It's that time of the week again! Time to reflect on how God has filled me up with thanksgiving.

If you'd like to participate in this, just grab this picture and post your thoughts on what you are thankful for. Leave me a comment and I'll come visit you!

• For Flannel Sheets: my teen daughter's (Courtney) bedroom is the coldest one in the house for some reason. It might be due to the fact that we removed the room darkening shade which did keep the cold out fairly well, and she just has sheer white curtains now....but...I think it is most likely due to poor insulation...these colonials are NOT built the way my parents' old home is! So....she just put flannel sheets on her bed this week as our temps have really dropped down into the low 30's every nite now. She loves them and is happy so that makes me happy and thankful!

• For my church: yeah, I know. I say I am thankful for this church almost every week. Well...I am! This week I am most thankful that the church is paying for the youth group leaders to attend a Youth Specialities conference down in Pittsburgh. My husband just loves serving in the middle school youth ministry. He often helps with the senior high youth as well, but for the most part, his heart is with those middle school kids. I am thankful that his boss at his secular job allowed him to take vacation time to attend the conference and that the church is paying for everything (except meals). It is a huge blessing to us.
  

• For my husband's job: I am thankful, that in the midst of this economic crisis that our country is facing, that my husband has a good, steady job and a good income. In fact, yesterday he called me from work, just after his annual performance review, to tell me he had received a raise! It is not a huge one...but...it is a good one...more than a "cost of living" raise. It was a nice surprise. God is faithful and I thank Him that my husband is enjoying a good career with a good income. Because....

• My job: I am thankful that I can continue to teach part time and still have time for ministries at church, for getting together with friends, and for being home when my daughters get off their buses. My heart overflows with thankfulness that I am able to keep my foot in the Special Education career track and have the privelage of teaching kindergarteners and yet still have most of my afternoons free to manage my home and children. I am very thankful to the school district for allowing me to be called a full time employee at 60% which means I now get the benefits and personal days but with the part time salary and hours. God has answered my prayers!

• the forgiveness of God: I am thankful that although we make mistakes with our children and/or spouse, or that our attitude might need adjusting, or that we might show anger and sin in our anger, that our Redeemer is bigger than all of that! When we ask His forgiveness, He wipes our slate clean. Thank you Lord for your love, mercy, and forgiveness.

• for Sales: I am thankful that my daughters' favorite stores had huge sales this week. I started some Christmas shopping and both daughters needed some new winter clothing. I went to the teen's fave store (American Eagle) where I got a savings on flannel pj bottoms and matching top. She will be thrilled. And at the preteen daughter's fave store (Limited Too) there was a 40% off sale! Whoo-hoo. PLUS, I had a 15$ off coupon! She will be so surprised to find a new pair of leggings, and 2 tops to go with them, under the tree, along with matching headband and hair ties. I am thankful I had the time to go in to the mall today.....I saved money!!

What about you?

What are you most thankful for today, or this past week?