it. Sure enough, worry.

So, as I've been challenged this week, I'd like to challenge you too. Have you allowed worry to turn you into an atheist - even momentarily?

I made these for my family last week, and they were a big hit! What a great fall breakfast!

2 cups flour

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1 3/4 cups milk

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1 egg

2 tsp. oil

Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt and spices in a large bowl. Combine milk, pumpkin, egg, and oil in a small bowl. Add to flour mixture and stir, just until moistened; batter may be lumpy. Heat griddle or skillet to medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle. Cook until bubbles begin to form and then turn. Cook 1-2 minutes longer. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve with maple syrup or apple butter. Makes 12 large pancakes.

Remember, if this recipe makes more than your family will eat, or, if like me, you want to double the recipe, you can always freeze the leftovers after cooling them.  They reheat very nicely and make for a quick breakfast on a morning when you are in a hurry!