30 Days of Thanksgiving 2013

I will be adding to this post each day as I count down 30 days of Thanksgiving. It will be nice to see my list of things I are grateful for, to have them in front of me as a reminder, but I hope that everyone spends time each and every day giving thanks, not just during the month of November.

Just realized I've been doing this the hard way for readers. Should have been adding the latest to the TOP of the list! Sorry! So, for Day 1 - 9, scroll to the bottom. For Day 10 and after, the newest addition will be right below here.

Day 30:
Thankful for the 32" TV that was just given to Maddy & Kenna. It originally came from my aunt who gave it to my nephew but it was too big for his TV stand, so he has been nice enough to pass it on to the girls. Alan got it all set up for them, and they set up a line of chairs for themselves and their dolls and animals to watch the "theater movie".

Day 29:
Thankful for a "do nothing" kind of day! Life gets so busy sometimes that it seems like we are meeting ourselves coming and going. Today we did not go anywhere, nor did we have much that had to be done. Had a movie marathon with the kids and just enjoyed a slow, relaxed day. 

Day 28:
Thankful for the bounty we had before us today as we celebrated Thanksgiving with my side of the family at dinner and then with Alan's mom and his sister, Shorty, at supper time.

So very thankful for technology that allowed us to talk with our daughter and granddaughters who live across the country from us, not just on this special day, but every day. We miss them terribly, but so thankful it is so easy to keep in touch and know they are doing fine.

Day 27:
I am thankful that, no matter how many darts of discouragement Satan throws at me, that I have the assurance that God is not only with me, but for me because I know that I am one of His adopted children. Leaning and trusting in God, I can face anything that Satan may send my way. Thankful for God's Plan of Salvation that makes all that possible, even though I fail God every single day. His love carries me through all the difficulties and trials of life.

Day 26:
I am thankful that the sleet did not return from yesterday to cause us from having to cancel our dental appointment today. I thank God that the blizzard we drove into as we enter Newburg, IN, did not continue and greet us with snow after our appointment. Thankful that Layna went with us to the dental appointment today. Very thankful Kenna took her sedation medicine even though I forgot to bring along to bottle of water to wash it down with. And so very thankful that God gave her comfort and allowed the dentist to finally (after several attempts) to get the x-rays done.

Day 25:
So thankful that my kids love school. I hear so many moms talk about how it's such a struggle to get their kids up and to school, how getting homework done is battle, and how much their child hates to read. I thank God every day for instilling in my children a hunger for learning and a love of reading.

Day 24:
Today I am thankful that my husband was able to get my truck started so we could make it to Sunday School.----- I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of the team that served a Community Thanksgiving Dinner to around 100 people today, including the deliveries and carry-outs. ----- I was reminded today how blessed we are to have Rachel as our "pastor's wife", who reflects the love of Jesus in her words and actions.

Day 23:
 I am very thankful that God allowed my son-in-law to get his first deer within 15 minutes of being out in his deer stand. Thankful that my dad allowed him to join the guys at the family deer camp. Very thankful he willingly shared his deer with us!

Day 22:
 I cannot thank God enough for the time He has allowed us with our granddaughters this week. We are on Slumber Party #2 during their visit. Out of the 7 days they are here, we have been able to "hog" them to ourselves and hug, kiss, play, feed, and spoil them for 4 of those days. Not nearly enough, but I understand they have had a lot of visiting to do in a short time. Every moment with them is a precious one.

Day 21:
I am thankful to live out in the country, on our own little piece of God's Creation. It's nothing fancy, but it's ours. No elaborate barns, no pretty fences, but some of the most beautiful scenery around. No "important" registration papers, but good, purebred grass-fed, no hormones stock. God has blessed us with the opportunity time and time again to watch the wild ducks, geese, swans, and several variety of storks/herons on our lake. We've witnessed the wonder of an eagle as he dives into the lake for fish or grabbing a duck. We've been blessed with one of only a few places in the state that have the endangered Cricket Frogs thriving. The lake offers a whole other view of God's Creation under the water with the fish, crawdads, frogs, and other life forms that live beneath the water surface. I'm thankful that as a family we can go out at night and share God's Handiwork in the sky. I'm thankful to be raising our family on this little farm, where lessons on the cycle of life are abundant from the little earth worm to our calves...where they can plant veggies and flowers and watch them transform from the seed to the plant to the vegetable/flower...where they can play outside and get dirty and "be a kid"...where they are learning so much about God's Power through country living.

Day 20:
I am thankful to be homeschooling our children. I can not even begin to list all the little things that as a parent we take for granted, but being able to spend the time teaching them, seeing their eyes light up when they get it, watching them take off reading, finding months later that they did retain that interesting fact we found together about an animal or place...priceless. I thank God that my husband is not only supportive of homeschooling (it was his idea) but is an active part of our homeschooling experience. I thank God for the bonds that are growing and yet we can see the individuality and creatively emerging. 

Day 19:

I am so thankful that Ms. Kathy Gill came into our life. When we began going to our new church, we called the office looking for an elderly shut-in from the church for the girls to "adopt". We were given 3 names and the girls chose Ms. Kathy. We'd never met her. The girls sent their first card introduced themselves...it was a friendship spanning generations right from the start. At the beginning I thought it was a good project for the girls to do to help someone else. It has ended (Ms. Kathy died Saturday) with her being a tremendous encouragement and help to my girls.

We just got back from the visitation for Ms. Kathy. I didn't plan on staying long because, well, I don't do funerals well. But what happened once we got there, I was not prepared for. The girls and I have been talking about Ms. Kathy's death. We talked about this visitation, and Maddy really wanted to go "after we go find her one more gift." I took them shopping, and although I tried to steer them toward others things, they bought a ceramic cross that says "God is Love" and a small picture frame that says "Family" on it. We picked out a special sympathy card, and like all their cards to her before, they dictated to me what they wanted to say. We took the card and these "special gifts" and went to visitation...

We got up to the casket and Maddy and Kenna stood looking at Ms. Kathy and talked about how she didn't hurt anymore. Maddy said, "She doesn't have to walk on one foot now." (she remembered Ms. Kathy having a cast on her foot during one of our visits). Comments like "She doesn't have that bump on her back like Igor anymore either, Mom, she can walk up straight because Jesus gave her a new body..." Then, Kenna teared up, laid down on the floor in front of the casket and just cried her little eyes out because, "I didn't want Ms. Kathy to die! Now we don't have anyone special to adopt!"

Thank You, God, for instilling in my girls a compassionate heart, overflowing with love to share. It broke my heart seeing Kenna so distraught, but I would not have wanted her to miss the friendship she developed with Ms. Kathy. On the way home we talked about how full of jewels Ms. Kathy's crown that Jesus gave her must be. And how right now, she's talking to Jesus just like we were talking to each other.

Ms. Kathy, you told me over and over again what a blessing it was for the girls to come into your life. You gave them gifts far beyond the coloring books and crayons, the candy, etc. I can not thank YOU enough for all the blessings you have been to us. It has been a real pleasure to have known you for what has been a relatively short time during your life, but you have been such a positive influence on me and my girls. Thank you. You are all ready missed very much!

Not sure we will immediately "adopt" another elderly shut-in from our church, or if we will take some time. I think we will let Kenna take the lead and when she's ready, we'll do it again. Some of life's greatest pleasures also hurt the most once ended. But don't let that stop you from stepping out there and reaching for those special moments. Well worth it!

Day 18:
So thankful for the time I was allowed to spend with my visiting granddaughters today! Our slumber party last night went great and today was full of blue pancakes, a royal tea luncheon, a dance party, lots of games, and some art time.

Day 17:
I am thankful to whomever thought up the concept of slumber parties! Maddy, Kenna, Sephie, and Pandy are having the first of two slumber parties this week.

Day 16:
Thank You, God, for getting my daughter's family home for a visit all safe and sound. I'm thankful that the girls were not too carsick (Pandy had one episode). I'm thankful that while Appa (their dog) also was carsick, a Dramamine hid in a tator tot ended that, too.

Day 15:
I am thankful that God has watched over my husband while he works hard for his family out over the road. He's been driving a truck for a 20 years, with a few years in-between when he worked as an underground coal miner (which I am very thankful God kept him safe throughout his time underground). Alan has seen so many horrific wrecks (would never let the girls drive what he calls "cracker box" cars. He's had many "too close for comfort" calls. And I can remember 2 times when he called, terribly upset and ready for me to come and get him right then, because once a woman with a carload of kids waited until he was a car-length to pull out in front of him on a highway and then immediately stopped to make a right-hand turn and he just knew he was going to kill a carload of children - but God got that loaded truck stopped - how we'll never know because it should not have been humanly possible. The 2nd time he was close to home, in Carrier Mills, coming down the highway and said there were 3 little kids all under 4 he guessed, playing out playing ball in front of a house and there were no adults in sight. He said the speed limit was 35 but he slowed to a mere crawl because of those little kids. He told me, with a still-shaking voice that as he drove past the house he was watching he kids in his left-side mirror when something caught his attention in the mirror on the driver's side...the ball coming out from under the truck. He said he slammed on the brakes because he was afraid that one of those kids had went after the ball. In a semi, with a loaded trailer, had it run over one of those precious little ones, he probably would not even have felt a bump. Luckily, there was no one in front of him, and after frantically looking, finally saw that all the kids were still in yard, just not in his mirror's view. I've never forget him telling me on the phone when he pulled over on up the road, that if he had hit one of those kids, he'd have left it right there and never set foot in a semi again.

Thank You, God, for watching over Alan in the past, today, and in the future when he is away from home. Thank You that, after over logging a million miles, he has never been involved in a wreck. Thank You for Your Hand in some close calls. Thank You for bringing him back home to us safely trip after trip.

Day 14:
Today I am very thankful for the girls' Tae Kwon Do instructors. They are so patient with all the kids and I can see, not just my children, but the whole classes gaining confidence and skill under Mr. Bethel, Mr. Bradley, and Ms. Megan's guidance.

Day 13:
I am thankful to live in a country where I can easily buy a new Holy Bible when I wear mine out. Something that we take for granted. My fourth Bible is literally falling apart. In many parts of the world buying a copy of The Holy Bible is not an option and owning a copy of God's Word can land you in jail or cost you your life. I thank God that He allowed me to be born and raised here in the U.S.A. I'm thankful that I can stop by several stores or even order a Bible online. Also thanking God for options...Thankful that God gave the Chinese and Koreans the knowledge to invent printed books centuries before Johannes Gutenberg invented a printing press process...Thankful that God gave Gutenburg the ability to invent a machine that allowed for mass production (1440, in Germany) that allowed mass publishing of books. Gutenburg, in 1455, produced about 200 copies of the Bible.


Oh, and please don't think that my fourth Bible is wearing out because I am such a great Christian. I'm far from it. I fail my Lord every single day. My four Bibles have all worn out (my first one given to me when I was 8) because I am just a human being and even though I am a Child of God, I still sin and must ask forgiveness, and am constantly going to God's Word for guidance, comfort, peace, and to continue to grow closer to God.

Day 12 (Incidentally, today is 11-12-13 if you hadn't noticed)
I am  so very thankful for all my Prayer Warriors who rally any time I personally need prayer or I request prayers be sent up for someone else. I thank God for each and every one of you who, don't just send up a quick prayer on my behalf, but "pray without ceasing". You many not even know the person or their circumstances, but you know that God knows all about it and will faithfully add my request to your probably-all-ready-long prayer list. I am so glad that God has sent people like you into my life. It brings comfort and peace to know that so many care enough to talk to God on my behalf. Thank you, my friends and family, for covering me and those I care about with your prayers.

Day 11:
I am so very thankful for all the veterans who have sacrificed so much to be part of America's military forces and work so hard to defend our country. My husband was a National Guardsman for 6 years. We were fortunate enough that during his time, he was never called into active duty, but even just the monthly weekend training and the 2-week annual training was hard to deal with sometimes. He employer at the time didn't want to give him the time off (that's why he didn't re-up).

Our oldest daughter turned 2 while he was gone to basic training and when Alan returned 4 months later, she stopped cold as she ran to meet her Daddy...with his crew cut hair and training bulking him up, she didn't recognize him. She kept looking at him with a "I know that voice" look but wouldn't let him near her for the first 24 hours he was home, until she was totally convinced this guy really was her Daddy.

Our second daughter had just been born in December and Alan left for basic in January. At 8 weeks old, while he was still gone, she had pneumonia and was in the hospital. Later, when she turned 3 this same little girl decided that she was not going to go to sleep until her Daddy got home to kiss her goodnight...it was very hard to explain to her that her Daddy was going to be gone for 2 weeks.

One year, the company was hit by lightening. Some died and many were hospitalized. The story hit the news before Alan got a chance to call home and let us know he was OK. The waiting was agonizing.

I can not possibly begin to imagine what the families of those who are off on active duty for not just weeks, but months and even years at a time, go through. I'm sure new technology helps them keep in touch, but talking across the miles is not the same as being there.

I salute all those men and women who are currently fighting on my family's behalf. I honor all those who have fallen in the line of duty down through the years. I thank all of you for the part you have/had in keeping America a country where I am free to express 30 Days of Thanksgiving publicly on the internet. I thank you for fighting to keep America free.

And I am thankful that God watches and protects you while you are giving up so much of your own life to be part of the  military. I can't explain why some are killed, why some are terribly crippled up and disfigured, and why some are able to return home without a scratch. But I do know that God is in control and He has a Plan all worked out. Don't get discouraged. Don't give up. Don't forget that God loves you. And many, like my family, appreciate all you have done/are doing for us. We will never forget you. Happy Veteran's Day!

Day 10:
I thank God for our pastor. He is a wonderful spokesman for God, preaching straight from the Holy Bible. He teaches, he reminds me of things I already know but sometimes forget during times I allow Satan to discourage me, he encourages me, and he challenges me to step out of my "comfort zone" to serve the Lord. I can see God working within our church as Bro. Derek has encouraged us to be a church "outside the building". I can feel God working within me as I strive to live a more Christ-like walk under Bro. Derek's direction and as I look for opportunities to minister to others. I am also thankful for Bro. Derek's family, who graciously share him with our church family.

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Day 1:
I am so thankful that I serve a Living God who loves me so much that He sent His one and only Son to this earth in human form...and that Jesus also loves me enough, that though sinless Himself, He was willing to suffer and die on that cross to pay the ransom for my sins.

I truly believe that when we put God first in our lives, above all else, then everything else will fall into it's proper place on our list of priorities

Day 2:

I so glad my husband, Alan, came (er, fell - OK, was given a push) into my life 35 1/2 years ago. He is my high school sweetheart, my best friend, my soul mate. He understands me, puts up with me, supports me, is my biggest fan. My Grandpa Cowsert told me as he walked through our wedding reception line, "It's a good thing you married him or else I would have had to adopt him." My Grandma Cowsert told me on more than one occasion, "You be good to Alan cause that boy worships you." And I adore him!

I'm happy to report that he's still the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. Love you forever and a day, Alan!

Day 3:

I am so thankful that God blessed Alan and I with such beautiful, smart daughters. They have added so much to our lives. We haven't been perfect parents, but we do as we think best and I they each know Alan and I love them with our very heart and souls. They are ALL our favorites!

Alisha married a wonderful guy in Preston in a memorable medieval wedding ceremony. They have given us two very special granddaughters, Sephie and Pandy. We miss them all being so far away, but they are doing great and love North Carolina.

Ashley may have taken a path that we didn't expect in life, and she has made some very bad choices, which in turn has forced us to make some very hard decisions concerning her. We have never stopped loving her and pray everyday that she will one day she will get her life back on the right path. Until then we ask God to watch over and protect her. Part of today's thanks go to God for giving us the assurance that in all things He works for the good of those who love Him. Through Ashley, Maddy and Kenna came into our lives, first as granddaughters and now, according to God's Plan, our daughters.

Alayna married a great guy, Aaron. Alan and Alayna are working on turning him into a farmer. They live close by so we get to see a lot of them.

Afton lives close by, too. We've known her boyfriend, J.J., since he was just little kid. We see them often, too.

Our favorite quote is "There are two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One is roots; the other, wings." (by Hodding Carter, Jr.) God blessed us with a houseful of girls and life has never been boring around here. I may be wrong, but I believe that Alan and I have instilled in our children a strong set of roots and have also taught them to spread their wings and not be afraid to follow their dreams. Thank you, God, for guiding us as we raised/continue to raise our children. If they have taken nothing else from all we have taught them, may it be that the only important thing in life is their personal relationship with You.

Thank You, God, again for my children and granddaughters!

Day 4:

Thankful that God made me a descendant of Dawsey and Idabell Cowsert. They both taught me so much. Grandpa taught me to love the farm, about "Gunsmoke" (the only TV show besides the news I remember him watching), about working hard, and about politics (yes, I think you could describe him as a radical Republican). Grandma taught me all about faith, how to make fried biscuits (and lots of other things), showed me that even doing laundry with a wringer washer could be a joy. I never heard either of them say anything negative about anyone. I never heard them argue. They taught me to be a good neighbor and help others. It was obvious that they loved each other very much and God allowed them to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary before calling my Grandpa home a few months later. I'm thankful I got to spend so much time with Grandma and Grandpa. They set a wonderful example for their family in everything they did. Miss you both, but am so thankful that I know that when God calls me Home, that you two will be there waiting for to greet me!

Day 5:
I am thankful that God chose Tom and Brenda as my parents, to be part of a family with 2 sisters. God originally sent my parents to Washington, D.C., where my Daddy worked in the fingerprint department at the F.B.I. I am so very thankful that God also brought them back home when I was around 4. Can't imagine the difference in my life had we remained in D.C.!  My parents have taken my older kids with them on vacation, have always had all the kids over for overnight visits, and love spending time with them. I am thankful for their willingness to spend quality time - and have fun - with our children because I know many grandparents don't.

Day 6:
Thankful for my  2 sisters, Charlotte and Michele. Charlotte is married to a guy I went to high school with, Mike and they have two children:  Paige (married to Chad, daughter Lily) and Jared. Michele is married to a fella I don't know very well, but hope to get to know better. Michele has two kids, too: Shayna (daughter Keighan) and Tristan (son Easton). I don't get to see my sisters and their families nearly enough. We don't always agree on things, but I hope they know that I love them and that I'd do anything I could to help them if/when they need me.

Day 7:
I thank God for supplying all our needs. I hope that Alan and I have instilled in our children that there is a big difference in needs and wants, and that there is also a big difference in some things that the world deems as necessary, as a "need", that really fall under the "want" column. The extra things, the luxuries so to speak, of life are nice, but we can't place too much emphasis on them. Especially when our desire for such things or having such things interferes without our relationship with God. Having nice things and all the "toys" are not wrong. Allowing them to keep us from focusing on our relationship with God or putting them before others is wrong.

Day 8:
I am so thankful for all the people that God has placed in my life. Some have remained distant and some have become close to my heart. Many have came and went, each leaving a distinct imprint on me - whether it be good or bad, I learned something from each of them. I am so blessed to have friends from "way back when" I was in school that still keep in touch. I am blessed to have a supportive church family. I have discovered some distant Sisney relatives, many of whom even though we have never yet met, have become good friends. And I hope to cross paths with many more people throughout my life. I just hope that I can be as much as a blessing to all of those whom I have had the pleasure of getting to know as they have been to me.

Day 9:
I am so very thankful for the beautiful fall days like today! Perfect weather to spend outdoors and the perfect night for a campfire and hayride (which we did).