11/26/08

Thanksgiving - a Way of Life!

Thankfulness has little to do with what I own.

Thankfulness is more than spending the 18 hours that it normally takes a person to plan, prepare, and serve a Thanksgiving meal.

Being thankful is when I look into my life, at the blessings that I have been bestowed, and I take the time to cultivate a grateful heart.

It’s when I offer up thanksgiving for my needs being met, more than most fanciful desires.

Being thankful creates a compassionate heart, and helps one realize that nothing that we have is ours alone.

“The bread that is spoiling in your house belongs to the hungry. The shoes that are mildewing under your bed belong to those who have none. The clothes stored away in your trunk belong to those who are naked. The money that depreciates in your treasury belongs to the poor.”
(St. Basil the Great, the fourth-century Bishop of Caesarea)

My prayer this Thanksgiving is that this day will be more than a holiday.

That it will be a way of life.

That in being thankful we will gain a new perspective, giving us a tender heart and an ability to see the needs of others, and the courage to reach out.

(On a lighter note, I’m thankful that our family actually had a fun time taking these pictures last weekend. There was no yelling or trying to get the perfect pose – do you suppose it’s because our kids are growing up? Oh, and I’m thankful for our pets. They bring our family great joy – Haggis, Filly and Hobbes.)

38 comments:

the said...

I hope we all find what we are Thankful for this year.... we have so much around us to be thankful for!!
Have a great holiday :)
Stephanie

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

You have a beautiful family! I agree being thankful should be a way of life. I have so many things to be thankful for. Enjoy your Thanksgiving.

Shell in your Pocket said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shell in your Pocket said...

Well, first I love the quote from St. Basil..so true and a great reminder!

What a wonderful post and it is more than 18 hours of cooking..but we forget that so easy...I sure do!

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your cute family...love the pictures!
-sandy toes

Christy said...

Love your family picture.

I am thankful that I've had the privilege of getting to know you!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Stacey said...

You know deep down we are all grateful. It's just so easy to forget when life gets harried. Thank you for reminding us throughout the year.

Donnetta said...

Truly said. It should be Thanksgiving in our hearts every day!! Unfortunately, so often I forget.

Thanks for sharing your family pictures with us! Thanks for sharing your friendship with me!

Thanks for such a beautiful reminder! I am truly thankful and blessed...

Elizabeth in Wisconsin said...

What a gorgeous family, Sandy! They are, indeed, growing up.

God bless all the Coughlins on Thanksgiving!

Elizabeth

Laurie said...

There is so much to be thankful for. Wishing you a wonderful thanksgiving! Laurie

Betts said...

You have a beautiful family no matter how they are posed or not.

Hardly a day goes by when I don't think of something for which to be grateful, especially how fortunate we are to have the tools and medicines that weren't available 100 years ago. And every night on my way to bed, I look in at my daughters beautiful, peaceful sleeping face, and I'm grateful for her most of all.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jules from "The Roost" said...

You have a beautiful family! especially mom ;) great post

. said...

Happy Thanksgiving to your family too! What a special year! I just came from an ultrasound seeing my sweet healthy baby girl yawn, stretch and settle back in to sleep. What a precious gift to be thankful for!

RosyRose said...

What a Beautiful family picture you guys took! And Amazing trees!
Happy Thanksgiving!

~nanashouse~ said...

Thank you for the beautiful quote. Being open and giving is my prayer this season.
Your family is stunning :-)

Anonymous said...

Bless you and yours, Sandy, love you much!!!!

~Jami

Kirstin said...

What a beautiful picture!

I was just thinking as I noticed the "comment deleted". How do you actually delete a comment. I don't get enough traffic to often do this, but I did get one that was more an advertisement and just didn't really care for it.

I don't know how anyone could say anything negative in regards to your blog.

Anonymous said...

Thankful for your friendship this year!

deb meyers

Betsy Brock said...

Happy Thanksgiving, Sandy! You've blessed my life this year!

Tammy said...

A wonderful Thanksgiving to you and your family, Sandy! SO thankful for those like you who inspire and motivate us to be the best we can be...with joy!

Laura said...

What a beautiful family!!

Lucy..♥ said...

Wishing you and your family a wonderful "Thanksgiving"

XXX's

Jen said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you too friend. Your message reminds me of family and life...so meaningful. This morning we have already been screaming at each other....this reminds me what its all about....
fingers crossed we do pictures this weekend too...

Anonymous said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Sandi. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday.
Blessings,
Jen

Brenda Pruitt said...

So true! I am a Meals on Wheels volunteer. Mostly for the elderly. Such a need out there! This holiday season, I am not exchanging gifts per se. I hear the holiday music in the stores, and feel a little depressed. Because I have so much; and there are so many who do not! You have a lovely family!
Brenda

grace said...

it does look like you all had an enjoyable time with those pictures--you all look sincerely happy. :)
i hope your thanksgiving was fantastic. :)

Julie said...

Great picture of the family....

Love the name "Hobbes"....maybe cause my maiden name is "HOBBS"..

I pray your Thanksgiving was blessed!

Julie

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Beautiful photos and post, Sandy!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Blessings,
Melissa

Chris @ Come to the Table said...

Happy Thanksgiving Sandy!

The family photos are wonderful!

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Love the quote...something we should all have posted somewhere that we see everyday to remind us not to hold onto things we don't need!
Thanksgiving wished are sent your way!!
Karla & Karrie

The Farmer's Wife said...

Sandy you are adorable! I am so glad that you stopped by, so that I can get to know you! I will visit you often...I love what I see here!

Anonymous said...

Your blog is beautiful. Thanks for visiting mine.

Going to read more now while my yams cook. FINALLY having our Thanksgiving gathering tonight.

Susie said...

Beautiful post, and a beautiful family! I feel so blessed this Thanksgiving too!

My Beautiful Mess! said...

What a beautiful family & a GREAT picture. It sounds like you had a great photo session :)

Shellie said...

Sweet pictures, and glad to hear it gets easier as they get older, we really need another family picture.

Rhonda said...

What wonderful family pictures!

Marilyn Miller said...

Sandy,
Thanks for visiting Delights of the Heart. It is always fun to have someone from Oregon visit. I use to have relatives in Rogue River, but didn't know them.

ellen said...

My goodness that fall color is beautiful in the last picture!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful photo. You guys timed that just right. I sure do miss the rogue valley. My mom-in-law just came to visit and now I am home sick to go back (your pics don't help either!!).
Blessings,
Debbie aka The Real World Martha