Thankful hearts

From the rising of the sun to it's going down,
                               the Lord's name is to be praised. Psalm 113:3

During the month of November,I plan to be intentional about thanking God each day for His many blessings.  A grateful heart - that's what I want.  Even when times are hard because He promises His presence and comfort.

Just a few random things that I am thankful for today:

Grateful for this newest one and that we have medicines to treat pneumonia and croup!!  And that she is doing better!  (you can faintly see a rainbow in the background) 

My 5 little "punkins" - Hannah, Sophia, Emeri, Eli and Claire.

 I love birds - and here are 6 doves roosting on my back deck!  I hear them coo even as I type.

Thank You, Father for my husband - such a good grandpa to his grandchildren!

Our leaf pile not so big just yet.  It will be a few more years until the pile is huge and we will be sick of so many leaves in our yard. 

When that happens, I wonder if our teenage grandchildren will be willing to help?  I will be most grateful for that!I love to take walks with the children.  This picture taken by Hannah

                            and this one by Sophia. 

Thankful for this family in Arkansas, 

               and sweet Mindy who is a very fun aunt!

Grateful for my fountain - and for a husband who hates it but lets me keep it!  He likes the looks of it but it seems to need lots of care and he does NOT like that!  We took this photo when there was a freeze.  Look at the ice! 

And I am especially grateful this day for His presence in my life, in particular, during this time as I grieve.  I am amazed at how He is working everything out as I have been planning Aunt Millie's memorial service.  Truly, it is only God going before me each step.  I am excited to celebrate her life and give Him the glory for all He has done in and through her.  And for His comfort.


"In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
 1 Thess. 5:18

My Aunt Millie

Just 20 days ago, we moved Aunt Millie from Assisted Living to Health Care due to declining health.  I would never have thought she would have had to go on hospice so soon.  Last night we knew it wouldn't be too much longer. 

Today at noon, she ran into her Father's arms and was greeted by her family and friends who went before her.  Aunt Millie used to fret at times about her health and her weakening condition, but she said it was settled, she knew to Whom she belonged and she looked forward with great joy to going and being with the Lord.

  

How I will miss my sweet aunt! For the past 8 years I have not only been her caregiver - taking her to the doctor visits and shopping and cleaning her apartment (it never needed cleaning!) - but she became my dear friend.

What fun we had together - sharing what we had read (we loved the same books - Anne Graham Lotz, Joe Stowell, Dwight L. Moody, and also many fictional pieces), sharing what we learned that morning in our devotions, singing a hymn together.  Sometimes she would sing a song to me that she had written for children many years ago. Or read a poem she had written.

One of her favorite quotes was this:

"Life is like an onion.  You peel it away one layer at a time.  And sometimes you cry."

I was pretty sure today would be the day God would call her home and as I looked at the morning sky I had to think of the song "What a Day That Will Be".


There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye.
All is peace forevermore on that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus:
What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be!

There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there;
And forever I will be with the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus

And yes, what a glorious day this is for my Aunt Millie!  It just excites me!  Looking at His face, thanking Him for what He has done and continues to do!  Just think, no more pain, sickness or sorrow, nothing but peace and joy. He is really worthy to be given thanks, praise and love!

a walk and a pumpkin patch

The Arkansas grandkids were here last weekend for Claire's dedication.  We took a walk one afternoon. 

The kids got a little tuckered out.

At home, there were "Wanted"  posters all over the house.  Papa is a wanted man.

Adam and Jill's family had plans later in the afternoon so we took Josh's to Papa's Pumpkin Patch.

Those Kansas pumpkins have now found a new home in Arkansas.