Just a note of Thanks to all of you who have followed my personal challenge of writing a poem of gratitude for each day in November! I am overwhelmed by the encouraging messages that I received in response to the poetry.   And today, I am grateful for your friendship...support and love!❤

November 30...

Lord, I'm thankful for each person that you placed upon my path, because I know they hold a purpose and a key
each relationship has value which may not always be clear
until you say the time is right for me to see.

Some relationships begin from a familiar place and may appear to be a sheer coincidence
while others may repeat the steps of starting over, when you ordain that we may need a second chance.

Lord, you commanded in your Word that we should love one another
you also said, we can't love you, when we claim to hate our brother.

Lord, why does it seem so hard for us to give encouragement?
to build up and not tear down should be the way we represent.

I'm thankful Lord for all the amazing people that I've met
because I count them all as blessings that I shall never take for granted or forget.

Lord, I am still a work in progress and I strive to grow each day
I get my help from you Dear Lord and every friend you send my way!
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

Today, I'm grateful for the power to eliminate distractions, so that I can hear God's voice with clarity!

November 29...

Just listening to the noise and clutter that attempts to fill our heads
blocks out the quiet stillness that God purposed and intends.

It's when things are calm and peaceful that we can clearly hear God's voice
and when His words are heard and resonate, we should praise Him and rejoice.

Getting caught up in the chaos and being captured by the storm
we often take dysfunction lightly and we treat it as the norm.

When believing in The Father and being led by Jesus Christ
we learn to trust in what God promises and  know that His love will suffice.

Prayer calms the torrential waters and it stills the raging winds
while it showers us with perfect peace
and allows us to comprehend.

Just meditating on God's goodness and learning all about His Word
will reveal His supernatural powers to those who need to see and haven't heard.
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

We are always looking for that "extra moment" in our day to get things done or spend more time with those we love.  Time is a gift and we all hope to use it wisely and get all we can out of our day.
Today, I am grateful for the gift of time!


November 28....


Every day we try to navigate  through God's amazing gift of time
taking it for granted or wasting it, is considered a real crime.

Time is precious and is fleeting...it disappears before our eyes
and when miss out and don't use it... it fades and meets its true demise.

Time can be often be forgotten, it can come too soon or be too late
when time is managed well and captured
it will lead one to their fate.

Time can be a lost commodity, but also cherished by one's will
it can produce something of quality, when it appears to almost stand still.

It can become a consistant challenge, just to calculate our time
but with God's help in how we use His gift...
the results will be sublime.
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

Our Thanksgiving Celebration yesterday, was lovely! The entire day was energized by meal preparation, great conversation, picture taking, eating, laughing, reminiscing, and giving thanks to God through prayer!

Even as the end of the evening drew to a close, there were still lots of things to do before the night was over...putting food away and cleaning up the kitchen to name a few! It was definitely a very busy day and we were tired!  Today was a much  different story!  My husband prepared breakfast for everyone and we just kind of "eased" into our day, relaxing and enjoying having little to do! Movies were watched and naps were taken.

 There were actually plans for attending a live jazz performance this evening, but after hearing a few coughs and sniffles in the room, it quickly became obvious that we all were in need of a little more rest!

 So, on the 27th day of my gratitude journey, I am writing about how grateful I am for God's gift of healing and restoration. I receive these gifts, when I am obedient to His Word and I stop and rest!!

Psalm 62:1-2 “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”


November 27...


God, I'm thankful for the gifts that come from learning how to rest
when I'm obedient and practice this, I'll always be my best.

Resting promotes healing and restores what busyness breaks down
and time away from all the madness
brings peace in knowing you're around.

Your Word tells us, that when we lie down we should not be filled with fear
and that our sleep will be much sweeter
because you are always near.

God, I don't want to take for granted what  there is to gain from rest
it can heal, restore and refresh my soul, so that I can give my very best!
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

Thanksgiving is the day set aside to gather with family, enjoy quality time and create memories. But the most important part of this holiday is... us taking the time to share our gratitude for one another and give thanks to God for ALL that He has done and has given! So, here is my poem of gratitude for today!
I pray that you had a
Happy Thanksgiving!

November 26...

Lord, I thank you for another chance to show my gratitude to you
this is a time to be with family and to give you all the thanks you're due.

Today's a day to shift my focus off all my duties and  my tasks
and concentrate on thanking you for all the things that I have asked.

Lord, I never want to take for granted the many ways you've blessed my life
and how you cover, guide and keep me in the midst of pain and strife.

I know that you are always present to protect me from great harm
and I thank you for your guidance, through the wind, rain and the storms.

Lord, as I  retire for the evening
I want to take the time to say,
that I am grateful for all that you do
and how you bless me everyday!
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

I recently came across a video on social media that gave an illustration of Christ cleansing man of his sins.  Because I desire to know Christ more and more and studying His Word is an important part of that process, I understood right away, what the illustration depicted. I smiled and shouted out a hardy AMEN!

I then decided to scroll through the comment section, because I just knew that I would see a great deal of other people expressing their enthusiasm about the powerful message relayed in the video. But what I discovered, was an eye-opener!  I saw an overwhelming amount of negative comments about the one who saved us from ourselves...Christ!

 I was saddened by what I read and did not stay there long...but it was long enough for me to ask myself, "Have I been living in a box?" I mean, I am fully aware that there are a large number of people who don't know Christ and don't believe in God, but seeing so many negative comments on one post, was way over the top!

I shared my discovery with my family and told them that I felt like I was totally out of the loop when it came to my revelation, but while talking with them, I had a "lightbulb moment!" Because I seek God more and I am growing in His Word, the circle of people that I associate with are ALL believers and that group appears to be "larger than life" to me. And because I'm not traveling in circles with those who choose not to believe, that places the non-believers in a smaller circle, which gives off the appearance that there are less and less of them!  Scripture tells us that we should surround ourselves with Godly people...

Proverbs 13:4 says, "He who walks with the wise grows wise." And Paul writes in I Corinthians 15:33, "Bad company corrupts good character." You eventually become like the people you spend the majority of your time with, so it is important to surround yourself with godly people who will lead you closer to the Lord.
 So, on the 25th day of my gratitude poetry journey, I am grateful to God for giving me spiritual eyes to see and appreciate the significance in changing my circle!!

November 25...

God, I'm grateful for all that you have given me
and for your precious gift of spiritual eyes to see.

These eyes guide me through the ups and downs
and manuever me from "the lost" in crowds.

Thank you for the like-minded people that you've placed along my path
and for steering me from the ones full of hatred and wrath!

God, you've given me discernment, truth, grace and free will
and it's your plan that I choose to follow and fulfill.
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

I learned a valuable lesson today!  I became frustrated while working on a project that I am really enjoying. I like it so much, that I have been putting in extra planning time to ensure that nothing is missed and the final presentations go well. What I discovered today was that, even though I want the project to go off, without a hitch, there are other people and factors involved and there are no guarantees that the final result will be as I expect. I mentioned my frustration to a friend, who confirmed the fact that...I was not in control and then, I began to chastise myself about doing 100%, when it may not make a difference.  Then it came to me....no matter what anyone else does OR what factors may stand in the way...God wants ME to always give my very best... and He gave me the heart to do so.  Today, I am grateful for a heart to give my very best!


November 24....

I'm grateful God gave me a heart to give my very best
when things get tough, I seek God's help and He will do the rest

There is no need to worry, there is no need to fret
When I look to God and cling to Him, there will be no regrets.

God has great expectations, that when I trip and fall
I'll stand right up and brush myself off,
because He's my all in all.

There are times throughout my journey that I'm challenged by the world
when the enemy attempts to bring me down and his fiery darts are hurled.

But because God is my salvation and He guards me from the dark
His Word fills me with abundant light, that developed from a spark.

I'm so grateful that God loves me and I know that I am blessed
I'll continue to strive to do all I can, to give God my very best!
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

While out and about today, I had the pleasure of striking up conversations about Thanksgiving with several people, whom I just met. One person was frantically working to pick up items for their Thanksgiving meal  and the other was happy to report that the planning and preparation  phase of their meal was a distant memory, because they have everything ready for guests when they arrive!

 The one thing that both of these individuals had in common was..they both chose to order some of their meal selections out of convenience! They felt that there was just not enough time in the day to get everything done and allowing someone else to select the correct ingredients...prepare the dish, by adding all of the right seasonings and spices to enhance the flavor... and then package the item, so that it looks pleasing to the eye, just made sense.  The expectation is that the ordered items will be delightful!

As I reflected on my conversations today, I thought about what it means when we allow God to ORDER OUR STEPS! God has a plan for us and He wants to add the right people...the right opportunities...and the right direction to our lives, so that we will be pleasing to Him. If we delight in Him...He will give us the desires of our heart! I am grateful on this 23rd day, that God orders my steps!!
Psalm 37:4 (ESV)
4 Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

November 23...

I'm thankful God, that you have a plan for me and you order all my steps
and I'm grateful that the promise you have written has been kept.

You told me you'd be with me
no matter what may come
and I have no doubt there's so much more that I've been protected from.

Your Word says, if I follow... you'll teach me how to fish
so that others would be drawn to you,
I know that is your wish.

Lord, I pray to fulfill my purpose and be all that you have planned
Thank you for ordering all my steps, with your strong and mighty hand.
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

I love to sing! And I truly enjoy singing praise and worship songs for The Lord!  I'm blessed to sing and serve with an amazing Creative Arts Team at my church... and the bonus? I get to do it with my husband too.
On day #22 of my poems of gratitude, I'm grateful for my church, and the freedom to sing, to praise and to worship God!

November 22...

Thank you God, for providing a place for fellowship and praise
where I can come to worship you, with my head held high and my arms are raised.

It is here, I feel your presence
and where my body's healed from pain
it is where I pray with others
and where my burdens should remain.

God, there is nothing sweeter or more precious, than when I lift up my heart to you
when I sing songs of praise and worship,  I will encounter a breakthough.

 Thank you God, for all your teachings; your Word is woven in each song
and when I sing to praise and worship you,
I feel empowered, blessed and strong!
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

Sometimes it's hard to believe that life has gotten so busy, that there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to make a few, quick phone calls to check in on those we love.

We look around and weeks...months and in some cases, years pass and we've lost connections with the very people that hold a significant place in our lives and in our hearts! The more time that passes, the harder it seems to reconnect, because we each have taken on new interests, new friendships, new directions and yes, even new troubles!  It becomes difficult to wade through our individual life-changing moments and focus on what may have been lost due to time, distance and distractions.

 This week I was determined to reach out to several friends and family members whom I had been thinking of, but had not spoken to in a while.  During at least three of my conversations,  I lost connections with the other party.  Two of the calls were made from my cell phone and were dropped for no apparent reason and the third was from my landline phone which simply just shut off!!

 After reconnecting with each person, we discussed how odd the lost calls were and we laughed as we each found humor in the fact that we were both screaming into our phones, in order to reconnect and be heard.  Are you wondering where I'm headed with this and how it relates to my daily poem of gratitude?  I'm so glad you asked!!   ;-)

This scenario made me think about how challenging communicating with others can often be...but I am truly grateful that the lines of communication between God and I are ALWAYS open and accessible!

Nov. 21...

Lord, I'm thankful that you want to hear from me; I know you have a listening ear
and I love to capture moments when you speak, because your voice is loud and clear.

I'm grateful there are never disconnections and no fears of a dropped call
in your Word you made a promise, that you would be there through it all!

Lord, I love that you are always there to  listen and there's no need for me to yell
and as I get to know you more and more,
it's clear my needs are known, before I tell.

Lord, I'm grateful for discernment and to recognize when it is you
giving me guidance and direction
and not the world's tarnished point of view.

Lord, I'm so thankful that I know you and I can trust that if I fall
that you are never "out of service" and will answer when I call.

God, I'm thankful that we're connected, and nothing or no one can divide
the great relationshhip I've built with you
and the love I have for you inside!
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

This morning I left home on a mission to complete a few errands. The day started out on a high note, as I had the upcoming holiday weekend and a visit from out of town family on my mind and I was happy!

My first stop however, managed to change the course of excitement I was feeling and attempted to pull that "euphoric feeling" right out from under me!  I headed back to my vehicle...not angry, but feeling somewhat "out of sorts."  So, while driving to the next stop, I attempted to rebound from the negative encounter.  It didn't take long for me to put the situation in perspective and move forward...full steam ahead!

How did I do it? By taking my focus off of myself or the circumstances...I simply focused on God and His promise...to refresh and restore!!  On the 20th day, I'm grateful that God refreshes and restores!!

Proverbs 3:7-8 ESV
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.


November 20...

Thank you God for restoration and refreshment
and for safeguarding me from fear, anger, and resentment.

Your Word showers over me and soothes my soul
while defeating the enemy's taunts, plans and goals.

When I take a moment at look up towards you
I'm reminded of your promise... and BOY, WHAT A VIEW!

The glorious canvas you designed and created
will change the attitudes of the lost, broken-hearted and hated.

Your love is refreshing and cool like the rain
and will wash away any hurt, anguish or pain.

Lord, I'm grateful to know you and have such adoration
that you bless and you heal through divine restoration!
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

It was a long day, but a productive one.
Throughout the day, I experienced opportunities to encourage others OR was encouraged by the people who crossed my path. There are a number of ways that we can encourage each other and encouraging one another is exactly what we are called to do!

1 Thessalonians 5:11 English Standard Version (ESV)
11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Today's poem of gratitude is on giving thanks for the gift of encouragement...giving AND receiving!

November 19...


Lord, thank you for every person that you send to cheer me on
as soon as they begin to speak, all  doubt and fear is gone.

They may  show up at any moment,
with an encouraging word or two
and it's apparent when they share their thoughts, the words came straight from you.

I'm also grateful that you placed in me the heart and mind to give
and the gift to encourage others, helps us spread our wings and live!

Encouragement may be delivered, in many different ways...
with a smile or a supporting hug, with a prayer or what we say.

God wants us to encourage...His Word is clear and tells us so
the opportunity to encourage can be found every where we go.
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

Prayer is a powerful tool and a necessary weapon used to defeat the enemy...and it is readily available to every one of us! Today, I started my day with exercise, a devotional and prayer.  I then headed to my Wed. Women's Bible Study Group, for worship and prayer. After leaving Women's Bible Study, I met with a friend for lunch and we ended our visit with prayer. In an hour, I have set aside prayer time, via phone with another friend.  Just reflecting on the variety of prayer opportunities that I have enjoyed, today alone, brought me to day # 18's poem of gratitude...I am truly grateful for the freedom, power and the will to pray!

November 18...


Thank you God, for the freedom, power and the will to pray
I'm so grateful to express thanks to you, every day

Prayer is needed to cover every area of my life
It removes fear, gives hope and eliminates strife.

Prayer responds to requests, and it heals the sick
Prayers are meant to be answered, but answers don't always come quick.

Prayer has the power to change and can turn things around
it can reveal resolutions that aren't easily found.

I am grateful to be able choose where I pray
whether home in my quiet, or with friends, while away.

There's nothing better than possessing a desire to pray
and use freedom, power and will, to seek God every day.
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

Days like today can cause us to take our eyes off of God! The entire day seemed to be overshadowed by the clouds and the rain. We simply want to just get through days like this.
We may be challenged to find a ray of sunshine in the midst of a gray and gloomy sky, but if we look hard enough...we will see that God is STILL blessing us...and for that, I am grateful!!

November 17...

Today was a perfect day to check in on my attitude
and make sure that I slowed down enough to show gratitude.

I needed to sift through the "everyday rush"
and find time to just breathe and bring things to a hush.

It was a good time to stop...look around and see all that was good
and give thanks to our Father, the way that I should.

It is easy us to view any circumstance
as something that came about, only by chance.

But the one thing I DO know...and what I believe...
is being grateful to God....means greater blessings received.
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

Today I had the pleasure of spending time with a new friend. We actually meet, by chance a year ago and today we discovered many things about one another that revealed that it was meant for us to meet.
I consider friendships...old and new as treasures from God.  Today marks day #16 of my poetry of gratitude and thankfulness.

November 16...

God, I am grateful for the unexpected treasures
that you sprinkle all around
they arrive in different packages
to be discovered, recognized and found.

Some arrive in an envelope or parcel
some are the people that I meet
they may come from someone's introduction
Or just by chatting on the street.

No matter how these treasures are  discovered, one thing is definite and true
the most important thing about each one...  is that they all come straight from you!!
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

I'm on the edge of my seat and taking copious notes each Sunday at my church, because the messages delivered by my Pastor are sooo good!  I leave there each time refreshed, renewed and ready for a new week.  Today's poem of gratitude...Day # 15... is about being grateful for the teachable moments and being thankful for each lesson!

November 15....

Thank you God for the teachable moments and the desire to learn and grow
and for placing the right people in my path, to help me understand the things I do not know.

Thank you Lord, for the many lessons, that help me to be my very best
those lessons teach me to still praise you, in the midst of trials and tests.

God, I'm thankful for the leaders, the family and friends who know your Word
their presence helps encourage me, when the world becomes absurd.

Lord, I know you have the power to change the things I cannot see
and that you'll lead me out of
darkness, back into hope and on to victory!
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

Since my husband and I are celebrating our 28th wedding anniversary today, my poem of gratitude on day #14 is about being thankful for my marriage.

November 14.....

God, I'm so grateful for my marriage,
and truly blessed by all you do
I know we're destined for this journey
because my mate was picked by you.

Lord, we know that marriage is a good thing
and can withstand the test of time
when we seek and trust, you in all things,
we know our marriage will be prime!

God, we are honored by your presence
we know it's you who gives us life
we praise you for our faithful union
and the gift of becoming man and wife.
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

 Most of you know that I challenged myself to write a poem of gratitude every day, this month. After hearing the news of the tragic events, unfolding in Paris, I pondered over what today's gratitude poem would highlight. Please pray for the people of Paris and others who have been affected by this horrific event!

November 13....

Lord, the nation is now sitting at attention from the news
of the tragic deaths in Paris, between chaos and interviews.

Father, we can't fathom the true meaning or the reasoning for this crime
but hope for answers and for justice to be discovered in due time.

Lord, this tragedy builds anger, causes doubt and incites fear
and attempts to keep us from you, when we truly need you near.

Father, even in the midst of this day ending in such a sad and tragic way
I am grateful to believe that things will change if I will pray.
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry




 .

November 12....

Today may have been considered just an ordinary day
as I reflect on every moment, this is what I want to say...

"Thank you God for all your blessings and for all the things you do
for you plan and order all my steps and guard whatever I go through.

I seek to praise you in the bad times as well as when all things are good
and I strive to glorify you through the storms and trust you like I should.

Lord, because I'm standing on your promise
I trust my faith will stretch and grow
and I do not doubt you love me, because The Bible tells me so.

God, I'm grateful for each moment, knowing each one comes from you
and I pray to honor you each day... in everything I do.
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe ❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry

Today is Veteran's Day!  A day set aside to honor the men and women who serve our country through Military Service.  So on  day# 11, I am grateful for those who vowed to serve and protect.

November 11....

Lord, I'm grateful to our Veterans
who committed to the task
of serving our great Country...
some served in camouflage and masks.

Many sacrificed relationships...
some set aside their dreams
to ensure the safety of their families
while taking part in a great team.


I pray this day will bring them honor
and hope their memories will scream,
"Thank You Soldier For Your Service,
 You Are Held in High Esteem!"
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry!

November 10....


Thank you God for your sweet presence and the love you feely give
I recognize, without a doubt that it's because of you I live.

I want to praise and glorify you every day I'm here on earth
how I wish I'd known you like I do now
from the moment of my birth.

Lord you bless me and protect me every moment of the day
I  pray to give you ALL the glory through what I do and what I say.

I want to live as an example of what your Word has taught me to
and use my light to shine so brightly, others will be drawn to you.

Lord, don't let me miss a chance to be blessing or to pray
for someone who is hurting or may need you right away.

Lord, I'm grateful for my friends and family and I'm thankful for their love

I'm feeling truly blessed upon this birthday
just simply being thought of!
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe!❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry!

November 9...

Lord, thank you for the gift of service
and the desire and heart to give
I'm also grateful for discernment and the power to forgive.

I pray to use my gifts wisely, as expected and designed
and to live by your example: being patient,  loving and kind.

God I know I was created for your great and perfect plan...
to encourage and show love to every woman and every man.
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe!❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry!

Today was our church's 32nd Anniversary!  It was a glorious day of celebrating growth and change! My poem of gratitude and thanksgiving on day #8 is about seeing change as a gift, because we can't always see it in the beginning, but change is a blessing!!

November 8....

Change is a gift that we can't always see
some view change as good
and some disagree.

For some change brings triumph
and adds just the right touch
for others, change may be a little too much.

Some people feel cornered and seem out of place
when moved from a familiar and comfortable space.

Others feel joyful and are destined to thrive
because the process of change makes them come alive.

No matter your thoughts or what you may fear
change is a good thing, which in time will be clear.

Change means to transform, to shift or convert
change has the power to heal from misfortune and hurt.

It is filled with new chapters, beginnings and firsts
change can open new doors and spiritual rebirths.

We can pray change will happen, but it won't on our own
the power to change comes from God The Father alone.

God may hold back some changes, when He has a plan
and will bless us in His time, as only God can.

In order to prosper and to move ahead
we must make room for the changes and walk where we're led.
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe!❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry!

Today, David and I attended the Homegoing Service of a friend, who no longer resided here, but grew up here. While at the service, I discovered that her family had longtime relationships with several of my new friends that I have come to know and love. It was an amazing reminder of just how small the world really is!  As we shared a hug and a tidbit about how we each were connected to the family, someone said, "I imagine that this was what it will be like in Heaven! That we would be joyful and embrace one another, when we meet up again."  The experience made me think about God's promise... and I am truly grateful for that!!

November 7...

I'm thankful for Gods promise
and pray my journey here on earth
will represent the love of Jesus and the purpose of His birth.

God plans to prosper and to bless us
and just in case you haven't heard
we have free will to study AND to know it
because it's written in His Word.


God loves us deeper than the ocean
and higher than the tallest tree
 He truly seeks to know us better
and He desires to set us free.

I am so grateful for God's promise
and I strive to do His will
so when my journey here is finished
all that He asked has been fulfilled.
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe!❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry!

**This morning as I left my subdivision for an early morning appt., I pulled into the middle intersection at the same moment that a large doe appeared out of nowhere and came close to being hit...BY ME!  After regrouping from the shock of it all, I looked out my window, to my left and discovered that the she was bounding alongside  me....heading in the same direction....and did so, for several blocks...it was if she intended to follow me!!

Today's experience led me to what I needed to share on my 6th day poem of gratitude and thankfulness!

November 6......

Lord, I Thank You for protection
for you keep me safe and sound
you save me from things seen
and unseen...
which amazes and astounds.

You guard me from the enemy, who has plans to bring me harm
while you cradle, hold and keep me in your loving, open arms.


Father, you're always there to rescue me when I encounter hurt and pain
you also cover, shield and shelter me from  lightening, wind and rain.

God, not only do you show up to protect and guide me through each day
you watch over friends and family, because I  seek, ask and I pray.
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe!❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry!

November 5....

I thank you for my friendships Lord
each connection is a gift
an abundant blessing you designed for me... to share, love, support and lift.

 As a child, I could not see, you had a hand in whom I'd meet
but now I seek to know your perfect plan without a  doubt, your purpose is complete.

Some friendships have a season and may come with tests and trials
while others last a life-time and prove to make the walk worthwhile.

When we experience new encounters, we can't always see the plan,
but in due time we'll see the good and begin to give all that we can.

Dear Father, Bless my friendships...those I have and ones to come
give me  strength to walk in love, so I'll always appreciate each one.
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe!❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry!

November 4....


I'm thankful for my family...each person holds a key
to unlocking who and what I am and where I strive to be.

I've learned to see the blessings in things I may not have understood...
that the things experienced when I was young were really for my good.

I'm thankful for those lessons...they truly made me grow
and proved to make me stronger in the Lord, I've come to know.


I'm grateful for my family, they mean a lot to me
I know that we're not perfect, but God's Word can set us free.

I pray that as a unit, we'll move according to God's will
and that we'll always put Him first, so His plan will be fulfilled.  
#55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe!❤
#30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry!

November 3...

I'm thankful for your love, Dear Lord...today and every day
the hope and strength that comes from you bring triumph, come what may.

I know that I can't make it...I can't do it on my own
for it's your love and grace that brings me through, because I'm never left alone. 

God, I want you to know I love you too and grateful to see another day
that's why I honor you and praise you, study your Word and pray.
‪#‎55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe‬!❤
‪#‎30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry‬!

November 2...

Today is Mon. the 2nd. and it's a glorious day
God woke me this morning, with something to say.

"Thank you Dear Father, for protection last night
and for ensuring my family and friends were safe and all right."

I'm grateful you order my steps and direct my path
so that I may rebuke and ignore the enemy's wrath.

I appreciate the relationship I'm building with you
and I vow to give you the praise for ALL that you do.

With each passing year, I seek YOU more and more
I want everyone to know that it's YOU
I adore!
‪#‎55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe‬ ❤
‪#‎30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry‬!

It's November 1st and that means that Thanksgiving Day AND my birthday are just around the corner! To celebrate the month, I will post/share something(s) each day that I am thankful for and I challenge myself to do it in rhyme...Here's to: 55 And Alive...A Grateful Place To Be!❤

NOVEMBER 1....

Today, with a sore throat and a stuffy head
God gave me the strength to get up out of bed.

I put aside all the things that the enemy said
and ignored what he tried to put in my head.

He wanted me to believe that I should stay put, so I'd miss out on the blessings of worship and Word
But I rebuked all his chatter and cast him aside, went to church and was blessed by the message I heard!

You see, no matter what tempts you or comes to destroy, kill or steal
God's Word fills us with hope and has the power to heal.
‪#‎55AndAliveAGratefulPlaceToBe‬!❤
‪#‎30DaysofGratitudeThroughPoetry‬!