Happy Thanksgiving!

     Today is Thanksgiving. And so that is what I'm going to do. I truly have a lot to be thankful for. This year has had its many negatives but I do believe the positives win. So, today, I am thankful for....
     -Peace in knowing I am saved, going to heaven, and that God keeps holding onto my hand.
     - For our litter of kittens. We didn't think Mocha would ever have any but she finally did. The litter of five was born on my birthday...the best gift ever! We did lose little Murphy after a week long fight to keep him alive, but we had four strong, healthy kittens. We ended up keeping two. The other two went to live with Grammy and Grampy, who are getting great enjoyment and lots of smiles out of the mischievous boys.
     -For our quarantine time. It was really nice when life slowed down. I was able to catch up on projects and be with the family. We grew very close and I loved every minute.
     -For another graduate in our home. Alaina finished her 12th year at Heritage at 17 years old, and even though it was a tiny ceremony, it's exactly what she wanted. She began online college courses and is hoping to get into the Vet Tech program next year.
     -For the amazing year we had with our pest control business. Last year at this time we were looking to sell because the year had been so bad. But even in the midst of corona, God blessed the work that came in above and beyond what we've ever had before.
     -For our new car. Our Honda Pilot died in the middle of corona quarantine. I loved that car, but the timing could not have been better. We did not need such a big vehicle with everyone home. We did have a back- up vehicle until August, then God allowed us to get a 2017 Toyota Rav. It's the newest car I've ever had!
     -For the opportunity to attend my best friend's wedding. What a joy it was to witness the long awaited answer to prayer for my friend Rachel. God brought her a husband after 20 plus years of praying for one. (This was the year!) Oh, the joy!
    -For my new job as lunch lady at Heritage. I am enjoying the children, especially the little ones, and their funny comments. They love looking for Curly, Larry, and Herbert, the little creatures that "hide" in the lunchroom every day. The children's smiles and hellos brighten my day. And I love to be in the kitchen so it's a win-win situation.
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     I'm know I could list more but I wanted to post a poem I wrote a couple weeks ago. No matter what is going on in our world, there is always beauty to find, and God's hand is everywhere you turn. He is still in control. And that is what I'm thankful for the most:

STILL
After all the unrest
From the news of the weeks,
I went for a long, long walk.
Once in the fresh air,
My mind started to clear,
And all seemed right in the world.
The birds still sang their sweet happy songs,
The flowers still bloomed in the sun.
The bright yellow leaves
That still clung to the trees,
Waved gently to me in the breeze.
It was then that the Lord began speaking,
With that quiet small voice I know well:
"I am here, My child,
Do not be dismayed,
Of the way life seems to be going.
For I know the game man is playing.
The pieces are shifted around.
It may seem all is lost,
At such a great cost,
But My hand is still on the board.
Nothing goes on
Without my consent,
As it was from the beginning of time.
And since Adam and Eve
Chose sin over me,
Now all men must choose their side.
Yet, no matter what happens,
I'm still in control.
Do not let your heart fill with fear.
I'm still holding your hand,
You're still safe in my care."
And all seemed right in the world.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!