Threads of Gratitude...What Are Yours??

So Sammy is over 3 months old and it's time to get back into gear with the whole blogging thing :)  It started this week with my "Books For Joey....." post, and now I'm back to the Threads of Gratitude! This idea was given to me by a friend from church named Tamra.  It's a great idea and I love thinking of these each week.  So often God's blessings go unnoticed in our busy world.  I'm trying to take notice, and so should you!!!

It's all about what God has given us, not what we "earned", but what we have been blessed with!  Here goes...

Dear Father, I am so thankful for my daughter Joey.  She is such a blessing to our family.  She makes me laugh, makes me want to pull out my hair, and makes me aware of your creativity.  Even in her terrible 2's, she is your amazing creation, and I have so much love for her it's unreal!!

God on high, I love my sweet Sammy so much.  She is an amazing baby, and truly a gift from you!  I am amazed at her journey so far, and thank you for bringing her out of the ICU at 9 days old and developing her into this happy, healthy baby who kicks, waves her arms, and smiles from ear to ear when she sees me, Johnny or Joey!  I didn't know if I'd have enough love for two babies, but your provision is amazing and you have made room in my heart for this sweet girl!

Lord, thank you so much for my husband Johnny who cooks, cleans, takes care of our children, and more! He has always been the biggest help and a true partner in raising our girls and does way more than a lot of dad's do! I love this guy and I thank you for choosing him for me and our daughters!

And that's it for today!  I went with a family theme I suppose :)  What are you thankful for?  You can either leave your thoughts in the comment section or write your own blog on the same topic then put your link in the comment section! I'd love to know that I'm not the only one thanking our Lord today!!!

Threads of Gratitude

So much to be grateful for this week and all weeks...here are just a few of mine :)

Dear Father,  I am so grateful for our little Stout family of 3!  We only have 1 more week of being a threesome, and I am finding myself a bit saddened!  I just love our daughter Joey and thank you so much for bringing her into our lives over 2 years ago, and I just can't believe we are about to add another!  So excited, but so grateful for this week with just the 3 of us!

Jesus, thank you so much for our Air Conditioner!  In our cars and our home!  I am so thankful to be able to cool off and I know I take it for granted.  I cannot imagine carrying this baby without this luxury even though I know there are way more people who carry children without air than those who carry them with air!

Sweet Lord,  Thank you for an inspirational and gut checking sermon this past weekend.  I have been more aware of worshiping You while working this week and I thank you for that opportunity!  I know that you put me at my job for a reason, and that reason is to glorify and worship you with everything I do while I'm there.  I absolutely love my job and I know that is because it was ordained by you!

Now it's your turn!  What are you thankful for?  Blog about it if you have a blog...leave your blog link in the comment section of this post.  Don't have a blog, leave your threads in the comment section of this post!

Threads of Gratitude...What Are Yours??

It's time to give thanks to our Lord!  Anyone with me??  Read mine and leave yours in the comment section below...

Dear Heavenly Father, thanks so much for great friends!  We had an amazing time at our shower this weekend and it is a direct result of the people you have put into our lives!  We are so grateful!

Lord I thank you for your provision.  With Sam coming in 2 weeks, there is honestly nothing we need that we don't have!  What a relief, and we know we are not stressing because of your graciousness!

Jesus, thank you so much for this basketball in my belly otherwise known as Sam.  She's in the way and she sure moves a lot, but I already love her!  I don't know what color her hair will be, and I have no idea if she'll have all 10 fingers and toes, but I don't care!  I know that you are in control and I know that you have molded Samantha in my womb...you know the number of hairs on her head, and you know where she'll be years from now.  Thanks for blessing us with her!

King of Kings, thank you for our couch :)  It's super comfy and the only thing that I can sleep longer than 4 hours on!  Yay!!!

Now it's your turn!  What are you thankful for?  Blog about it if you have a blog...leave your blog link in the comment section of this post.  Don't have a blog, leave your threads in the comment section of this post!

Threads of Gratitude

I am finding these times of reflection where I actually have to stop and think about what I'm thankful for refreshing.  I hate that it takes a weekly blog post to see the work our maker is doing in my life, but it definitely is making me view things in a different way!  Here goes :)

Dear Father, today I am grateful for a great OB!  She sets me straight when I get moody or have a silly question, but not in a bad way.  For some reason her bluntness doesn't offend me, it comforts me.  Thank you for sending her into our family's lives!

Holy One,  I am so thankful for a daughter who tests us.  It is in these times that we can demonstrate your love for us through how we respond to her.  Just as you discipline us for our choices, she is learning that she will be disciplined for hers.  The terrible 2's should be called the teachable 2's!

Sweet Jesus,  I am so thankful for friends who you have sent to me throughout the years.  I love that my best friend is multiple friends, and that each one serves the purpose you put them in my life for.  A lot of times I don't really know that purpose, until something happens and they know the exact thing to say or give a hug at the time needed.  I love all my friends for different reasons, and I know those friendships have been ordained by you.

Lord, Thank you for the ability to be crafty :)  I just finished a project, and when I do a project, I rarely take the easy way out.  I love that you put artistic men in my life to influence me through the years.  My dad is an amazing visionary and we loved wearing the clothes he would make us and the moccasins too :)  Bigman has always been amazing at drawing, painting, and I loved watching him create master pieces out of my mom's old eye shadow!  Both men are super crafty when it comes to tools, and I am blessed to have a love of art because of both of these men.  My "art" doesn't always come out the way that I see it in my head, but I love that I love to do it :)

Now it's your turn!  What are you thankful for?  Blog about it if you have a blog...leave your blog link in the comment section of this post.  Don't have a blog, leave your threads in the comment section of this post!

Threads of Gratitude

So I have tons to be thankful for, but here are just a few...

Dear Lord, thank you so much for the job you have blessed me with.  Though hectic at times, I know that I have a job to come to each day and a boss who has my best interests in mind.  I love the people I work with and I love the customers I get to serve!  You allowed me to meet my wonderful husband at EWA, and I will be forever grateful for that! I am truly blessed to work at Eagle's Wings :)

Sweet Father, thank you for this crazy huge bump on my front :)  I love this baby already and can't wait to meet her in June {stay in there Samantha!!} and I take comfort in knowing that you are forming her and already know things about her like what she will be like and who she will look like and how she will act with her sister.  It's amazing that you would care enough for each and every one of your creations that you would be with us all as we develop in and out of the womb.  Mind boggling really!  

Jesus,  Thank you for coming and saving me from the pit!  I am so thankful that I do not have to worry about an spending my eternity in Hell, and I only have you to credit that to.  Thank you for making salvation attainable for all, and thank you for allowing me to take part in bringing people to know you as their Lord and Savior!  That's so stinkin' cool :)

Almighty, Thank you for the ability to give to those in need.  We recognize that some of the things you have blessed us with are no longer needed and can be a blessing others!  Please always keep our minds open to giving our possessions and money that we are no longer in NEED of. 

Now it's your turn!  What are you thankful for?  Blog about it if you have a blog...leave your blog link in the comment section of this post.  Don't have a blog, leave your threads in the comment section of this post!

Threads of Gratitude.....Picture Style :)

It's time to give thanks to our Lord, and this week, my Threads of Gratitude are pretty simple!

Dear Father, thank you for.....

Enough said :)

There are so many other things I am thankful for, but I will leave it at this for today!  Now it's your turn!  What are you thankful for?  Blog about it if you have a blog...leave your blog link in the comment section of this post.  Don't have a blog, leave your threads in the comment section of this post!

Threads of Gratitude...What Are Yours??

So this week I have had some crazy allergy action, and what better time to thank our Lord than when you are feelin' down :)  So let's get to it!!

Dear Lord, Thank you for modern medicine :)  Back in the day, my mom couldn't take any type of medication during her pregnancies with my sister and I, and I thank you that you gave people the knowledge to know what medicines do what and what is safe for me and baby Sam!

Father, thank you for this beautiful weather we have been having!  Even though I'm sneezing and sniffling, it's a great reminder that Spring is here and I am loving these warmer temperatures!

Sweet Jesus, Thank you for these baby Hot Flashes.  It reminds me that Sam is cookin!  Thank you for blessing us with this little lady!  I can't wait to meet her, but the heat I'll be feeling in the next 6 weeks is an honor that I know some women long to feel!  Thank you!

And God...thank you for my sweet daughter Joey who will be 2 on Friday!  I can't believe how smart she is and what a personality she is getting!  She reminds us to pray before our meals, and often asks for "Jesus" when we put her to bed {She wants to read her Bible}.  I can't believe how quickly these 2 years have gone, and I just cherish them and the years to come!

There are so many other things I am thankful for, but I will leave it at this for today!  Now it's your turn!  What are you thankful for?  Blog about it if you have a blog...leave your blog link in the comment section of this post.  Don't have a blog, leave your threads in the comment section of this post!

Here are my friend Tamra's....

ather, thank you for teh desire you've given me to make You the center of my life. I don't want to be religious or like a "Christian", I want to be as much like Christ as I can. I want to know that my activities and thoughts have something to do with You, even if it makes no sense to anyone else. That desire comes from You and I'm grateful!

 

Father, in light of my desire, I'm so grateful for your grace. I never seem to reach the goal but I know you are always there to push me on. Your forgiveness keeps me going!

 

Lord, thank you for the family you've blessed me with, both those by blood and not. I am so lucky to be surrounded by people who know you and shine your light into my life. They make my days and nights so much better.

 

Father, thank you for Floyd and the wonders you have done in our marriage. I feel as if you literally burried the old marriage and gave us a new one. Through all the craziness, we never seem to falter. It is an amazing feeling to not have any doubts or fears between us. The desire You have given him to know You is a blessing for all of us and I am grateful to be in the audience as you work in him.

And her friend Lisa's...

ord today I am grateful for my cup of tea and bowl of cheerios. I have them every morning and well.....there are some folks that have neither or anything else, so thank you Lord for blessing me with both, may I ever remain grateful.

 

Father today I am grateful for this spirit of fitness that has me diligently working to make it to our next goal. So many slip ups that would've had me giving up, have just made me more determined to get to the next goal.

 

Jesus today I am grateful for Rana, one of my spin class teachers, she is brutal but has a huge heart, always brings extra water for those of us that go thru 2 bottles in her class and gasp for more water, last week she pushed me to burn 1023 calories and it just made me feel over the moon (of course i had to be able to breathe first, but once i regained that ability i was over the moon) It was You that kept me peddling, my flesh cried mercy 1/2 way thru the madness.

 

God today I am so grateful for my hubby, what a dream come true. I'm not sure i would've ever dared to pray for such a wonderful husband, he is more than I ever felt worthy of. God, You gave him to me and I am just floored by Your grace and the continual blessings that rain down on me, thank you :)

What are yours?  Take time to thank the Lord who so freely gave and gives to you!  Have a great week everyone!!

Threads of Gratitude

So I completely forgot to write about my thanks to the Lord last week...it doesn't mean I'm not thankful, it means I'm preggo and forgot :)  Sorry Lord!!  On with the thanks :)

Dear Father, I am so thankful for family.  I have the best of the best, and I only have you to thank for that!  I love that I have the most amazing big sister  who supports me in everything I do!  I have a great respect for her and am so glad that you chose for her to be MY sulsta....Thanks!!!  I can't say it enough!

Lord, I am so thankful for my mom who was at every single event I was ever in from elementary through high school.  She sits on the front row when I sing, she takes care of our precious daughter each Friday, and takes care of her mommy every other day of the week.  She is a strong woman and an inspiration to me!  Glad you chose her for me!  Nice one :)

Most High, thanks so much for dad.  Even though we don't talk as much as we should, I wouldn't be here without him and I always look forward to visiting him up North.  He always calls me "Punkin" and always walks us to the car when we are leaving his house even though he has leg issues!

Jesus, I am so thankful for my step parents who have never treated me less than their own children!  I love how Bea calls me "Chris" and how she makes her famous meatballs just cause she knows Vicky and I love them!  I love how Bigman {Carl} has a love for art, and has passed that on to me!  He is super funny and loving, and would help me out if I ever needed anything.  

There are so many other things I am thankful for, but I will leave it at this for today!  Now it's your turn!  What are you thankful for?  Blog about it if you have a blog...leave your blog link in the comment section of this post.  Don't have a blog, leave your threads in the comment section of this post!

Threads of Gratitude

Another week and so much to be thankful for!  Here goes...

Dear Father, thank you for a great Life Group!  We study your word and so much more!  I love how we can play just as hard as we pray, and that you have hand picked each of us to be in this group for a reason!

Lord, I am thankful for doctors..people who you have blessed with the desire to know and study the human body so that I didn't have to.  People that I can trust with this life growing inside me!  We are all talented in different ways and I just think it's amazing how you give us different talents to be stewards of here on this earth!

Jesus, thank you so much for this amazing weather the past few days!  It feels so good to feel the sun shining on my face, and to drive with the windows down and the music up!  I love sleeping with the windows open at night and not getting too hot during the day! 

Now it's your turn!  What are you thankful for?  Blog about it if you have a blog...leave your blog link in the comment section of this post.  Don't have a blog, leave your threads in the comment section of this post! 

Threads of Gratitude

Here we are, 1 more week down!  What are you thankful for??  

Dear Father, I am so thankful for Godly girlfriends that I can have fun with!  I just put make up on for these ladies...that's how much I love them :)

Most High...thank you for our amazing babysitter Holli!  She loves our daughter and goes more than the extra mile.  She is so good to Joey and I can tell Joey loves her!  Each night she prays for Holli without being reminded to do so :)  It's so stinkin cute :)

Jesus, thank you for saving me from an eternity in the lake of fire.  I'm so thankful for the free gift you have so generously given me and can't wait to reign with you one day!

 Now it's your turn!  What are you thankful for?  Blog about it if you have a blog...leave your blog link in the comment section of this post.  Don't have a blog, leave your threads in the comment section of this post! 

Threads of Gratitude

Here are mine :)  Join in if you like!  Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King...His love endures FOREVER!!!

Father, Thank you for my job.  Even though there is tons to do before Baby Sam comes, I have a job and I love the job that I do!  I love that I get to work for my brother in law who is honestly the best boss I've ever had...even on his worst days :)

Lord, I am so grateful for a husband who loves spending time with our daughter! He has a week off and is delighted to take Joey to the park, play games, make lunches, and more!  What an amazing man!

God, Thanks for music.  I love singing in the choir at church and I am so grateful that you would have me sing for you!  I know that whenever people open their mouths and sing to you that you are delighted, and it delights me!!!!

and Finally....Jesus I am so thankful for my new pillow that is helping me sleep better at night!  I know it seems trite, but I am so excited that I am sleeping through the night and that my hips are feeling better in the mornings!!!

So those are mine, what are yours??  My friend Tamra emails me her Threads of Gratitude every week, and here are hers for this week...

LORD, thank you for time away from work. Although I'm still grading and planning and working around the house, spring break is a much needed respite!  Thank you for that time. Father, thank you for a few days with my hubby while the kids are having fun at Grandma's. The time to just quietly exist is very nice. Most HIgh, thank you for the message given by Rafe yesterday. To be reminded of what's coming is always good. Now it's your turn!  What are you thankful for?  Blog about it if you have a blog...leave your blog link in the comment section of this post.  Don't have a blog, leave your threads in the comment section of this post!

Threads of Gratitude

So I'm trying this new thing that my friend Tamra mentioned to me.  It's called Threads of Gratitude and was started by a friend of hers a few years ago.  Here's the jist...take some time each week to give thanks to God for the things/circumstances/people/etc. in our lives.  I pray often, but too often it is about things I "need" or prayers for my friends.  Rarely do I reflect on the good that is going on in my life because of our maker!  So here goes....

Father, I want to thank you for the life growing within me.  How cool and scarey is it that you have entrusted my body with one of your own creations?  I am completely honored and amazed, and can't wait to hold and mold baby Sam!


Lord, thank you for my Life Group who are a constant source of encouragement.  They help guide me spiritually, they pray for me and I for them, they make me laugh, and I am so lucky to have each and every one of the members in it in my life!


Jesus, I am so grateful to have a husband who is present and so much more.  By that I mean he helps out, loves his daughter, loves me, and works really hard for our family while making time for our family.  He is a man who chases after you with excitement and leads me in that direction as well! 


Father, I am in awe of you and the book of Revelation.  I am so thankful that we go to a church who is not afraid to read from and study your word.  


Now it's your turn.  Write on your blog and leave your post's link in the comment section of this post.  Don't have a blog? Leave your Threads in my comment section. I will post my Threads every Tuesday and if enough people comment with a link to their blog, I'll get a MckLinky thing to go with mine!  So what are you thankful for?  What has our Lord blessed you with today?