Giving Thanks in November III

• November 30 This morning I have been reflecting upon the past month of thankfulness. I read through all the thanks I've posted and remembered each day. Springing up with those memories were so many other thankful thoughts, unwritten but not forgotten. So, this morning I am grateful for this thankful exercise. I can't end the month without thanking Rebecca, who challenged us to share our blessings in this way. I guess in this way, I have come full circle, for I began this with a post of thanksgiving for her friendship. So, thank you Rebecca. I thank God for you!

• November 29 For the last two years I have subscribed to daily email readings from the Bible through Bible Reading Plans. There are many different reading plans available, but the one I have been reading is the "read the New Testament in one year" subscription. Every morning when I retrieve my email messages, a chapter of the New Testament is waiting there. This morning I read the book of Jude. Tomorrow starts the Revelation. I'll admit that unless I am doing a study on end times or eschatology, I rarely poke my nose into the Book of Revelation. This system forces me to attend to every part of the New Testament at least once a year. I realize it isn't a substitute for the deliberate study of God's Word, but it serves another purpose--to fill my mind with the Word of God first thing in the morning and to cause my heart and mind to become more aware of God's Word and its impact in my life. Beginning in the new year, I am going to subscribe to reading the Old Testament in two years (one chapter per day on weekdays and two chapters per day on weekends) and either the Words of Jesus four times in the year or the New Testament Letters three times in the year. I am thankful for this daily reminder that God's Word is my daily bread and I heartily recommend this to my readers.

• November 28 I'm thankful for mild weather all this month. The furnace hasn't had to run very much so far this heating season, so that's a blessing!

• November 27 I'm thankful that homeschooling is so flexible. We had to change our geometry curriculum back in October. We were both floundering with our Abeka DVD course. Now we're using Math U See Geometry and Sam is excelling and I am relieved that apparently we have made the right choice.

• November 26 It's Sunday again. Every Sunday I am so thankful for my church and for my pastor. I'm thankful for a pastor who isn't afraid to call sin sin and who never fails to call everyone, belivers and unbelievers, to come to Christ. The gospel is presented each week; clearly, compellingly, and winsomely. Today our pastor's son, John, sang from Handel's Messiah--The Trumpet Shall Sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible. It was absolutely beautiful. My heart lifted in praise and thanksgiving for the promise that someday we shall be changed. I'm thankful for scripture set to music.

Ephesians 5:18-2o Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

• November 24 and 25 I'm still behind posting each day, but I have been thankful for many things over the past two days. I've been decorating for Christmas and so I've been holding in my hands so many years' worth of precious memories. All the little ornaments the children have made for me over the years (both my own and my students), all the ornaments and decorations that have been lovingly made by family and friends--memories of Christmases past. I've lived a very happy life and I am so grateful to God for the many blessings I've enjoyed!

• November 23 OH! I was so busy having fun with my family that I forgot to post my thankful thoughts on Thanksgiving yesterday! There are so many things for which I am thankful--our family, our home, our church, our pets, good health. But at the top of the list is Christ, my Redeemer and Friend. Without Him, all the blessing of this world would be just that; this world's blessings. But with Christ, I have blessings unspeakable and full of glory awaiting me because of His mercy and grace.
  

• November 22 Today was my Thanksgiving baking day. I made two pumpkin pies, a pumpkin marble cheesecake, a batch of chocolate mint fudge, cranberry salad, got my veggies ready to steam, and prepared my dressing. On days like this I am always so thankful for my full sized stove in the basement. Ours is a tiny bungalow kitchen and the wall oven, though fairly new, isn't much bigger than an Easy bake oven, so two years ago Tom bought me a full sized range with the biggest oven he could find for the basement. It makes for quite a few trips up and down the basement stairs, but I think of it this way: I'm burning some extra calories and making room for a sliver of cheesecake, right?

• November 21 This thankful thought seems a little difficult to express, but I'm going to try to do it anyway. I'm thankful that God understands. Not just that He knows, but that He understands. There is a difference. People will misunderstand, but He never will. I will misunderstand myself and only He is able to open my eyes and make me see where I have been wrong about myself. And He is the only One who can bring about lasting change. I'm thankful that I am His child.

1 John 3

19By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24Whoever keeps his commandments abides in him, and he in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.

God's Minute

November 30

I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever--John 6:51

WE render Thee grateful thanks, Thou source of every blessing, for the rest of the past night under the mighty shadow of Thy wings, for the daily bread of Thy providing, and for new opportunities of welcome service, each in our appointed calling. We thank Thee for Thy revelation in Jesus Christ and for "the bread of life" so abundantly provided in Thy Holy Word for our spiritual sustenance. O make us truly mindful of all Thy many blessings, and let our lives show forth Thy praise. We pray Thee for grace to employ the hours of this day aright. Grant us strength of body, mind and soul to perform our tasks acceptably in Thy sight. Shield us from harm and give us victory in the hour of temptation. Sanctify our homes and make them nurseries of Thy kingdom. May Thy Spirit rest upon all institutions of learning. Remember in mercy the laborers in the harvest fields abroad. Let Thy name be hallowed and Thy will be done in our homeland. Breathe Thy quickening Spirit upon Thy Church. Grant each of us grace to bear faithful testimony in word and deed to the saving power of the cross. And when we have finished our allotted task here below, receive us into that perfect world above with Thee and the innumerable multitude of those who have come out of great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. We ask it all in the name of our blessed Redeemer.

Amen.

C.J. Sodergren, A.M., D.D.,
Minneapolis, Minnesota

God's Minute

November 29

He ever liveth to make intercession for them.--Hebrews 7:25

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, because of Thy good hand upon us in mercy, we have been spared during another night. Help us to trust in Thee, to have no will but Thy will, and to desire to be only what Thou wouldst have us be. We pray that Thou wilt show us how large is Thy pity, how great is Thy love, and how infinite is Thy goodness; give us to feel that Thou hast called us with a holy calling; that Thou hast put us here to do Thy pleasure, and hereafter to enjoy Thee forever. Breathe into us the spirit of prayer and teachableness, and enable us to give earnest heed to the truths taught in Thy Word. We thank Thee for Thy holy Word, for Thy Church, and for all the ordinances of Thy house, and for the way of salvation through Christ. We bless Thee, our Heavenly Father, for all Thy gifts, but above all for Thine unspeakable gift, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. We rejoice in the assurance that He is now interceding for us. May the weary and heavy-laden come unto Thee and find rest for their souls. We pray that Thou wilt send forth laborers into Thy harvest. Be Thou to all Thine own as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Speedily fill the whole earth with Thy glory. Make us all, O Christ, joyful in hope, patient in suffering, active in service and abounding in love. We ask all these blessings in the name of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Saviour.

Amen.

Robert Stuart MacArthur, D.D.,
Boston, Massachusetts

I'm gooder at Grammar, are you?

Your Language Arts Grade: 100%

Way to go! You know not to trust the MS Grammar Check and you know "no" from "know." Now, go forth and spread the good word (or at least, the proper use of apostrophes).

Are You Gooder at Grammar?
Make a Quiz

God's Minute

November 28

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. . . For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.--Hebrews 11:8,10

OUR Father, Who art in Heaven, we thank Thee for Thy presence in our hearts and in our home, for Thy loving kindness and Thy tender mercies. We desire to give Thee the largest possible place in our life, that Thine ideals for us may be realized and that we may fulfill our little part in Thy great plan. So humbly pray Thee to pardon anything in our lives that hinders our fellowship with Thee or our usefulness to our fellow men, and correct in our characters whatever is not Christlike. Teach us to trust Thee for all our needs, both of soul and body.

Defend us in the time of temptation, and help us to realize that we are citizens of the spiritual kingdom. Bless all our fellow-disciples the world around. Empower Thy Church that she may win great victories over evil, and at last receive us to be with Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Rev. W.O. Rogers,
Terre Haute, Indiana

Children's Christmas Books

Rebecca noticed the children's Christmas books that I have arranged on my window sill and asked about them. They are, from left to right:

The Tale of the Three Trees
written by Angela Elwell Hunt
illustrated by Tim Jonke

Santa Mouse
written by Michael Brown
illustrated by Elfreida De Witt

The Christmas Box (not really a children's book, given to me by my sister in law)
written by Michael Brown

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss

The Christmas Tree that God Made (a toddler book)
written and illustrated by Deborah Reinhart

A Cup of Christmas Tea
written by Tom Hegg

Merry Christmas Mom and Dad (the boys LOVED this one!)
written and illustrated by Mercer Mayer

The Story of the Nativity
written by Elizabeth Winthrop
illustrated byRuth Sanderson

Our Star of Bethlehem
written by Stephen Wagner
illustrated by Pat Stewart

The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy (another favorite when the boys were little)
written by Jane Thayer
illustrated by Lisa McCue

Miracle in a Shoebox (based on Operation Christmas Child--a project from Samaritan's Purse)
written by Franklin Graham with Estelle Condra
illustrated by Dilleen Marsh

T'was the Night Before Christmas
written by Clement Clarke Moore
illustrated by unknown

*When I took the picture today, I didn't notice that in all of Ivy's rambunctious excitement, she must've knocked down one of the books. I found A Baby's Christmas by Lucy Rigg behind a couch cushion.*

Those are as many as I could fit on the window sill. My boys are too old to crawl up into my lap to be read to now, but it makes me happy to see the beloved books displayed each year and it's fun to remember the days when we snuggled together reading, and chubby little fingers pointed to the pictures and later, to the words. It's fun, too, to think ahead to the day when a little granddaughter or grandson will climb up on the couch and pull down a favorite book from the window sill and say, "Grandma, will you read this one again?"

Related Tags: Christmas books, childrens books, favorite books

Doggy Kisses

Ivy loves visitors. So much so that, unless our guests are confirmed dog lovers who don't mind a sloppy, wet kiss and some paws on the shoulders, she is often confined to her crate when we have guests. Thankfully, she has learned to accept this, not as a punishment, but as the regular order of things so having guests in our home is never a problem. Eve is quiet and calm and friendly, so we really wouldn't need to crate her, but Ivy KNOWS when Eve is allowed out when she isn't and since she has a well developed sense of fair play, it's just easier to crate Eve, too. She doesn't mind.

Having said that, Ivy is always allowed out and about when the kids' friends are here or when our guests are true dog lovers--like last night. Our friends Mike and Sharon came for dinner last night. Both love all dogs in general and our dogs in particular. They have known Ivy since she was a little 8 week old red blurrrr and so they are used to her exuberance. Mike especially likes Ivy. He revels in her happy, joyful energy. Here are some pictures I snapped when they were here last night:

That's Ivy, belly up, rolling and wagging and licking. Eve is the polite dog, cuddled up beside him.

Related Tags: vizslas, dogs, doggy greetings

A Christmas Story House: take two

I was contacted this morning by a gentleman from Cleveland who had the good fortune of visiting the Christmas Story house on opening day. He posted the pictures he took on Flickr and between those wonderful pictures and his account of his visit to the "Christmas Story House," I almost feel as though I was there myself!

If you like this movie and are curious about the house, I heartily recommend to you the links above. The photos of the vintage pieces in the kitchen are worth the visit!

Thanks, Chuck!

Related Tags: A Christmas Story Movie, A Christmas Story House Grand Opening

God's Minute

November Twenty-seventh

He ever liveth to make intercession for them.--Hebrews 7:25

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, because of Thy good hand upon us in mercy, we have been spared during another night. Help us to trust in Thee, to have no will but Thy will and to desire to be only what Thou wouldst have us be. We pray that Thou wilt show us how large is Thy pity, how great is Thy love, and how infinite is Thy goodness; give us to feel that Thou hast called us with a holy calling; that Thou hast put us here to do Thy pleasure, and hereafter to enjoy Thee forever. Breathe into us the spirit of prayer and teachableness, and enable us to give earnest heed to the truths taught in Thy Word. We thank Thee for Thy holy Word, for Thy Church and for all the ordinances of Thy house, and for the way of salvation through Christ. We bless Thee, our Heavenly Father, for all Thy gifts, but above all for Thine unspeakable gift, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. We rejoice in the assurance that He is now interceding for us. May the weary and heavy-laden come unto Thee and find rest unto their souls. We pray that Thou wilt send forth laborers into Thy harvest. Be Thou to all Thine own as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Speedily fill the whole earth with Thy glory. Make us all, O Christ, joyful in hope, patient in suffering, active in service and abounding in love. We ask all these blessings in the name of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Saviour.

Amen.

Robert Stewart MacArthur, D.D.,
Boston, Massachusetts

What Kind of Reader are YOU?

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm You're probably in the final stages of a Ph.D. or otherwise finding a way to make your living out of reading. You are one of the literati. Other people's grammatical mistakes make you insane.
Dedicated Reader
Literate Good Citizen
Book Snob
Non-Reader
Fad Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Create Your Own Quiz

Making a living out of reading? Now, that's an idea!!! (I also thought it was fun to run across this meme just now since I have a quote from Seneca in the sidebar this week:

Otium sine litteris mors est et hominis vivi sepultra.

Leisure without literature is death, or rather the burial of a living man.--Seneca

HT: My literary friend, MissM, who is also an obsessive-compulsive bookworm

The House "A Christmas Story" Built

Yesterday, I heard over my car radio that someone had bought and restored the house that was used in the filming of "A Christmas Story." It was opened to the public for the first time yesterday. We lived in the Cleveland area and have been in the Tremont neighborhood once when Jake's high school baseball team played a team from Cleveland but we've never seen the house. I've always wanted to, though.

Our family loves that movie. We watch it every Christmas Eve. There are so many good one liners! I can't tell you the number of times Tom has announced, "Don't anybody move!"

Want a "leg lamp" to proudly display in your window? You can get one here. If you just want an ornament for the tree, you can find one here.

So, go check it out! I triple dog dare ya!

Related Tags: A Christmas Story Movie, leg lamp, A Christmas Story House

God's Minute

November 26

I will, therefore, that men pray everywhere.--1 Timothy 2:8

OUR Father, we are Thy children by faith in the Redeemer. We are Thy children when we are obedient and Thou art pleased; we are Thy children when we are wayward and in grief Thou dost chasten us. We know that our sins are wholly displeasing to Thee, and they are painful to us. For Jesus' sake, forgive our sins.

Accept our deepest gratitude for Thy tender mercies in all our past, for the promise of Thy grace in all our needs, for the assurance of Thy presence always.

Bless us in the duties to which we have been called. Deliver us from the fear of man. Keep us from measuring our duties by the conduct of others, and help us to be great in Thy sight. Let us remember that there are but twelve hours in the day, and the night cometh. Help us to see that the great questions are issues of eternity, and may we be kept in the love of God.

Guide, O Jehovah, in the affairs of state; bless all movements and men that promote our Redeemer's Kingdom; and give Thy holy benediction upon the homes wherein our loved ones dwell. In Jesus' name.

Amen.

Rev. J.M. Dawson,
Waco, Texas

Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt: Time

Me, about four years old. Time marches on.

"The irresistible, inevitable onward march of moments and years without the possibility of one instant's pause--a march that even while on the uphill side of life is leading to the downhill side--casts an autumn-like shadow. . ."
--Frances R. Havergal

Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt

Theme: Time

Next week's theme: Light(s)

Related Tags: Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt

Quote of the Week

Otium sine litteris mors est et hominis vivi sepultra.

Leisure without literature is death, or rather the burial of a living man.--Seneca

Related Tags: Quote of the Week, Seneca, literature

God's Minute

November 25

Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us.--Ephesians 5:2

OUR Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for having mercifully kept us in health and strength, and for filling our lives with so much of comfort and happiness.

We pray for each one of those near and dear to us, and we beseech that Thou wilt keep them, and defend them from all evil. Enrich them with the blessing of Thy Holy Spirit.

Likewise we pray for all Thy disciples of every creed, wherever they may be, and that Thou wilt bring all those now separated from Thee to a vital knowledge of Thy goodness to them, and to a desire to become Thy humble followers.

As we pray "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," so, O Lord, may we daily strive by all our acts to do all that we can for the upbuilding and extension of Thy kingdom on earth, and may our lives show to all men that we are Thine.

May we honor Thee by striving to obey Thy command to do unto others as we would have that they should do unto us, and so bring men to acknowledge Thee as their Lord and Saviour.

Amen.

Alba B. Johnson,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Duds

This doesn't count the first armfull that Tom already took outside to throw away.

Of all our many, many strings of lights only one strand of thirty-five lights works. That includes all of the lights that are woven in and around decorative items like my wooden Christmas tree.

Duds; all duds!

No Shopping Zone

And So it Begins

The day after Thanksgiving is the traditional opening day for Christmas shopping. All this week the television commercials were alerting saavy shoppers to the opening sales, some starting as early as 5 o' clock in the morning!

I will not be shopping with the hoardes of bargain hunters today. Not that I don't like to get a bargain. I do. However, the thought of leaving my cozy house before dark to face the mobs so I can compete for one of a limited number of ridiculously priced sale items leaves me cold.

I have my own day-after-Thanksgiving tradition. Today is the day that the boxes come down from the attic and I begin decorating for Christmas! That is infinitely more satisfying for me. The fridge is full of leftovers so the family won't go hungry if I don't cook today. Tom always has the day after Thanksgiving off, so I have a helper to bring the boxes down from the attic and move the furniture.

Hopefully, if all goes as planned, this evening Tom and I will be sitting in the dark in the sunroom in front of a sparkling Christmas tree. I can't wait!

Let the fun begin!

(Christmas fun began last night; after the Thanksgiving feast was cleaned up and the leftovers were stowed away, our family sat down and watched one of our favorite Christmas movies--Elf.)

Related Tags: Decorating for Christmas, decorating, Christmas, family traditions

God's Minute

November 24

Evening and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous be be moved.--Psalm 55:17

OUR Father in Heaven, look upon us, we beseech Thee, in Thine infinite love and compassion. Dwell Thou with us, that being molded by Thy good Spirit, we may have fellowship with Thee as Thy children. Help us at all times to trust Thee. Appoint for us what Thou willest, and make us ready to receive with thankfulness whatsoever seemeth good to Thee concerning us. Go with us in every mission on which Thou art pleased to send us, and in Thy service we may find rest.

Lighten our darkness, we entreat Thee, that we may behold Thy face, and in Thy tender mercy, do Thou temper the storm lest our weak faith fail. Forgive our sins, and day by day deliver us from their power. We commit all our loved ones to Thy keeping. Do Thou watch over them and bless them. And as Thou givest us a taste of Thy joy in loving our friends, lead us into the fullness of the joy of loving all whom Thou lovest, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

William Farquharson, D.D.,
Agincourt, Ontario, Canada

Thanksgiving Day Proclamation 1789

THANKSGIVING DAY 1789

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - A PROCLAMATION

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor - and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be – That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks – for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation – for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war –for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed – for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions – to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually – to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed – to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord – To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us – and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.

Related Tags: Thanksgiving Proclamation, President George Washington

Dictionary Word of the Day

In honor of Thanksgiving, here is today's Dictionary Word of the Day:

trencherman \TREN-chuhr-muhn\, noun:
A hearty eater.

Related Tags: Dictionary Word of the Day, trencherman

God's Minute

November 23

Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.--John 16:24

O GOD, our Father! We worship Thy name, and bless Thee for Thyself. We acknowledge Thee to be the source and stay of our lives. We are Thy creatures. Thou wilt not leave us to suffer eternal want; Thou wilt not leave us to lack for daily bread. We are Thy children; we believe ourselves descended from Thee. O Grant that we may not plead Thy Fatherhood in vain! Let us not stand either as aliens or orphans, but as the heirs of God through promise. Give us, we beseech Thee, Thy Holy Spirit, that He may perfectly reveal to us Jesus Christ the Son. Give us to know Him, that we may abide in Him, and that His Word may abide in us. May neither prosperity nor the enticements of the world wean our thoughts and faith from Him. Pardon our sins and cleanse our hearts, that we may become a habitation of God through the Spirit; that Christ may dwell in us and we in Him. Guide and direct us in our intercourse with men. May our words and influence become a savor of life unto life. Show us how we may help to bring Thy Kingdom upon the earth. Admonish us in the days of health, nor forsake us in sickness and the hour of death. When our change shall come, give us to dwell forever in the house of Thy Fatherhood in Heaven, through the merit and grace of Jesus Christ Thy Son.

Amen.

Horace M. DuBose, D.D.,
Nashville, Tennessee

Thursday Photo Challenge: Chair

My Reading Chair

Thursday Photo Theme
Chair

Next Week's Theme: Cup

Related Tags: Thursday Photo Challenge, photo

A Thanksgiving Recipe

Last Thanksgiving I shared my recipe for Cranberry Salad. This year I am sharing a recipe for one of Jake and Sam's favorites: Pumpkin Marble Cheesecake.

PUMPKIN MARBLE CHEESECAKE

1 1/2 c Gingersnap Crumbs

1/2 c Finely Chopped Pecans

1/3 c Margarine, Melted

16 oz Cream Cheese, Softened

3/4 c Sugar

1 ts Vanilla

3 ea Eggs

1 c Canned Pumpkin

3/4 ts Cinnamon

1/4 ts Ground Nutmeg

Combine crumbs, pecans and margarine; press onto
bottom and 1 1/2-inches up sides of 9-inch springform
pan. Bake at 350 degrees F., 10 minutes. Combine
cream cheese, 1/2 c sugar and vanilla, mixing at
medium speed on electric mixer until well blended.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each
addition. Reserve 1 c batter, chill. Add remaining
sugar, pumpkin and spices to remaining batter; mix
well. Alternately layer pumpkin and cream cheese
batters over crust. Cut through batters with knife
several times for marble effect. Bake at 350 degrees
F., 55 minutes. Loosen cake from rim of pan; cool
before removing rim of pan. Chill.

**I've had this post ready in draft, waiting for a photo, but I decided to post it a bit early since my friend Jules is baking the same or a similar cheesecake at the same time I am! So, Jules, is it the same recipe?

Related Tags: pumpkin Cheesecake, recipes, Thanksgiving

God's Minute

November 22

Ye that fear the Lord, praise Him.--Psalm 22:23

HELP us, O God, this day to recognize ourselves as Thy children. May we call to mind and refresh ourselves with the teachings of Thy servant who declared that our birth is a forgetting; that "the soul that rises with us, our life's star, hath had elsewhere its setting, and cometh from afar." May we remember that we come from God, who is our home, and may we mourn the fact that we have forgotten the Imperial Palace whence we come and the glories we have known. May it be in our hearts to thank Thee, O Lord, that there is something in each of us which the weights and the frosts of earth cannot suppress, with lives as the embers of primeval fires; those high instincts, those first affections--shadowy recollections which are the master light of all our seeing; a primal sympathy, a faith that looks through death.

We thank Thee, O Lord, for the seasons of calm weather, when we have sight of that immortal sea over which we voyaged to this world, and back over which again, when the work of life is done, we shall travel to our eternal home. In full knowledge of Thy way, Thy truth, Thy life, as declared through Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, may we live to serve Thee every day of our lives.

Amen.

James W. Lee, D.D.,
St. Louis, Missouri

Dictionary Word of the Day

subaltern \suhb-OL-tuhrn; SUHB-uhl-tuhrn\, adjective:
1. Ranked or ranged below; subordinate; inferior.
2. (Chiefly British) Ranking as a junior officer; being below the rank of captain.
3. (Logic) Asserting only a part of what is asserted in a related proposition.

noun:
1. A person holding a subordinate position.
2. (Chiefly British) A commissioned military officer below the rank of captain.
3. (Logic) A subaltern proposition.

It's been a while since the Dictionary Word of the Day presented me with a word I've never heard or seen before. I think subaltern will always stay subordinate to subordinate in my vocabulary.

Related Tags: Dictionary Word of the Day

God's Minute

November 21

Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.--Matthew 5:13-16

OUR Saviour and our Intercessor, Thou camest into the world not to be ministered unto, but minister, and to give Thy life a ransom for many. Thou didst go about doing good. Looking upon the young man, Thou didst love him.

Thou didst weep over Jerusalem. In the spirit of Thy love and sacrifice for lost souls, inflame our hearts with a sacred passion for the redemption of men. O Thou, the sinners' Christ, pour upon us a tender and undying yearning to save precious souls! Give us a greater zeal than our fathers had. May we take no neighboring saint for our standard, but dwell with our God for power.

Amen.

Arthur S. Phelps, D.D.,
Waterville, Maine

Giving Thanks in November II

• November 20 I went along to the doctor's office with my daughter in law this afternoon. We had a such a good time together. We found the office with no trouble and she got in and out of the doctor's office quickly so we stopped for coffee on the way home. It's so nice to have a daughter after all these years of all boys! I'm very thankful for my daughter in law, Beth. She is such a blessing! I'm looking forward to having her here to celebrate Thanksgiving with our family.
  

• November 19 Isn't it wonderful to have talented friends? Today I am, again, thankful for my friend, Jules. She designed my beautiful banner and has been wonderfully helpful to me in so many ways. I'm thankful for her generosity and patience and kindness toward me.

• November 18 It's our anniversary! We've been married twenty-eight years today! I am thankful for every day that God has given us together and I'm looking forward to all that He has in store for us now and in the future!

• November 17 Today I am thankful for Blogger. Yes, with all its quirks and problems, Blogger has allowed me to think outloud and share my dogs, my photos, and my life for over a year now--for FREE! Yes, for FREE. I was so frustrated last night that I was muttering against Blogger. But I realized today that this blog was made possible by Blogger at no cost to me and that I wasn't behaving thankfully or graciously. Please forgive me for my ungrateful attitude, Blogger.

• November 16 This afternoon I met with the ladies of my small group book study. We are between books and today's gathering was a social occasion; coffee, tea, snacks and conversation. I am so thankful for each one of them; for the friendships we have developed, for the godly tenor of our conversations, for the laughter and the caring and encouragement we experience when we are together. Each one brings something unique to the group. Friendships that deepen and develop around the Word of God are such a blessing! Today I am thankful for godly friends.

• November 15 I know I was thankful for my husband already this week, but since I am thankful for him everyday and since he was especially patient and longsuffering toward me last evening, I am especially thankful for him again. I got a brainiac idea to move a bookshelf from one room to another and move a recliner from the basement to the office, which of course ended up involving moving furniture in almost every room in the house when I didn't like my first idea. In the end, after about two hours of shuffling and stirring up dust, everything was put back in its original place except the bookshelf, which I had moved myself in the afternoon before he got home from work. This is not the first time I have moved furniture all over the place only to decide I didn't like it and asked him to move it all back. Did I tell you that he is patient? And kind.

• November 14 Bathroom update: The second coat is on one wall and I love the color. I'm so thankful that after several long, painful days of painting (with several left to go) I can see now that I do like the color of the paint I chose for my bathroom! I just hope that by the time I get it all done, Blogger will cooperate and allow me to post pictures again.

• November 13 I'm so thankful for my husband. He makes me laugh everyday and he is never cross or impatient even when he has a lot on his mind. He remembers the little things. We have fun together and I love him more and more every day.

• November 12 It's Sunday and again, I am thankful for my church. This morning I was especially thankful for my Pastor and the care he takes in planning the service. We have a traditional Order of Service and from the Call to Worship to the Benediction, every hymn, every congregational reading and every aspect of the service proclaims the Gospel and supports and develops the topic upon which he is preaching. What a blessing it is to have the heart as well as the mind engaged in worship.

• November 11Today is Saturday and I am so thankful for a hot shower after a long, busy day. Sometimes I take it for granted, but it is a wonderful thing to have an endless supply of clean, hot water beating down on the back of your neck after a day of painting. This is the first time I've painted while wearing trifocals. It was interesting, to say the least. Even though at times I wasn't sure which "focal" to look through, I am thankful for my glasses. Wouldn't want to "cut in" without them!

Where were you on the morning of November 20th?

MUG SHOT

Related Tags: Vizsla, dog, bad dog

Innocent?--NOT!

So, last night I took a cherry cheesecake ring to Bible Study to share during fellowship time. I brought more than half of it home. The kids ate a piece before bed last night, Tom had a sliver with coffee after breakfast this morning, which left 6 pieces. I decided to move the leftover pieces to a plate so that I could wash my baking stone while I was cleaning up the kitchen this morning. I loaded the dishwasher, wiped off the counters, swept the floor and was just getting ready to go work on getting my Thanksgiving week organized when I realized that the big plate I had absent-mindedly loaded into the dishwasher--the one that looked clean--had been the one to which I transferred the leftover cheesecake.


IVY!!

Little Miss Guilty Conscience wouldn't even turn around to look at me. Or maybe she wasn't really feeling guilty and it was just the 1,440 total calories she consumed that made it impossible for her to digest and listen at the same time. I vote for the second.

Related Tags: vizslas, dogs, bad dog

God's Minute

November 20

But it shall come to pass that at evening time it shall be light.--Zechariah 14:7

WE speak to Thee, O Lord, our Father, not as aliens and strangers, but as children of the household. Thou hast given unto us many and priceless tokens of Thy favor. We have felt the touch of Thy hand upon our head and the joy of Thy benediction in our heart. Cause Thy face to shine upon the dark places through which we may be called to pass this day and may the clouds be lifted; or, if the darkness be better for us according to Thy wisdom and Thy will, then be Thy promises a glorious beacon and Thy fidelity a star, and may we be made to feel that it is better to hold on to Thy hand in the dark than to walk alone in the light. If we are not all that Thou dost intend us to be; if we are not in harmony with Thee; if we want for ourselves, and not for others; if our service be the hollow service of habit or the shallow service of display, show us how we are disappointing Thee, and starving ourselves, and robbing our fellows, and putting far off the one divine event toward which the whole creation moves, the Kingdom of God in human hearts and the union of man in the bonds of righteousness and peace. Especially regard the unsaved. Those who touch us on every side, whose hearts are kept back from Thee. May our lives be so clean and so true that God's cause may ever have a witness and an evangel in the influence we daily exert.

John H. Wiley, Ph.D., S.T.D.,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

God's Minute

November 19

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.--Romans 6:18

HEAVENLY FATHER, we thank Thee for the rest which has come to our bodies in sleep. During the long hours of the night Thou hast been watching over us. Thou art always mindful of us, not only in the night, but also in the workaday. Help us, dear Father, to be as mindful of Thee as Thou are thoughtful of us. Forbid that we forget our God. May we not become so occupied with worldly affairs that we have no time or place for Thee.

As we talk to Thee, our sins rise like mountains from the deep. We are ashamed of our weaknesses. We confess everything, and plead for Thy forgiveness. Leave us not in our humiliation, but take us by the hand and lift us up. Give us the assurance that our sins are pardoned, and help us to live this day as the blessed Jesus did every day.

We pray for the discouraged and distressed; Lord, give them cheer. We pray for all the people who are living in darkness; Lord, give them light. We pray for those who fight against themselves, against each other and against God; Lord, give them peace. We ask it all in the name of Jesus, for Thy glory and for our good.

Luther E. Todd, D.D.,
St. Louis, Missouri

Quote of the Week

God has brought you into the wilderness just that He might allure you, and speak to your heart about Christ. This is the way He begins the work in every soul He saves. Nobody ever came to Christ who was not first convicted of sin. All that are now in heaven began this way. Be thankful you are not dead like those around you.

Robert Murray M'Cheyne, Conviction of Sin

John 16:8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

God's Minute

November 18

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.--Ephesians 6:18

WE COME before Thee, our Father and our God, to worship, to praise Thy name, and to thank Thee for Thy great mercy and Thy many blessings. We confess our sins, but we come with boldness to Thy throne of grace, for our trust is in Him Who is our Advocate and our Mediator. We pray that Thou wilt show to each one of us Thy will for this day, and help us to do it, not going in our own selfish and sinful ways. O Lord, grant that Thy will may be done more and more by all men, and that Jesus may not only be given a place in the throne room of our hearts, but may we let Him be seated on the throne and crown Him Lord of all. Our Father, we ask that Thy Holy Spirit may be our comforter, our guide and our helper this day. May we let our light so shine today--in the home, on the street, at work or at play--that others may be drawn to Him Who is the Light of the World. We pray that it may be our earnest desire to know Christ better, and to make Him known. Help us to watch and be faithful, so when He comes He may find us with lamps trimmed and burning. And all we ask is in His own blessed name.

Amen.

Rev. J.L. Read,
Little Rock, Arkansas

A Thanksgiving Reminder

It's time to move your turkey from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw. . .

(I almost forgot.)

God's Minute

November 17

Praise the Lord, call upon His name.--Isaiah 12:4

ALMIGHTY GOD, our Heavenly Father, in Whom we live and move and have our being, from Thy kind hand comes down every good and perfect gift; and we humbly thank Thee for all Thy loving kindness to us.

We come before Thee confessing our sins, for which we ask Thy forgiveness. Bless us in our bodies and our spirits, which are Thine. Grant us food and strength and clothing and shelter as we need. And give us grace to know and do Thy holy will. Make the path of duty plain before us; keep us from temptation and from sin, enabling us to glorify Thee upon the earth.

Bless, too, all our loved ones whom, in the arms of our prayer, we would bring before Thee. Heal any who are sick, comfort the sorrowful, and strengthen any who are faltering; grant them each one Thy favor, in which is life; Thy loving kindness, which is better than life.

Remember graciously the community in which we dwell, in all its interests temporal and spiritual. Prosper Thy Church among us, and give success to its work. Bless our country, and make us that happy people whose God is the Lord. Send out Thy light and Thy truth, and hasten the coming of Thy Kingdom.

In Jesus' name.

Amen.

Thomas H. Law, D.D.,
Spartanburg, South Carolina

More than one way to skin a cat

For those of you who, like me, are having trouble uploading pictures and using the formatting tools on Blogger, I have two words: Flickr and Performancing.

Related Tags: Blogger, Flickr, Performancing

Buster

Buster loves having his chin scratched.

No More

Doesn't this look like Eve is saying, "C'mon, no more pictures!"

I've been wanting to share this photo of Eve for days now but Blogger wouldn't let me upload the picture using their interface. I've never uploaded a picture using flickr before, so I'll be using this post as a test to see if I can figure out how to resize and center the photo.

Left brained; no, really?

You Are 75% Left Brained, 25% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

My left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. Yep. Sounds about right!

God's Minute

November 16

Ask what you will, and it shall be done unto thee.--John 15:7

O GOD our Father, Thou hast watched us during the hours of sleep, and under the shadow of Thy wings we have rested in safety. Grant that now, when we awake, we may be still with Thee. May we walk with Thee and work with Thee through all the hours of the day, seeing Thee in all the life about us, and finding it our meat to do the will of Him who sent us, and to finish His work.

In the busiest moments, may we never quite lose sight of Thee, or slacken the hold of our souls upon the things that are eternal.

Defend us from all dangers, but above all from our own faults and weaknesses. Help us so to pass through this day that we shall cast no shade on other lives, but shall bring brightness into the world about us.

And when the day draws to an end, may we have the quiet joy of knowing that, by Thy grace, we have been able to win and to manifest something of that eternal life which is found in doing justly, with loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. In the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

William Pierson Merrill, D.D.,
New York City, New York

William Pierson Merrill wrote the lyrics to a familiar hymn.

Rise Up, O Men of God

Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength
To serve the King of kings.

Rise up, O men of God!
The kingdom tarries long.
Bring in the day of brotherhood
And end the night of wrong.

Rise up, O men of God!
The church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task;
Rise up and make her great!

Lift high the cross of Christ!
Tread where His feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man,
Rise up, O men of God!

God's Minute

November 15

I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech Thee, deliver my soul. Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.--Psalm 116:1-5

OUR Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for this new day, with its privileges and opportunities. May we in gratitude for Thy love and mercy, serve Thee today with sincere hearts. Give us grace to do Thy will, and to accept Thy purposes for us in the spirit of joyful obedience, believing that Thy will is always best.

Keep our hearts from sin, our minds pure, and our motives true. Forgive us when we fail. Grant that we may consecrate the commonplace duties of the day with the consciousness of Thy presence. Whether the day brings prosperity or loss, sunshine or shadow, blessings or bereavement, may our faith remain firm, our love unfailing, our hope undaunted. Through us today may mankind be blessed, and the coming of Thy Kingdom hastened, for His name's sake.

Amen.

Rev. H.H. Bingham, B.A.,
London, Ont., Canada

God's Minute

November 14

Its good to sing praises unto our God.--Psalm 147:1

OUR Father, for such Thou hast taught us to call Thee, we thank Thee that we may be brought into Thy family through living, loving, faith in Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Elder Brother. And we thank Thee for all that may mean to us. We thank Thee for a Father's love. Keep us ever, we pray Thee, within the circle of that love. We thank Thee for the oversight and protection that Thou dost give us day by day. As we go out from the home, go Thou with us, and when we return at eventide may we bring Thee with us, to be with us in the breaking of bread and through all the hours of darkness, until morning break and the shadows flee away. Draw all members of the family circle into real fellowship with Thy Son, that we may be cleansed from all sin, and may be kept by His power from falling, and may be presented at last faultless before Thy presence with exceeding great joy. Make us to be more tender and thoughtful of one another, and of all our companions. Forgive all display of temper and hasty speech, give us the love that suffereth long and is kind. Bless with us all the needy and distressed. Bless all mankind. Redeem the world lying in sin, and hasten the coming of Thy Kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Ernest Thompson, D.D.,
Charleston, West Virginia

Blogger Woes

Anyone else having trouble with Blogger? I can't upload any pictures and my formatting is all messed up. I can't use most of my compose buttons and even when I think I've got something formatted, once I upload the post, the formatting is lost or changed.

That is a real problem for a neat freak perfectionist like me.

I have the sweetest picture of Eve I'd love to share, too. . .

God's Minute

November 13

Let my mouth be filled with Thy praise.--Palm 71:8

WE THANK Thee, O Lord, that Thou has been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.

We thank Thee that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. We are grateful to Thee that He took upon Himself the form of a man like other men, and that He became obedient unto death--even the death upon the cross--that we might have life, and have it more abundantly.

Grant, O Lord, that we, the children of men, through the power of Thy Holy Spirit, may become like the Son of Man in mind and heart and will. May we be brothers to the race. Enable us to toil patiently up the slopes of service. Teach us to be willing to forgive as He forgave. We pray for all the nations of the earth whom Thou hast made of one blood. Speed the coming of Thy Kingdom upon the earth, that nation may no longer make war against nation. Hasten the coming of the day when the knowledge of God shall cover the earth as the waters now cover the sea, and bring us all at last up to that city whose Maker and Builder is God.

Amen.

Hoyt M. Dobbs, D.D.,
Fort Worth, Texas

My 50 pound baby

If I'm sitting on the couch, Ivy's on my lap. If I'm laying on the couch, Eve hops up and then I have two dogs sprawled on top of me, vying for position. Vizslas are a lot like toddlers. They like to crawl up on your lap and cuddle. They need to know exactly where you are at all times. Left to themselves, they are often mischievous and get into trouble and make messes, but somehow, you just can't get mad at them. They need a lot of attention. Just like a toddler. When they climb up onto your lap and cuddle in, they heave a big sigh of contentment, just like a toddler. They like a regular routine. Shake them up too much and they get clingy.

It's a lot of doggy togetherness and it's not for everyone. But as for me and my house, we can't imagine life without the little red devils angels.

Related Tags: Vizsla, photos, dog

November 12

We will show forth Thy praise.--Psalm 79:13

AS WE present ourselves before the throne of Thy power, O Lord, we come to praise Thy name and to bring with us a large petition. We ask, nay, even with boldness we claim the inheritance left us by our Elder Brother, His peace--the peace which the world cannot give, and which the world cannot take away.

We dare not ask for wealth, with all its allurement to worldliness; we dare not ask for length of days, with prospect of aged weakness and dependence; we dare not ask for preferment among our brethren, realizing that if we honor ourselves, our honor is nothing; we dare not ask for freedom from sorrow, remembering that they who are not of this world shall in the world have tribulation; but we do ask, our Father, that in perfect peace we may rest in Thee, know that He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, shall with Him also freely give us all things. Grant, Lord, that the peace of God which passeth all understanding, may keep our hearts and minds through abundance of grace in Christ our Redeemer.

This our prayer we make in the name of Him who loveth us and gave Himself for us, even Jesus Christ our Righteousness.

Amen.

John W. Friend,
Petersburg, Virginia

Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt: Growth

Hostas unfurling in the spring sunshine.

Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt

Theme: GROWTH

Next week's theme: Plush

Related Tags: Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt, hostas, springtime, growth

Quote of the Week

Prayer is not intended to change God's purpose, nor is it to move Him to form fresh purposes. God has decreed that certain events shall come to pass through the means He has appointed for their accomplishment. --A. W. Pink

Related Tags: Quote of the Week, prayer, A. W. Pink

God's Minute

November 11

Ye shall see Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.--Jeremiah 29:13

O THOU, with Whom to dwell is the light of life and from Whom to depart is the shadow of death, grant us the joy of Thine abiding presence this day, that in us there may be no darkness at all. We are not children of the darkness, O Father, but our paths this day may lead us into the midst of human sorrow and strife and sin. May we walk as befits the children of the Light!

Give us, we pray Thee, open and alert minds to discover Thy will, and a holy purpose both to love and to do it. Help us to be true in the midst of all that is false, pure where evil most abounds, friendly to the friendless, and bearers of our brothers' burdens for our Saviour's sake. Take away, we pray Thee, all the guilt of our sin, and give us the joy of the victorious life through our divine Redeemer.

At the close of this day bring us, with spirits untroubled and unashamed, to our own firesides, where, by Thy grace, we may find rest, and the peace that passeth all understanding.

All of this we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Saviour.

Amen.

William Hiram Foulkes, D.D., LL.D.,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Giving Thanks in November

• November 10 I am thankful for my Kitchen-Aid stand mixer. It makes nice, stiff meringue peaks effortlessly.

• November 9 I am so thankful that my mother's foot surgery is over and that there were no complications and everything went just as planned this morning. I'm thankful that she's home, resting comfortably, and that my sister can be with her.

• November 8 Today I am thankful for two things. First, for the new patch of sunshine streaming through my window and illuminating a new spot in the afternoon, made possible by the now leafless tree outside the window and second, that the dust that it is illuminating is above eye-level.

• November 7 It's election day in America and I am thankful to live in a country where I can vote! I am thankful that it is God who raises up leaders and places them in positions of authority and that, even when I don't understand or agree with the decisions that are being made, I can gain comfort in knowing that He is ordering all things according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of His glory.

I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, 'My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,'
Isaiah 46:9-10

• November 6 Today is Jacob's birthday. He's twenty-two years old today. Every year on his birthday I remember the tramatic events of his birth with thanksgiving for God's faithfulness and nearness during that time. As with all my children's birthdays, I remember all the stages of his life. Here's a picture taken when he was two and John was five. The boys used to love running through the sprinkler. I can remember how they would giggle!
  

• 

Jake and John

Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad.
Psalm 126:2-3

• November 5 It's Sunday and this morning I am thankful, again, for my church. I am looking forward to seeing my students in Sunday School. I am thankful for the two new students who have been coming regularly. I am thankful for my Pastor. I'm looking forward to this morning's sermon and to all the hymns of the faith that we will sing together. I am always thankful for the fellowship I enjoy on Sunday mornings with friends and visitors, but today I am most thankful for the fellowship I will enjoy as I celebrate the Lord's Supper in communion with God and the church.

• November 4 I'm excited and thankful this morning! I'm going to have breakfast with my dear, dear friend, Ann Marie. I haven't seen her since John and Beth's wedding in May. I am so thankful for friends who have remained close through all our various moves over the years. I'm thankful, too, for those who may not be as close as they once were, but who have made an eternal impact on my life.

• November 3 Today I'm thankful that it's Friday. Most days are about the same around our house. Up around 6 or before, homeschool and housework until about 3 or 3:30, then supper preparation. Tom comes home at 5:30 and dinner is ready to set on the table. But Fridays are different. Most Fridays Tom comes home around 5 and dinner is somewhat later. Sometimes I don't even have it started. We kind of ease into the evening with a glass of wine and some winding down time together. Friday dinners are usually simple. Frequently we have leftovers or something I made ahead and put in the freezer. On Fridays we're tired after a busy week and ready to relax. I'm thankful for the end of the week and for slowly easing into the weekend on Friday nights.
  

• November 2 I am thankful that Christ has conquered sin and death. Today I meet with my ladies' small group discussion. We're almost ready to wrap up our study in Sinclair Ferguson's A Christian Life. Today's lesson is on death. I am thankful that, as Ferguson says: "Death, when its sting is drawn and its powerful fears are rendered harmless, is but the means ofour awakening on the morning of a new day in the presence of God."

• November 1 I am thankful for Rebecca. Rebecca is one of my longest standing internet friends. We met at a discussion group on Crosswalk many years ago and over the years I have learned so much from her! Her patient, thoughtful interactions with others have always been a great example to me. Years ago, she was one of the people who patiently answered my questions about theology and challenged me to study deeply. Hers was the first blog I ever read and it was only after a few weeks of reading it that I made the connection that she was indeed, the same friend I had known on Crosswalk. I'm thankful for the positive impact she has had in my life and am grateful for her ongoing friendship.

I'm taking up Rebecca on her invitation to give thanks each day in November. Won't you join me?

Related Tags: Thanksgiving, giving thanks, Rebecca Writes