November = _________________

GRATITUDE!!

I first have to admit that November came in and I think I missed the first few days of it. I stayed on October 31st, AKA "Halloween candy hangover and over indulgence," way too long. It seems as if I have come out of this fog and looking at the calendar and screaming...

IT's NOVEMBER PEOPLE!!!!!!

Do you realize, and I'm sure it has entered your mind as many times as it has mine, but Thanksgiving is THIS MONTH and Christmas is exactly 50 days away. Excuse me a second. Gulp. Sigh. Gulp again. Catch my breath. I think I also felt a little stress sit on my chest for a second. You know, that very heavy feeling and then it settles into your stomach and you can't think straight for a second or two, or three or four or even hours.

I read something very cool over at someone's else's blog and I can't remember who. I'll look back through my usual reads and see if I can't give that sweet soul the proper credit! ANYWAY, this person is doing a "what I'm thankful for" on their sidebar and adding to it daily. Well...yes. That is exactly what we should be doing in our life. Thinking long and hard DAILY about what and who we are thankful for. I bet it gets a bit more challenging as the month goes on. NO REPEATS ALLOWED!!

Well, as I begin to think about what I am grateful for...and I'm not going to write about Jesus...He and I already had this conversation and we agreed to keep that between us for the purpose of this post. He knows how crazy I am for Him and there is not enough blog space or adjectives to desribe what He has done for me and does for me on a daily basis. So....my first post on "What am I thankful for?" will be my PRECIOUS children. Here they are sleeping last night. I just love them as they sleep so peacefully and quiet. Their growing minds and bodies are resting, recovering and being renewed for the next day. I sometimes just look at them and think, "where did you come from?" Life and the creation of life is truly amazing and these children are a gift from the Lord.

Psalm 127:3 says, "Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him."

My first born, Clay. He is strong. He is sensitive. He wants world peace, local peace, family peace. He often asks, "Why can't everyone just get along?" He wants unity and togetherness for everyone. He deeply cares about people. He already has a heart for the Lord. He desperately studies His Word at school and wants to know more and more about the Creator of the Universe and the One who created Him. He works so hard at everything he does. He doesn't just get by. He's a 110% kind of kid. He is compassionate and giving. That's pretty cool for a boy at 11 to care so much about others. He is a gem. I love him deeply. I am thankful for you, Clay, and the gifts you bring to this family.



My 2nd son, Tyler. You make me laugh. You make me smile. You still let me love on you and I do! You are excellent at what you do. You love to play baseball and I love watching you play. You are laid back just like your daddy and I see so much of him in you. You are filled with humility. You are faithful. You persevere. I love you deeply, Tyler. I am blessed beyond measure with you as my child. I should have known that the child who walked at 7 1/2 months would be always after something and working hard. I am thankful for the gifts you bring to this family.



My 3rd son, Dylan. Yes. The baby, but not the baby anymore. Does he have a chance to grow up because his momma won't let him?! He is truly hysterical and very dramatic and demonstrative in what he does and says. He likes to be the center of attention when he's in funny mode. He loves to come crawl up on my lap and just say, "Momma, I love you." He is tender-hearted and sensitive too. He loves to be friends with everyone. He wants to do the right thing. He loves to tattle when one of his older brothers has not chosen the right thing! :) I love you deeply, Dylan.
I thank God for the joy you bring to this family. You too have a HUGE piece of my heart.



I am most grateful for these boys in my life. I won't forget about their amazing daddy either. He comes first and foremost after my Jesus. I will put a post up about my man on another day.

Psalm 95: 1-2 says, "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song."

I encourage you to sing a song of praise and thanksgiving to our Lord who has given us all so much to be grateful for. Spend some time each day being grateful for who and what you have been given.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my precious boys. "Thank you, Jesus, for the gift you have given me with these children. Help me to remember that they are yours and I am the vessel you have trusted to their growth and care. I humbly thank you. I praise you always. I love you and I am filled with gratitude for the many blessings you give me each day. In your most sweet name, Amen."

Blessings to all of you sweet friends.
Fran