Thankful Thursday

I'm linking up with Rebecca Jo @ Knit By God's Hand this morning for our weekly dose of gratitude. Not that we only show gratitude once a week, but every Thursday we like to encourage others with our blessings...you know, "brag" on what our God can do.

This week I am thankful....

* my family was so great about and accepting of, having our Thanksgiving on Black Friday. When I accepted my new job, we knew there would be some changes and adjustments to make, but knowing and doing can often be two different things. 

* for the prayers of everyone concerning my grumpy, difficult boss. I had a great day yesterday and felt appreciated by her for the first time. She was pleasant, joking, and thanked me over and over every time I did something. It was like I got a new boss!

* my Christmas decorating is done!

* that while it is cold, windy, and snowy...we didn't get a lot of snow and the roads have remained pretty clear.

* for online shopping. I love being able to compare deals and find the best price, browse items I wouldn't find in the stores, and search for the perfect gift all without leaving my house to fight crowds and weather only to be disappointed at the store. And now that virtually everyone is offering free 2-day delivery to my door....

* for the privilege of getting to hear one of the home's residents (who barely speaks above a whisper and who has very little movement in his body) share the gospel and invite people to accept the gift that God gave us in Jesus this Christmas season. He had everyone in tears...and I pray it touched the heart of someone who needed to hear it. I know it took my friendship with him to a new level and yesterday I was able to share a book with him that I think he will enjoy.

* for the Holy Spirit who gave me the right words to speak to another resident who is hungry for God, but gets confused and doesn't always understand. He calls one of my co-workers his pastor (and I guess she may really be a minister) and follows her trustingly. Not to bad mouth her, but I see little in the way she conducts herself to indicate she is a Christian or that she should be teaching. So, it was so cool to be able to have a door open to talk to him and have the simple words of truth to touch his heart.

* that the girl and her young son who came over to my daughter's a few weeks ago (I had asked everyone to pray they would become friends) have become good friends to my girl and my grandson. They have gone to a local light display, made cookies, saw a movie, and just hung out. It has been great for all 4 of them!

* Tim has been more active this past week. He's still in a lot of pain and we are still on hold with the doctors. I guess he's just decided to push through it a little bit at home. It is so nice to have him functioning!

* as always, for each one of you!

Have a blessed and beautiful day, my friends! And remember....