Count your Blessings!

Hello all.

Sorry I've been MIA for awhile.  Turns out home schooling two middle-school children is more challenging  time-consuming  character building fun than the elementary years 😊

I've found that my days fill up quickly with school activities, household maintentance, and business to-do-lists.  So this year for my Thanksgiving Blog I asked for a little help from my family.  Their assignment: at least 1 paragraph about what they are thankful for.  I told them it could be anything-even Legos!   Below are their responses to my request and they all exceeded my expectations.  I had no idea what I'd get, but to say my "3rd" heart is full would be an understatement! 

I am thankful for my amazing family who loves me very much, and for my LEGO’S. Also I am thankful for our trampoline which is very fun!

I am thankful that I am a believer in GOD and that He loves me so, so much.

From Nolan H Thorne

I sit hear wrapped up in my warm blanket thinking how blessed I am. A cup of warm tea steaming by my nightstand, reminds me how lucky I am to have fresh water. I don’t have to trudge through mud, or walk a mile to get to my water, all I must do is walk to our kitchen.

 How blessed this country is to have freedom of speech and religious tolerance. I don’t need to worry about hiding my identity in Christ I’m not being persecuted for my faith. 

God has blessed me with a talent to draw and do artwork for Him. I am glad that this life I live I can share with my awesome family members who are always there when I need them.

Thank you, God, for everything you have done for me, even in the dark days you shine a light to help me through it, for you make me stronger.

- Leah Thorne

How most of our Fall photo shoot actually went! 

I am most thankful for the free gift of Christ and to be able to worship my God in a country that does not torture or kill me for my beliefs.  I am thankful for my family – Jill, Leah and Nolan who every day build me up, who I can love, who make me complete, who challenge me, who help me build character, who through everyday life allow me to see and feel my weaknesses, my helpers.  

I am thankful for my parents who every day show me grace, who are always there for not only me, but my kids and Jill, who allow us to stay near them, who love me unconditionally, who also help me build character – whom I love dearly.  I am thankful for my brothers who also I love dearly, who through the years have helped shape our family, who would stop everything to come help, who love our parents, who with their own families help build the Thorne overall family –

 I thank God He has blessed all of us!! 

I thank God for our trials… as I look back God has allowed us to learn patience, perseverance, and grace… unfortunately not all at the same time. 😊 

I thank God for his provision – God has blessed our family with not only work and an income, a job that is flexible, but a church we can fellowship and be part of a larger family of believers who help build us up, create friendships, confidantes, and partners for the greater glory of God.

My list can go on and on of the things I am thankful for.  I pray that for those reading Jill’s blog, they would come to know Christ who has provided all these things.  I know for a fact that none of these things were by chance, that for a much greater glory we are all part of a plan that we all know the ending to. 

I hope and pray that you and yours have a very Thankful Day and holiday season.

Celebrating 18 years of wedded bliss!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!