Change

     The first year of Everyday Thankfulness comes to a close today and tomorrows a new day dawns.  For the new year I'm going to change the way I've been posting.  Instead of a new post every morning with different themes each month - I'm going to do the main post every two weeks with each one being devoted to a different letter of the English alphabet. Please feel free to comment on what your thankful for that begins with that letter.

Month Twelve

      As the final month of 2011 comes to a close, here is a quick recap of my 4 goals for the past year..

#1 Start a blog called Everyday Thankfulness to encouraging thankfulness.

#2 Start a blog called Pupperville Ponderings where I can post all my puppet stories with some added thoughts to ponder.

#3 Finish making the rest of my unfinished puppets.

#4 Finish studying out the book of Revelation

      So, How did I do?

#1 I've continued posting daily to the Everyday Thankfulness and with this post will have posted 365 times on something to be thankful for. This goal was successfully completed and for the coming year I planning to keep this blog running but under a different format.

#2 All though I took a 5 week break during the busy soccer season, Pupperville Ponderings has had just under 50 stories posted and is gearing up for another year. I would say this goal was successfully completed.

#3 As for my puppets I'm not sure if I'll find the extra decorations I would like for three of them but the puppets are done and if I can ever get a camera working I'll get the pictures taken and posted on the above blog. As of now, I'm not planning to build more puppets. This goal was reached.

#4 My study of Revelation completed it's next leg of its journey a while ago and I'm thinking I will start turning my notes into a deeper study to be used as lessons along with some new puppet stories later in 2012. For what I wanted to accomplish, I think I got one leg of the journey completed but more is to come.

      Did you reach your goals? Do you have goals for the new year? I'm working on mine.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the ability to set goals to work towards
• For making progress towards fulfilling them

Variety

     As I was thinking of one last post before the wrap up the idea of variety came to mind Are you thankful for variety? For the variety we have in people so we're not all the same, the variety in the foods we eat, the landscape, the seasons, the music, the books we read, the rooms and decor of buildings, and the list could go on. Even with this list there has been a wide variety of things for which we can be thankful for.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For variety

The way, The Truth, The Life

     John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (ESV)

      There are those who look for life, there are those who want to know the truth, there are those who seek for God. For those, Jesus is the answer for He is the Way, the Truth and the Life., if we would only turn to Him.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For giving us the Way, Truth and Life

Bread Of Life

     John 6:35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. (ESV)

      My wife makes fresh baked bread and when it's topped with home made jamb it is awesome but it nothing I comparison to Jesus as the Bread of Life For while the brad my wife may make may nourish the physical body, Jesus nourishes the soul and more.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the Bread of Life

Gifts

     Well, Christmas is over and travel is done but the spirit of Christmas goes on. We exchanged many gifts over the last couple weeks and I would like to say thank you for the gifts I have received. This year I have received slippers (two pairs) a shirt (hand made) candy, swiss rolls, and a couple of gift card for Amazon I can use to get some books I would like to add to my library.

      What did you get this year that you're thankful for?

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For all the gifts I received this year.

Home

     Over the last couple of weekends we have been celebrating Christmas away from home and that has meant lots of driving. And while going to visit family is enjoyable – there's no place like home. And before this day is over, Lord willing, we will be home.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For home

Jesus

      Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. (ESV)

      Luke 2:1-7 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (ESV)

      The name Jesus sane as Joshua means savior for as the angel stated Jesus came to save.

      Dear Lord,Thank you

• For Jesus

Family

     Tonight our family will be celebrating Christmas with my side of the family. As long as I can remember, my parents always opened gifts Christmas eve, usually after having a wonderful evening meal at my grandparents house on my dad's side of the family while Christmas Day was spent with my mom's side of the family. We still try to get to my parents for Christmas eve as much as possible while getting together with my wife's family varies from a week or two before Christmas to Christmas day.

      Family is a wonderful thing to have and to spend time with this time of year. I enjoy the family get together on both sides of our family and I enjoy the family I have right at home.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For family

Annual Meeting

      Today is the annual meeting where I work, well, almost where I work. For many years they would clean out a big area and hold the meeting in the plant but now they hold it at the main ice arena. Donuts, rolls, cookies, sub sandwiches, pop, water and coffee are served and there is entertainment and door prizes before the meeting gets under way. The meeting itself is led started with prayer and than the big bosses make their speeches. Last year and this year we have and will receive a ham as a bonus gift as we have not been receiving a cash bonus due to the sluggish building industry.

      I've always enjoyed going to the meetings and many of my family have too.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the annual meeting

High Priest

     Hebrews 4:14-16 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (ESV)

      To fully understand Jesus as High Priest it would take much study – I'm not going to do that but I'll say this – that the priests and high priests of the Old Testament had special roles given to them by God, especially as a go between between the people and God. Jesus has become such but on a greater level for each of us. A lot more could be said but again, I want to keep this short and simple so....

     Dear Lord, thank you

• For making Jesus our Great high Priest

Savior

     Luke 2:10-11 And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (ESV)

      Another name for Jesus that we may want to think about is that of Savior. When the Angel earlier had talked to Joseph in his dream, the angel told him that Jesus would save His people from their sins. While most of the world goes on not realizing that they need to be saved from their sins either ignorantly or purposely, we all need to be saved for we are told that the penalty for sin is death, a death that involves more than ceasing to be upon this earth, something that none of us can avoid on our own.

      In Jesus we have the salvation we need because of what He has done for us.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the Savior, Jesus

Master

     Luke 8:24 They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. (NAS)

      More than once Jesus is called Master a name that shows that Jesus has authority,authority over the wind and the sea, authority over life and death, authority over all creation and if we allow Him, authority over our lives. Can we as the disciples look to Jesus and call Him Master?

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For making Jesus Master
• Help us to make Him our Master

19 on the 19th

     They say that when your age is the same as your birth date it's your golden birthday. What if it's your anniversary?

      I'm not certain as to when we first met but I do remember when she first caught my attention. I used to be called a kid magnet and she was one of those little kids that would gather around me when I was at different church events or so she says but it was at Bible camp (I was faculty and she was a last year student) down on the soccer field where she caught my attention – always in my way (she was on the other team) and flirting with me (Sticking her tongue out at me with her thumbs in her ears.)

     The fall of that year the camp was sponsoring something called Christian Olympics. I was bringing a car load of kids down and she wanted to go so I traveled north to Bemidji (90miles) to get her and bring her down and than returned her afterwards. Well, as it turned out, she forgot her all important calculator in the car and she needed it for her college math courses so I got an envelope and an index card to write a note on and sent it to her and our letter writing back and forth started. Over time I started going to visit the family when the church in Bemidji was having their softball nights.

      I can't say that we dated much but eventually her 19^th birthday rolled around and I gave her a ring with the intention of proposing to her that night – I didn't. Due to a death in the family that same weekend I put off my proposal by a week  or so and on August 4^th 1991 we became engaged. In the coming year I moved to Warroad , MN and took on a higher paying job than I had, and found a place to live and on December 19^th, 1992 we were married. While the plant was on a two week shut down and she was on break from college. Than after a honeymoon along the North Shore of Lake Superior (water falls covered in ice are beautiful) and celebrating Christmas with both sides of the family, we made it home so I could go back to work and my new wife could go back to Bemidji to college.

      Actually, I think when it comes to anniversaries, the 50^th is the golden – both of my Grandparents celebrated theres and my parents will be before to much longer and Lord willing, I hope to do the same -31 years from now.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For my wonderful wife Shelly

Prince of Peace

     Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (ESV)

      In a world full of Chaos it's nice to know that there is peace to be found in Jesus. On the night He was born the angels proclaimed “Peace on earth....”

      Matthew Henry looks at the name in this way - He is the prince of peace. As a King, he preserves the peace, commands peace, nay, he creates peace, in his kingdom. He is our peace, and it is his peace that both keeps the hearts of his people and rules in them. He is not only a peaceable prince, and his reign peaceable, but he is the author and giver of all good, all that peace which is the present and future bliss of his subjects.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the peace we can have from the Prince of Peace.

In-Laws

     This weekend we have been spending time with my wife's side of the family – my in-laws. Now I know there seems to be a lot of jokes out there about in-laws that put them down and I don't like that – To me in-laws are an important part of the family and I appreciate them very much – after all, with out them I wouldn't have my wonderful wife. Growing up I had wonderful examples of how in-laws get along and appreciate one another so today I say....

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For my in-laws

Everlasting Father

     Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (ESV)

      I find this name interesting in that Jesus Himself addressed God as Father and not Himself. Yet as we noted earlier, Jesus is God and since He is God He is also Father. Furthermore He is everlasting unlike our earthly fathers Here's what Matthew Henry had to say about this name.

      He is the everlasting Father, or the Father of eternity; he is God, one with the Father, who is from everlasting to everlasting. He is the author of everlasting life and happiness to them, and so is the Father of a blessed eternity to them. He is the Father of the world to come (so the Septuagint reads it), the father of the gospel-state, which is put in subjection to him, not to the angels, Hebrews 2:5. He was, from eternity, Father of the great work of redemption: his heart was upon it; it was the product of his wisdom as the counselor, of his love as the everlasting Father.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For Jesus' Fatherly role towards us

Mighty God

     Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (ESV)

     The second title or name in Isaiah 9:6 is Mighty God. When we think of Jesus at Christmas time we usually think of a tiny baby and yet in that tiny shell of a human being resided our Mighty God. The Gospel of John reminds us that Jesus while he was with God was also God and that through Him and by Him were all things created but there's more reason than that to think of Him as Mighty.

     Matthew Henry says this in his commentary He is the mighty God-God, the mighty One. As he has wisdom, so he has strength, to go through with his undertaking: he is able to save to the utmost; and such is the work of the Mediator that no less a power than that of the mighty God could accomplish it.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the mightiness of Jesus

Back to 32

     It seems like the company I work for has been in the news quite a bit this year and was even mentioned in a speech bu the President of the United States. Why all the publicity? It's because Marvin Windows and Doors has failed to follow the rest of the window manufacturers. What hasn't it done? It hasn't laid people off or closed plants. Instead it has cut in other areas so It can keep people working and customers satisfied.

     One of the cuts revolves around the hours worked per week, and next week the cut in hours from 40 to 32 until orders pick up will go into affect. When combined with our new work schedule we will be working Monday through Thursday with three day weekends every week.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the 40 hour weeks we've had
• For the 32 hour weeks to come as we still have jobs
• For Marvin Windows and Doors for keeping us working.

Wonderful Counselor

     Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (ESV)

      This verse in Isaiah gives us four names relating to Jesus. I'm not going to cover all the names today just one and that is the first one... Wonderful Counselor. When it comes to the counsel or advice of men it may seem to make sense and may seem to work. When it comes to the counsel or advice from Jesus it often doesn't make sense and seems like it shouldn't work. When it comes to reality it's not man's counsel but Jesus' that works right. Too bad we don't always follow it.

      Here's what Matthew Henry's commentary says - Justly is he called wonderful, for he is both God and man. His love is the wonder of angels and glorified saints; in his birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension, he was wonderful. A constant series of wonders attended him, and, without controversy, great was the mystery of godliness concerning him. He is the counselor, for he was intimately acquainted with the counsels of God from eternity, and he gives counsel to the children of men, in which he consults our welfare. It is by him that God has given us counsel, Psalms. 16:7; Revelation 3:18. He is the wisdom of the Father, and is made of God to us wisdom. Some join these together: He is the wonderful counselor, a wonder or miracle of a counselor; in this, as in other things, he has the per-eminence; none teaches like him.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the Wonderful Counselor

Chips and Salsa

      Do you have a favorite snack food? I'm not sure exactly when I got started on it but chips and salsa has become one of my favorite snacks. Most of my kids enjoy them as well. Over the years it's been enjoyable to watch the youngest learn to eat them, especially if the salsa has some spice to it. I usually like to eat them with a Pepsi ( a favorite drink)

      What kind of snacks are thankful for?

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For chips and salsa

King of Kings

      Revelation 17:14 Together they will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord over all lords and King over all kings, and his people are the called and chosen and faithful ones. (NLT)

      We live in times when many are dissatisfied with their leaders, rulers, etc whatever they may be called for all human rulers are, well, human and as such are far from perfect. Jesus, on the other hand, is perfect and is above all rulers whether they be presidents, governors, dictators, kings or whatever. As such we can know He is the ultimate authority and us ultimately in control even when we can't see it. Someday He will be the only King.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For making Jesus King of Kings

New Shoes

     Every once in awhile one needs to go out and buy some new shoes. While there are those who would buy shoes just because they don't have anything to match their wardroom, I try to only buy shoes when the last pair has worn out. My last pair – a pair of steel toed shoes – finally wore out. The sides had developed holes and the steel in the toes was digging into my toes and the heals had lost their support. Since it is almost Christmas, the local Alco store runs a 30% off almost anything coupon each week before Christmas. I chose to use it on a new pair of shoes. Yes, they look nice to me, and they aren't full of holes and feel half way comfortable for not being broke in. I think I'm really going to like them.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For new shoes

Lamb

     John 1:35-36 Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said*, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" (NAS) Yesterday I talked of Jesus as the Great Shepherd, today I'll think of Him as the Lamb of God. No, He's not likened to a sheep because He's dumb but because He is the sacrifice for our sins.

     Hebrews 9:22 says that according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. (NAS) When you read through the O.T. You find that the lamb is one of the most sacrificed animals and is mentioned as the animal needed to be sacrificed for an atonement of ones sins, but it had to be done time and time again. With Jesus as the ultimate lamb, no more sacrifices need be made.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For making Jesus the ultimate sacrificial lamb.

Shepherd

     I have heard that sheep are not very smart – maybe that's why people are often compared to sheep in the Bible. If that's why, I'd have to agree but it's not sheep I'm thinking of today but the shepherd, the one who cares for the sheep. In John 10:11 Jesus says I am the Good Shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. (NAS) A few verses later He again claims to be the Good Shepherd.

      As sheep, we can be thankful for such a great shepherd who takes care of us. One might think of the 23^rd Psalms - The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving-kindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (NAS)

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For a Shepherd that cares for us

Light

     In the first chapter of Genesis we read that God created light – the light the we use to see by as we walk along a path, the light we see to read by, the light that removes physical darkness. But there's more to this world than physical darkness – there is also spiritual darkness, moral darkness, emotional darkness, etc. and for that we need a a different kind of light and Jesus is that light - John 8:12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." (NASB)

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the Light Jesus is

Cornerstone

     Ephesians 2:19-20 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, (ESV)

      Jesus is a cornerstone. A cornerstone is the important first stone upon which a foundation is laid for the building of a house. If the cornerstone is not perfect the foundation will not be either. As a cornerstone for the foundation of our lives He will never fail but if we choose another, no matter how hard we try we'll always fail in the end.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For making Jesus our Cornerstone

Amazon Shopping

     With the Christmas season upon us, I've been doing lots of shopping but instead of fighting the crowds at the stores I've been sitting in front of my computer. The number one place I've been shopping is Amazon. Amazon has made shopping easy with its wide variety and free shipping right to the door – or mailbox.

Dear Lord, Thank you

• For Amazon shopping

Immanuel

     Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (NKJV)

      We are told that the name Immanuel means “God with us” What a thing to be thankful for knowing that God is with us wherever we night be.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For being with us

Inventory

     Today marks the last Saturday I should have to work for a while as the work schedule is changing and will eliminate Saturdays. As it stands last Saturday should have been my last Saturday but this weekend is inventory and I was requested to help. Inventory time comes once a year just after Thanksgiving. It's a time when all production comes to a halt and everybody cleans, organizes and counts, re counts and triple counts everything in the plant. I have only missed one inventory since I started 19 ½ years ago (due to a baby being born) and while some complain about them, I like them. I like them because things get cleaned up and in general it is a relaxing day

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For inventory day

Drain Field

     This past week something really big was digging in my yard. It was a big cat – the metal kind with a big scoop on the front end. Why was it digging? It was extending the drain field for our septic system.

      I'm not sure I know of anybody who wants to be thinking about sewage and the like and unless something goes wrong, we don't, we just take it for granted so today I'd like yo be thankful for a working septic system and drain field.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For a working septic system and drain field

Names For Jesus

     It's a new month and time for on last theme. Since this is the month in which we have chose to celebrate the birthday of God's son, I thought it would be appropriate to look at various names or titles given to him in the scriptures to help us focus on Him and be thankful for His coming to earth as a little child

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For sending Your Son into this world

Month Eleven

     As another month comes to a close, here is a quick recap of my 4 goals for 2011.

#1 Start a blog called Everyday Thankfulness to encouraging thankfulness.

#2 Start a blog called Pupperville Ponderings where I can post all my puppet stories with some added thoughts to ponder.

#3 Finish making the rest of my unfinished puppets.

#4 Finish studying out the book of Revelation

      Now, how am I standing?

#1 I've continued posting daily to the Everyday Thankfulness and now have passed the 330 mark. Planning for next year has also started.

#2 Pupperville Ponderings has continued through out November and planning has started for next year as well

#3 As for my puppets I'm not sure if I'll find the extra decorations I would like for three of them so I was going to put their pictures on line but I need a working camera for that and I can't get either one of ours to work.

#4 My study of Revelation completed it's next leg of its journey and I'm thinking about what I want to do next with it.

      How have you been doing on your goals... It will soon be time to set some new ones.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the ability to set goals to work towards
• For making progress towards fulfilling them

Quesadilla Maker

     I'm not sure exactly which Christmas it was but I bought my wife a Quesadilla maker. While it is not used often it is handy for turning tortilla shells into a great snack or meal. The most often made quesadilla is one with pepperoni, cheese and pizza sauce but many other meats and sauces have been tried.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For Quesadilla makers

Psalms 100:4

2 Corinthians 9:15

The Great Meal

     Every year we enjoy a fabulous feast on Thanksgiving day – somewhere. This year has been no exception. While we had already filled up on cake (pancakes for breakfast and birthday cake for lunch) there was room for turkey, potatoes and gravy, stuffing, corn, green bean hot dish, garlic biscuits, giffta (cranberry salad) and water or milk to drink. Later we will be enjoying pie (apple, pecan or mint) I can think of other food I have been able to enjoy over the years that we didn't have this time but what we did have I am very thankful for and for the work that was put into preparing it.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the great meal we had
• For the work that was put into it

David Allan's Birthday / Thanksgiving

      Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. - Psalms 127:3 (NAS)

      Today is Thanksgiving and we have many things to be thankful for and should be thankful for – not only today but everyday. As it happens, this year Thanksgiving shares the day with my youngest son's birthday. As I look back to two years ago today this is what I remember.

• In 2009 Thanksgiving was on November 26^th and our midwife was anxious for us to have our baby so she could go celebrate thanksgiving about 5 hours or so away.
• We had no certain due date to go on and our best guesses ranged from early October to early November. I was sure of November.
• Anxious to get labor under way my wife had tried a few things without any luck. The midwife left some herbs or something to try and the thought of taking them must have been enough.
• I think I knew contractions had started when I left for work that morning or I was made aware once I arrived at work by way of email.
• While at work I kept in touch with my wife and around noon she said to come home – I did.
• When I got home my wife was still sewing between contractions.
• We called a friend over that wanted to be there for the birth and called the midwife to put her on standby.
• After while we called the midwife back and said come and she arrived with about 15 minutes to spare
• I think the cord was around the neck and the midwife was getting a little concerned that he didn't start breathing right away but all ended up fine and now we have a boy who's very much a boy starting his terrible two's early.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For David Allan and the two years he's been with us

• For all 7 of the children you have given us
  
  
• For all the blessings you have sent our way

Silverware

     Having seven kids gives us many opportunities to watch them grow and learn as in learning how to use a spoon, fork and knife. It can be comical at times to watch them as they use their silverware to pick something up only to drop it time and time again or pick it up with the spoon or fork and than grab it with their fingers and shove it in their mouth..

      There are a few foods that we eat without silverware at our house but many meals would be nearly impossible to eat if we didn't have silverware around.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For silverware

Glasses

     Whether you call them glasses, cups, mugs, or something else whether they're made from glass, plastic, ceramics, tin, paper, Styrofoam or something else, you more than likely have them in your kitchen. At our house we have many glasses and they are used to drink water, milk, juice, pop, shakes and they are used to eat pudding, blizzards, soup and a few other things. At times they are even used for holding flowers. Are you thankful for the glasses in your house?

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For glasses

Plates

     In our kitchen are several plates. I think most kitchens have them. We have the supposedly unbreakable kind (lots of them) a set of plates with cow designs that are breakable and don't get used often and once in awhile we have some of the really good plates – made from paper that don't need to be washed.

      While we may not often think of plates as something to be thankful for – imagine eating without them or bowls – Yes we have bowls too but not made of paper and they are often getting used to the point its hard to find one when you need it.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For plates
• For bowls

Psalm 7:17

Colossians 3:17

Griddle

     There's an old country song that talks about the sun coming up and cakes on the griddle. Well, today it's the griddle that we can be thankful for. While it is mostly used to cook breakfast foods like pancakes, eggs, bacon and hash browns, it does get used for more than that. I remember well the griddle my mom had while growing up. It was designed to plug into an outlet on the back of the stove and it really wasn't that big or the size family we had. The one we have now is much bigger yet even it is too small some days.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the griddle

Waffle Iron

      Do you have a waffle iron in your kitchen? This is another item in the kitchen for which we can be thankful for. While waffles are not my favorite food, they are good to eat and can be covered with a variety of toppings. When I think of waffles, I always remember a family reunion of sorts at my great grandparents place. I don't remember but very little as I was quite young at the time but what I do remember is waffles, waffles, and more waffles. As if it was some kind of waffle bake off.

     We currently have one waffle iron (we had two till a mouse chewed up the electrical cord on one) and it does get used from time to time.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For waffle irons

Storage Containers

      They come in many sizes and shapes and can be found in the cupboards, on the counter top, in the freezer and in the refrigerator. At our house we have a variety of storage containers. Many of our containers are like what they are holding – leftovers. Ice-cream pails, yogurt containers, whip-cream containers, and the likes are reused many times at our house. Of course we do have a little fancier bowls and lids we may use when making Jello, pudding, salad, etc. for a special meal.

     If we didn't have these containers, a lot of food would end up wasted and a lot of dishes might not ever get made so....

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For storage containers

Cake Pans

      To our almost 2 year old, they are a toy to pull out of the cupboards but our cake pans are used for much more. The most obvious use for such a pan is to bake a cake in. We have several sizes including the cupcake size. These pans are also used for making bars, baking meatloaf and chicken, and a variety of hot dishes.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For cake pans
• For the delicious foods that are made in them

Microwave

      History tells us that a melted candy bar resulted in the microwaves we have in our kitchens. I vaguely remember when we got our first microwave growing up . That microwave has been replaced more than once now. Here at our house we have a micro wave that was given to us used when we got married and its still working and works many times a day.

     Microwaves make it easy to quickly heat up something to eat not only here but where I work as well.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For microwaves

Psalm 95:2

Psalm 118:28

Popcorn maker

     I'm not sure when it arrived at our house but we have a popcorn maker that gets used every so often. While I am not a big popcorn fan – unless its made unhealthy – the kids like to eat it. As a snack while watching movies in the living room.

      Over the years I can remember making popcorn in various ways. The old fashion way was some oil in a pan with the seeds and than you stood at the stove and shook it. I also remember what looked like a pie pan with a lid on it that you could do basicly the same thing with and we used them in the fish house. Some where in the past we had a popcorn maker that popped by blowing hot air and you had to have a bowl close by to catch it. And of course we can't forget the microwave but that's another day.

Dear Lord, Thank you

• For Popcorn makers

Mixer

     Whether it be a hand mixer or stationary mixer, most kitchen have one or the other or both. Currently, we only have a hand mixer with a story. For many years we would buy the cheapest mixers we could buy and for many years we kept replacing the mixers – they never seemed to hold up while mixing cookie dough. Than one year after the mixer broke down and I had to go get another one – I decided to get a “Kitchen Aide” brand. Since than we have not had to buy a new mixer but the beaters – that's another story, they kept breaking – again they wouldn't hold up in the cookie dough – so when I replaced them this last time I got some dough hooks – hopefully that takes care of all the problems for at our house the mixer gets used a lot.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the mixer

Deep Freezer

     I love to pick blueberries and one year I got spoiled – picking blueberries that is. That year the berries were so thick that I was picking a 5qt pail in an hour and 15 minutes. I was passing up spots I used to think were good. Since the berries were so plentiful that year I started selling them at work. I sold lots of berries and could have sold more. - what foes that have to do with today's item to be thankful for? Well, it was with the money I earned from those berries that we were able to buy a deep freezer. - a wonderful addition to our kitchen.

     Now I know that most people who have deep freezers don't usually keep them in the kitchen – they take up space – but that is where ours resides and most of the time it is quite full. Having the freezer allows us to often buy in bulk when things are cheaper and keep them around for awhile.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For our deep freezer

Bread Maker

     Not every kitchen has one of these. Growing up my mom never had one and still doesn't but I bought one for my wife for Mother's day one year and a replacement for it last year at Christmas. The bread maker at our house is used weekly and sometimes several times a day.

     It is used for various breads – pizza dough, dough for fry bread, dough for buns, dough for bread sticks, etc. Of course all these things could be made by hand but the machine is nice.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For Bread Makers

Cupboards

     Another Item in the kitchen to be thankful for this month at is the cupboard. Actually, if your kitchen is like most kitchens you have many cupboards. At our house we have cupboards for dishes, spices, pots and pans, small appliances, food, etc.

     Not only do cupboards make for great storage areas to help keep a kitchen clean and orginized, they also make for a great place to play...

Dear Lord, Thank you

• For cupboards

Psalms 69:30

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Sink

      There's an expression "Everything but the kitchen sink." Well, I'm including the kitchen sink as something for which we can be thankful for. Well, I must admit I do not use it very often and the plumbing underneath it has often caused problems, it would be missed if it were not. I suppose we could wash dishes in a bath tub as I know it's been done and I'm sure we could find another source for water but I'm glad we don't need to.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the sink

Table

      In our kitchen is a oval table - green in color. It was bought for us just before we got married - when we were able to use it with out the extending sleeves in the middle of it, before we had 7 kids. When we sit around it a meals times we are very cramped around it and if we are having a big meal there is usually not enough room but I'm still thankful for the table.

      Besides serving meals on the table, it is/ has been used for sewing, jigsaw puzzle assembly, school work, stacking laundry, groceries, cookie making, etc..

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For our table

Stove

      Somewhere in most every kitchen I have been in there is a stove or oven or range or what ever you may want to call it. We use an electric on, we've used a gas one, and my Grandmother used to tell of the wood one they used- as an incubator after my twin uncles were born several months prematurely (one didn't survive) Due to the fact that we have stoves and ovens we are able to enjoy many hot meals and many of those food wouldn't even be possible to have with out them being baked, boiled, fried, etc on the stove or in the oven.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For stoves

Kitchen

      A new month begins today and so does a new theme. For this month I've actually decided to use two themes. The first of theses two themes will be the kitchen. How many things can you find in your kitchen for which you are thankful for? How many of those items have you said thank you for?

      The second of the themes is related to the 4th Thursday of the month - Thanksgiving and I will be using scriptures to remind us of the theme of thankfulness of which I hope you are.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For our kitchens
• For the Bible and it's reminders for us to be thankful.

Month Ten

     Sometimes keeping to one's New Years resolutions, their goals for the years,can be difficult Here is a quick recap of my 4 goals for 2011.

#1 Start a blog called Everyday Thankfulness to encouraging thankfulness.

#2 Start a blog called Pupperville Ponderings where I can post all my puppet stories with some added thoughts to ponder.

#3 Finish making the rest of my unfinished puppets.

#4 Finish studying out the book of Revelation

      This month has seen some goals reached - more or less.

#1 I've continued posting daily to the Everyday Thankfulness and now have passed the 300 mark.

#2 Pupperville Ponderings has picked up again and continued through out October.

#3 As for my puppets I have added 12 new puppets to my family and they are more or less done. I still need to find a nurses hat, a stethoscope and a police hat to finish off three of the puppets. I'm not sure where I'll find then but once I do I'll post some pictures.

#4 My study on revelation has seen the completion of the work I've been working on - namely outlining each of the 50+ divisions I have divided the book into. I still need to finish entering my notes on the computer and than I can go back to the beginning and start studying each section in more detail and formalizing some messages.

      How have you been doing on your goals...

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the ability to set goals to work towards
• For making progress towards fulfilling them

Soccer Gift

     I haven't yet mentioned it in this blog - but something I am thankful for is the gifts I received at the end of the soccer season. This year I received several cards with signatures of a majority of the players. some tasty pies and $125 in cash. While coaching the team can be trying at times, I enjoy working with he kids and I don't do it for the gifts at the end, but I must say - I am very thankful for the gifts.

     Last year I was able to treat the whole family to a monster sized pizza and got my self an mp3 player. This year I'm upgrading my computer which in turn will allow me to upgrade 2 other computers. I truly feel blessed.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the gifts

And Thank you team and parents for the gifts also

Heart

      The shape of a heart is a symbol of love yet the heart shape is not the shape of a heart or at least not any heart that I've ever seen. When it comes to the heart, one of my joys as a Father has been hearing the heart beat of each of my 7 children for the first time while they were still in the womb. The heart, as a specialized organ of the body, plays a vital roll in every life pumping the blood through the body 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks year with out stopping.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the heart

Clothes

     Since I've been focused on the body this month, I might as well talk about something that every body has had need of since the Garden of Eden. Clothes! From the socks and shoes, to pants, shirts and under garments, to hats, scarves, coats and mittens and many other items, we all where clothes. Myself, I have a closet full of shirts, sweaters, and pants that I enjoy wearing, with many of the shirts being made by my wife.

      What about you? Are you thankful for the clothes you wear?

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For clothes

Nose

     Who knows a nose better than a nose specialist - nobody knows......Okay enough of that. Today I would like to draw your attention to that protrusion on the front of your face, that thing called a nose. Yes, it can be a problem when it decides to run or decided too plug itself, but noses are wonderful. With them you can smell the aroma a fresh baked bread, a rose, the air on a misty fall morning, the list could go on and on and on but I think you get the point.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the nose

Aaron Michael

      Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. - Psalms 127:3 (NAS)

      Today we celebrate the birth of our second child who turns 16. Sixteen years ago this morning things got hopping.

• It was the 8th day past the due date and contractions were under way.
• Around 2:00 A.M. we decided to head to the hospital around 40 miles away.
• We got even with our daughter and woke her up in the middle of the night.
• We let my wife's mother know what was up so she could come.
• It was very foggy, deer were everywhere, and contractions were coming 2 minutes apart as we made our drive to the hospital.
• When we arrived at the hospital, contractions slowed down and we waited several hours before things really got going.
• I remember my wife complaining about the pain and wanting to go have a c-section until baby started to crown.
• A mirror was offered my wife so she could see what was happening at she took up on the offer.
• Once Aaron was born people were commenting on his big feet - they're still big and so is the rest of him as he stands 6 ft 2 in tall

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For Aaron Michael and the 16 years we've had him.
• For all 7 of the children you have given us

Mouth, Tongue and Teeth

      These three things, the mouth, the tongue and your teeth make many things possible. They make it possible to get in trouble for saying things you shouldn't have said, they make it possible for you to experience a root canal, and they can tell you what baby spit up taste like. Of course these things are not pleasant but there is much to be thankful for when it comes to this trio.

      Think of all the wonderful tasting foods you have eaten over the years, or just that fact that you have been able to eat. And think of all the words of encouragement you have been able to give, the songs you've enjoyed singing and the praises you given to God,

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the mouth, tongue and teeth you have given us

Ears

     Someone was once asked what would happen if he didn't have any ears - his response - I wouldn't be able to see - my hat would fall down over my eyes....... Ears do more than hold up hats or glasses or play instruments. (You have heard of playing by ear, right?)

     Besides hearing, our ears are also responsible for balance. On one of my many DVD's from AIG, I have a talk about the amazing ear and how it works and how it couldn't have happened by chance.. I wonder what kind of things we will be able to hear when we make it to heaven where there will be countless numbers praising God.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For ears

Wet Wipes

      Not everybody thinks of wet wipes on a daily basis but at our house wet wipes are thought of every day and have been for over 17 years. Since 1993 when our first child was born, we have had at least one child in diapers since than and wet wipes are used daily - unless we run out. One of our youngest's newest thing is to pretend he is changing a diaper on daddy and has me lay down and rubs the wet wipe on my tummy.

      As many diapers as I've changed over the years (not near as many as my wife) I'm thankful wet wipes have been around.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For wt wipes

Hair

     Over the last week I've been finishing up my new puppets. One of the things that kept me thinking is that hair. Should the puppet have hair? ( I have some bald ones.) What color should I use? How long should it be? What style should the hair do be? How am I going to attach it? Can I get somebody else to figure it out for me?

      Hair is a part of the body. I can say I have hair from my toes to the top of my head - at least I still have some on top. For the winter months I let the hair on my face grow in to a fluffy beard to help keep me warm while the hair on top of my head - well, there isn't enough their to keep my warm any more so I just try to keep it short so it doesn't look to bad.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For hair

Glue

      Since I've been busy finishing up my puppets, I've been going through the glue. The glue I'm using comes in sticks and needs to be heated to be put to use. Over the years I've had opportunity to use many different kinds of glue. I've used glue in bottles and tubes, in liquid and paste, weaker and stronger. I've used the glue to put together wood, paper, plastic, cardboard, and a few other things. Right now my oldest is looking for some stronger glue to put a flash light back together.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For Glue

Warm and Cool

     Living in Northern Minnesota, we experience temperature changes that will take us form a heat index of +100 F or hotter during the hottest days of summer to wind chills of -50 F or colder in the winter. With such a change, our bodies are constantly adjusting - cooling themselves in the summer and warming themselves in the winter. Someone told me there's suppose to be a name for the bodies ability to do this but I don't know what it is. I do know my body is able to do it though and for that I am thankful

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the body's ability to adjust to hot and cold.

Hands

     Have you ever asked someone to give you a hand only to have them start clapping for you? It might have been me you asked as I like to have some fun with that request. Of course I do pitch in and help for there are many times I'm the one asking for a hand as there are many times that the two I have don't seem to be quite enough.

      Have you ever stopped to thing about your hands - how they are shaped, how the bend, the millions of things that can be done with them? Just imagine what ti would be like if your hands were like that of a cat, or a horse, or a bird, or a T-Rex.

      Yes, I thankful for my hands

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For hands
• For the many things we can do with them

Healing

     As I think about the body this month, one of the things that stands out is the bodies ability to heal itself. Over the years I've had a number of bumps, scrapes, cuts, infections, viruses, etc and yet I'm still in one piece with my body healing itself time and time again. Yes, there are somethings that the body doesn't heal because it can't or should but doesn't because something else has gone wrong and some day my body may not be able to heal itself but until that day....

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the bodies ability to heal

Music

     Something I'm often doing while sitting at the computer or driving in the car is listening to music. Music is a wonderful part of my life and while I may not be able to afford concerts or the latest CD's etc. I am able to listen via radio and internet on a regular basis. There are also several members of my family that play instruments so I get to listen to them as well.

      I know music is played in several different genres and some of my favorites would fall under Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Praise and Worship, and Classical.

      Are you thankful for the music in your life?

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For music

Puppets

      One of the things I have enjoyed over the years are puppets. I've enjoyed watching them , especially in the Muppet Show, and I've enjoyed working with them as in making my own and writing my own scripts for them.

      I'm not sure what year I got started with working and than making my own puppets but I do remember that it started with a set of puppets that had been given to the church I grew up in. I wrote a few scripts for them and after I moved away I decided to make some of my own with a few modifications. I made either 6 or 8 to start with and than added more. I now have 21 puppets and will soon be bringing that number to 33 as I am in the finishing stages on 12 new ones.

      I also have over 150 scripts I have written and have been turning them into stories, adding a lesson to them and posting them on my Pupperville Pondering 's blog. It has been fun letting my imagination go as I write the scripts as I'm able to do things I may not be able to do in real life.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For puppetry

Mind

      They say the first thing to go when you get old is, is, is, well, what ever it is..... The Mind is a fascinating part of the human body, something that the worlds best super computers can't come close to imitating.

      Sometimes I need to get my mind going in the mornings and it doesn't want to get going, sometimes I want it to shut down at night and it keeps going - minds are strange especially mine but I wouldn't do with out it.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For my mind

Bones

     One of my favorite Far Side cartoons is that of a bunch of chickens that are laying around as if dead and there is a sign above the entrance to the ranch or farm that reads "The Boneless Chicken Ranch."

      There are more than 200 bones in a human body and without them we would be like the chickens at the boneless chicken ranch. No bones about, I'm thankful for my bones and thankful that I have not broke any.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For bones

Muscles

     Back when I was in high school I had a class on human biology and one of the things we did in that class was to dissect a cat and try and learn the names of the various muscles. I don't think I could tell you the names of any of the muscles in the body now but I do know I have some because they are hurting right now, or at least some of them are hurting from all the running I did the other day.

      Every day I use my muscles to get my self out of bed to move myself around, to lift things, etc..

Dear Lord, Thank you

• For muscles

Skin

      It comes in various shades from really light to very dark. It may look red if it gets too much sun and it may look blue if it gets very cold. It may feel smooth, rough, and even hairy. It gets dirty and it washes clean - most of the time. The things we could say about our skin could go on and on. As we think of our marvelous bodies, let's say thanks for our skin.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For skin

Soccer End

     This past weekend was our soccer tournament and today we have a soccer wrap up meeting where the kids play the parents, the season is summarized and players are acknowledged and we eat. As much as I have enjoyed the season, I'm thankful it's over so I can focus on other things until next year when we do it all again.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the soccer season
• That it is now over

Hammer and Nails

      Yesterday my daughter asked me if I would fix her book shelf. The back which holds it square had fallen off and the book shelf was leaning to one side. Upon seeing the problem, I went and got some nails and a hammer and with some help of some little kids, I got the book shelf fixed.

       Many time around the house and even at work, hammer and nails get used to put things together, fix things and even hang things up.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For Hammer and Nails

A Thought

I Facebook friend posted this and I thought I'd put it here.

     Dear Lord, Help us to always be thankful for everything.

Soccer Tournament

      Today is Soccer Tournament day. At the end of each soccer season in our soccer league we have a tournament in which each team plays each team regardless of how you did in the season. It's a fun time with lots of soccer, visiting, food, stress if your the coach, etc. Each year a different town host the tournament and this year it will be held in Thief River Falls - which also means some shopping and McDonald's.

      It looks like today is going to be a great day

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the soccer tournament
• For each of the kids that play
• For all the adults that make it happen

Eyeglasses

     Ben Franklin is credited with making the first bifocal glasses about 1760 but glasses have been around for longer than that. I've read that an English philosopher recorded statement about the optical use of lenses around 1268. Eyeglasses were first used in the middle ages in Europe and became in high demand in the 15th century after the printing press was invented.

      Today they are very popular. I where glasses at work to protect my eyes, and in the bright sun to help my eyes to see better and I probably could use some to see to read better as well.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For eyeglasses

Eyes

      It has been said that the eyes prove evolution is true because they are not designed very well but when one takes a closer look they find that the eye is marvelously engineered. I enjoy having two working eyes with which to see the world around me. With my two eyes I can see to read, I can see to work to provide for my family, I can see to drive, I can see my family, I can see, I can see, I can see.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For my eyes

Great Day

     Yesterday the soccer team I coach post a 3-0 win on the road. It was from our teams stand point, a great day. All my key players were at the game and they all played hard. Further more we had a safe drive to and from the game.

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For the safe drive
• For how the kids played
• For the win

Feet

      Would you ever be thankful for something that stinks? For something that's filthy? If not go ahead and cut off your feet and throw them away. Of course, You wouldn't do that would you?

      At our house we have had several copies of a book by Doctor Seuss called the foot book It's been read many times and probably even memorized. Through out the book, the reader is introduced to lots of feet.

      These feet down at the bottom of our legs are often filthy and like mine - stink. Sometimes they even hurt, yet with out those two wonderful feet we probably wouldn't get very far

      Dear Lord, Thank you

• For feet