Tune into the nightly news or read the daily paper, and you may feel overwhelmed by the chaos that’s bubbling up around the world.
As we all know, the Middle East is in turmoil. Israel and Palestine are on the brink of a ground war. Iran is racing to develop nuclear weapons. Syria is embroiled in a bloody civil conflict, and in Libya, escalating hatred toward the United States led to a terrorist attack that took the lives of four brave Americans, including our Ambassador.
Riots seem commonplace in Greece where angry protesters oppose their government’s attempts to reel in over-the-top spending, while other European countries walk a tightrope to remain solvent and fend off economic collapse.
In the U.S., the number of unemployed grows daily as more and more companies layoff workers. Soaring prices and the threat of higher taxes make many wonder how their dwindling dollars will stretch to cover basic needs. Others worry about the staggering burden placed on future generations forced to pay down the debt incurred by years of rampant governmental spending.
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| Photo by Pam Roth (Bubbels) |
Myra Johnson gives thanks…
Pam Hillman…
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| Pam's great-neice holding one of their week-old "babies". This little fellow loves to sleep on his back! |
Sandra Lee Smith...
I am thankful that I was able to spend so much time with my Dad before he passed away this summer. I am thankful for my husband who has been a real life hero for all of these years. I am thankful for my writing friends, especially all of you at Seekerville. I am thankful for the blessings my God keeps pouring over me. I am thankful for my relationship with the Lord.
Cara Lynn James...
I'm thankful for all the obvious things -- the Lord, my family, my home, my country, my friends, my health. I could go on and on and still I'd be leaving many things out. More personally, my grandsons are great blessings and bring great joy to my heart.
Missy Tippens…
I'm so thankful this year for my writer friends who have become like family. I'm thankful for all of you blog readers who started as online acquaintances but have now become lifelong friends. (Yes, I'm picturing myself hugging your neck at conference fifteen years from now!) You bless us with your visits each day!
Tina Radcliffe…
I have so many things to be thankful for. But besides the humans in my life, I am thankful for Charlie the cat, who kept me company in the car while our house was being shown. (P.S. It sold!)
Ruth Logan Herne…
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| Picture is Anna Elizabeth who apparently loves Grammy's mashed potatoes! |
Glynna Kaye…
I have so many things to be thankful for. My family and friends. My country and those who've sacrificed to give freedom to others. My day job. My health. The opportunity to write stories that encourage readers to go deeper with God. Most of all I'm thankful that my God is loving, forgiving and that his Son paid the price to bring me into relationship with Him for eternity.
Mary Connealy...
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| Mary and Hubby at Garden of the Gods. |
Fajitas.
But right now, I have just been offered a new contract with Bethany House to stay with them for a few more years and I am so wildly thrilled and thankful for it. THANK YOU BETHANY HOUSE! THANK YOU DEAR LORD GOD IN HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!
I am so thankful that God has blessed me and cared for me in this way. It brings this verse to mind from Psalm 91: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Julie Lessman…Over and above my beautiful family, my precious granddaughter, my daughter's fairy-tale proposal, a wonderful future son-in-law, and a saint of a husband, I am grateful that God is a jealous God who loves me enough to save me from myself. How amazing is it that just this week -- the week of Thanksgiving -- He has opened my eyes to the truth of seeking Him first in a way I've seldom experienced before. And it all began with a book our church asked us to read called The Well by David Hall, pastor and lead singer of Casting Crowns. So thank you, God, for caring so much!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
www.DebbyGiusti.com
www.craftieladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com
THE GENERAL'S SECRETARY
By Debby Giusti
Pre-order here.
Trusting the Wrong Person Can Be Deadly...
Lillie Beaumont's dark past has just turned up on her porch--fatally wounded. The dying words of the man imprisoned for killing Lillie's mother suggest hidden secrets. Criminal Investigations Division special agent Dawson Timmons agrees. He has his own motive for seeking the truth, and it gives Lillie every reason to doubt him. But even as they reluctantly begin to face painful secrets together, Dawson fears that a murderer is waiting to strike again. And this time, Lillie is right in the line of fire...
Yay for Tina selling her house and Mary getting another contract with Bethany--I'm thankful for more Mary Connealy books. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm not a suck up, I'm actually looking forward to more Connealy books.
Me, I'm thankful for a hubby who says "you better not oversleep the call from your editor because I have endured years of this house being a disaster for this so you better be awake enough to make sense and not mess this up!" So mainly that he doesn't say anything about the terrible housekeeping until he believes there is a reason to panic (which with him is rather often actually)...and for the fact he lets me sleep in beyond what is socially acceptable to let me write books that have no promise of selling.
Two BEAUTIFUL kiddos who still love me. (They're young yet)
And a house in the middle of nowhere (means there are no neighbors to annoy me or be annoyed by me even if I do have to buy almost everything online)
An awesome church family--we went many years without a good church and it's the one thing I would miss the most if we ever had to leave this place.
And other things, but I'll stop here before I take up the entire comment section. :)
Oh, Julie... Love that, and now I have to find that book.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for the freedom to homeschool my kids, to attend the church I choose, to speak whatever language we choose, to study what we wish, read the books we deem appropriate, to marry whom we choose and to buy or not buy whatever we wish. I'm so thankful for all the choices I get to make everyday.
I'm thankful for heat, light, food, water, and good health.
I'm thankful my children know I would run into a burning building for them, and that they are never lonely.
This year, I'm trying to think of things I've never thanked God for. I mean the Bible does say, "giving thanks always for all things." So far I've got:
ReplyDeletethorns
teacups
music
heartbreak
the ability to choose
plot ideas
socks
the "hard" people in my life
the five senses
pirates--you'd think that'd be a given ;)
hands
front porches
water
Everything God allows works together for our good, even those things we'd refer to as our "spiritual sandpaper," so we can thank Him for everything. He's really been teaching me that lately.
My cup runneth over, there are so many things I am thankful for. This has been a tough year but we have been able to see God's hand and His timing and His plan in it all. I am thankful for my husband who is a good and Godly man and he got us moved almost single handedly one pickup load at a time.
ReplyDeleteThe thing I am the very most thankful for is that my kids are not just good Church going people but they know the Lord and have their own relationship with Him. So do their spouses, and their children are being raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. They are also cute smart fun little kids. That is the grand kids are, my own kids used to be that way. Thought I'd just throw that in. I am very blessed.
Debby,
ReplyDeleteI am thankful I got to meet you, Missy, Janet, Renee and Piper in person this year!
Thankful for the new friends I have met through Seekerville this year. I haven't met them face to face but I will someday.
And for the critiques. Definitely the critiques. Tina, Debby, Janet, Ruthy, Virginia, and Mary Curry. You all got me further down the road.
Family and friends are a given but I don't take them for granted.
And in the middle of a bunch of "what now?" health issues, I am thankful I don't have to drive for hours to get good health care.
We could all go on and on, couldn't we, shouldn't we?
Peace, Julie
PS. Yeah on more books for Mary Connealy. Yeah for Debby's newest. Yeah for more Seekerville books, period.
ReplyDeleteBut a special round of Thanksgiving for all those new, soon-to-be and newly minted friends of Seekerville authors!
And for Tina's house selling. Talk about release from a burden!
Peace, Julie
Oh, what lovely sentiments!!! Mary, I'm excited about your contract, too!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou understand you pick up the tab for lunch now, right??? Just makin' sure we're on the same page!
:)
Melissa, from one country girl to another, I'm laughing! Although I'm not quite as "middle of nowhere" as you are....
MVCM (stop and think, because right now everyone is muttering, "Why is Ruthy talking in Roman Numerals????)...
Thankful for the little things... LOVE IT!!! The stuff we expect, heat, light... oh how crrrrazy we get if those things switch off!!! YIKES!
I love that I got two phone calls this week, from two lovely young moms, one checking on how I make stuffing... the other wanting advice on tenting a turkey... Every mother longs for those phone calls. If you can't be IN the same kitchen, it's nice to be planning together!
HI Debbie, I am giving thanks today for my birthday...it's a BIG one...it's...drum roll...#60! Ouch!
ReplyDeleteReally, I am giving thanks to our wonderful and gracious God for healings this year. He healed my husband's eye and my mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's Syndrome and through medication and God's healing touch she is doing wonderfully well.
I also give thanks for all my family and friends both near and far.
Most importantly, I give thanks that we have such a loving God that we can rest in Him during these troubled times. Without him life would be miserable.
Would love a copy of your new book Debbie!
Have a blessed day and Happy Thanksgiving.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[aat]yahoo[dot]com
Geez, yes!
ReplyDeleteI was hooraying in my head, but it never made it to the screen.
HOORAY for Tina's house selling! Around here, that's a miracle of note.
HOORAY for Mary C. new books!! More funny lines like no other!
HOORAY for Debby's newest!
I would say HOORAY for Ruthy's new book but the last two times I've been in Walmart, it wasn't out yet. GRRR.
And so thankful for Seekerville friends, especially critters who kick my inner (okay, and outer) whiner into action. You know who you are. :)
Natalie- spiritual sandpaper. :)
ReplyDeleteNow I know what to call some people. Oh boy.
I may not be an american but I am thankful for so much this year.
ReplyDeletethe most important is that I am alive. knowing how close I came to bleeding to death I am so grateful God spared my life, thankful for the drs who saved my life and the nursing staff. Also thankful to all who helped me and also helped, prayed, supported etc me when mum passed away 12 weeks ago. I am thankful my crisis gave mum the release to know I am ok and she could go home.
HOpe you all have a great Thanksgiving. (Reading Mary's Christmas book right now, ok not right now but in 5 mins)
what a wonderful post today -the day before our big Thanksgiving, I am humbled when I see so many with thankful hearts and know God is working in the midst of these..
ReplyDeleteI too am so thankful for my family, hubby had lung cancer surg at end of May, doing well now,no radiation or chemo needed..stepson working finally and moved to a town close by, grandchildren and neice's children growing and healthy except for one tiny one with pneumonia just now. Home almost paid for,Food abundant in our home and weather not too cold yet. Thank you God for many blessings and for friends at seekerville.
Happy Thanksgiving one and all..
Paula O
I'm thankful most of all that God holds my future and knows how He's going to provide for me tomorrow and next year. He does it day by day in a personal way. loving me and showing me grace.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Tina on selling your house.
ReplyDeleteWe're celebrating both here and there this year. Starting at my house with both families.
I'm so blessed with the family God has given me. My youngest son came home from college yesterday, YAY!
Tomorrow I'll have a houseful of people I love. And my daughter-in-law is due to deliver my second granddaughter on Dec. 28.
Thanksgiving is such a great time to take our eyes off our problems and try to count the blessings HE bestows on us.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Jackie L.
Melissa, hubby must be a jewel. Loved that you "showed" how special he is while the rest of us used "tell" when we mentioned our spouses. :)
ReplyDeleteWe all have so much to be thankful for.
ReplyDeleteAmong the countless things I'm thankful for, Seekerville is one of them. Your encouraging and positive posts help to refuel me.
Happy Thanksgiving to each of you. I hope your day is filled with stretched smiles and full hearts.
Virginia and Natalie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing to mind some of the things we don't usually think about when giving thanks.
Mary C...
ReplyDeleteGrand children are always special, aren't they? Sounds like you have a wonderful family.
Of course, you would.
Julie, conferences always are special because of the people who are there...especially Seekervillagers. Loved getting to know you and Piper in person at M&M.
ReplyDeletePraying for those health issues you mentioned.
I'm thankful for the little things; home, family, church. This year, I'm especially thankful that in a world of chaos, I can find a quiet place to pray and feel God's peaceful reassurance that He's still in control.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post Debbi. Please enter me.
Melissa, my husband has to live with my lack of housekeeping too.
:)
Congrats on selling your house, Tina.
Mary, It's nice to know there will be more books on the shelf soon.
Julie, I have that book. I haven't finished it yet, but so far it has been a blessing.
Happy Thanksgiving, Seeker friends. May God bless you during this Holiday.
Love those phone calls, too, Ruthy!
ReplyDeleteI have a full house. Part of the fam is here. More coming tomorrow. Lots of activity. Lots of joy.
I'm giving thanks.
Happy Birthday, Cindy! Sixty is really 30 times 2! I've added helium balloons to the breakfast bar.
ReplyDeleteCoffee cake and sweet rolls for all those working hard on turkey prep. Talk to Ruthy about stuffing and turkey "tents."
Grabbing my second cup of coffee while singing "Happy Birthday, dear Cindy, Happy Birthday to you!"
Virginia, I bought Ruthy's latest at Walmart two days ago.
ReplyDeleteForgot to mention it, Ruthy. Can't wait to read!
Thanking God for books and stores that sell them!
Jenny, we thank God you survived that difficult time...both your illness and your mother's passing.
ReplyDeleteSending Thanksgiving hugs across the miles!
Paula, I'm joining you in the wonderful thanks you gave. Continued prayers for hubby. So glad stepson found employment! YAY! Sorry about the sick little one. Sending prayers for healing.
ReplyDeleteDeb, I KNOW God has wonderful plans for your future! Can't wait to see how everything will unfold.
ReplyDeleteDeb, loved your mention of grace, which God showers down upon us. He is so generous, always!
ReplyDeleteOf course, I'm thankful for my family,my job, and God's grace.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm always thankful that I live in a free country where I can read and write any genre I want!
Debby-I got my prize package yesterday. Can't wait to read it. Thank you!
Jackie,
ReplyDeleteHow special to be awaiting the birth of a new grandbaby! Praying for healthy baby and safe delivery.
I love that families gather together at Thanksgiving. Our church hosts a Thanksgiving dinner for all those who don't have family close by. Many in our congregation are from other areas of the country so the meal is well attended...the church family is so important as well.
C.E.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're part of our Seekerville family!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Bridgett, you're so right about finding peace in knowing that God is in control. Quiet moments to focus only on Him bring hope and calm in the midst of the storm.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of storms...
Sending prayers to all those still affected by Superstorm Sandy.
We all have so much to be thankful for. Some look at everything around us and see only the bad. As Christians, it is so much easier to see the good in everything. Seeing the good means we appreciate life so much more.
ReplyDeleteGod has especially blessed me in recent months. He has enabled me to have my book published - my dream since childhood. I am so thankful for his grace and faithfulness.
Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Wow, Love all these blessings.
ReplyDeleteWe really, really are blessed aren't we?
Happy birthday Cindy.
And congrats to Tina, Mary and all who are celebrating something special.
Even spiritual sandpaper (love it Natalie)
Blessings to you Debby and thanks for reminding us of all we have to be thankful for.
Glad it arrived, Rose.
ReplyDeleteThankful to have met you at ACFW. Thankful to have met so many Seekervillagers at that conference and others and look forward to seeing many of you at conferences next year!
Chris, making a sale is huge! Congrats! And Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteYes, safe travel to all of those on the road...or in the air.
Waving to Sandra. Thankful we could room together at RWA last summer.
ReplyDeleteThanksgiving a day early! What a blessing to read through the post and comments :)
ReplyDeleteThankful doesn't even begin to describe how I feel...
But for some things that have happened in the last year -
I'm thankful that I was able to tell my mom that I was a published author and she understood what I said in spite of her advanced Alzheimer's.
I'm thankful for 30 years with my dear husband.
I'm thankful that after two tumultuous years of unemployment and moving, we are living in the same city with all four of our adult children again (okay, the same house, too, which is a wonderful blessing in itself).
I'm thankful that after five years without one, we again have a church home.
I'm thankful for that one answered prayer - a sold book - that allows me to continue working at home.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to attend the ACFW conference and meet so many Seekers and Seekervillagers!
I could go on and on. Sigh. Isn't Thanksgiving a wonderful reminder to pause and give thanks?
As you mentioned, Jan, Thanksgiving is a wonderful reason to pause and consider our blessings!
ReplyDeleteMeeting you this year was a blessing.
So thrilled about your sale!
Need to cook my cranberries.
ReplyDeleteGetting another cup of coffee before I start turkey prep!
Beautiful reminder, Debby! Thanksgiving has long been my favorite holiday. A time for counting blessings, gathering with friends and family, and reaching out to those in need.
ReplyDeleteI must admit, though, to a disappointment that the commercialism that's engulfed Christmas is now reaching its tentacles out to Thanksgiving. First it was Black Friday as people scramble and literally fight for "a deal." Now it's encroaching onto Thanksgiving Day itself as many national chains call in employees Thursday afternoon to prepare for 8 p.m. openings on family-oriented national holiday.
I pray that those who do choose to venture out to shop will remember to give the frazzled store clerks an understanding smile and a few words of encouragement.
Oh, DEB, what a BEAUTIFUL way to springboard into Thanksgiving, my friend -- THANK YOU for this wonderful blog that reminds us just how blessed we are!!
ReplyDeleteRUTHY SAID: "I love that there is virtually no major pomp or circumstance, no huge expenditure ..."
Uh, don't know about you, my friend, but Keith takes exception to that last line, or at least he would have last night when we bought groceries to feed 30 people on Thanksgiving ... ;)
VIRGINIA ... I'm not sure if "The Well" will affect others like it affected me, but the fact that my church of about 6,000 people asked everyone to read it -- something I don't believe I've seen them do before -- speaks volumes. So yes, I would strongly suggest you get it, and the good news is that in e-book, it's only $6.99!!
BRIDGETT ... I'll tell you what, girl, the chapter on the "Hole of Talent" is a MUST READ for every author out there, no joke!!
Hugs,
Julie
Julie, That's my favorite chapter. Most of it is highlighted. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so very thankful for Seekerville. Thanks for the writing tips, friendships, and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteDEBBY--What a beautiful post. It's fun to see pictures of your Seeker ladies and what adds richness to your lives. And reading everything here that people are thankful for? I can't think of a better way to begin my day.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for a husband who has supported my writing since the day two years ago that I told him I believed God gave me a story (at least the skeleton of one for me to create from) and that now was the time to write it. He's opened hours and hours and been an encourager for me. He's challenged me to go deeper and learn craft better. Not to mention all that he does to take care of our family.
I'm thankful for my two kiddos who cheer with me when I meet milestones or get good feedback and give me hugs and kisses and smiles.
I'm thankful for writing friends who have been there, talking me off the ledge and encouraging me when I've needed it. For crit partners who see the parts of my story that need more work and aren't afraid to say so.
I'm most thankful for God's faithfulness and His incredible love for me, and all His creation. He's steadfast, unmoving and passionate. I love him.
There are so many other people and things to be thankful for, but I'll stop here for now.
MARY--Congrats on your renewed contract! Woo-hoo! Loved your picture. You were in my neck of Colorado.
TINA--I'm so happy that your house sold so quickly! Praising God with you!
In case I don't get back here today, thanks to each of you for sharing your wisdom and encouragements. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Oh, (blushing) and I can't believe I forgot to say how very thankful I am for each of you Seekers. You are a blessing, with the perfect words to encourage and share wisdom. I've learned so much from you in the past year. Thanks for sharing so selflessly and for encouraging (my word for the day) those of us on the path behind you!
ReplyDeleteGlynna, I hate that stores are opening on Thanksgiving, as well. I'm staying home and enjoying my family! :)
ReplyDeleteDebby, what a lovely way to start preparation for the 'thanks' holiday. Your post is uplifting.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Mary! What a fun ride for all of us.
Jan Drexler, your path sounds a lot like ours three years ago. What a lesson in trust, isn't it?
How to account for every day filled with blessings? Big things - my health (two years ago I was in a wheelchair), my husband of 34 years, two enormously caring and productive children and four bouncing grand-babies. My elderly parents - their wisdom and love never fails to amaze me. Even my little Pommy girls, make my life richer.
Happy Thanksgiving all. Prayers for inner peace.
Julie, I'm getting "The Well." Would it make a nice gift for special friends?
ReplyDeleteThirty for Thanksgiving makes my gathering seem very, very small.
Homemake cranberry relish is done!
Jeanne T! Giving thanks along with you.
ReplyDeleteMailing your book today. Sorry it's taken so long!
Lyndee, I didn't realize you had been in a wheelchair. Thanks be to God for your healing!
ReplyDeleteLoved being with you at RWA!!! Your pic in my office brings joy each and every day.
Must get ready for a funeral at 11 AM. A friend's mom passed away. A very spiritual woman. I was able to pray with the mom just two days before her death, which was an honor for me.
ReplyDeletePlease pray for Patti as she mourns the loss of her sweet mom.
After reading everyone's Thankful-fors, I have a song running through my head. You can't hear the music, but I'll share the lyrics.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the sunshine,
Thank you for the rain.
Thank you for the comfort,
and Thank you for the pain.
Thank you for the prayers
that were not prayed in vain.
Oh, Thank you, Lord, for everything.
I am so very thankful for my family.
I'm thankful for God keeping me safe on the road this year on my two hours of drive time each day--especially last night in fog so thick at times you could only see three dashes at a time of the center striping.
And I'm thankful that God opened the doors of the writing world through a little place not on any map. Seekerville. Thank you, ladies!
I also have a prayer request. My dad has gout and after a year of no flare ups, he's had a bad one for the last two weeks. It's crippling him with severe pain, swelling and all-over fever. None of our regular treatments/preventions seem to be helping. Would you please pray for God's healing touch on him? Thank you.
What am i thankful for? Well, if i wanted to be thorough, i'd be here all week, no time for reading. So, i am thankful for eyesight and that i can read. i am thankful for internet where i learn to know all you fabulous writers. But after being thankful for this, God, country, family and friends, and so on, the think i am most thankful for is that my Mom (86 years old) miraculously survived a colon infarcture, and for the doctors that help her! Also for the support of my brother and sister as i take am caregiver to her (not that she really needs much care). She is also an avid reader, but does not read on electronic devices (computer or kindle). Thanks for being here for us.
ReplyDeleteDebby, thank you for compiling all these! I'm feeling even more thankful after reading them all.
ReplyDeleteI pray you all have a blessed Thanksgiving!!!
You want to know what I'm NOT thankful for? There is a dead mouse in my classroom in an unreachable place (not that I'd reach for it anyway) and it stinks!
ReplyDeleteI MUST ESCAPE. (and hope it's done stinking by Monday-do you think it will be???)
Sad.
otoh I will be unusually thankful for quitting time.
YOU.
ReplyDeleteConnie Queen
Beautiful post, Debby. I'm thankful for Seekerville!!!! That's definitely top of my list. I've enjoyed reading through all this thankfulness and it reminds me of something I read on a blog a while back. The blogger encouraged us to mentally make a thankful list every time you find yourself waiting and getting impatient. Like in the grocery line or at a bus stop or whatever. I've done that ever since and it's amazing how giving thanks can take the sting out of the most frustrating wait times. Completely switches perspective. Like this blog.
ReplyDeleteThankful for a God who unceasingly extends grace with patience and love. Thankful for my family, my husband and sons, for our extended family, for caring friends and coworkers. Thankful for Gods's provision. Thankful for dreams to live a greater, more abundant life and for the knowledge that God has imbued me with what it takes to achieve them.
ReplyDeleteDebby, thanks for your post and the reminder that even when things look dark, God is in control of this world.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely gratitude list from the Seekers! Their love for God and appreciation of His blessings are some of the many things I love about each of you.
I'm redfaced that I'm not on the list. Not because I'm not blessed abundantly, but because I forgot to get my blessings to Debby in time for the post. I think I'll ask for a new mind for Christmas.
Assuming better late than never, I'll name a few of mine. God has blessed me with a wonderful supportive husband, two fabulous daughters and spouses and four extraordinary grandchildren, along with special friends, which includes all of you, health for me and mine and published books on the shelves. I marvel at the biggest blessing of all: God loves and wants to spend time with me, as He does with each and every one of us. Isn't that awesome?
One of our favorite parts of Thanksgiving at the Dean household is going around the table and sharing one of our blessings. None can be repeated so the grandkids always want to go first. :-)
Hope you have a fun Thanksgiving with a moist turkey and lumpless gravy shared with those you love.
Hugs, Janet
HEY! A very nice man who shall here after be called HERO just came and took the whole trap away (the mouse containing trap).
ReplyDeleteIt's not a regular trap it's a contraption (conTRAPtion...funny)
I'm so THANKFUL to HERO I could cry.
The room still stinks however. But maybe it will begin to clear out now. sniffle
i had thought both marriage and mommyhood had passed me by at age 40. it's been four years since i married and three since i was blessed with a son. they are the lights of my life and i'm so thankful i've been blessed with them.
ReplyDeletei'm also thankful for how the Lord continues to bless me with a good life (not an easy one, but a good one) especially because i know i don't really deserve the blessings He gives through His Grace.
i'm thankful for Seekerville and the blessings the peeps here provide through their posts and the villagers' comments.
My cup is running over and spilling onto the floor as I read all these comments. I'm going to have to keep stopping by here all day long!
ReplyDeleteAnd Glynna, I'm with you on staying out of the stores on Thanksgiving Day! Of course, there will be the occasional emergency, but shopping that can be done the next day or the next week? Ridiculous.
Giving Thanks…The Greatest Blessing
ReplyDeleteI’m thankful that there is something rather than nothing. Nothing takes nothing to create, nothing to maintain, and nothing to explain. Nothingness would be the simplest state. That there is something rather than nothing is a miracle in itself.
I’m thankful I am alive at this point in history. It is a time where we are most aware of who we are and where we have come from. Knowledge is in surplus and wisdom is there to obtain if one just has the will.
I’m thankful that our lives can have as much meaning as we choose to seek. I’m thankful the Seekers exist and are forever shining a light on the hidden areas of writing I didn’t even know existed. I’m thankful that Sandra Leesmith’s new book, "Current of Love" is only $3.99 for the Kindle on Amazon (and thankful to Julie Lessman for reminding me of this yesterday.) I now have it safely preordered to magically appear on my Kindle on the 11th of December.
I’m also thankful that I finally finaled in a writing contest. (Even though two judges said my hero was a chauvinist jerk. Well, he’s at the start of his ARC, like Darcy when he insulted Elizabeth’s family at the start of P&P in that overheard conversation at the dance. The civilizing love of the heroine is going to mellow him out and make him a great romantic.)
I'm thankful my NaNo is at 51,800 words even if it will take a year to layer in all the essentials and even if it still needs another 20,000 words to finish.
I'm thankful for more Mary Connealy books especially if they include more Christmas stories. I’m thankful that Love Inspired printed Ruth’s new book in “True Large” Print. It’s fun to read a real book again; however, I’m mostly done and I’m still waiting to see when that red barn on the cover comes in to play.: ) I’m thankful for being able to read about Marcy and Patrick’s love story from the start. They are my favorite Lessman cheaters. "A Light in the Window" is a must for those who have read the other books and the best introduction for those who haven’t.
I’m thankful for all the great Seeker books I’ve read and have yet to review. I like nothing better than reviewing a book with many outstanding features that I can talk about.
I’m thankful the Seekers are still green and growing and getting better with each book. The group is just at the start of its ARC.
I’m thankful for getting to host now and then and for Tina who makes every post come out better than the author could ever imagine.
I’m thankful that I’m even becoming a one name personality. See “My Story My Way” where the headline is, “What I Learned From Vince”. OMG! That’s the rest of the cover art story that began on Seekville with LA Sartor’s post. You can see it at:
http://anindieadventure.blogspot.com/2012/11/what-i-learned-from-vince.html
Finally, I’m thankful for all the roads I’ve travelled and hopeful that I will have time to explore many more.
And as for my wife, who is perfect and deserves worship more than thanks, I thank God for giving me the wisdom to court her with everything romantic I knew at the time and to not give up until she said 'yes'. Glory be!
Vince
P.S. Thanks to All.
Beautiful post today, Debby and Seekers--Happy Thanksgiving to ALL of you! ~ Like others have said, I have an abundance of blessings I'm thankful for. But most of all for my loving Savior who is endlessly patient with me and loves me SO much. I'm very thankful for my precious family, friends, and all my cats (my toddlers in fur, LOL). I'm thankful that God worked through the hands of a neurosurgeon 2 years ago to re-build my spine--and thankful for the countless people who prayed me through those 4 surgeries (waving at my Prayer Angel, Debby Giusti!). Yes, like so many others--I am truly BLESSED. Hugs, Patti Jo
ReplyDeletep.s. Received my copy of THE EMOTION THESAURUS in yesterday's mail--I'd forgotten about winning that--WOOHOO!! Thanks, Tina! (and Charlie is beautiful). Congrats on the house selling! ~ Mary, Congrats on the Bethany House contracts--YAY! ~ More hugs, PJ
Love these great comments! Thanks for sharing your blessings.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for my mother coming through her angiogram with flying colours and no blockages! And that she's feeling herself today.
And of course, I'm thankful for Seekerville and all the other wonderful authors I've 'met' on- line who have generously shared their time and talent.
I'm thankful that our Thanksgiving was last month and I don't have to cook a turkey until Christmas! LOL!
Of course, thankful for family, friends, and good health.
Wishing all you lovely people a blessed Thanksgiving weekend!
Oh, and I'm thankful for Mary's wonderful sense of humour - for making me laugh out loud so often! Thanks, Mary! Glad you got rid of your mouse!
Cheers,
Sue
P.P.S. Debby, meant to also add that your newest book sounds great! But please don't enter me in the drawing, because I do plan on purchasing copies.*smile*
ReplyDeleteHugs, Patti Jo
Love reading all these comments!
ReplyDeleteIt's already been mentioned that there isn't room or time to thank God for everything. Each breath we take is a blessing, so we'd be saying thanks sixty-something times a minute, with no time to give thanks for all the rest of God's amazing blessings.
I'm letting my mind wander over things that I might not normally think to relate as a blessing...
I'm thankful for the opportunity to pray for the peace of Jerusalem in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep....
I'm thankful that I can turn the heat down at night so that it's extra cool and comfortable, and that I can turn it up a couple of notches during the day....
I'm thankful for my laptop and internet connection so that I can stay connected with all my friends on Seekerville, write, and work remotely from home....
I'm thankful for the tattered, but warm slippers on my feet...
I'm thankful that my son is putting out hay for the cows so I don't have to.... :)
I'm thankful for an almost de-cluttered den ready and waiting for my collection of Christmas decorations...
I'm very thankful that I don't have to spend the Thanksgiving "weekend" preparing my Golden Heart entries (although I see that RWA has moved the deadline to January 2nd), but in the past it was like December 5th!
Goodness, I could go on and on, but I'll stop. For now...
Back from the funeral...
ReplyDeleteClari, praying for Dad and his gout. Asking the Lord to lower his temperature and ease his pain.
Marianne, prayers for Mama and prayers for your strength as you minister to her needs.
ReplyDeleteGood health is one of our treasured blessings, isn't it?
Kav, love the thankful list idea. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletePat, joining you in all you're thankful for...hugs!
ReplyDeleteWhat a WONDERFUL post, Debby, and how lovely to see so many responses describing what we're thankful for!! LOVE the pictures used from each Seeker, I was so touched by what you all shared.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful first and foremost for God and all He is in my life, He's the reason I have the ability to be thankful. He is so faithful and His love and grace amazes me every day.
I'm also thankful for my family, my books, for zephyrhills water, for coffee, for cooler weather, for my blog and the blogging community I have found a home in, for talented writers that I have gotten to love and befriend, for my wonderful church, for a home full of food and the presence of God, for my parents who are also my best friends, and for many other blessings I get to enjoy.
I'm also utterly thankful for Seekerville. The fellowship, generosity, and wisdom I find here has enriched the blogging community more than you'll ever know. Thank you Seekers for all you do to bless and encourage our lives :)
Please do not enter me in the giveaway, I just wanted the pleasure of participating :) Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! Wishing Debby back those abundant blessings also and to everyone else!
Janet, we share thanks at the table, but don't have the no repeats rule. Love it. Perhaps we'll add that this year.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
How good God is to give you the desire of your heart, DebH!
ReplyDeleteBTW, you should be receiving a mailing from me soon.
Happy T-day!
You're our hero, Vince!
ReplyDeleteI want to hear more about how you courted your wife. Smart lady to say yes to you!
Patti Jo, I thank God for your return to good health. Hugs and love!
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed for you, Sue!!!
ReplyDeleteWe really do have much to be thankful for, don't we? :)
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for a wonderful day job that challenges me but that I love, for great coworkers, for a boss who understands my writing desires and encourages them, and most of all, that I was able to change careers this past year despite a poor economy.
I'm also thankful that even though my husband has been unemployed for the last 6 months, that he is following his dreams of being a writer and using his time to fulfill that dream. And for letting me go to ACFW this year and meeting many of my cyber writing friends!
I'm thankful for a bouncy puppy, the promise of children someday, for a brand new nephew, for a family that prays for me, and for so much more.
And even though my husband's grandmother just died this week, I'm thankful for the 100 years she lived on this earth and the lessons she betowed upon future generations.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Sending lots of love your way, Kara!
ReplyDeleteHappy Turkey!!!
Reminds me, I've got a 26 lb bird that needs to be cleaned.
Anyone willing to help?
Stephanie, I'm giving thanks for meeting you IN PERSON at ACFW.
ReplyDeleteSorry about hubby's job and grandma. Sending hugs and love.
I'm with Pam - love reading these comments! The older I get - and I'm not saying how old that is - the more I realize I have to be grateful for. God has blessed me in so many ways. I'm most thankful for a God who loved me enough to send His Son to die in my place. I'm thankful for a wonderful sister who encourages me daily in my writing. I'm thankful for friends in ACFW and RWA who understand the crazy world of writing. I'm thankful for the Seekers 5th Birthday Bash because that is when I started following this blog daily. I'm thankful for health, my job, all my family, three wonderful furry puppies, my church friends and family. I'm thankful for so many things I can't begin to list them all!
ReplyDeleteVince- totally a one name personality! My friends and I say 'Vince', just like that.
ReplyDeleteNot 'Vince from Seekerville'.
Although, now that I think of it, I have said, 'RPP Vince' because of my favorite post.
And yes, tell us how your courted your wife!! Lucky, lucky woman! And smart, but we all knew that.
Terri, we're thankful you found us! And that you continue to visit often. YAY!
ReplyDeleteMary, I'm relieved the critter is gone! Disposing of bodies is a man's job for sure.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Vince, Love that like Nora, you're recognized by one name. Thanks for all you do to rev things up in Seekerville.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Terri, thanks for joining the fun in Seekerville! We're glad you're here!
ReplyDeleteJanet
Sue, good to hear your mom handled the angiogram and has no heart blockages!
ReplyDeleteJanet
Clari, I'm praying for your dad's gout. Hoping he'll feel much better tomorrow and able to enjoy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Janet
Debby, thanks for the hugs and love. I LOVED meeting you in person, too! Have a wonderful day of giving thanks for all of the Lord's bountiful blessings!
ReplyDeletePaula, glad to hear your husband is doing well and won't need further treatment! Also praying for the child with pneumonia.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Janet
Hey Seekerville,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this lovely post, Debby to remind us that God has given us many, many things to be grateful for, even in the midst of hard times.
My prayers go to all those who need prayer, spoken and unspoken, for those things that weigh heavily on our hearts. I would like to extend a special thanks for a supportive writing community like Seekerville and the opportunity to meet such lovely writing friends on-line and at conferences like M&M.
Piper
Have a joyous Thanksgiving, Piper!
ReplyDeleteHugs and love!
I have SO MUCH to be thankful for this year! We've had a lot going on this year, but God's blessings have been abundant! I'm thankful for our newest addition..our little guy Seth, my other two kiddos, my amazing husband, and the Lord for providing for us financially and emotionally. There are many times that I've prayed to Him and asked Him to help me through things and give me peace...and He's been faithful. I'm also extremely thankful for the body of Christ who has come together and ministered to us in so many ways. I am SO thankful this year! And...just got a report from the doctor and he said a test showed that potentially cancerous cells are "undetected". I have to be rechecked in a month, but for now, I don't have to have radiation! Praise God for that! Happy Thanksgiving! ~Stacey
ReplyDeleteOh Debby, what a wonderful tribute to thankfulness. Ruthy is right about the day being set aside for thanks--and food, family, and blessing.
ReplyDeleteYay for Mary traveling with her handsome husband, breathing easy after a bountiful harvest an of course, Bethany House's good sense to keep Mary all to themselves : )
YAYAYAYAYAY to Tina for selling the house!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cara, Missy, Sandra, and everyone who shared their blessings with us.
The good Lord has definitely watched over the Harders' household this year. My prayers go out to all the strife in the world, but as Debby said, God has everything under control.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
I have so many things to be thankful for, including living in a country at peace.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I am very thankful that I still have my mom and dad, both of whom have been seriously ill this year, here with me for Thanksgiving. I am grateful for my wonderful husband, my daughter Kim, son Kyle,
ReplyDeletehis soon-to-be fiance Angela, my grandson Mack. I am thankful for the blessings of God, for his unconditional lovce and his mercies, which are new every day.
Thankful for a great family,wonderful friendaand most of all for Christ who saved me from my sins!Love to win your book!
ReplyDeleteI thank God for my Family,Friends and what he gives us.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway and God Bless!!
Sarah Richmond
sarahrichmond.12@gmail.com
I Thank God for saving me from my sins.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful that today, I was able to spend Thanksgivings with my parents who are both healthy and at 73 years old, a heck of a lot of fun to hang out with! I'm truly blessed. Thanks for sharing your blessings ~ wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful for my family, especially my mom!
ReplyDeleteThanks to all of you for sharing your thankfulness and for being part of our Seekerville family!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for those contest links!!! Happy Thanksgiving Seekerville!
ReplyDelete