Happy Thanksgiving!

 From my family to yours.......

I pray you find something to be thankful for today. I pray you all have a wonderful time with your family and friends. Remember those who are forced to work on this day of spending with family.

Thankful Thursday

Oh man, this has been a hard week in our home. It's been one of those weeks where you question everything you are doing and if it's even the right thing. I'm so glad God gives grace because I know I used a whole lot this week.

I'm thankful for grace. Where would I be without it? I would be more of a mess than I am now. I mess up a whole lot,especially with my boys. I am glad they give grace to me so freely. I just don't know how I did it before knowing Jesus intimately. I am thankful He gives so freely to me who messes up so much. I love the hymn amazing grace. It soothes my soul and mind.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

How refreshing! How amazing! What are you thankful for? Join Iris @ Thankful Thursday and link up with us.

Thankful Thursday

What are you thankful for today? Want you share it with us! Iris @ Grace Alone is our host this month. Hop over to her blog to link up and find more thankful ladies.

I'm thankful for prayer. It's something I cannot live without. It's something I do not want to live without. Prayer meant something different to me 10 or 15 years ago. I really didn't know how to pray. I was young and on the milk of the Word. Over the past 7 years God has taught me a lot about praying. Not to pray my will,but to pray His will,no matter how hard it is. I'm so thankful I can go to my Father with a heavy heart,a concerned heart,or even a thankful heart. I can pray anytime I like and anywhere I like. I have learned to pray throughout the day since I'm on the move around the house daily. I'm so thankful I don't have to go to the temple and offer up sacrifices,but that I can pray while washing dishes,folding clothes, or cooking our meals. I'm so thankful that God doesn't laugh at my prayers and that I can go boldly to the throne of grace. Thank You Jesus, for Your sacrifice.

What are you thankful for? Share with us!

Thankful Thursday

What are you thankful for this week? Share with us and Iris @ Grace Alone today. She will be our host for the month of August.

• the moments each day I get to sit down and enjoy play time with my boys
• when I get to sit down at the computer to write and read blogs
• provision of the Lord when you forget to ask,but He still provides
• great friends who we spent time with this past weekend
• our church family, who are so caring and loving
• spending time alone with my husband after the kids go to sleep

 Those are just a few things I am thankful for today. I have so much to be thankful for each and every day. Too often I don't thank God enough for the little things He has blessed me with so graciously. Let us not forget how much He has given us.

Thankful Thursday

Join Laurie @ Women Taking A Stand and the rest of us for thankful Thursday. We have so much to be thankful to be for every day.

I'm thankful for siblings. I have two of them,a brother and a sister. I'm the middle child (yes the deprived one ha!) of the three of us. We were close growing up. We played outside together,played video games,fought a lot,and took up for each other. My sister and I were only 2 years apart,so we became closer as time went on and we grew older. My brother was the typical older brother. He loved to aggravate us,but he would whip some tail if someone messed with us. We loved going to watch him play football at high school games and loved tagging along with his girlfriend (wife now) a lot. My sister and I were at the high school together for one year. We had a blast. A lot of her friends were my friends so we always hung out. We shared crushes,secrets,and plenty of clothes. We fought a lot too. I guess that is just how siblings are most of the time. I have no clue why,but my boys fight a lot or fuss. I'm thankful I can call them brother and sister. We live away from them now and it is nice when we see each other with our families at my parents. We always have a good time together. We're all "grown" up now,but we still like to have fun. My life wouldn't be the same without them for sure. I love them dearly.

What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday

I want to say a few words about my Mother.

I am so thankful for her. She has done so much for me all my life and continues to do so. She stayed home with us kids and took care of us everyday. She never had breaks or spent much money on herself. I was a very stubborn child so I am told. ;-) She stuck it out with me. She whipped me when I needed it and always loved me. If not for her prayers, I don't know where I would be really.

She also has helped so much since we have had children. She came down each time I had a baby and stayed with us to help out. She even comes to watch the boys now so we can go on a date at times. She still sacrifices for me and I hope I will become to my family,what she has/is to her family. She is now being rewarded because the 3 of her children are able to buy things for her and do things for her she never did for herself. It's really a great feeling too! She loves my boys so much and prays for them I know. She is definitely a Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 woman that I love very much. I will be sad the day she goes,if she goes before me. Besides my husband,she is my best friend.

My Mama and me Thanksgiving of 2012.

Linking up with Laurie @ Women Taking A Stand today,want you join us?

Thankful Thursday

I have so much to be thankful for today and always. The Lord has blessed me in so many ways that I do not deserve.

• my 3 handsome boys that I get to Mother each day
• my loving,caring,and wonderful husband that I get to love each day
• fresh brewed coffee each morning with favorite creamers
• a church family to worship each week with
• loving friends who I can confide in
• a home to keep warm and cool during the days and night

Those are only a few. They speak volumes though to how much God has blessed me in this life. Hop on over to Laurie @ Women Taking a Stand and link up with us today.

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for memories this day. As I was going through old photos on my computer I had so many memories flood my mind. I love taking pictures for that very reason. I love capturing a moment,no matter how small or big it is. I took a lot of pictures of my husband and I when we were dating/engaged. Since we moved out of town I don't have as many of us as I want now,but I try to get one every chance I get. I have taken so many photos of my 3 boys it is insane. I want to be able to show them their life growing up. I used to love looking through my parents pictures of us or them or even Grandparents. I'm thankful I have a lot of good memories of my life growing up until I moved out. I have memories with my parents,siblings,extended family,and church family. I have memories from high school,college,and the drama team. It's a blessing when I look back. If I ever need a pick me up I go through my pictures,I then realize how blessed I am. Hope you have a great Thursday. I posted some of my memories below.

Go over to Laurie @ Women Taking A Stand for more thankful posts.

 Hubby and I 4 months after we married.

 My husband and our second son when Aaron was a little over a year.

 My oldest playing in the mud.

 Our family at Daulpin Island before the third son.

 My Daniel Paul. He was so baby looking here.

 Daniel in the snow in 2009 I believe.

 I was pregnant with Johnathan,our third son, here.

 Daniel on his third birthday.

 Our visit to Battleship Memorial Park.

Our third son a couple months after he was born.

Thankful Thursday

Welcome to thankful Thursday. Share something you are thankful for and link up with Iris @Grace Alone. 

I'm so thankful for friends. Good,true friends are hard to come by. We have several that are like minded and Christ followers. We love to spend time with them in and out of church. Our Pastor and his family happen to be very close friends of ours. We spend many Sundays with them. It's wonderful to have someone you can sit and chat with about life and be encouraged or challenged. We had another family from church over last night. The wife is a childhood friend of my husband's and we all hung out in our high school/college years together. Our kids love playing together which also makes it great. I love how God weaves friendships together and creates a bond that cannot be broken. We're blessed to have some of the friendships that we do. We're constantly blessed by our friends and in return try to be a blessing to them. 

What are you thankful for today? 

Thankful Thursday

I'm so thankful for God's grace and mercy. Oh how I need it every second of the day. I fail Him so much. There are some nights when I lay down I have so many regrets. If not for God's mercy and grace I don't think I could make it. I am suffering from severe mood swings at times and this makes me appreciate His grace and mercy even more. 

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 

    Lamentations 3:21-23

I have hope because of God's grace and mercy. I can go to bed and wake up new because of God's grace and mercy. Praise be to God!! What are you thankful for today? Join Iris @ Grace Alone and share your thankfulness. 

Thankful Thursday- Father's Day

Since Father's Day is Sunday I will write about that today. I truly am thankful for my Daddy. He worked hard for us while growing up. He was a carpenter and took pride in his work. We didn't have a lot of money, we were middle class I guess you could say. Mama stayed home with us and Daddy worked. We took summer trips to Black and Red Creek in the aluminum boat. We fished at home in our pond and we rode the 4-wheeler. We went hunting with him and sometimes to work with him. He wasn't always a very emotional man or very tender,but we did know that he loved us. Our needs were always met and we were taken care of. He came to know the Lord about 2007. He's changed a lot since then. He doesn't use foul language and has changed his music style and what he watches on t.v. He's more caring and a lot more friendly. It's amazing what God can do to someone. He's a great Papa to our boys,who adore every inch of him. I wouldn't want another Daddy then or now.

My husband is also a wonderful Father. He works hard,plays with the boys,and loves them. He always tells them how much he loves them. He rough houses with them and guides them. He can be hard on them,but it's because he loves them. I definitely wouldn't want another man to father my children. They play baseball together, they wrestle together, they read the Bible together,and watch t.v. together. The boys want to be just like him and pretend to be a Trooper all the time. I'm blessed to have a man who sees the importance of his impact on our children. He prays for them and with them. I see a lot of my Daddy in him too. I couldn't ask for more.

I hope all you celebrate your Father's and husband's this weekend! If you can't say much good about them,pray for them,and try to understand them. Link up with Iris @ Grace Alone for more thankful posts.

Thankful Thursday

Rain. I am thankful for rain. It can be inconvenient at times for sure. Like today, we are going to have supper/play date with a family we are good friends with and go to church with. We were looking forward to letting the kids play outside. It is supposed to be raining and some thunderstorms. You know what though? God knows we must need it. Rain is so refreshing to listen too when it's not the stormy kind. The other night it rained,but was the pleasant kind. The boys and I sat on Aaron's bed and raised the window so we could hear and enjoy it. Rain cleanses the earth. It's like God's grace washing away all the filth. It helps our plants grow and our gardens flourish. I used to love sitting on our porch and watching it rain. The smell after the rain  is refreshing too. So though it may put a damper on our plans today, I am thankful we get rain.

What are you thankful for? Join Iris @ Grace Alone for more posts. 

Thankful Thursday

What are you thankful for today? Join Iris @ Grace Alone to share what is on your heart.

I'm thankful for clothes. It sounds so simple,but it's not. There are many in other countries and even in America that don't have lots of clothes. I was able to go shopping today for some church clothes. Every other year I have been pregnant since 2007 and this year I am not. I have lost some weight and needed some clothes that fit me. My hubby kept all 3 boys while I went out at lunch and was gone until late this evening. I enjoyed myself and didn't rush. I stay on a pretty tight schedule when I am at home,so it felt good to just relax. I found some pretty skirts and maxi dresses to wear to church. I like to dress modest and now days that is hard to do unless you really take time. I looked and looked and tried on so much. I found things that are appropriate for church and anywhere else. It's funny how clothes to make you feel good. They keep us warm or can help us cool off. They are such a wonderful thing to have. I'm thankful I have clothes I not only need,but that I want.

What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday

This time of the year for Christians is so vital in who we are today. I'm so thankful for Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross. I look at Resurrection day a lot different than I used too. Growing up we dyed and hunted the eggs,had baskets with goodies,and always got a new outfit. We knew Jesus died and came back to life,but it was not a focal point for us. My Mother was born again,but my Daddy was not. It wasn't until I was almost 24 that I really started looking at "Easter" different. My Lord was in so much agony over this that He prayed/cried so hard drops of blood fell from His head while in the garden of Gethsemane. He was beat so bad he was unrecognizable. That is not something pleasant to think about. He would take on the sin of the world! He would be separated from God because of it. God would literally turn His back on His Son and not look at Him. That is not something to take lightly. It's not something to overlook either. It was a very sad and horrific day for the followers of Jesus. I am thankful Jesus did this for me and for you. He made a way for us to be reconciled back to the Father. How awesome! How glorious! The joy came in the morning when Jesus came back to life just as He said. That is the happy part. I still think it's not to be taken lightly. We want our boys to know the true meaning of Resurrection day and we don't want to take the focus off of it for one second. I want them to grow up knowing what Jesus did for them.

What are you thankful for? Join Laurie @ Woman Taking A Stand for more posts and to link up!

Thankful Thursday

What are you thankful for today? We all have so much to be thankful about. I'm thankful for beads. Yes, beads. I learned to make jewelry in college and it got pushed to the side after my first 2 sons. In the last year I have picked it back up and began making it again. I loved making jewelry before having kids and I still love it. I am able to make a little extra income for our family and still be at home with my 3 little boys. I'm thankful God gave me this talent. I started a Facebook page in 2011 and have been able to bless others with pretty things. I love to do give-a-ways,which I just did this week. I want to make pretty things that people can afford. If I could, I would just give it all away,but my husband would probably not go for that ha! It blesses me to be able to do something like this. I love being able to stay at home,but still do something for others. I love to create things and creating jewelry is so much fun! I'm artsy and always have been,but painting wasn't my thing though I love it, I wasn't great at it. I didn't have a talent for it. I love to write,but I don't have a talent for that either. I would love to write a book or have my blog take off with thousands of followers,but God had something different in mind. I have a talent for creating and making jewelry and for that I will be thankful.

Link up with Iris @ Grace Alone for more posts

If you are interested in my jewelry you can visit my Facebook page From the Heart Jewelry by Heather. My email for that is fromtheheartjewelry_08@yahoo.com.

Thankful Thursday

I always have much to be thankful for each day. I like to take the time to write it out each week. Today as I was away from my boys I started missing them. Most day I am just trying to survive and make it to bedtime. I think most Mama's are that way. I am not sure if it is just during the younger years or until they are gone. They drive me nuts some days,but when I am away I miss them and want to hurry back so fast! I am thankful for the gift of Motherhood. It's so stressful,tiring,and exhausting,but it is so rewarding. I love my boys so much. I sacrifice a lot for them daily. I am learning to sacrifice even more. It's not always fun or feels good at the time. God has taught me so much since being a Mother. He has used those little boys to humble me and break me at times. I am thankful He chose my 3 little boys to be mine.

What are you thankful for? Laurie @ Women Taking A Stand is our host this month. Be sure to check her out!

Thankful Thursday

What are you thankful for today? We all have so much to be thankful for I know,even in the trials, there is something. Join Laurie @ Women Taking A Stand as she hosts this meme this month.

I'm thankful for... seasons of the weather. I think my favorite is Winter. I love the chill of the cold. I love wearing warm sweaters and thick jackets along with cute boots. I love building a fire at our friends homes and making yummy smores. I love the dreary looking days with no sun. I love curling up on the couch with a book or my Kindle and dreaming of nothing to do.

I'm thankful for... coffee. Ahhh, who isn't? I love the aroma as it brews. I love the hot touch while sipping on it. I love the taste. I love the sugar and creamer and how it mixes just perfect to my liking.

I'm thankful for... water. I used to hate the taste, well, because it didn't have much of a taste. Now, I love it. Cold water just is refreshing. 

I'm thankful for... my health. I've always been fairly healthy. I dealt with some feminine issues after my 3rd and last child. It's been a year and a half of problems,but I am finally seeing some relief. 

Those are just a few of the things I am thankful for today. Hope everyone has a blessed day!!

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday everyone! Join us today as we share things we are thankful for today.

I'm so thankful for God's forgiveness today. In our Good Morning Girls study of Luke, we studied some on forgiveness this morning. I have been forgiven so much and I am so grateful. I tend to forget sometimes how much God has forgiven me and don't extend it to others. It's so important to extend grace to others just as it's been extended to us. If not for His grace, I would be on my way to Hell. I would be in utter despair and hopelessness. Thank God He loves me enough to forgive me when I ask. How can I not forgive others when they are truly repentant? It's not right of me to hold things against others. I'm 30 and I have done some major stupid/mean things in those 30 years. I have to ask forgiveness of something almost daily. I am so glad He is just and faithful to grant it to me. He is a merciful God.

What are you thankful for today? Join us and link up with Iris @ Grace Alone to share your thoughts.

Thankful Thursday

Join us as we share our thankfulness this week. Iris @ Grace Alone is our host for the month. She always blesses me with her blog and writing. Link up with her and join us!

I am so thankful for the blessings and provision of God. If I told you all the things God has done for my family, you would probably not believe me. We started out very meager. We didn't have any sort of wedding showers or a home warming party. In 6 years we have struggled at times, really bad. God has never ceased to provide for us. It blows me away sometimes. He did this just yesterday. My husband came in from work around 4. He usually works the evening/night shift,but he had to be in court yesterday. He comes in and says well, we are going on vacation. I say, oookay where and when and HOW? In our 6 years we have only been on vacation once, that was this past September to a friend's lake house in Texas. We just have not had the money to do so. He went on to tell me our landlord (a generous lady who God has used numerous times to bless us) offered us one. The apartment owner (Hubbard properties) lets her use his condo throughout the year and she offered it to us this coming April. We pay nothing,just go. The best thing about it, is the condo is just an hour from us. We live on the coast of Alabama. I was blown away and really didn't know what to think or say at first. I was in shock. I love going to the beach, not so much for laying out, but just the feel in the air. That laid back feel and oh pictures, gorgeous sunrise/sunset pictures! God is just so good to us. When you follow God and do things His way, He will reward you. He will take care of you. That is one thing we know for sure. I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Thankful Thursday- Love

What are you thankful for today? I have so much to be thankful for today and every day. It's love week, so I will share my thankfulness for love. Who doesn't want to be loved? Everyone does if they are honest. I love my husband or boys showing me they love me by their words or actions. The love of God is what I am most thankful for. Without the love of Almighty God, I would live eternity in hell. Thank You, Father for loving me.  I'm so thankful that He gave His only Son to die for me on the cross. His love for me drove Him to offer His Son up for my sins. If not for love I would have no hope. I can't express enough how thankful I am for love. My Savior's love. My God's love. My parent's love. My husband's love. My children's love. My friend's love. I want to love my God like He loved me without walls. I want to extend that love to my family and friends. First I must know the one who first loved me. Hope you all have a great day! Happy Love day!

Iris @ Grace Alone is our host this month. Be sure to read her post and link up with us!