Photobucket

Monday, October 24, 2011

Giving Thanks

Webster defines Thanksgiving--- "the act of giving; grateful acknowledgement of benefits of favors; an expression of gratitude for something received or done for one."

Biblical Thanksgiving could also be described as not what one does, but rather what one is.

 The spirit in which one accepts "all things".

This year we will start a new tradition. 

Photobucket


We all know that Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful, but...do I make it real?  Does my family voice our thanks enough?  Do my children know that God has blessed us beyond measure?


I'm super excited about our new family member.... Squanto the Turkey {name comes from The Berenstain Bears book, Give Thanks. } Sometimes he's called Gobble-Gobble.  Depends on the silliness:)

Living Lights: The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks 


We are big-time Berenstain Bear fans.  We read at least two every night.  It is truly one of the highlights in our house.  I'm wondering what we'll do when we have read them all...which won't be long.  We're quickly working our way through our collection :)

Anyway, here are a few more on our Thanksgiving list...

The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin

[The Bear family might not win the blue ribbon for their entry in the pumpkin contest during the annual Bear Country Thanksgiving Festival, but they do gain a new appreciation of the true spirit of the holiday and all they have to be thankful for.]  

The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings

[Mama Bear is tired of hearing how many Bearbie dolls Lizzy Bruin has and how many Game Bear video games Cousin Freddy just got. During a thunderstorm, Mama gets her cubs to realize that love and a good home are much more valuable than material possessions.]  

The Berenstain Bears Think of Those in Need (First Time Books(R))

[Stuff in the closets, stuff in the drawers, stuff in the attic--too much stuff everywhere! Mama Bear convinces the family that cleaning out the house can not only simplify their cluttered lives, but also benefit those who are in need!]
The Story of Thanksgiving
The Night Before Thanksgiving (Reading Railroad Books)


[What a fun book! With the familiar syntax of Clement Moore's "'Twas the Night before Christmas", this story combines the hectic pace of preperation with all the familiar elements of the big day.

The story promotes togetherness as family and includes a pause to give thanks for what they have.
The illustations are colorful and a delight to our youngsters eyes].

and for fun:)
I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie (Picture Puffins)

I've always loved the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, and this year is no exception!


  I'm excited to get going on our Thanksgiving "turkey", and way excited about our new arrival sometime around Christmas!
We are blessed in incredible ways and the most amazing blessing that I receive day after day is God's GRACE!!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To get a little headstart on my Thanksgiving project, I've got a few things I'm thankful for today:::

Photobucket

Photobucket

{simple nights with my loves making s'mores}

Photobucket

Photobucket

{the beautiful sky that captures my eyes EVERYday}

Photobucket

Photobucket

{boys being boys}


Happy Monday~


3 comments:

Nan said...

Do you remember those nights by the fire in the back at the edge of the field? S'mores and marshmallows. Brings back memories! Love ya

Amy said...

Thanks for the great book ideas! I love the Berenstain Bears!! I love your blog and the encouragement I gain from it! I need to be reminded often to sit back and enjoy the simple things in life and the love of our Father.

Beth said...

Mama--- I do remember the fires in the backyard, but no s'mores...those would not be "good for us" like the Fruit Loops! Love you!

Amy---You are welcome! I love children's books and finally after 4 years of trying, John Luke actually looks forward to reading! And Allie Beth just loves to be there in the middle of the action:) You have no idea how much encouragement and growth I have gotten from the blogs! I know most everyone else around here has stopped blogging, but I truly believe God placed them in my life for encouragement and a source of spiritual growth. I love blogging:) And the funny thing is, I can look back at my own blog, and be convicted of things! Hope y'all are doing good:)