I am grateful that I still have some good memories left. It’s a memory kind of day.

I am grateful for a good pen, because when the pen is bad, I am frustrated.

I am grateful for the food in the refrigerator.

I am grateful for children’s books and for memories of reading those books to Shirley on the way back to Kansas from Dallas. Children’s books make me happy.

I am grateful for memories of Mom working her newspaper puzzles every day.

I am grateful for my devotion this morning:

It is impossible to praise or thank Me too much. As it is written, I inhabit the praises of My people. Sometimes your adoration is a spontaneous overflow of Joy, in response to radiant beauty or rich blessings. At other times your praise is more disciplined and measured – an act of your will. I dwell equally in both types of praise. Thankfulness, also, is a royal road to draw near Me. A thankful heart has plenty of room for Me.

 When you thank Me for the many pleasures I provide, you affirm that I am God, from Whom all blessings flow. When adversity strikes and you thank Me anyway, your trust in My sovereignty is a showpiece in invisible realms. Fill up the spare moments of our life with praise and thanksgiving. This joyous discipline will help you live in the intimacy of My Presence.

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I am grateful for four beautiful Waterford glasses that sit on the table reminding me of the great people for whom I work and the wonderful career I now enjoy so much.

I am grateful for the beauty of an icicle, such a simple but unique piece of art from the Creator. A favorite memory of mine is sitting on the porch swing with Parker at one of the camp cabins and breaking off a huge icicle for her that was hanging from the roof. When I see an icicle, that is the image I remember…

I am grateful for Halos/Cuties/just the right size oranges, one of the best things about winter.

I am grateful for soft socks from Delores.

I am grateful for memories of snow days with Karissa and Katrina – for those days when Clare would fashion a rope and a sled behind the pickup and pull the girls down the street in town. Or the days when the dorm kids would come over because they were bored and needed to “escape” or Katrina’s friends would spend the day at the house playing board games and Keith Peters would make us all laugh until we cried.

I am grateful for a fun phone call with Dad last night.

I am grateful for memories of picking up Mom and Dad two years ago this morning and beginning our two day trip to Florida to see Charlie, Patsy and Steve. What a glorious time that was…

I am grateful for Tupperware and Rubbermaid and Ziploc and Glad containers.

And I am grateful for memories of a trip to Fort Worth one year ago today to babysit for three adorable grandchildren.

I was so excited to fly all by myself, to babysit all by myself, and to have so much dedicated time with the kids. I also remember being so worried that something would happen to Mom while I was out of the state. I knew that her time was limited and it was the beginning of a new chapter in this life…