Day 36: I am thankful for medicine that makes you feel better, Doctors and professionals who are the hands of God and work His miracles, and answered prayers!As the Bible says, “Heal me, O Lord , and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.” (Jeremiah 17:14 KJV)

Day 37: I am thankful for the generous and loving people in our world who see those who are lonely, homeless, hungry, and in need of being rescued; and they don’t just give lip-service, but they become the hands, feet, and heart of our Lord and Savior! The greatest contribution anyone can give is loving and caring for God’s Sheep! We have so many churches which take this ministry seriously; and a few examples are The Factory in Woodstock, Redland Baptist Church and Lake Park United Methodist Church in South Georgia! I know there are so many more, but these three I have personal knowledge about and have witnessed their work. The secret is the members and leaders in the churches. A church is not a building, but the members are the church.

Day 38: I am thankful for those who understand me and don’t judge me! I know I make mistakes daily and have to ask forgiveness because circumstances are not always controllable. I am, also, thankful for those in my life who are interested in me and give me confidence to continue living a life that changes daily. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32 KJV)”

Day 39: I am thankful for the changing seasons. Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate the love of God and family and to create memories that will last forever. Jesus is God’s perfect, indescribable gift. The amazing thing is that not only are we able to receive this gift, but we are able to share it with others on Christmas and every other day of the year. I appreciate the opportunity to share with others, and I am continually learning new ways to share God’s Love.

Day 40: I am thankful for another day to serve my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It has taken me years to fully comprehend that a part of service sometimes is just being quiet and listening! I have been doing a lot of being quiet and listening lately, and I am learning and seeing things I never realized before because of the busyness in life!

Day 41: I am thankful for my precious grandchildren and great grandchildren! Each one is so special in his or her own way. Their personalities are as diverse and beautiful as they are, but their hearts and missions are as much alike as they can be. They all share a love for Christ, each other, family, and others. They all love music, and they all show a joy for giving to others. “Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. (Proverbs 17:6 KJV)”

Day 42: I am thankful for little children! I try to go to lunch at Cason’s school as often as I can. I know the day will come soon when he will stop asking me! I have always loved to be around young people: (from babies, toddlers, elementary, middle school, and high school)! The honest, noisy, busy, and real behavior makes me happy! I love to see the joy and excitement on their faces and in their actions. I am thankful for the opportunity to share in even a small way! I will always thank God for the students and young people he has allowed to be a part of my life and for the parents who have shared their proudest possessions with me!

Day 43: I am thankful for the 51 years I had with my soulmate, Clyde! Even though he has physically been gone for 3 years, 8 months, and 13 days, I still feel his presence every day. Things he did that protected me still are very apparent. He taught me how to take care of myself in many ways. At times, a little voice in my ear warns me that something I am doing will possibly cause me harm. Many times, I am pleasantly surprised by the realization that something he did years ago was in preparation for something I am facing now in the present. Thank you God for sending me a wise, loving, and caring man who loved me and his family unconditionally.

Day 44: I am thankful for all of God’s creatures, especially dogs! When I taught school, I had posters of dogs all around my room. I had little ceramic dogs, big stuffed dogs, and even metal statues of dogs all around my room. At one time in my high school classroom, I had a large stuffed dog that my students would rush into the class and claim it for the class period. It had a calming effect on the students. The real live dogs were very special, too! We have had so many different dogs, and it would be very difficult to name the one that was most special. If I had to choose one, I think it would be my Pekingese, Ming. Clyde got if for me when we first got married. God gives us animals for a reason. They offer comfort, love, friendship, and so much more. These little fur babies show unconditional love to us just as we should to each other. As we were given the command to love our Lord and to love others.

Day 45: I am thankful for the ability to see how others deal with problems and adversities in their lives! When we are in the midst of our own troubles and stumbling blocks, we think we are the only ones facing these things. However, if we just open our eyes and hearts, we see and realize we are not alone. I believe that the obstacles we confront prepare us to help others facing the same situations. At times, we are able to offer advice, comfort, and support because we have firsthand knowledge. God gives us so many opportunities to be more like Jesus! We just have to be willing and open to those opportunities! Thank you, Heavenly Father for giving me opportunities to show your love to others!