Be Thankful in All Things...

I was talking with my boys this morning about being thankful. I asked them one "Thing" they were thankful for. They could not name anything that is living or ever was living. My younger son kept naming things that he thought would be the "right" answer. He said, "a good economy," and "a healthy environment." I had the same problem with a Facebook poll. I got answers like, "God" and "my Mom."

People are not able to sincerely communicate their thankfulness without feeling judged.

I told my younger son, "I'm thankful for my car." He was shocked and said, "OK, I'm thankful for having my own room." Now we're getting somewhere!

Whether you are a Christian or not, the Bible principles of loving others and having a grateful heart make us all better people. I am so thankful for everything I have because so many have not!

I do not worship my car or place it above my God or my family, but I am thankful for it.

I encourage you to be thankful for what you have and do not feel guilty for doing so. I am sure someone that has not, would be very thankful for what you have.

Give thanks and be grateful this Thanksgiving holiday season.

What I am Thankful for!

Thanksgiving is less than a week away and I want to take a moment to express to you the things I am thankful for this year. This has been a wonderful year! As a child, I always made a Christmas list. Now that I'm grown, I think I'll make a Thanksgiving list instead.

My Thanksgiving List

1. My Heavenly Father I am so thankful to God my Heavenly Father for loving me in spite of myself. I sometimes fail Him and let Him down, but He continues to see me as worthy of His love. For that I am most thankful!
2. My Family I have the most wonderful family that includes my husband, kids, parents, in-laws, siblings, nieces, nephews... and the list goes on! They have filled my life with joy and I am thankful that I get the opportunity share in their lives.
3. My Church We recently moved back home and from the moment we stepped foot into our church, they have loved us as if a day had not passed. I know how precious it is to have a loving church family and I am eternally thankful for our's.
4. My Friends I am surrounded with friends who laugh when I laugh, cry when I cry, and hurt when I hurt. I am thankful that I have so many people in my corner.
5. My Job The day I walked into Hallelujah Acres for the first interview, I asked, "is it always like this?" It was so peaceful and welcoming, and yes - it is always like this! I am so blessed to be proud of what I do, proud of who I work for, and especially proud of who I work with. Forget an amusement park - Hallelujah Acres is the greatest place on Earth and I am so thankful to be here!
6. You I am thankful for all of you. You have no idea how many times you have put a smile on my face or brought laughter to me! I have prayed for you, laughed with you, smiled at you, and cheered you on. You do the same for me and I just want to say THANK YOU!

What are you thankful for?

Is Your Kid An Addict?

Is Your Kid An Addict?

Holiday Food Rant...

I had a bad week on the diet front. I ate horribly because of a super busy schedule. I am paying for this physically!!! Now on to my rant!

If I can't handle eating right when I am busy, what am I going to do about the Holidays? Food is huge during the holidays for my family. This is what we do! We have so many traditions that are focused on food. I am on the quest to find replacements for all my traditional Holiday favorites!

I know I am not going to find a Turkey replacement but what about everything else? Suggestions are appreciated!

I have found a Raw Pumpkin Pie and I just found a Gravy Recipe today. Oh, I totally plan to make this Sweet Potato Casserole because I LOVE coconut. Also, I can make cranberries by using agave nectar and oranges. So, what's left?

Vegan Versions of the Following:

1. Really fluffy mashed potatoes
2. Magic Cookie Bars
3. Green Bean Casserole
4. Stuffing
5. Pecan Pie
6. Some type of whole wheat dinner roll

Do you have a great vegan holiday recipe? If so, please share!