Giving Thanks.....warning....photo heavy

It seems like I just got out my fall decor and prepared myself for Thanksgiving and now Christmas is thrust upon us!  I'm not sure that I'm okay with that, but I suppose that just doesn't quite matter - Christmas is coming, rather quickly, whether we're ready or not!! 

So before I jump into Christmas blogs, here are a few things that I've been thankful for over the past few weeks:

Cute colored mugs to tote along to chilly soccer games &

the soccer games themselves....Joe, Jaysen & Julia have played great games and it's been a wonderful season!!

Country roads and fall foliage!  I can't take enough pictures of the landscape of fall....nature is a beautiful canvas!

Studying His word daily.  Something that I've struggled with over the years and have finally overcome!  Spending quiet time with Him every morning is a gift not a chore!

His morning light, fresh and new every day, like His mercies!  His faithful gift to me!

Service!  Pulling together clothing to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy!  Our youth group FILLED the back of our Suburban with bags of clothing!!!

This girl.....not so little anymore!!  Watching her grow and learn each and every day!!

Firsts.....her first roller skating party, first time on skates!!  She loved it!!

Bold new haircuts & my momma!!!  Thankful that she is still willing, after all these years, to cut my hair!!

Warm, cozy fires, cuddled on the couch with my people, feeling very full and blessed!!

Working together, as a team!!  Hosting the holiday meals gives us a chance to shine....we all pull together and take part in every aspect of preparation!

Gorgeous flowers still growing at the end of November!  A true gift!!

Pumpkin Pie!  Nuff said!

A place to gather.....friends, loved ones, memories

Warm slippers, winter jammies, hot chocolate, ending the day with the people that I love the most

Never ending Uno & the fact that I was not playing :)

Youth Ministry!!  So thankful for the opportunity to work with our youth!  This group is part of our student leadership team - having the chance to walk along side them and help them discover who God calls them to be is such an honor!

Serving with the youth!  Saturday evening we went across the bridge into Delaware and served at The Sunday Breakfast Mission.  They offer a ton of resources to the needy, including free meals.

 

Being connected across the miles <3 

And the chance to sing praises and prepare for the celebration of His birth! One week until the offical start of Advent! 

 

So, friends, what are you thankful for?  How do you mark the days until the day of His birth?  Come grab a seat and tell me about it!!  I'd love to hear from you!!

 

God bless,

Lorraine