Thankful Thursday

Today is Thankful Thursday. It is a day when we list the things we are thankful for. If you would like to participate, be sure to stop by Sting My Heart and pay Iris a visit. You can find all the information there.

This week, once again, I have much to be thankful for. The renovations are going as quickly as I'd like but it will all come together in time. That said, here are some of the things that I'm thankful for this week.

1. Talking to Aunt May. She sounds weary and tired to the bone. She says she is doing okay, but I can tell that she isn't as peppy as she was when I talked to her last. She is experiencing a lot of pain, but is still getting around. My mother, her sister, told me that when she visited last week May was looking very frail. Aunt May told me today that she has lost weight again and only weighs 78 lbs. She was always petite, but that is bone-thin. Please keep her in your prayers.

2. Spending time with the grandsons. Last Thursday we went shopping and I bought them each a new shirt for school. We went to the book store and they showed me some books that they'd enjoy reading. I'm hoping to pick them up for Christmas gifts. I always give the boys a book at Christmas.

3. For my neighbor. We keep track of each other and make sure that everything is going okay. She lives alone and I check on her and her dogs frequently through the week. Please pray that she will find fulltime employment so she doesn't have to sell her house. I love having her next door.

4. For food on our table and a roof over our heads. Some aren't so lucky.

5. For Mom, who at 80 years old still tries to take care of everybody. She is a gem and I couldn't have asked for a better mother.

6. For a lovely summer. Though we had record rainfall, we didn't have the extreme humidity that is so common in this part of the country. In my opinion, it was a good summer. Cooler temperatures than usual and enough hot weather to allow the kids to enjoy their summer holidays.

7. For my gift of gab. I meet so many wonderful people because I can talk to almost anyone. A lady and I had a very nice talk when I was at the grocery store the other day. She was sweet and maybe a bit lonely. I was able to get her to smile and we had a couple of good laughs. It made both of our days so much brighter.

8. For blogging friends who always keep in touch and comment on my posts even when I am busy and don't visit them as often as I would like. God bless each of you for your friendship.

9. A good upbringing and being taught to use my common sense. Sometimes I wonder what people are thinking when they do certain things. Common sense will take you far in this world.

10. For my writing talent. I wrote 36 articles in August and I so enjoy doing the research for each one. I learn something new everyday and am grateful that I can still learn and teach at this stage of my life.

Besides all of the ones I have listed, there is so much more to be thankful for. One of those things is being able to walk. When I had my accident in 1988, they told me that in 20 years I would be in a wheelchair. That time is drawing near and I'm still able to get around just fine. Yes, I have a lot of pain in my legs from the arthritis that has set into my knees, but I have no intention of giving up yet. This month is also the 14th anniversary of my cancer operation and I have been cancer free ever since. Thank God for His blessing.

Remember to take time to count your blessings. As Grandma used to say, I was sad when I had no shoes, until I saw a man who had no feet. No matter what we are going through, there is always someone who is less fortunate. If you meet one of these people, please take the time to give them a hand in any way you can. Sometimes it only takes a smile to make someone's day.

Please pray for those affected by Hurricane Gustav and also for the ones who are in Hannah's path. Lives can be changed in an instant by these storms.

~Blessings, Mary~