We Have So Much To Be Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving! With the busyness of the holiday week, I've opened the linkup early.

We have so much to be thankful for and today I’m sharing a few of my favorite things I’m thankful for.

My Salvation and my family’s salvation
My Health and my family’s health
Family
Friends
Laughter
Answered Prayers
Baking
Knitting
Happiness
Love
Freedom
Books
Sweet Tea
Coffee
Chocolate
Apples
Warm fuzzy slippers
The Sound and Smell of a Crackling Fire

No matter where we are in life, we have so much to be thankful for. All it takes is a quick look around to find those things.

Are you struggling with being thankful? Why not print my free download and write your own list of things you can be thankful for. You’ll see you have a lot to be thankful for and it will bring little gratitude attitude to your heart.

>>>Get Your Free Download<<<

We Have So Much To Be Thankful For

WHEN I LOOK AROUND AND SEE
THE GOOD THINGS HE DOES FOR ME
I KNOW I’M UNWORTHY OF THEM ALL
BUT HIS BLESSINGS HE FREELY GIVES
I OWE MY LIFE TO HIM
I’VE GOT SO MUCH TO THANK HIM FOR.

AND SOMETIMES WHILE ON THIS WAY
I KNEEL AND I STOP AND SAY
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE FOR ME
ONE DAY I’LL REACH SWEET HEAVENS SHORE
OH PLEASE JUST LET ME KNEEL ONCE MORE
I’VE GOT SO MUCH TO THANK YOU FOR

AND I’VE GOT SO MUCH TO THANK HIM FOR
SO MUCH TO PRAISE HIM FOR
WELL YOU SEE NOW HE HAS BEEN SO GOOD TO ME
AND WHEN I THINK OF WHAT HE’S DONE
AND WHERE HE'S BROUGHT ME FROM
I’VE GOT SO MUCH TO THANK HIM FOR

~Robert Deel

What are you thankful for today? Leave me a comment, I'd love to know!

 You can view the LINKUP HERE.

Christmas Love Letters from God Bible Stories

An adorable Christmas book you'll want to add to your library.

this post contains affiliate links

I am so excited to share this book review today. It’s another Christmas book, another book to add to your library. The first thing that drew me to this book was the illustrations; they have a vintage children’s book feel and I love that. They remind me of books I read while growing up that are now considered vintage. But I’m not vintage if you’re wondering.

Christmas Love Letters from God Bible Stories
Book Review

Christmas Love Letters from God Bible Stories has seven stories all related to the birth of Jesus. Each Bible story is written in a way for children to understand and relate to and the best thing included is a Your Love Letter from God note card attached to the page.

These little notes of love are written as if God had written them to your child or grandchild. Little notes of encouragement, love and hope. They offer the opportunity to teach your child what the Bible says about each little letter.

Along with each story is a Bible verse {God’s Perfect Promise} that goes along with it. Jeremiah 33:3, Luke 2:11, and Isaiah 45:2 are just a few of the verses. At the end of the book, you will find a note card labeled My Gift to Jesus, this card is where your child can write a letter to Jesus. It’s never too early to teach our children to talk with the One who will always listen to them.

About the Author
Glenys Nellist was born and raised in a little village in northern England. Her stories and poems have been published in children’s magazines where her writing reflects a deep passion for bringing the Bible to life for young children. Glenys lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, David.

About the Illustrator
Rachel Clowes grew up in South London and studied illustration at Cambridge School of Art. She began her career in children’s magazines and has been illustrating ever since. Rachel lives in Yorkshire, England with her husband, also an illustrator, her three sons and two cats.

Hardcover
Pages: 32
Ages: 4-8
Book size: 11x9

You can purchase your own copy here.

I was given a copy of the book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. – You won’t be disappointed!

The King in His Beauty {Thankful Thursdays}

When we visited the Grand Canyon, I was speechless at the first peek of what God carved out of the earth with His hand. When we walked along the edge, all I could say was “oh my”. I found myself in the same speechless situation when we drove around the mountain and saw the majestic Glaciers. Again, two words were all I could say when we walked into the open field of flowers seeing Saint Mary Lake flowing towards the glaciers. How I felt during those trips is unforgettable.  Experiencing such beauty, I can only imagine the speechlessness we will have when we see The King in His Beauty.

The King in His Beauty

The Bible is filled with pictures of Jesus. Those pictures are not enough to grasp fully who He is and what He can do because there is so much about Him we have yet to experience. When we watch the sunrise, sunset, or the stars shoot across the nighttime sky we see more of our Jesus. But, there are those who refuse to believe God’s words spoke the beauty into existence. We’ve seen answered prayers when there seemed to be no hope, and we still tend to not keep our faith in Him. There will be a day when we look back on those times and the only thing we will be able to do is shake our head because of our disbelief.

Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty... Isaiah 33:17

For many, the thought of seeing The King in His Beauty stirs a longing in their heart for the day He returns for His children. To see Jesus in another form, we haven’t seen; to see Him reign in royal grandeur is indescribable. We can imagine what it must be like, but there are no words to describe what we will see. There will be awe and speechlessness and our eyes will see The King in His Beauty.

May we ask the Lord to reveal Himself to us and let us live in the expectation of seeing Him.

You can view the LINKUP HERE.

Where Jesus Slept by Norma Lewis - Book Review

I love Christmas books written for children. Where Jesus Slept is one of the cutest Christmas books I’ve seen in a long time. Its repetition of the rhyme (similar to This Is the House That Jack Built) is a fun way to help children remember the beginning of the story; such an important story in history.

Where Jesus Slept

{affiliate link included}

This is the bed where Jesus slept.
This is the straw that lined the bed where Jesus slept.
This is the cow that shared the straw that lined the bed where Jesus slept.

The book begins with the birth of Jesus and how He slept on a straw lined bed. As the story moves along, it builds on the biblical account, ending with the wise men bringing gifts to the new born King.

The key words are all in capital letters, perfect for pointing out importance and for beginning readers. The illustrations are beautifully created without being too overwhelming for little ones.

Where Jesus Slept is a perfect book to start a Christmas tradition with or to add to an already tradition.

About the Author
Norma Lewis is the author of ten books, including Connecting the Coasts: The Race to Build the Transcontinental Railroad and Kasey's River Song. She lives in Grand Haven, Michigan, with a marmalade cat named Scalawag. They both love spending time with her six grandchildren, ranging in age from three to twenty.

About the Illustrator
Katy Hudson was raised in Middlesbrough, United Kingdom, and started her career as a small child drawing on freshly painted walls! Her parents quickly encouraged drawing with pencil and paper instead. The idea stuck, and after earning a degree in illustration, Katy embarked on a career illustrating books, including All Things Bright and Beautiful for WorthyKids/Ideals and Bear and Duck. Katy works at a desk in a studio in an old library and likes to tap dance in her spare time.

Hardcover
Pages: 32
Ages:3-6
Book Size: 10x10
You can purchase your own copy here.



I received a free copy of the book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.

10 Guarantees in the Christian Life

There are many heartbroken people in the world today. Whether the broken heart is from the results of sin, personal choices or just life in general, there are things in life that are guaranteed for us Christians.

We have a hope and peace the lost don’t have. There's a Light at the end of the tunnel we can depend on. We don’t have to weather the storms alone. There is always a Strong Tower we can run to.

10 Guarantees in the Christian’s Life

1. God is on the throne and in control. (Matthew 19:26, Romans 8:28)
2. Jesus is the only way to heaven.
3. The tomb is empty. (Matthew 28: 5-6)
4. Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords. (I Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14)
5. There’s room at the cross for more. (Luke 14:22-23)
6. Our sins are forgiven.
7. Prayer works.
8. The Bible has the answers to our problems and encouragements for our day.
9. God will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)
10. We belong to Christ no matter what we do.

While uncertainty and storms rage around us, we can't allow ourselves to be consumed by them. We need to take our eyes off of what is going on around us and put them back where they belong, on the Lord. We need to ponder on the 10 Guarantees we have in Our Christian Life.

>>>Get Your Free Download Here<<<

You can view the LINKUP HERE.

Earning Money While Shopping Online With Rakuten

Earning money by shopping online. It's a real thing I have been doing for years and you can too. The best part is it's free to join and super easy to shop.

Affiliate Links are included in this post.

Scrolling through my emails I love to find a subject titled “Your Monthly Cash Back Statement”. When I see those words, I forget all the other emails and focus on that one to see how much money I earned (for free) by shopping online through Rakuten, formerly Ebates. I love Rakuten, but I love earning free money even more. We've been members for almost three years and have earned over $500 just by shopping online.

Do you realize when you shop online you can save even more money by going through Rakuten first than you can by going directly to the online store? If not, you can. Right now with the start of Christmas shopping, buying online will earn you free money and fewer headaches than wandering through stores and malls with all the crazy shoppers.

Earning Money While Shopping Online With Rakuten

If you sign up with Rakuten right now, they will give you $10 for free. FOR FREE!  All you have to do is sign up, there is no credit card required.  The best thing, it's FREE to sign up!
Rakuten has over 2,000 stores (you know many) that have partnered up to help you earn money. The awesome thing about Rakuten, you can have family and friends sign up under you and Rakuten will pay you. How cool is that?

Each month, Rakuten features stores where you can earn double from your purchases. I feel sneaky when I earn double money. :)

The Daily Hot Deals are just that - deals for only one day where you can earn extra money.

Once you sign up, Rakutens is very easy to use. Find the store you want to shop or if you don’t know the store, search a brand name or item. Scroll through the offers and choose the one you want and click through to the store using the link they provide. That’s it! Then you too will receive those famous “Your Monthly Cash Back Statement”.

Rakuten has even started an in-store shopping and earning option. If you are comfortable registering a credit card with Rakuten and find and In Store Cash Back Offer you like you can earn money when you use that card. Macy’s, GNC, and World Market are three of the many stores where you can shop in store and earn. ** I’ve not linked a card with Rakuten.**

Big Fat Payments (your earnings) are sent quarterly to either Paypal or by check to your mailbox.  I have mine sent to Paypal for security reasons.

A Secret: 

Magazine subscriptions are a HUGE earner! What better way to earn money back and buy for the hard to buy for person on your shopping list?

When We Pray, Things Happen {Thankful Thursdays}

The power of prayer is real. I believe in prayer.When we pray things happen. Will you join me in praying?

I have seen many prayers answered within our family the past ten years; I believe in prayer. But our prayers cannot be a once and done thing. We need to get serious when praying for God to move in ways we have not seen. Sometimes we need to go to God continuously for an answer, and some of those times the answer is not always what we want. When we pray things happen.

This time next week we will have a new president-elect. That person may or may not be the one you voted for but they are the one who God allowed in that position. From before the earth was created, God had a plan. He planned for this person and He knew about all of their beliefs and the innermost part of their heart. He is (will not) be surprised!

America is in a crisis. We have terrorism, angry citizens, loss of moral standards, the slow leak of losing our religious freedoms, and many more problems. But with all these problems I still believe we live in the greatest nation of all. It’s not too late to pray for our nation, the candidates, and the voters who have yet to vote. It’s not too late to get serious in our praying.

When We Pray, Things Happen

For some Christians, they've been led to fast over this election. I have not, at least not at the moment of this writing. If you are led to fast and are not following through with it, why? Fasting is a sign of seriousness while God doesn’t lead everyone to fast, He works through it. If you are fasting, I’ve prayed for you. I’ve prayed the Lord gives you the strength to complete it and that He will answer your prayers.

Isaiah 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

Joel 2:12-13 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

Ezra 8:21-23  Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.  So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us."

I’m praying for several areas for our nation and I hope you’ll join me.

The Bible never one time has taught us to follow our heart regardless of what others say. We've gotten away from seeking the Lord’s direction in our daily life and this has brought about the messes we can’t find our way out. I’m praying voters will use the wisdom only God gives before they mark the ballot. While both candidates have shown their fruits, I believe there is one less evil than the other.

Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."

Pastors and preachers of today have changed a lot from those in our past. While many are preaching the old time Gospel, the ones looking for numbers and left the biblical truths outweigh them. I’m praying the Lord will raise up more churches that are on fire for God.

Habakkuk 3:2 O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy."

Good things will not happen in us until our hearts are changed. I can’t pray for a change in others until I do a thorough search of my heart and clean up any sin. I’m praying the Lord will show me where I need to change, so then I can pray for a change in others.

Job 13:23 How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.

Lamentations 3:40-42 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. We have transgressed and have rebelled: thou hast not pardoned.

Ezekiel 18:27-28 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die."

Heavenly Father, may we first seek through our own hearts and work to remove any sin. Give us the clarity we need when praying for ourselves and others around us. Help us find You, for You are the One in control of everything. Tender our hearts for the souls and minds of those who are leading our nation. Help us to be a light in this dark world and give us the strength to carry on until Your return. In Jesus' name, amen.

2 Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

You can visit this Linkup HERE.

Be Still and Know God {Thankful Thursdays}

Everywhere we look we’re hearing more and more about efficiency. Businesses hire experts to audit daily operations so they can produce a speedier production. More efficient = more work = more profit. Appliance manufacturers are always introducing the next best thing to help save busy people time. Efficient appliances are supposed to be saving energy, water, and time, but do they work as well as the older appliances? Not according to the loud humming coming from a 1940’s refrigerator I saw on Saturday while at an antique store with my husband. Before the 45-year-old washing machine I had died, it washed better than the new high efficiency machine we bought right before we moved.

Be Still and Know God

Speed has disadvantages. For me, I find hand washing dishes to be more efficient getting the grime off utensils and cookware. Another thing, our water bill is not as high as when we run the washer.

Our world seems smaller now days with fast travel technology that gets us to our destination in a few short hours. At one time goodbyes were thought to be final when a family climbed aboard a wagon to set out across the plains in hopes for a new life. At least those family members were on the same continent and in the same country. Many gave a final goodbye knowing they would never see their loved ones again when they walked upon a ship to cross the ocean.

Most of us live in areas where life is speeding past us. Some are in concrete jungles with steel monsters reaching up to the clouds. Have you stopped to consider the quietness of nature? Away from the busy thoroughfares of life, there is stillness. Fields and forests are quietly waiting for the warmth of the sun and the watery goodness of the rain. A stillness that is growing things.

Quietness is the opposite of noise. It lacks excitement, haste, and confusion. We can find peace and encouragement in the quietness if we just be still. There is so much God wants to show us, but we don’t allow Him. We won’t step out of our efficient life and step into the quiet and slowness we find only in the Lord.

Even Jesus left His ministry to be alone with God. (Matthew 14:23, Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12) When we are willing to slow down and be still, great things are shown to us. Great things that can grow within us.

You can find this week's linkup HERE.