For the month of November, I have been using Facebook to be thankful by posting something for which I'm thankful every day. Since Thanksgiving is just days away, I thought I'd take some time to record those things here too with more of an explanation:
Day 1: I am thankful for my friends.
I have been blessed with so many good friends and love making new ones everywhere I go and in each new season of life. From preschool in Redondo Beach to seminary i here in Denver, I cherish the friends God has given me and can't imagine life without them.
Day 2: I am thankful for Bible study.
Bible study has been a big part of my life going back to the girls' Bible study that my parents led in our living room in England for me and my friends to church studies when I was a new mom and in-depth studies with school moms in California and Colorado. As an editor at NavPress Publishing in the mid-90s, I was fortunate to work with an incredible Bible study editor who taught me how to write and edit studies. What she taught me influenced my career in publishing and equipped me to write and teach studies of my own.
Day 3: I am thankful for my parents.
I could write a book on this one, but in the interest of time and space, I will simply say that they are one of the biggest blessings in my life and I love them with all my heart.
Day 4: I am thankful for a warm home.
Temperature, atmosphere, emotion. Our home is warm, cozy and welcoming. I love being here!
Day 5: I am thankful for my church.
Finding my own church was a big deal and a big step for me as a single woman.
Day 6: I am thankful for the stroke center.
It is a place of hope and healing and of friends who have become like family. I would not be where I am today in my recovery without it.
Day 7: I am thankful for a lifetime of memories.
There are things I cannot do as a result of my stroke, but I have a lifetime of great memories of when I could do those things. I ran, I traveled, I waterskied, I tried indoor sky-diving, I danced, I swam with dolphins, I hiked, I skied and snowboarded. I had a full and adventurous life and I am thankful for it!
Day 8: I am thankful for my education.
I loved school and did well at it. I could be happy to be a professional student. I think learning is great fun and I so appreciate the opportunities I had to pursue education as much as I did.
Day 9: I am thankful for my children.
Being a mom was so much fun and I loved it. Pregnancy and childbirth were fabulous and having young babies and toddlers made everyday a grand adventure. Being a homeschooling mom was my favorite job of all.
Day 10: I am thankful for my sweet dog and the neighbor who gave her to me.
Maddie is the best dog I've ever had and I love her like crazy. I am still amazed that Bill gave her to me and will never be able to thank him enough!
Day 11: I am thankful for my country.
I have loved every country where I've lived--America, England and France. The United States of America will always be my favorite because it is home and always will be.
Day 12: I am thankful for freedom.
This goes hand in hand with being thankful for my country and the men and women in uniform who have given so much for our freedom.
Day 13: I am thankful for books and the ability to read.
I can't imagine life without books!
Day 14: I am thankful for continued progress in recovery.
I've heard it said that stroke recovery only stops if you do and I believe it. I have also read that the best rehab is living a full life. That's truth right there no matter what it is you're working to recover from. Get out and live life and don't ever give up!
Day 15: I am thankful for my driver's license.
It has given me freedom to do so much.
Day 16: I am thankful for my eyesight.
Each of our senses are so important, but eyesight tops my list.
Day 17: I am thankful to live in the era of modern dentistry.
I have never minded going to the dentist despite having had root canals, crowns, braces and extractions. I could never go back in time if it meant going to the dentist back then!
Day 18: I am thankful for Facebook memories that remind me of good things that have happened in past years.
I'm also thankful that Facebook notifies me of birthdays and lets me keep in touch with people I wouldn't see in real life.
Day 19: I am thankful for mornings.
I have never been a night owl. And mornings have quiet time with God, breakfast and a hot shower. What's not to love?
Day 20: I am thankful for my Monday art group--it's group therapy with paint.
I have made friends and become an artist to boot!
Day 21: I am thankful for so many things for which to be thankful! It's hard to pick just one every day...
Thankfully, there are more days in November so my list isn't quite done!
Happy Thanksgiving, my friends!
All wonderful things to be thankful for. Keep your spirit of gratitude. It is refreshing in this world where we never seem to be satisfied. God bless you and your family.
Posted by: Kristi | November 22, 2017 at 10:03 AM
Nice to read your list of thankfulness. Trust you have a very Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.
Posted by: Charlotte Moore | November 22, 2017 at 06:02 PM
I’m thankful to have found your blog years ago. I think the topic was something like parenting & picking your battles...you had allowed your daughter to dye her hair pink. You’ve traveled a long, difficult road since then, but God was faithful at every turn. Happy Thanksgiving, Joanne!
Posted by: Susie Tiemeyer | November 23, 2017 at 05:56 AM
What a great list of things to be thankful for. I started following your blog when a blog I read asked for prayers for you when you had your stroke.
I marvel at what you have done since that time.
Posted by: Michelle | November 24, 2017 at 08:15 PM