So, for what ARE you thankful???

While we have a couple days here between Thanksgiving and the onset of Advent... tell me, what ARE you thankful for this year? Leave me (and the community that reads here) a comment telling me what you're thankful for. (You can comment anonymously!)

I've been thinking a lot about those who sacrificed to begin this country- and those who Thanksgiving really commemorates. They had high ideals of a land where they could worship freely, and I think that is INSPIRING! To hold such convictions, that you're willing to risk perilous journey to an unknown land... this is living intentionally- and think with vision for the generations to come! I am thankful for their vision, their courage, their passion, convictions, and many sacrifices. I am thankful for those who came before them- defending their right to live here, work here, worship here, raise their families here, and eventually, govern themselves here. I am thankful for those who have and continue to serve in our military defending these rights. No matter what you think of America- how it's turning out- we must all admit, that the most people immigrate here. It's where people from around the world want to come. There are reasons for that!

So, there are COUNTLESS things to be thankful for each and every day- what things have been on YOUR heart this week? Please, share!

Thanksgiving is on the way...

Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving thanks.

1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

What does it look like to be thankful this week? Does it include shouting for joy? Worshiping with gladness and song? Knowing that our LORD is God- and that we are His... Entering HIS gates with thanksgiving and praise- praising His Name? Even in these hard times, we have so much to be thankful for. In fact, if we had nothing else but Him, it would be more than enough, wouldn't it. I'm going to try to remember that and to be thankful, Psalm 100 style, this week as I prepare for Thanksgiving Day and Advent. I hope that you will too...

Love to you all... and Happy Thanksgiving!
~Katherine

Time, time, time

Hello my friends! :) How are you this afternoon?
Grab a cup of tea or java or just a snack and let's chat! I am having a brain-freeze of an afternoon! I KNOW that SHOULD be doing one of about a million things... but I just can't seem to think of what they are (or don't want to?). So, at present, I'm chatting with you! :) What's on your heart lately? Is life getting hectic? How are you doing on your sense of calling? Living out your calling? Where are you at with the Lord? Having good quiet times? What is the Lord teaching you? Have you had ANY quietness with Him for your soul to find rest?

As I ask these questions, I sit in my warm, cozy, bed, at 330 in the afternoon. I'm not ill- in fact, went to the dentist a bit ago- got a good report. Perhaps it was the snow that graced our ground this morning... perhaps it's the hot drink I'd like to be sipping? I'm not sure why I'm just sitting here or what I should be doing, but Josiah and I have played Go Fish and Boggle, Jr (sort of- the game actually ended with him putting the blocks down the legs of his footy jammies turning himself into a human maraca!- yes, he's still in his jammies at 3:30- wish I was, too!) The girls are following the "hide out" principle- you know, if we're quiet and don't make any waves we'll get to keep playing! But, very soon, I'll remember all the things that are practically SCREAMING to be done- and the girls will get back to their unfinished schoolwork, and the boys will play playdoh and I'll go back to being a busy Mom. But, for this last moment, what is the Lord saying to us of His Kingdom? What of His great love? What of His desire to nurture us and have us nurture and give grace to each other???

Encourage someone this afternoon- your child, your spouse, neighbor, a friend on the phone- or all of the above- with God's great love!

Also, if you've got one more minute- I'd like to tell you about a mission we heard about yesterday at PATCH (homeschool co-op). They are the brother and sister-in-law of one of our Moms. I just cried as I watched Video 2008 (Link on the top left). Take a minute. It's worth the few minutes, really! His Mission, Agdao

Now, off to do some school and ... well... almost time to make dinner now. Any suggestions? :)
Love to you all...
~Katherine

Looking to the Holidays...

But first-a little business. If you missed out on the Snapfish photo gifts- you can still get them for 20% off. Better than full-price!

Barak Hussein Obama is America's President-Elect. I will join millions of Christians in praying for him and our country. He is our elected president- and that deserves respect, whether he was my pick or not. I received a great email today about this, and my husband has a blog series going on things to pray for him. The Presidential Prayer Team has a 77-day campaign going- praying for him in this time of transition. Check it out (thanks Marge!)!

Check out the new poll on the right and tell me what you'd do with an hour and a half to yourself. If your choice isn't listed, comment and I'll add it! :)

Also, I had a rough day today. No details... but, would you say a prayer for me? Thank you in advance! On to the real post topic... As for the holidays...

What are you doing NOW to start getting ready for the holidays, if anything?

Comment and let me know (so I can do it, too!)
Blessings,
~Katherine
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