Another week, another list. God is filling me up in so many different ways this week. It's been a rather busy one and the weekend promises to be even busier between the marriage workshop at church on Sat., then the bowling get-together that my oldest's small group Bible study is doing, then a quick dinner and help her get ready for the Winter Ball, then church the next day and my youngest daughter's 2 hour drama rehearsal which means home for lunch and back to church for that! Whew....plus my husband has to sit in on a church interview this weekend for the applicant who is trying to get the position of Youth Pastor. It takes time.......and sometimes I grumble to God about all that we are involved in yet......somehow He gently reminds me that this is only a season. Just like this bleary, grey, cold weather we are having this week is just a season.....it too shall pass. For now.....here is what is on my heart that I need to thank our Lord for!

• the weather! yes, you read that right. Although we had sleet, freezing rain and then snow last nite, the weather was not bad this a.m. so our school district was open and my husband didn't have to worry about his commute. I am thankful that here in NYS we didn't get hit like so many areas in the south. I am thankful we don't live in an area where tornados touch down!
• my neice Beth: she passed down a beautiful dress for my oldest (see post below) She is a sweetie and a real blessing to the entire T-----clan!
• my youngest daughter's hugs. She loves hugs and every nite she has to give me a hug before I turn on her music for bed...then we have to hug again before I close her door. I am so glad she hasn't grown out of my hugs....at home anyway!
• Courtney's friend Brea and her mom: the mom somehow managed to get free tickets for bowling at our local bowling alley. So she is taking the entire small group (6 14 year olds!) bowling late Saturday afternoon. What a fun treat for middle of winter!
• the power of prayer: I have had to pray through some situations this week that were making me feel inadequate, un-motherly (is that a word??), impatient and stressed out. But....when we take these feelings to the foot of the Cross and leave them there....He can shoulder those burdens and carry them for us....and then those burdens are lifted off of us and those negative feelings are gone! He replaces them with His Peace, Comfort, Strength. Emotional strength. Inner peace that only can come from Christ and knowing He is in control if we just let Him be!

What are you thankful for today?