“Mr Scrooge!” said Bob; “I’ll give you Mr Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast!”
“The Founder of the Feast indeed!” cried Mrs Cratchit, reddening. “I wish I had him here. I’d give him a piece of my mind to feast upon, and I hope he’d have a good appetite for it.”
“My dear,” said Bob, “the children; Christmas Day.”
“It should be Christmas Day, I am sure,” said she, “on which one drinks the health of such an odious, stingy, hard, unfeeling man as Mr Scrooge. You know he is, Robert! Nobody knows it better than you do, poor fellow!”
“My dear,” was Bob’s mild answer, “Christmas Day.”
“I’ll drink his health for your sake and the Day’s,”said Mrs Cratchit, “not for his. Long life to him. A merry Christmas and a happy new year! He’ll be very merry and very happy, I have no doubt!”
This was the scene from A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens while Scrooge was looking upon the Cratchit family just after their meager Christmas dinner unseen with the Ghost of Christmas Present. What a picture of gratitude on the behalf of Bob Cratchit, even in the midst of not an ideal situation.
I find myself being filled with gratitude this morning as well. It has been a long week, a longer two months, and with Thanksgiving quickly approaching, I do not want to miss the opportunity to share the bountiful blessings in our life. God has promised His children that He will lavish upon them with His love. Our family feels this love in so many ways, even in the midst of difficulty.
Friends who bring meals, watch our kids, pray, and constantly ask “Is there anything we can do?”
A house that is warm, has enough beds for our family, and big enough to bless others with
A friend who wants to donate a day of labor
Family will do anything for us
Access to medical care to keep our little babies healthy
A church family who loves us
Divine connections made with people
A deeping passion for a new church
The beautiful fall weather we have been having and the eyes to enjoy it
A most beautiful wife who loves affectionately, cares exceptionally, and gives of herself sacrificially every day for her family without fail
A young girl who is now reading and about to lose two teeth who loves to care for people
A big boy with his gorgeous locks of tusseled hair and and an adventurous spirit
A little boy who is coming into his own with a courageous and rock steady heart
A little girl who is as cute as a button with a smile that could melt any heart
A fence that expands our yard for our children to play safely in
A dog who brings a smile to Audrey’s face every time she walks by
Coffee in the morning
A God who promises to provide regardless of the source
Answered prayers
Ballet slippers for Rylee
Encouraging books
Hugs from each of our kiddos
Even a kitchen sink with a working garbage disposal
I could go on with even more blessings. I desire to have an attitude of Bob Crachit, even when faced with such life difficulties to find it in my heart to bless all people, even those who have not always had our best interest in mind. It is amazing to me to experience the difference between walking with a grateful heart and walking without one.
As we get closer to cutting that turkey open and about to ingest pounds of food, what are you thankful for? I am always encouraged by hearing what other people are thankful for. I would love to be encouraged by your list, so let’s all participate – you faithful commenters, readers, and even lurkers…I would love to hear what you are all grateful for today.
So my thankful list: -A job with a staff who is becoming like a second family and a very generous boss. -The resources to fly to California to spend thanksgiving with my brother and his family. -Pictures of my nephew that make me smile all day long. -Good talks with my best friend. -Friends to spend the day with. -An amazing church that I am continully blessed by. -A safe return of my friend from Iraq. -The changing seasons. -Amazing parents who have let me live at home. -A dog that I love so much and always perks me up. -The ability to work with toddlers each sunday. No matter how many or how sad they are, they bring me such joy.
I ahve many things to be thankful for this year. I am thankful for a the first surgery free year for my little guy. Im thankful for all the healthcare providers in our life that not only provide fabulous care but put their whole heart into our son and have become friends and part of our family. Im thankful for a mended relationship with someone in my life, Im thankful for all our family, and all our fantastic friends. Im thankful for our church family, and for all the connections made this year. I sit in awe at all God does to bring people together This year I am so thanful as every year
klstrovas
Thanks Jenna and Charissa for your lists. I love hearing about what people are grateful for. Hope you guys have a great week of Thanks!
Steph
-I am grateful for two amazing sisters that are two of my best friends. -For grace. -The opportunity to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a nurse and the perseverance to make it thru school. -My sweet kittens that bring so much joy into my life. -Parents who have never stopped believing in me. -Friends…near or far. -Nieces and nephews that I love so much. -The random people that come into my life at just the right moment to encourage me. -A living situation that at times seems to good to be true, but isn’t! -Second chances, wait make that third, fourth and many after that chances! -For maybe not always having what I want, but always having what I need.
Ok, I could probably go on, but I’ll stop! Cool idea Christopher.
(1) being born again and washed clean and brought to an understanding of the truth, as my life was full of darkness and I was burdened with so much, thank you Lord for showing me what true love and forgiveness looks like each day. (2) for a husband who was made especially for me, also a gift from God….he knows me in ways that no one else could/would or has, I’m thankful for having a best friend who is also my life partner and co-parent, (3) for being reconcilled to my first my son, Julius who we went 5 years without seeing, praising God that we’re establishing a “new” relationship with him, (4) I’m thankful that God’s word in stored up in our hearts and that Jesus invites a continued relationship with us, while He is still present….this is definately an awesome thing in our/my life. (5) for 3 additional beautiful children who God enables us to love and teach about Him, most importantly God knew that we needed some additional joy while walking through the loss of my first born son for so long…. (6) for making our 2nd child together, Matthias so unique that we’re constantly challenged to seek God for guidance in how to parent, nuture & parent him…he’s taught us a new way to communication love, which has been really cool to see transpire. (7) for fellowship in unique and far off places (8) for the lessons God is and has been teaching us about living a life following Him, being able to be a follower wherever we are, without the confines of man made rules and traditions (this has been a huge challenge with a beautiful ending especially within the last 2 years) (9) for new eyes to see those suffering around us, who need love not judgement (ties in to #8 above) (10) for a home that can be made warm, (11) I’m thankful for the job that God has given to our family to earn an income to support ourselves and other families, (12) That we have cars to use for our use and for transporting others who need rides, (13) I’m really thankful for the heart that God has made new, in the sense that I’ve realized that this life isn’t about me, it’s about those who are lost and have no idea who Jesus is personally….God has softened the hardest heart and continually brings people into my life who are hurt, hateful, angry and feel like no one else understands or has walked through tough times….it’s amazing to see how God can use the horrible experiences from my childhood to bless and encourage others.
I’m thankful for both of your hearts, Chris & Karissa, they’be blessed us much in the last few months.
Ok, you caught me! One of your lurkers! :)Kim was over earlier this month for Morgan’s baby shower and gave the gamma girls and Tesia an update on your family. I had a few moments to spare earlier this week and made my way to your family’s blog for the first time. James and I have been praying for Audrey and her recovery, and we are happy to hear that she is continuing to do well. In Thanksgiving, I am grateful for: the healthy birth of our first child; my loving, gracious husband; our family and friends who so wonderfully cooked for us and cleaned our house after Morgan’s birth, and watched Morgan while we could get a few hours of sleep; for our newly installed dishwasher – we no longer have to wash dishes by hand – and for James’ dad for bringing and installing it (he came all the way from the Bay area!); and God’s continued grace. Happy Thanksgiving! Blessings to you and your family… Mina
Mackenna
-That Jesus brought me all the over to Germany to learn about Him, even though its been one of the hardest times in my life. -Four amazing sisters who are my best friends along with my mom. -The new friends I have made at school. -Finally feeling at home. -Being able to be apart of your kids lives and loving on them. -Being able to worship Jesus freely. -And my dad who works so hard to provide for the family.
Comments
So my thankful list:
-A job with a staff who is becoming like a second family and a very generous boss.
-The resources to fly to California to spend thanksgiving with my brother and his family.
-Pictures of my nephew that make me smile all day long.
-Good talks with my best friend.
-Friends to spend the day with.
-An amazing church that I am continully blessed by.
-A safe return of my friend from Iraq.
-The changing seasons.
-Amazing parents who have let me live at home.
-A dog that I love so much and always perks me up.
-The ability to work with toddlers each sunday. No matter how many or how sad they are, they bring me such joy.
I ahve many things to be thankful for this year.
I am thankful for a the first surgery free year for my little guy.
Im thankful for all the healthcare providers in our life that not only provide fabulous care but put their whole heart into our son and have become friends and part of our family.
Im thankful for a mended relationship with someone in my life,
Im thankful for all our family, and all our fantastic friends.
Im thankful for our church family, and for all the connections made this year. I sit in awe at all God does to bring people together
This year I am so thanful as every year
Thanks Jenna and Charissa for your lists. I love hearing about what people are grateful for. Hope you guys have a great week of Thanks!
-I am grateful for two amazing sisters that are two of my best friends.
-For grace.
-The opportunity to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a nurse and the perseverance to make it thru school.
-My sweet kittens that bring so much joy into my life.
-Parents who have never stopped believing in me.
-Friends…near or far.
-Nieces and nephews that I love so much.
-The random people that come into my life at just the right moment to encourage me.
-A living situation that at times seems to good to be true, but isn’t!
-Second chances, wait make that third, fourth and many after that chances!
-For maybe not always having what I want, but always having what I need.
Ok, I could probably go on, but I’ll stop! Cool idea Christopher.
I am thankful for…..
(1) being born again and washed clean and brought to an understanding of the truth, as my life was full of darkness and I was burdened with so much, thank you Lord for showing me what true love and forgiveness looks like each day.
(2) for a husband who was made especially for me, also a gift from God….he knows me in ways that no one else could/would or has, I’m thankful for having a best friend who is also my life partner and co-parent,
(3) for being reconcilled to my first my son, Julius who we went 5 years without seeing, praising God that we’re establishing a “new” relationship with him,
(4) I’m thankful that God’s word in stored up in our hearts and that Jesus invites a continued relationship with us, while He is still present….this is definately an awesome thing in our/my life.
(5) for 3 additional beautiful children who God enables us to love and teach about Him, most importantly God knew that we needed some additional joy while walking through the loss of my first born son for so long….
(6) for making our 2nd child together, Matthias so unique that we’re constantly challenged to seek God for guidance in how to parent, nuture & parent him…he’s taught us a new way to communication love, which has been really cool to see transpire.
(7) for fellowship in unique and far off places
(8) for the lessons God is and has been teaching us about living a life following Him, being able to be a follower wherever we are, without the confines of man made rules and traditions (this has been a huge challenge with a beautiful ending especially within the last 2 years)
(9) for new eyes to see those suffering around us, who need love not judgement (ties in to #8 above)
(10) for a home that can be made warm,
(11) I’m thankful for the job that God has given to our family to earn an income to support ourselves and other families,
(12) That we have cars to use for our use and for transporting others who need rides,
(13) I’m really thankful for the heart that God has made new, in the sense that I’ve realized that this life isn’t about me, it’s about those who are lost and have no idea who Jesus is personally….God has softened the hardest heart and continually brings people into my life who are hurt, hateful, angry and feel like no one else understands or has walked through tough times….it’s amazing to see how God can use the horrible experiences from my childhood to bless and encourage others.
I’m thankful for both of your hearts, Chris & Karissa, they’be blessed us much in the last few months.
Love your friend & sister, Heather
Ok, you caught me! One of your lurkers! :)Kim was over earlier this month for Morgan’s baby shower and gave the gamma girls and Tesia an update on your family. I had a few moments to spare earlier this week and made my way to your family’s blog for the first time. James and I have been praying for Audrey and her recovery, and we are happy to hear that she is continuing to do well. In Thanksgiving, I am grateful for: the healthy birth of our first child; my loving, gracious husband; our family and friends who so wonderfully cooked for us and cleaned our house after Morgan’s birth, and watched Morgan while we could get a few hours of sleep; for our newly installed dishwasher – we no longer have to wash dishes by hand – and for James’ dad for bringing and installing it (he came all the way from the Bay area!); and God’s continued grace.
Happy Thanksgiving! Blessings to you and your family…
Mina
-That Jesus brought me all the over to Germany to learn about Him, even though its been one of the hardest times in my life.
-Four amazing sisters who are my best friends along with my mom.
-The new friends I have made at school.
-Finally feeling at home.
-Being able to be apart of your kids lives and loving on them.
-Being able to worship Jesus freely.
-And my dad who works so hard to provide for the family.