28, 29, 30

I have to say that I have really enjoyed doing the Thankfulness blogs.  It is a wonderful reminder of God's many blessings and how much I have to be thankful for.  It was hard to decide on the last three, so I may be doing more thankfulness blogs in the future November isn't the only month I should be Thankful after all. 

Day 28:  The sin I've been kept from.  I often think about the sin God has pulled me out of, but the sin God has allowed me to pass over I never think about.  So not only am I so thankful for a gracious God who has delivered me out of sin I am also thankful for a gracious God who protects from it as well.

Day 29:  I've recently had some health problems regarding infertility issues.  To be completely honest I wanted to cry, and throw the worlds biggest pity party.  Moments before breaking out in a 3 year old temper tantrum I remembered this verse.
  1st Thessalonians 5:18:   give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
I don't know what the bigger picture is in all of this, but I will give thanks for it just the same. 

Day 30:  I am thankful that every moment of my life I have never been alone.  I have never been without a loving, saving, miracle working God.  In the darkest hour He has been there with me, when I think no one understands or cares God has been there, when I feel like a failure God is there.  I am thankful for a God who saw me at my lowest point and STILL sent HIS son to die for me, so that I might live.

Day 27

Thankfulness Day 27:  Wonderful, Christian, Funny, Amazing, Supportive, Compassionate, Praying, Genuine, Loving Friends. 



Jami, Melissa and Me


Allen and I are so blessed with wonderful friendships.  Jami and Melissa are a couple we hold very near and dear to our heart.  They have rejoiced with us through the ups, and held us up and wiped our tears through the downs. 


Best friends



Jami and Melissa will be married 3 years in May.  They have a son, his name is Derek.  Jami works at a local company here in Knoxville and Melissa is the secretary of their church.  Both are very active in church, and both have limitless musical giftings.  Jami and Allen have been friends since childhood and have a blast together.  Melissa and I have been friends for a little over 2 years and are joined at the hip! Melissa is also the most creative person you could meet.  She can take a piece of dirt and turn it into a table centerpiece. 

We look for any and every occasion to get together with the Solomon's and eat a fantastic meal, and have wonderful and hilarious conversations.  A good card game isn't un-heard of either.  They love our children like their own and support and encourage us constantly.

  Before we became certified to be foster parents Melissa came over and help decorate, fix and turn the guest room/office into a future bedroom.  Several months later that became Ethan's bedroom. 

When the courts ruled that Anna be placed with her Grandmother, Jami and Melissa came to pack her things because Allen and I couldn't emotionally handle that. 

Those are just two examples of how supportive they have been and continue to be.  We could not have survived without the prayers, love, and encouragement and this amazing family.  So today and everyday I am very thankful that God has blessed us with such amazing friendships. 

Day: 26

Thankfulness Day 26:  I am thankful for mobility. 

This is something that I take for granted.  Yesterday after our Thanksgiving meal I agreed to go walk in the park with Allen's aunt.  When I agreed to this walk I had no idea as to what I had actually agreed to.  We ended up walking six miles.  I have never ever ever walked six miles before.  Ever.  Every step felt like it was going to be my last. 

I learned a lot during these six miles

1.  I don't enjoy walking.
2.  I don't ever need to agree to a walk in the park with Aunt Micki ever again. 
3.  I can't walk and talk.  That has nothing to do with coordination, but everything to do with being so out of shape that I can't get enough air into my lungs to breath properly, let alone speak.
4.  I discovered muscles, joints and bones I didn't know I had...and they hurt.
5.  I learned that what others think of me is more important than I thought it was because I did my best not to slow down, complain, or quit until the task was completed. 


Today every muscle from the waist down is sore, and the thought of another six mile walk gives me nightmares. 

So why am I thankful for mobility?

I can walk.  I can even walk six miles.  I can move and do things without depending on others for assistance.  The soreness I feel today after walking reminds me what I take for granted everyday.  The ability to move without pain or any discomfort is a great thing!  I am also thankful that I have lost 35lbs so far!  I had to throw that in. I'm proud, and thankful!

p.s.  Despite the six mile horror walk I love love love Aunt Micki.  She is awesome.  I enjoyed the fellowship with a wonderful christian woman, mentor, and friend.  I did not enjoy the walk.

Thanksgiving

First lets walk down memory lane to the year 2009 on Thanksgiving.  Everyone agreed after seeing the buffet of Thanksgiving food that next year we shouldn't bring so much food!  Here are some statements made by people in attendance...

"never in a million years will we eat all this!"
"Gluttony is a sin!"
"why do we bring this much food?"
" it'd take an army to eat all this food!"

OK.  Fast forward to Thanksgiving 2010.  Here are the statements made by people in attendance this year...

"never in a million years will we eat all this!"
"Gluttony is a sin!"
"why do we bring this much food?"
" it'd take an army to eat all this food!"

Is anyone else noticing a pattern of behavior? 

There was food, family and love.  We celebrated at Allen's grandparents house with the rest of his family.  Everyone ate until they had only 2 choices left:
1.  To un button their pants
2.  Change into elastic waisted pants

It was a wonderful Thanksgiving!