Day before Thanksgiving day, I checked our small strawberry patch and what did I find?
It is simply crazy for me to think that in the USA everybody have finish up harvesting their garden bounties and huddling up for winter, while we are watching our strawberries flowery, forming and slowly growing.
This is my first time growing strawberries. I never thought it would be possible to grow strawberries up here, but they are growing beautifully & organically!
They smelled earthy, fresh & sweet! My girls and I couldn’t stop smelling them. Hmmm!
So, I had to hold the girls back from eating those two precious gems and wait for their Daddy to come home to share the love. Seriously, what is better than a simply strawberries & cream?
Now, on a different thought…
The night before Thanksgiving Day, like everybody else, I started thinking about things I was thankful for… Of course, there is so much and it comes naturally to think of all the good things when all is good.
But…
What about everything else I should be MORE thankful for? Having the attitude of thankfulness It a 24/7 choice we make. Not just on Thanksgiving Day!
So my thoughts changed direction… What things in life should I have the attitude of thankfulness?
Am I thankful when I might not have the house I want? Am I thankful for the things I already have? Am I thankful that God called my family to be missionaries? When my healthy son wakes me up in the middle of the night to nurse, am I thankful?
Are you thankful for that job, even when you don’t like it or it doesn’t pay well? Are you thankful for the trials in your life? Are you thankful when you struggle with your weight? Are you thankful for that car you have? Are you thankful for that person that bothers you?
Are you thankful for the life God has given you… good & bad?
“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.“
Colossians 2:7 (NLT)
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”
Colossians 3:15-16 (NLT)
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”
Colossians 4:2 (NLT)
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
Katie says
Great post Mare! I love the pictures. You’re girls are getting so big!! You already know but thanks again for the reminder to be thankful. Yea for being back in the blogging world!!!
Rachel says
Fresh, home-grown strawberries have got nothing on store bought ones! Congratulations on your first crop! I pray many, many more strawberries for you. How’s the bug situation?
I mentioned you on my most recent Thankfulness post over at my blog: http://wokabout.net/2011/11/24/thanks/
Donna says
Nice. when I am not thankful, I stop myself and mentaly make a list of the good things in my life, no matter how simple they are. It helps me re-establish a more positive attitude.
Elena says
The photos are amazing! I like strawberries and I am craving for raw strawberries……
Angela Rose says
Hello Beautiful Mare! I had to laugh as I read your post – were you thinking of me?! LOL! I have many days that I struggle being thankful for the very things you listed. God is so faithful to encourage & convict me just when needed. Thanks for being a beauitiful vessel for Jesus’ love to shine thru. I love & miss you lots!