Inside: This holiday week seems like a good time to revisit this blogging tradition. But instead of focusing on the usual categories, I’m sharing four things I’m thankful for this year.~
I used to write a Share Four Somethings post every month, but last fall, I missed an installment. One month turned into two, and two somehow turned into more than a year.
To be specific, the last time I participated in Jenn’s Share Four Somethings linkup was August 2024.
I’m not even going to ask where all the time went. But the week of Thanksgiving seems like a good time to revisit this tradition, with a twist. Instead of going with the usual categories, I’m going to share four things I’m thankful for this year. Starting with …
God’s Goodness in My Life
Eight months ago today, I was hit by a car when I was riding my bike. As I’ve shared before, I have no recollection of this accident or the days immediately thereafter. I spent 19 days in the hospital after suffering a traumatic brain injury, neck fractures and a badly broken leg, among other things.
Every month, I can look back four weeks and notice ways that I am better. I can look back to the days I don’t remember and see how far I’ve come.
I think about the people around me who served as God’s hands and feet to me—my husband, daughters, neighbors, sisters, friends near and far. As well as the friends and family members around the globe who prayed for me.
My road to recovery has been long, but God has been faithful every step of the way. I’m so very grateful for His promises, protection and provision.
Online Grocery Shopping
Speaking of God’s provision, the ability to order groceries online and have them brought to my car at the store has been a huge blessing this year. I had never done this before my accident, but it’s been so convenient and helpful—for family members when I wasn’t getting around very well, and now for me.
The online shoppers aren’t as particular as I am when it comes to picking out produce, but that’s the only downside as far as I’m concerned.
I actually like shopping for food, so I don’t expect to keep ordering my groceries online forever. For this season, though, this service has been a gift.
A New Form of Exercise
After being hampered by ice, snow and freezing temperatures last winter, I was planning to get a stationary recumbent bike this fall so I could still exercise during inclement weather. Those plans came to fruition a little earlier than expected—I bought the equipment in July and have been using it in my basement ever since.
At times, I do miss riding my bike on the trail near my home. I enjoyed seeing deer and cardinals, as well as interacting with other people on the path.
Mostly, though, I appreciate the convenience of going downstairs to ride whenever I want to, rain or shine.
The Great British Baking Show
Sometime in the last year, Randy and I started watching The Great British Baking Show again. To date, we have watched (or rewatched, as the case may be) every single season, including the earliest ones before the PBS episodes.
We’ve even indulged in spinoffs like The Great American Baking Show and The Great British Baking Show: Holidays. Our favorite—hands down—is the British version with the regular home bakers from throughout the United Kingdom.
We love their accents, not to mention their ability to assemble puff pastry, create amazing scenes out of bread dough and withstand the scrutiny of the judges week after week.
One More Thing
I’m also grateful for those of you who have subscribed to my new monthly newsletter, Courage Dear Heart. If you filled out the form in the last several weeks and haven’t received anything yet, the confirmation email probably went to your junk or spam folder.
If you can’t find it there, please subscribe again and check those folders for the opt-in message. Be sure to add the newsletter’s email address to your safe list so you don’t miss anything else. Thanks for your patience; I’m so sorry for all the hassle!
If you haven’t had a chance to sign up for the newsletter yet, you can do so here:
As my way of saying thanks, you’ll receive a free copy of my 7-day devotional, Faith, Fear, and the God Who Goes Before Us.
• • •
Now it’s your turn. Do you shop for groceries online or watch The Great British Baking Show? How has God revealed His goodness in your life this year? Please share in the comments. And have a very happy Thanksgiving!
♥ Lois
This year, God has been faithful every step of the way. I’m so very grateful for His promises, protection and provision. Share on XP.S. I’m linking up this week with #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.