My mother was an exceptionally gifted crafter.  She could sew, quilt, and decorate cakes so beautifully and professionally that, as a child and even now, I’ve wondered how she created such incredible works of art.

When I was in high school, she handmade all of my prom dresses, baked every cake I ate, and spent countless hours quilting bed covers that I have to this day.  No sooner would my mother have finished her latest project of love than my father would be right behind her making sure I said “thank you”.

Some of my earliest memories involve my mother making my elementary school Halloween costumes and my father making sure I told her “thank you”.  Suffice it to say that the courtesy of saying “thank you” was etched into my little brain right up there with “brush your teeth”, “be nice to your brother”, and “throw away your trash”.

Today, as a direct result of my Dad instilling that principle into me and my Heavenly Father continuing to show me how important thankfulness is to Him, I find “thank you” rolls off of my tongue so much that I have to be careful not to overwhelm people with too much thankfulness. 

However, as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, may I just pause and sincerely say, “Thank you!”

To all of you who have encouraged me as I’ve taken this virtual faith step and started blogging…thank you!

To all of you who have subscribed, read, liked, shared, or commented…thank you!

To all of you who have so graciously walked with me on this fledgling endeavor and given me wonderful insights, gracious feedback, and words of mentoring wisdom…thank you!

To my Dad who first taught me the meaning, importance, and value of being thankful…thank you!

And, ultimately, to the Lord who I “…give thanks with all my heart…and will (continually) tell of [His] wonderful deeds.” (Ps. 9:1) my heart is continually thankful with each breath I take!

Praying that we’d all “give thanks in everything…” (1 Thess. 5:18) and wishing each of you who are reading this a very blessed and meaningful Thanksgiving!

Until next time, Grace and Glory!