My Year of Thanksgiving ~

17-23 August, 2014:  This week I have been thankful for traveling mercies as we traveled to Donnelly for Cowboy Campmeeting and back; for the sight of a Bald Eagle - then another - on a branch in a tall fir snag as we traveled along the shore of Cascade Lake; for the many natural beauties along the roadside - all calling our attention to the love and skill of our Master Designer and friend - so much for which to be thankful!  For each new day with the blessings that come our Father's hand; for the "Hallelujah!" response of an elderly fellow when he realized the "special event" at the end of the worship service was in honor of his birthday; for my sister's safe return from her volunteering stint at the Cowboy Campmeeting; for the increase of strength as I resume walking; for someone with whom I can discuss spiritual topics without censure; for the many conveniences in my life - so easy to take for granted but which most of the world's population does without; for another $100.00-plus day at ETC.; for Pastor Jim's gift of time and energy doing lawn-care at the shop; for the bit of sleep that finally closed my eyes in the not-so-wee hours this morning (and for the grace of daytime naps!); for the beautiful produce of the garden - slim oriental eggplant, zucchini and yellow squash, and long, slender beans in three colors - so beautiful!  How bountifully our Father supplies all we need; thankful for the cool fragrance of newly cut grass (and for the landlord's cheerful faithfulness in keeping it); for a night of sound sleep - something never really appreciated when it was an every-night occurrence; for my Father's steadfast love, poured out on me day-by-day; for a lifetime of His care and keeping, of protection from harm, from danger; for another new day and the blessings that come with it; for another Sabbath and the special blessing that comes with it as we worship before the Creator on the day He claims as His own (Exodus 20:12, Mark 2:27,28); for work completed - including the unplanned processing of seven pints of garden beans, now saved in sealed jars for later enjoyment; for anticipation of pleasant times today with family and friends.