Here's Miss Jocelyn's theme for us...

This week, you guessed it, is going to be about having a thankful heart! Yes, of course, we should always be thankful for everything we’re blessed with, but it’s not too often we actually sit and ponder what. This week please join me in writing 27 things you’re thankful (There’s got to be at least 27things!). I picked 27 because this year Thanksgiving is on the 27th of November.

Also, share a Scripture verse for this week!

27 Things I'm thankful for...

1. Jesus
2. Salvation
3. Paul (my hubby!)
4. our two girls
5. my 'other' family
6. my friends
7. our country
8. freedom
9. a warm house to live in
10. my husband's job
11. our dog
12. my Bible
13. the Internet
14. the opportunity to homeschool
15. our minivan and my husband's pick-up
16. a bed to sleep in
17. a turkey that's finally almost done
18. YouTube (so we can watch just about any video ever made... especially Snoopy!)
19. a day set aside to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends
20. sweet potatoes
21. warm clothing on a cold day
22. cool clothing on a hot day  
23. coffee
24. Dr. Pepper
25. Almond Joy's
26. Reece's Peanut Butter Cups
27. M&M's 

 If you'd like to join the fun of sharing your homeschool memoirs, click on the button below.

I was blessed to read the Keys for Kids devotional booklet and suggested Scripture reading today.  The "catch," I had the July Keys for Kids next to my bed.  So, I read the entry for July 22 entitled, "The Auction."  (You can search for that date when you go to their site.)

God knows exactly what we need to hear and read.  (Obviously, He's omniscient, but I'm continually in awe of His omniscience!)

The recommended reading is Matt. 6:25-34... with verse 33 being one that is often memorized and quoted.

 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Where do our priorities lie?  Do we really put God first in our lives?  I will spend the rest of my life striving toward that goal.  As humans, we can never "reach" it, but we can re-new our commitment to Him daily.

As we enter a time of Thanksgiving and then Christmas, may we truly seek His Kingdom FIRST in our lives.

Click here to join this week's Saturday Psalm and Praise.

 NKJV Bible courtesy of Bible Gateway

      21 This I recall to my mind,
      Therefore I have hope.
       22 Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
      Because His compassions fail not.

       23 They are new every morning;
      Great is Your faithfulness.
       24 “ The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, 
      “ Therefore I hope in Him!”

 

Lamentations 3: 21-24 (NKJV)

Click here to join this week's Saturday Psalm and Praise.

      But those who wait on the LORD
      Shall renew their strength;
      They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
      They shall run and not be weary,
      They shall walk and not faint.

 Isaiah 40:31

I wish I had a way with words like so many of my friends and acquaintances do.  If you have a moment, I recommend you read these blog entries:

• Thoughts on a New President - posted by a high school friend
• God is in Control - posted by Twila Paris

I just found out about this giveaway from Jacque. (Thank you for blogging about it, Jacque!)

Just click on the button to find out how you can enter the giveaway!

Please continue to pray for our friends in Greensburg, Kansas.  They're still recuperating from the devastating tornado that hit on May 4, 2007.  When I say "friends," I don't know anyone personally from there; but as Americans, we're all friends.

Please read this recent blog entry from a homeschool mom who lived through this nightmare.  I think she regularly participates in The Simple Woman Daybook meme, so you may recognize her blog from that.

Photo courtesy of NSSL (taken in May 1981 in OK)

Go over to The Simple Woman's blog if you'd like to join us for The Simple Woman's Daybook.

For Today...

Outside my Window... the sky is clear blue.

I am thinking... the weather is nearly perfect!

From the learning rooms... the girls are learning that not all people "do" school the same way.

I am thankful for... the leaves changing colors.

From the kitchen... I'm hoping to make some Fall-ish "comfort" food.

I am wearing... red T-shirt, jeans w/ just the right amount of spandex to make 'em comfy, barefoot.

I am reading... still working on Victoria Woodhull: Free Spirit for Women's Rights by Miriam Brody, but almost finished.

I am hoping... my monthly 'thing' will go ahead and start so I won't be so irritable.

I am creating... fun memories of my girls' creations -- They're making 'leaf' hats, rings, bracelets, skirts, etc. for themselves, for me, and for their stuffed animals.  :)  (see my picture thought!)

I am hearing... someone mowing their lawn or perhaps using their mower to blow leaves into our lawn - ha!

Around the house... things are a mess, as usual - for example... clean laundry piled on the couch (some folded - some waiting to be folded), clean dishes in the drain rack, breakfast cereal bowls waiting to be washed, etc.

One of my favorite things... the stillness of the dawn.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... continue caring for friends' pets while they are away on vacation, AWANA is cancelled due to public school Fall Break, more outside time since it's Fall Break and less people wondering -- "Why aren't they in school?", my hubby's busy work days with alternate schedules due to a 'remote' that the station is planning to do in Albany, Georgia with the creators of Fireproof, homeschool music class on Thursday morning, Adventure Club at our library Thursday afternoon... followed by a playdate with some other homeschoolers who go to the library program.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

My daughter wearing one of her creations.  (see "I am creating" above)  

Today marks five weeks since the Drews family was changed... forever. Praise the God of all creation for how He continues to be a blessing to those who've been touched by this sweet family's devotion to and dependence upon Him.

Thank you, Marsha, for allowing Jesus to shine through you to so many people around you.  May God be glorified!