Today, I am grateful for good friends and loving friendship. First and foremost is the friend who will never leave us, our awesome God. And not last or least, those girlfriends He put in our lives.

Right now I have a dear friend who understands the condition of my heart and always has the encouragement I need to keep pushing through my messes and growing--as well as giving me that figurative kick in the tushi when I need it.

So, I lift my tea glass in gentle salute to friends past, present and those to come!

Late Gratituesday!

For me it's still Tuesday as I haven't made it to bed yet (going as soon as I finish) but I wanted to make sure that I posted today's gratefulness.

I am grateful first and foremost that God is God and He is so good to us.

But today I am particularly grateful for the wonderful bounty of apples we were able to pick on Monday. The boys and I went with some friends from our homeschool co-op and spent the beautiful morning outdoors enjoying the sunshine and cooler temps. At various points my heart was bursting with thanks to the Lord for it all. With sweet apple juice running down my chin, I held an apple in one hand to munch on while I picked some large delicious apples for our family. Healthy and gorgeous. Some as large as baseballs and softballs.

I am also thankful for the knowledge of friends and Godly women who share. On a site I belong to, one loop for homesteading had a yummy recipe for apple butter (mmmmm). I am going to try my hand at not only making apple butter but also canning it. The recipe calls for cooking the apples overnight in the crockpot, so the apples and spices are all in there now, simmering away while we dream. The house will smell so delicious in the morning, I can't wait!

If you're interested, here's the recipe link:
http://www.simplycanning.com/canning-apple-butter.html

So, with much love and happiness, I wish you all a blessed week and pray that you can find gratefulness to our Lord for even the small things.

Like a sweet apple.

Gratituesday!

Heavenlyhomemakers.com hosts Gratituesday every Tuesday and asked bloggers to join in the fun and share what we are grateful for. I think this is a great idea, so will try to do so every Tuesday and encourage you to do the same.


Today I am grateful that the Lord remains the same today, tomorrow and forever. No matter how I'm feeling or what the day brings, He's constant and He's there--all I have to do is reach out to Him. He's so wonderful.

I'm also grateful for homemade bread! Just adore the smell and taste of fresh, warm bread. My MIL gifted me with her bread machine so I'm anxious to try it out. Hoping today is the day (depends on how homeschool and homemaking go first).

What are you grateful for today?


Update: I want to say that I am grateful for the people the Lord brings into my life. Even if they are not always there or must leave early, they have some of His love to share. Lori and Jen, I pray God has our paths cross again soon. Tammy, I am grateful every day for a friend like you!