My friend, Lindsey, and fellow 10K reasons blogger, wrote an ABC’s of thanks a while back. I liked her idea and thought I would use it to switch mine up a bit. There are only 26 letters in the alphabet, but I will figure something out for 27.

Here goes.

1. A-Apples. On most days, I eat at least one apple. My favorite are Gala and Honey Crisp. An apple provides more energy boosting power than coffee and it is much better for you. I love apples. I have been known to eat 3-4 a day.

2. B-Books. I love to read them. I am so thankful that God gave some the talent to use words to collect together in written form and make books. Books can take you on adventures, inspire you to be a better you, or make you dream again.

3. C-Car. I have a great, dependable, paid-off car. It comfortably carries my little family around and we can rely on it.

4. D-Deliverance.

5. E-Ellison Family. I am honored to be an Ellison. I love that group of interesting, talented, smart, and lovable creatures of the Most High God.

6. F-Freedom. It truly isn’t free. It has been provided to me sacrificial by men and woman who care more for others and the future of our great country than they do for themselves.

7. G-Gary. He is my helpmate, my best bud, and my loudest cheerleader. I love him.

8. H-Hendrickson Family. I love them all so much. They receive me as their very own and treat me with kindness, care, and overwhelming love. They are fun, caring, and quirky people. I love them.

9. I-Integrity.

10. J-Jesus and Judah. Jesus gave me life and every good thing in it. One of the best blessings He gave me is Judah. Judah makes my heart smile everyday. I am so honored to be his mommy.

11. K-Kisses. Gary always kisses me goodbye and Judah loves to shower his mommy with sweet kisses.

12. L-Love and Laughter.

13. M-Memories.

14. N-Neatness. I love being tidy and neat. I am thankful for the neatness qualities my parents taught me. I am also thankful that Gary is really neat too. We are neat together! Neat is a funny word to say over and over and over again…it is really neat…try it.

15. O-Obstacles. They cause us to think, find solutions, and grow stronger.

16. P-Peace.

17. Q-Quirks. I love sweet, endearing quirks. They set people apart and make them extra special. I have quirks, my sweetheart has quirks, and some of my other most favorite people have quirks.

18. R-Redemption.

19. S-Stories. I love to hear the stories of people’s lives and I love to tell stories. Judah loves my stories. He is my biggest fan. He has made me a better storyteller.

20. T-Trees. I grew up in a neighborhood in Broken Bow, Ok called Bellpine Estates. It was called Bellpine because of the large, beautiful pine trees. I love trees. I wish we had BIG trees in the neighborhoods of South OKC.

21. U-Understanding.

22. V-Volume. Don’t be jealous, but I have always had great volume in my hair. I have to give credit to my “super bone tail comb.” My college roomie, Jahni Suzanne Tapley, introduced me to the Super Bone Tail Comb in college and my hair has never had a flat day since.

23. W-Water. I am thankful for the LIVING WATER, as well as drinking water. It is about the only thing I drink. I love cold water and I drink a lot of it on a daily basis.

24. X-X-Rays. Even though I almost pass out when looking at the insides of body parts, I am thankful for X-Ray technology. Also, it was the only thing I could think of that started with the letter X.

25. Y-A Yielded Spirit.

26. Z-Zeal. I love energy and passionate pursuit of one’s desires.

27. Judah knows his ABCs and I love to hear him sing the song to me.

Monday, February 10

My 27 Thanks:

1. My house has been able to host  lots of people over the last few days.

2. Every one felt comfortable and had room to spread out.

3. We all had breakfast around the table together.

4. Gary always checks in on the condition of my heart.

5. Judah gave me lots of kisses today.

6. Judah told me he loved me.

7. Our hot water has not run out! We all took showers within the same hour and everyone (7 people) had hot water!

8. My brother, Kyle, told me I looked beautiful.

9. Judah and the boys were great during my grandma’s memorial service.

10. Judah provided sweet, funny commentary during the memorial video.

11. Child-like innocence.

12. An understanding of Heaven.

13. My friend, Debby, came to the funeral.

14. Pastor Marcia and Dorothy were at the funeral. I am so glad that got to know a portion of who my sweet grandmother was to me.

15. We got to see many family members that we haven’t seen in a really long time. Every one grows up.

16. My grandma was honored well.

17. The Pastor preached an awesome message about being ready.

18. Funeral dinner ministry is a great blessing to people. Chisolm Heights Baptist Church in Mustang hosted us well.

19. My family had safe travels home.

20. All video and songs worked great-no complications.

21. I got to keep a beautiful plant from my grandma’s service.

22. I had fun picking out Valentine’s with Judah. He doesn’t understand though why he can’t eat all the candy.

23. Honesty. The cashier didn’t charge us for 12 heart-shaped tubes of m&m candies. How she missed it, I don’t know?.?.? But, when we realized the mistake on our way out the door, we went back inside and made it right. She was so surprised by our honesty!

24. There are still honest people in the world.

25. We had a chance to see my brother’s new chiropractic office. It is going to be beautiful!

26. Gary helped me clean our house. It smells like pine-sol (my favorite). All the blankets are washed and put away, laundry caught up, and dishes done. Now, back to life…back to reality.

27. Warmer weather is in our future.

Sunday, February 9

My 27 Thanks:

1. Abby had everything ready to go for an awesome Sunday morning kids service.

2. My parents kept Judah for me so he could have a restful morning and spend more time with his cousin, Gatlin.

3. We made it safely to church.

4. My team all made it safely to church.

5. No one fell on any ice patches in the parking lot.

6. We did not have water at church, but my kids did great and were super flexible.

7. My kidmin team came together and figured out a plan to serve our kids to the best of our abilities even without water!

8. My kidmo team continues to show growth in ministry, as well as care for kids.

9. My kidmin team is flexible and understanding.

10. They keep a positive attitude no matter what the circumstance.

11. My friend, Ava, and her family had the MOST wonderful vacation. I am so glad they got to go on a trip of a lifetime.

12. Abby is super resourceful and creative. Her robot mouth was awesome and inventive.

13. There are many great films depicting awesome events from the Bible going to the BIG screen this year.

14. My family met with the Pastor who will be conducting my grandma’s memorial service. He is a great man of God and is so sweet and full of love.

15. We all got to share our personal stories with our grandma with him.

16. Memories/Stories about my grandma made us all laugh. She loved us well.

17. My in-laws brought my family a home cooked meal! It was such a blessing to our family during this time.

18. My in-laws love my family too. They stayed and had dinner with us.

19. Dustin did a great job on the memorial video. It was awesome.

20. We said “see you later” to station 8 on the Red. Those guys are our family.

21. Gary learned so much at that station. I am so thankful for the 7 years he had there.

22. Major Calvert said we would always be a part of the station 8 family.

23. Laughter with the guys and some time to exchange stories over the last 7 years.

24. Gary got Judah a “dog tag” style necklace with the fire department emblem. Judah is so proud of that necklace and wore it with a big smile.

25. Psalm 23

26. “Though I walk through the valley of the SHADOW of death, I will fear no evil.” With Christ, Death is only a shadow.

27. He is my comforter.

Friday, February 7

My 27 Thanks:

1. We had a very relaxing morning after a long night.

2. My sister, Haley, made it to my house before the bad weather hit SE Oklahoma.

3. We went to my grandmas house and found great pictures for her memorial video.

4. My friend and co-worker, Dustin, is making my grandmas memorial video.

5. Dustin is saving us both money and lots of time. I am so thankful for his offer.

6. John Ireland Funeral home is great to work with. They show great care and compassion to families who have lost a loved one.

7. As a family, we went to my grandma’s house for the first time since she became sick and was put in the hospital. She always had a bag of oranges and a cup of walnuts on the table beside her chair. They were sitting there untouched when we got there. I had to throw the oranges away:) Simple memories.

8. We went through lots of family photos and shared lots of great memories.

9. Photos.

10. My Aunt Mary gave us some great child pics of my grandma to put in the memorial video.

11. My Aunt Mary helped take great care of my grandma while she was alive. My grandma loved spending time with her sister.

12. This last year of my grandmas life, she lived next door to her sister. I am so glad that got to spend almost every day together.

13. The Fire Department shows such great compassion and care when a fireman looses someone in their family. Gary was able to take bereavement leave and be with me today as we assist my parents with memorial service details.

14. Fire Station 8-Red is our family.

15. Gary has worked with a wonderful group of men (brothers) for the last 7 years.

16. My sister and I have had great conversations today. It is so good to have face-to-face conversation with my baby sister. I can’t believe she is so grown up. I am 12 years older than she, so I practically raised her!

17. Gary loves my family as much as I do!

18.  Comet, my sister’s dog, loves Judah. He lets Judah carry him around, chase him, and hand feed him. Judah refers to Comet as “My best mend!”

19. My Uncle Danny is staying with us during this time. Being close helps during times of loss.

20. I made a big crock pot of chicken tortilla soup. It was a hearty meal and fed many mouths. I am so glad I had all the stuff needed to throw it together quickly.

21. My family loved it. My mom told me it was better than hers! Huge compliment.

22. We finalized the plan for my grandma’s memorial service. It will be a lovely, honoring memorial.

23. Working together with my dad and uncle.

24. Even though it is because of sad circumstances, I am enjoying time with my family.

25. My mom, sister, and me all snuggled up on my bed and watched a Hallmark movie together. It was a great distraction from the week’s events.

26. Love Stories!

27. I married my Prince Charming.

Thursday, February 6

My 27 Thanks:

1. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind.

2. God has given us a mind that has been delivered, rescued, revived, salvaged, protected, and brought into a place of safety and security.

3. My mind is guarded by the Word of God.

4. The Word of God can safeguard your emotions.

5. The Word of God defends your mind from assaults of fear.

6. The Word of God.

7. Again, I am so thankful for Rick Renner’s Sparkling Gem devotion. They are so rich with truths from the Word.

8. We got much accomplished in Creative Meeting.

9. Abby has been a huge help this week. keeping things moving forward which has allowed me to help my family during a difficult time.

10. I got to have a quick-lunch with Judah and Gary. Gary picked up McAlisters for us and brought it up to the church. I have such a sweet, caring husband.

11. We got to see Zach. He is home for a visit. Judah immediately wanted Zach to play a game of chase with him. They are cute friends.

12. Pastor Brandon and I had a great time meeting with Mindy and JaQuisha. They are a great asset to our team. And, I am so thankful for their care for our kids.

13. The future is bright.

14. My buddy Sam is home from the hospital and his recovery is amazing. He is doing well and gaining strength everyday.

15.  I got to take a gluten-free pizza to Sam. It is nice to be able to be a blessing. Sam was so thankful and excited to eat his special pizza.

16. Jennifer made my family a batch of home-made chocolate chip cookies. They were delicious and a great late night snack for my family. They were gone in a matter of moments.

17. My uncle is staying the night with us. I am glad that I have lots of room to host family.

18. I am so thankful for safety and protection on the icy roads. Thankfully, the people who I have been on the roads with are driving as safe and slow as I am.

19. I was able to go to the funeral home and help my parents with my grandma’s service.

20. John M. Ireland funeral home is a great funeral home to work with for a funeral service.

21. While at the funeral home, I sat by my uncle. There were many moments of tears and I held his hand. I am glad that I was sitting next to him.

22. Laura and Robert kept Judah for us while we were at the funeral home.

23. We made arrangements that will honor my grandma’s life well.

24. We spent several hours listening to songs and picking out ones that my grandma would love. It was nice to hear her kind of music. She had some good taste.

25. We all shared some of our favorite memories with grandma. It brought laughter to a sad time.

26. Gary was able to get off work for bereavement leave, so he can help me with some of the details of the days ahead.

27. Life after death.

Today would be my grandmother’s last day on earth. Although she loved her life and lived it to the fullest, she is so glad to be with her sweet Jesus. In her final days, I heard her tell the nurse, “I don’t want to linger here on earth. I am ready to go.” Thankfully, Jesus granted her that desire and took her home.

For the past 20 years, she has been my only living grandparent. I have so many sweet memories with her. So, until we meet again in Heaven, I will hold on to those sweet memories of her food, fun times, and family stories.

In honor of her, my 27 thanks is for my grandma!

Wednesday, February 5th

My 27 Thanks:

1. My grandma, Yvonne Lee, made Christmas a magical time for all of us kids. My parents didn’t have much money at all when we were younger and couldn’t do much at all for Christmas. But, my grandma held no expense. She didn’t spare a dime and covered her living room with gifts for us. Nothing delighted her more than acting out in her love language-gift giving.

2. My grandmother has such a fun, active home. She had dolls and talking stuffed animals displayed in every room. Often, I would walk around the corner and her stuffed monkey would whistle at you. She loved sharing her baby dolls with us kids and watching us play with her dancing, talking stuffed animals.

3. My grandma took great care of people. She loved working as a nurse in the hospitals.

4. My grandma never forgot a story. She remembered specific details about our lives and could always share the sweetest, most fun stories about her grandkids.

5. My grandma had a swimming pool at her house when we were younger. She wanted us to come over all the time and enjoy her home. Her doors were always open.

6. My grandma loved to cook.

7. My grandma made extravagant meals for us. Her signature dish was homemade macaroni and cheese.

8. My grandma couldn’t believe that I didn’t like her macaroni and cheese and her chocolate gravy. But, she was okay because I liked everything else.

9. My grandma was super sentimental. She loved collecting and keeping.

10. My grandma gave me my first paying job. She loved how well I cleaned her home and would bless me financially.

11. My mom’s mother died when my mom was only 3 years old. But, my grandma loved my mom like a daughter. She loved making my mom feel special.

12. My grandma got to live across the street from us in Broken Bow, Ok for several years. I am so glad she got to have an up close look at our school years.

13. My grandma did her best to come to every pageant, school play, baseball game, football game, and other events that celebrated her grandkids.

14. My grandma loved to travel and before she got really sick, she got to visit many beautiful places.

15. My grandma had a messed up finger nail. As long as I can remember, it has always been deformed. When I was little, she used to tell us that a booger bug bit it off when she was picking her nose. So, we shouldn’t pick our nose either. For a while, we believed her. Her plan worked! To this day, I don’t know what actually happened to her weird, crooked finger nail.

16. My grandma loved her sons. Her boys were her pride and joy.

17. My grandma loved to shop. She loved to look her best.

18. My grandma wore the same perfume all her life. She had a specific sweet smell.

19. My grandma was so glad that I married Gary. She thought he was the cutest firefighter she had ever seen. She loved Gary and treated him like her very own grandson.

20. My grandma loved Judah. He brought the biggest smile to her face. She loved to listen to me tell stories about Judah.

21. Judah couldn’t say “grandma.” So, he has always called her “ma-maw.” Judah got to say, “see ya later” too.

22. My grandma loved movies. She would sit with us and enjoy a good animated movie as much as us kids. She loved old movies too.

23. In her final days, they were able to keep my grandma free from most of her pain.

24. In her final days, both my dad and uncle were with her at all times.

25. Her last words to me were, “Kara, I am so thankful that I don’t have to worry about your salvation.” Then, she turned to the nurse and said, “This is my granddaughter, but she is more like my angel.” Here words were gold.

26. I got to say “see you later” to my grandma. I loved holding her hand and bringing comfort during a difficult time in one of her final days.

27. My grandma loved Jesus and served the Lord faithfully. Because of her decision to follow Him, she is now resting in His arms.

Tuesday, February 4

My 27 Thanks:

1. I woke up ready to take on the day.

2. I taught in staff chapel and I didn’t pass out. Despite what some may think, I actually get quite nervous speaking in front of an audience of my peers.

3.Policies and Procedures that give us direction, guidance, and boundaries.

4. Gary ran to the store for me and picked up the items we were contributing to the Staff Family lunch.

5. Our church team family lunch has been resurrected.

6. Everyone pitched in to both setup and tear down. Together everyone accomplishes more and the help of many make the work seem few.

7. Gary and I sat by Pastors Ted and Tami. We had a fun discussion about parenting. They even gave us some tips.

8. One of my teen leaders, Maci, is such a sweet girl. Her heart is so pure. Her smile alone shows her love for Jesus. I have so many great teens on my team.

9. We spent an hour focused on the dynamics of our Easter service. We are close to having it complete!

10. Opportunities to work ahead.

11. Favor with community venues.

12. My dad and uncle were able to get my grandmother settled in a beautiful, well ran hospice facility.

13. Hospice Care.

14. My dad has more peace now that his mom is settled in a good place.

15. My parent’s are really healthy and take very good care of themselves.

16. Lorry Gail paid me a surprise visit at work. She blessed me with a free coupon to try out a really cool, new online product.

17. Gary got to visit and tour his new fire station assignment today. He is really looking forward to his promotion.

18. Gary loves to make a positive difference where ever he goes.

19. We had Papa Murphey’s pizza for dinner. Quick, easy, and delicious.

20. My morning devotion was so rich with the Word and good information to apply to one’s life.

21. I can put on the full armor of God.

22. God goes before me and protects me.

23. I can be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might…Ephesians 6:10

24. God gave me spiritual weapons to use against the schemes of the enemy.

25. I have the victory.

26. Today is Maxton Gramlings 12th birthday. This kid has been such a blessing to our lives. There is truly not another kid on the planet like Maxton Gramling. His future is bright.

27. Rest.

Monday, February 3

My 27 Thanks:

1. Today is my friend Ava’s birthday! I am blessed to call Ava a friend. She is a bright light who always shines even in the darkest of moments. Ava is a “glass half-full” kind of gal. She is rock solid and a pillar in her community! She is also a great mom, a great leader, and a great friend. Her smile lights up the room.

2. My buddy Sam came home from the hospital. I am so glad this procedure is done and behind him. He is doing well and eating real food.

3. Medical interventions that make life more enjoyable when things go wrong.

4. I got many items knocked off my to-do list before lunch time.

5. Starla let me borrow her floor heater. I was freezing and that heater provided great warmth.

6. Starla and I had a good conversation about a deep topic. It was nice to hear her insight.

7. Abby found her keys. It bothered her greatly (our keys are very important).

8. Judah had a blast at school. He hates going, but once he gets there, he has fun.

9. I had a nice chat with another Antioch school mom. We are going to plan a play date for our boys soon.

10. I came home from work today and entered into a clean, pine-sol smelling home.

11. Gary doesn’t mind rolling up his sleeves and helping with house work.

12. Judah told me all about his school day. He was so proud of his paper that he cut. He is now learning how to use scissors. He also started writing his name.

13. Judah loves to learn.

14. Judah is an active learner.

15. My sister had a successful lasik eye surgery. I am so glad she finally got this done. She did have horrible eyesight. But, now she can see.

16. My grandma was able to sit up on the side of her hospital bed. She had to accomplish this task in order to qualify for a skilled nursing unit.

17. My dad and uncle spent the day looking for places that will care for my grandmother.

18. I am getting to teach my team in staff chapel tomorrow. I had time to prepare some while at work today.

19. I love to read. The more I read, the more I learn.

20. You can model the behavior you desire.

21. Gary and I pray specific things over Judah’s life every night.

22. Consistency.

23. We can talk to God and He hears us.

24. I was able to pray with a friend today and really encourage her.

25. Be Transformed, a new Monday night small group, started tonight. I am so excited that we are partnering with Scope Ministries. Be Transformed is going to change the lives of so many.

26. Change.

27. I am caught up on my Selah blog. I am thankful for this commitment.

Sunday, February 2

My 27 Thanks:

1. We woke up to beautiful, huge snowflakes falling to the ground.

2. The roads were not too bad for travel.

3. Almost every one of my leaders made it to church. They are rock stars!

4. We had a great morning of ministry in every department.

5. Mr. Dan, one of our security leaders, bought me a breakfast bar at the coffee shop. It was completely unexpected and so kind of him. He is a super faithful leader and is passionate about his work. We are blessed to have him on our team.

6. Dan’s kids are so sweet! They are kind and so well-behaved. Every time I see those kids, they give me the best greeting and big hugs.

7. The KidMin team loved the new t-shirt design. They were so excited to have their new shirts.

8. My teen leaders especially loved the new t-shirts. I am so glad to have the best teen leaders on my team. They bring so much energy and fun to our team atmosphere.

9. Several of my kids are really showing spiritual growth. I love watching them grow in the things of God.

10. We debuted our medley song from Kids on the Move. It is a compiling of the hit songs we do in Kidz Ministry. The kids loved it and it wore them out!

11. I am so thankful for ministries who have the means to produce amazing songs and graphics for Kids Ministries and then they give those away for free.

12. We made it to and from church safely.

13. Gary, Judah, and I had a relaxing afternoon at home.

14. Gary and I got to enjoy a movie together.

15. We had fun playing chase in the snow. Judah had a blast throwing snow at us. We shared lots of laughs.

16. Gary stayed out in the snow a little longer for Judah. I didn’t last that long.

17. We ended our fun evening with a family movie. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 was cute and brought laughter to our home.

18. Judah sat on my lap the entire movie. He loves to sit on my lap and I treasure every moment because I know it won’t last too long.

19. One of my friends, Deborah, slid off the road and into the ditch on the way home from church. Thankfully, she wasn’t hurt!

20. Gary was supposed to go and check out his new fire station today. But, the roads weren’t great and he decided to stay home with Judah and me. I am so glad we had this unplanned day together.

21. Gary always puts his family before himself.

22. We say “I love you” all the time.

23. I told a new bedtime story to Judah tonight. He loved it and wanted me to tell it to him again. I love these precious moments with him. He helps me foster creativity and impromptu storytelling.

24. Unconditional love.

25. Affection. My family loves to show one another affection.

26. I really let my mind be at rest this afternoon and evening. Sometimes it is very difficult for me to shut off my mind, but I did today and it felt good.

27. Our words are so important. We can use our words to bring comfort and healing to the lives of others. I work hard at choosing my words wisely.

Saturday, February 1

My 27 Thanks:

1. Judah and Gatlin woke up early because they were both excited to play with each other. I am so glad they are having this time together.

2. Gary is off work today and he will get to see my grandmother too.

3. My grandma was alert when we got there to visit with her. Time is precious right now.

4. I happened to be in the room when the doctor came in. It was nice to hear the information first hand.

5. I am able to help my parents gather information as they make plans to transition my grandmother to a nursing home facility.

6. My family had a nice lunch together.

7. We had a very relaxing afternoon.

8. Gary and Judah both got to take naps.

9. My mom and I enjoyed watching hallmark together.

10. Pastor Marcia gave me a lot of great insight and information in the skilled nursing home search.

11. I enjoyed some great conversations with my sister. I love getting to visit with her.

12. My husband is so kind, gentle, and caring. He always puts others first.

13. Family support through difficult times.

14. Caring facilities that care for the elderly in their final days. This takes a special calling and I am so thankful for places that have the elderly at the heart of all that they do.

15. Nothing has gone as originally planned for my weekend. But, I am okay with that.

16. We realized he hadn’t paid close attention to the weather forecasts when we went shopping at Crest tonight. It was crazy packed. I am so glad Gary and I went together. We work well as a team and cut our time in half.

17. The management at Crest has a superb team of supermarket employees. I am so impressed with their facility and their attitude towards the community. All lines were open and everyone was friendly and it was chaos.

18. Clean public restrooms…I know…I have mentioned this before, but it is big in my book.

19. The medical staff was able to get my grandmother comfortable after a very tough evening of pain.

20. God’s truth is a powerful weapon against the schemes of darkness.

21. Light always pierces the dark.

22. There is life even after death.

23. Jesus gives us eternal life.

24. Technology in weather forecasting.

25. My mom and sister decided to leave late in the night to avoid the bad weather coming in. They made it safely.

26. I am so glad they decided to leave when they did or they would have been snowed in with us and my sister would have missed her lasik eye surgery appointment.

27. My car is parked in the garage tonight! I love my garage.