MY NEST

THANKSGIVING IS STILL GOING ON IN MY HEART ( AND WITH MY LEFTOVERS!)

I AM SO THANKFUL FOR MY NEST. GOD GAVE US SUCH A BLESSING WHEN WE MOVED TO OUR
WONDERFUL NEIGHBORHOOD 5 1/2 YEARS AGO. OUR NEIGHBORS ARE THE BEST. IT IS SUCH
A DELIGHT TO WALK AROUND OUR LITTLE DIRT ROAD, A LITTLE OVER A MILE, AND SEE THE LAKE ALMOST THE WHOLE TIME.

I AM THANKFUL FOR TIME TO REST THIS AFTERNOON BEFORE I START THE CHRISTMAS DECORATING TOMORROW. I TOOK A FEW HOURS TO PAINT TODAY. I LOVE TO PAINT. I REALLY LOVE THE NEW TECHNIQUE OF PAINTING ON SHEETROCK MUD FOR TEXTURE!

OFF IN A FEW MINUTES TO WATCH MY PRECIOUS GRANDCHILDREN
DECORATE THEIR TREE. WHAT A BLESSING TO LIVE CLOSE ENOUGH TO EVEN WALK TO THEIR
HOME IF I WANT TO. THANKFUL FOR A SON IN LAW WHO LOVES FOR US TO COME OVER AND BE HIS FAMILY.

I AM TRULY BLESSED IN MY LITTLE NEST.
THANK YOU LORD.

THANKSGIVING IN TWO DAYS, REALLY?? GIVE THANKS!!!!

TODAY IS TUESDAY AND IN TWO DAYS I AM SO EXCITED TO HAVE BOB'S FAMILY COME FOR THANKSGIVING. I PRAY I CAN NOT WORRY ABOUT THE THINGS YOU SEE IN THESE PICTURES BUT
FOCUS ON WHY WE ARE GATHERING TO GIVE THANKS.

THE LORD HAS SO GRACIOUSLY PROVIDED ALL THE DETAILS.
PROVISIONS OF FAMILY, FOOD AND GOOD HEALTH TO ENJOY.

HERE ARE A FEW PICTURES FROM MY HOME TODAY. THINGS FOR WHICH I AM THANKFUL.

WAITING FOR MARK, OUR GOOD FRIEND WHO IS AN AMAZING HELPER, TO COME
AND PUT UP THE OVER THE KITCHEN SINK LIGHT THAT HAS BEEN MISSING FOR
LOTS OF YEARS.

A VACUUM TO CLEAN UP THE PULVERIZED LEAVES ON MY FLOORS. ( WE LIVE ON A DIRT ROAD IN THE WOODS. LOTS OF LITTLE FEET LOVE PLAY AT MY HOUSE AND TRACK IN LEAVES AFTER WALKS IN THE WOODS!)

A FREEZER FULL OF ALREADY PREPARED FOOD FOR THE THANKSGIVING TABLE.

WASH TO BE DONE AND A SIGN, GIVEN TO ME BY A DEAR FRIEND, THAT REMINDS ME TO BE THANKFUL FOR THE SIMPLE THINGS....LIKE LAUNDRY TO BE DONE AND A HEALTHY HUSBAND THAT WEARS THOSE CLOTHES.

A HUSBAND WHO HAS ALREADY COMPLETED HIS "HONEY DO" LIST. HE IS SO WILLING AND ABLE TO COME ALONGSIDE AND HELP MAKE OUR HOME ORDERLY.

A GARAGE WAITING AND FULL, FULL, FULL OF RIDING TOYS FOR THE LITTLE ONES TO RIDE OUTSIDE WHILE WE ARE GETTING THE FOOD READY INSIDE!!!!

EMPTY TABLES THAT WAITING FOR LOVED FAMILY TO FILL THE CHAIRS AND FOR SWEET CONVERSATION TO TAKE PLACE.

EMPTY POTS WAITING TO BE FILLED WITH GOOD THINGS. LIKE MY HEART THAT IS PRAYING TO BE FILLED WITH RIGHT ATTITUDES OF WHY WE GATHER TOGETHER ON THIS HOLIDAY....NOT FOR CLEAN HOUSES BUT CLEAN HEARTS....SO THAT WHEN THE DAY COMES WE WILL BE PREPARED TO GIVE THANKS AND SHOW

THE WARMTH OF JESUS' WELCOME.

THANKFUL FOR THE LIGHT ON MY PATH

I use two books by Sarah Young for my morning devotions. I sometimes think the Lord
wrote those books as He looked into my heart. He alone knows what every challenge in my life will be, past, present and future. He knows the words of encouragement I need to help me stay focused on HIM.

I have been thinking about one devotion in particular....from October 27. Here are a few of the statements that spoke into my heart.

"As you become increasingly aware of My Presence, you find it easier to discern the way you should go. This is one of the practical benefits of living close to Me. Instead of wondering about what is on the road ahead or worrying about what you should do if...or when..., you can concentrate on staying in communication with Me. When you actually arrive at a choice-point, I will show you which direction to go.

I, the creator of the universe, am the most creative Being imaginable. I will not leave you circling in deeply rutted paths. Instead, I will lead you along fresh trails of adventure, revealing to you things you did not know. Stay in communication with Me. Follow My guiding Presence."

I have been trying to make it a priority to stay quiet at the feet of the Lord and seek His direction for my life...a daily struggle to be still and listen. I have been at peace with His direction for my involvement of service. I have been sure of my areas of service because I have been walking in obedience to HIM.

I must admit this is a big struggle because I am a people pleaser. I care too much about what people think about me. I want the affirmation of man.

Yesterday our sermon was on service. The pastor had us stand up everytime he called out an area of service we were involved in at our church. This was good for encouraging the hard workers in our church. I appreciate all they do for the body of Christ.

My ministry is known by the Lord. I want walk in obedience to the areas of service He has called me to. Yesterday, I wanted to be able to stand up for a pat on the back.

I humbly submit to you Lord. Forgive me Lord, for letting my heart stray on a well worn rutted path of needing the approval of man. I want to walk in YOUR LIGHT TOWARD YOU AND FOLLOW YOUR WILL FOR MY LIFE AND FOR YOUR GLORY.