Giving Thanks - Day 8

It was a good day at our church (as usual). In Sunday School, we are studying this book:

It's my first exposure to Nancy Leigh DeMoss' writings (though I did not actually buy the book, so I am gleaning its lessons by listening). Our pastor's wife talked about how SELFISHNESS is the biggest hindrance to the serving - our spouses, our children, our church, those who are not easy to please ... Often we serve or do something, expecting appreciation. It doesn't always come. However, the appreciation should NOT be the motive for our acts of service. We are serving OTHERS, not for our own gratification. Appreciation is nice, but would we continue on if we were totally taken for granted? As my husband reminds me sometimes - if only God notices, that is enough.

I am thankful that my husband balances me out - and often gives me perspective. He serves at his job without much attention drawn to himself or to what he does. We have many humble people who work with us who are the same way. They just get the job done. What a blessing! I try to make it a point to say "thank you" often and to appreciate even small acts of service - but some things just get overlooked. It is nice to know God sees all (in this case!) and sometimes has His own ways of encouraging us to keep going.

On a more non-spiritual note, I am thankful our local grocery store has turkey on sale for $ 0.39 per lb! My husband brought home a small turkey on Saturday - and I baked it today for a pre-Thanksgiving meal!

My Turkey Recipe (roasted garlic version)

I roast garlic bulbs (cut off the tops, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in aluminum foil - bake at 400 degrees for about an hour); when cooled slightly, squeeze out the baked garlic inside the cloves into a softened stick of butter in a bowl. Then I mix that up - squish the mixture between the skin and the meat on the turkey breast & into the legs (which totally grosses me out - but it is SO worth it!) - and save about 2 tbsp of it to coat the outside of the turkey too. Bake the turkey at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Tent with foil - and use guide to bake it until done (basting occasionally). This has always given us such moist meat!!

When my husband prayed over our meal tonight, he unknowingly mentioned the whole theme of this month of thanks --- he prayed that even though it is not Thanksgiving yet, may we be always thankful for the blessings in our daily lives & remember how God provides for our needs. Amen.