Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble, gobble! I am on my own this Thanksgiving...the kids are enjoying the day with their dad in honor of his birthday and thanksgiving. I plan on being grateful for everything today and keeping a happy heart. I will be spending part of my day with my home teacher's family to partake of the traditional turkey, and part of the day I will spend visiting with some seniors at a local senior center. And tomorrow, I'm lucky enough to be able to spend serving at the Poverello House.

I wanted to take this opportunity to say that I am really grateful for this life that I have. I've always wanted a simple life...to be a wife and mom, to raise a few animals, to have people in my life to love, a few good close friends. I have all but one of those! How fortunate I am! I look around me and I'm humbled by the ways that God blesses me.

I live in the most blessed country on earth, and that because of the brave men and women who were and are willing to die to keep us free. I live in a state I love (though not politically, I must say). I live in a diverse and bountiful part of that state. I am grateful for my freedom.

Our pets are well-loved and affectionate. Our chickens have been a real blessing, not only in providing the best eggs we've ever had, but also in providing diversion, amusement, and teaching opportunites. Birds visit our yard regularly. We have beautiful trees around us, and live in a quiet, well-established neighborhood with great neighbors. Our house, though pretty old (built 1949) and in much need of attention, is secure and warm, and the monthly bill is low.

Though I lost everything I spent years building because of the circumstances of the divorce, the income from the sale has sustained our family through difficult times and will continue to do so for a few months yet. I waste no time being bitter over these things...instead, I put my life and those of my children in the loving hands of my Father in Heaven. I trust him to guide me and help me through all the uncertainties ahead.

I am so thankful to my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for my faith, which I know is a gift from God. I know that He loves me and grants me every good thing. I know that he wants me to be happy, but that his ultimate goal is my eternal JOY, and so I submit my will to his, knowing that he knows what chastening, what opportunities, and what growth I need to become all that he would have me be.

I am grateful that I've had good health. With the exception of a few minor health issues, like the arthritis in my hands, feet and shoulder, I am blessed to be a very healthy person. I'm also grateful for the health of my children. I am fortunate to have good health insurance for the kids.

I could go on ad infinitum with all the things I am grateful for. I am most grateful for my children and the people I love in my life. They give me reasons to keep moving forward, and their love keeps me sane. Hugs to all of you!!