Counting My Blessings In November

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

I want to look at each day and name at least one blessing from that day. Something that happened or affected me on that day and not just in general. It can be so easy to igore those little blessings in our day, but sometimes it is the little blessings that can make the biggest impact.




November 24 - Thankful for A Wonderful Stress-Free Meal
For the last few years, we have decided to travel for Thanksgiving.  We found out Cracker Barrel restaurants offer a wonderful meal on Thanksgiving so we travel to places that have a Cracker Barrel.  Their meal includes drink, turkey, ham, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green beans, cranberry relish, biscuit/corn bread, and pie all for $8.99.  No stressful cooking and no clean up!  We spent our meal with Pat's sister's family.  We scored a nice big round table so we could all sit together and visit easily!  It was a wonderful meal and another great time with family!

November 25 - Thankful I Survived Black Friday
Since we are in Des Moines, my Sister-in-law, her teeage children, and I decided to brave Jordan Creek Mall at midnight.  Oh my! I wasn't prepared for the mob of people waiting to attack the stores and shop!  It really was quite the site to see and experience.  The Victoria's Secret store was so crowded you couldn't move and I decided I needed to get out of there immediately.  The lines were long and stores we crowded, but everyone that I interacted with was pleasant and kind.  I took special care to thank each of the employees I had an interaction with and let them know I appreciated them working these crazy hours.  I was able to get some really good deals and I made it until 3:30 AM.  We went back out in the afternoon and the shopping was much more manageable.  During our midnight shopping, the mall had hired some carolers who were amazing.  It was such a nice surprise to hear their Chrismas hymns and songs carrying over the din of the crowd.  It was a way for them to remind us of the REAL reason for Christmas while the greed in the mall seemed to overshadow it.  As I focus on my lists and shopping over the next few weeks, I am going to try to find ways to keep the CHRIST in CHRISTmas.  Stay tuned.........