“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: … a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted…”
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (ESV ~ emphasis mine)
The other night on my way home I thought about our son (as I do often…and pray for him)…I can not believe that he is on his own for a year already.
As I was thinking about the past year, I thought about all the seasons – not only the yearly seasons, but the seasons of life. And I finally got the passage of Ecclesiastes…we have to let go of the past and look to the future…So my focus today is on the seasons of my life and how the Lord helped me grow through them…
- Lord, thank You for being there for me in all the seasons of my life. No matter how far away I was at one point, You made sure that I don’t fall off the edge completely. You always has me in sight…
- Lord, thank You for allowing me to grow in my marriage. Although not always the perfect wife, You helped me to become better at it…
- Lord, thank You for allowing me to be a mom. Motherhood has helped me to become more patient. Thank You for helping me through the hard years of teenage hood…
- Lord, thank You for the childhood I had. I am for ever grateful for my parents. Their love for you has left an imprint on my heart…
- Lord, thank You for all the friendships you have brought into my life. The past and current ones. All the friendships have helped me to grow into the woman I am today…
- Lord, thank You for all the wonderful Biblical teachers in my life. With the power of Your Spirit, they have helped me learn more about You…
- And Lord, thank You for what You are going to do for the next season in my life. Lord, may I have an open heart and spirit to follow you, no matter what…
What are you thankful for today? I would love for you to link up your post below.
Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: no matter what season in life you find yourself in, cherish the past, but look with joy to the future…
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Wow…I’m first!!!
I really love the verse you chose this week…how true…in everything there is a season…how it resonates my reflection the past days and how amazing to know how God sends people to touch us in every way…
Happy Thankful Thursday…and cheer to more things to be thankful for!
I appreciated this “no matter what season in life you find yourself in, cherish the past, but look with joy to the future ” My oldest just started college and I have been adjusting the changes. I have experienced so many emotions. I didnt expect to feel this way…but we are in a new season. God has been encourging me in the same way you shared…to look to the future with hope! Thank you for sharing!
Oh, Iris… this is such a great verse! So glad you shared it with us this week.
These sound like the things I’m thankful for always. How are you? Praying for you always. Thanks always for this Meme – to remind us of things we should be thankful for in this life.
Has it really been a year?? Oh my goodness. I too am learning about seasons. The good news is that you are not in a particular season forever. =)
Blessings my friend.
I enjoyed your post very much Iris.
Hi Iris!
I am blessed with your thankful spirit. There are seasons of low in my life too but am thankful because God was with me and He never left me.
And am excited for seasons of harvest, seasons of blessings, seasons of victory for all of us!
Blessings!
Hi Iris, This is a great verse and very encouraging post. It’s a great reminder to let go of the past and look to the future. Thank God for the different seasons of your life and how the Lord has helped you grow through them. I am thankful to God for helping me to grow through the different seasons in my life too. Thank God that He loves us and He is working all things for His glory, our good and the good of His beloved people. Thanks again for hosting this very encouraging Thankful Thursday. May we continue to unite our hearts in thanksgiving to our Lord for His love, goodness and mercies to us, every Thursday and every day too! May God continue to bless your walk with Him and your labors of love. Take care and God bless!
Very awesome my friend.
Hey Iris, very excellent post. I say yeah and AMEN! In case you don’t get around to my post Iris, check out the new movie coming out called Fireproof. http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/ Blessings! Mary
Iris,
I am finding myself to be in a new season of life with my 3 boys now adults but I find that God is just as faithful now as He was when they were young. Bless you for your wonderful ministry of Thankful Thursday. I look forward to it all week. -Blessings, Laurie
Thank you for this encouraging post.
Have a blessed weekend.
Iris,
This is a beautiful tribute to your mom and dad…Lord, thank You for the childhood I had. I am for ever grateful for my parents. Their love for you has left an imprint on my heart…
Oh, I am so touched… I feel the same way about my Mom. Her faith was what carried us.
Just a wonderful list as always. Love you girl. Hugs, Lynn
A wondeful list of thanks and blessings of how God has brought so many great people into your life. Be Blessed
Iris,
I put together a little photo montage on my Thankful Thursday of my family from moments this summer together.
Summer is a season that I look forward to being over, I just LOVE Fall. I guess I shouldn’t try to rush through any season now should I?
Blessings Friend, Joanne
Iris,
What a perfect subject for this week’s TT. Love your list.
Thank you for being our great hostess!
Blessings
Cheryl
that verse is such a great reminder that whatever i’m going through right now is only for a season. thank God! a new season in my life is about to start. i know.
Blessings IRIS…I LOVE THE FALL!!! I was not going to post but could not pass up this chance for the SEASONS are a rich and colorful topic! And as always your beautiful thankful heart has moved me and inspired me! AMEN to all 7 of your Thank YOUs and just like this fabulous passage from scripture, you are an encouragement and a wonderful host of a very GREAT meme! Thank you and THANK YOU LORD for IRIS and THANKFUL THURSDAY! Have a GREAT TT!
What a beautiful post! And that’s a lovely reminder. Bless you!
Thank you, Iris!! I wonderful verse to contemplate on and a wonderful list of thankfusl!!
I’ve written the verse down, and I’ll carry it with me today, ponder on this and post this evening when I return from work.
Blessing to you!!
Beth
I feel like I’m in a new season in my life too! But I know that God is with us and will walk thru this with us.
Have a blessed day, Iris!
Iris, what a wonderful post today! This verse fits my life so perfectly right now. Thanks for a great start to my day!
Iris, thank you for this TT post. May you have a beautiful Thursday filled with all things Jesus!
Love the subject this week Iris. God is changing seasons in my life! I wait on him!
Oh, Iris, this is just beautiful! I, too, alway say, “This is just a short season.” I know the kids will grow TOO quickly and I want to savor this precious time with them!
I chose to go in a little different direction this week!
Blessings!
Iris – thank you so much for reminding us all to be thankful! A thankful spirit leads to joy, peace and love in our lives!
I wanted to let you know I started Monday Morning Reflections and Fearfully Fabulous Friday a month ago – come join me!
Love in Him,
Jill
What a great topic for thankfulness. My list is up – thanks.
Love the theme for this week. The seasons are changing, in the air and in the hearts of the people. God bless you for hosting this meme. I always look forward to it. I asked my husband last night if he knew what today was and he said, “Friday?” I said, “No! It’s Thankful Thursday!” He was half-asleep, but he said, “Have you got your list ready?” LOL! He has even caught on!
I love the theme this week but sorry to say I didn’t follow along. Sorry, my brain is just not functioning at full speed. I actually left my comment on the wrong post just now!
Anyway, I’m looking forward to reading all the TT posts today. It’s so wonderful how very many things we all have to be thankful for!
Seems to be the week for me to pay attention to Ecclesiastes. It has come up in various places at various times. Thank you for your post and for making me think. I spend a lot of time being grateful for what is at the moment but not much being grateful for the past and definitely not the future.
Hi Iris,
I am enjoying seeing your TT grow. When I first started I think there were about 30 participants! I wish I had seen your theme of seasons before I wrote my TT. I will write about seasons next TT!
Gina
I trippled Meme’s today, but I am really thankful for seasons of life. They are constantly changing, but throught them all if I cling to God’s word, I can constantly learn and grow. Thanks for hosting TT.
Oh, the seasons of our lives! Great thing to be thankful for! I love that passage in Ecclesiastes – thanks for sharing this and always, thanks for sharing Thankful Thursday with us! Blessings!
I understand how you feel Iris, our 19 yr old son is on his own as well, and in the military. It is a strange feeling, letting go and knowing that it’s OK because God is in control of it all. Thank you for your post today. đŸ™‚
This just made me smile Iris. I echo all of those wonderful things. Isn’t God good? There is always something to be thankful for and something to look forward to.
Iris, This is the best post I have read in a very long time. You spoke to my heart. For my heart. Thank you so much.
Mine are posted! It feels good to be thankful again after a bit of a break!
Great thankful list! I think it does a person good to look back on all the different seasons in our lives and to look forward to all new ones.
I love your thanks list. I’m so looking forward to doing my own each week. This is a great idea, and a great reminder of the things in our lives that keep us thankful…
I love the timeliness of this topic, Iris. You got my mind whirring again.
Another wonderful post as always, Iris.
Hi Iris!
I enjoyed your verse, and all your thoughts. Especially the one where you thanked God for what he is “going” to do for the next season. đŸ˜‰
Blessings sister,
Lea
That scripture is DEFINITELY one of my favorite ones! And what’s so funny, I think the Lord is trying to tell me something with it today! I’ve heard it, and read it more than once today!
Praise God Thank you Jesus! I’m listening!
I’ll be praying for you and your family. I know that although you know they’ll be fine, it’s still difficult. No, I’ve not gone through it myself yet, but I’m the daughter that went off on her own. It’s been 4 years now, and I wouldn’t change it for a moment, but just remember, it’s hard on us too! đŸ˜‰
Have a blessed day in Him!
In Christ,
Audie
I wrote my post today without remembering it was Thursday. My post is a thankful thought and I wrote about the fall season in a sense. God works in mysterious ways.
Iris, thanks for hosting week after week.
It’s my first visit here. I have been thinking seasons lately, too. I’ve explained a bit on my blog. As women we go through so many seasons. It’s nice to know we are not alone.
I can’t believe it’s a year already– I remember praying for you and your son as you prepared for his departure. Thanks for the reminder to remember the past fondly but to look forward with joy–that was really challenging for me six months ago, and I was only looking forward to kindergarten, not kids leaving home!
(((Hugs))) I can relate about your son being away from home. Our oldest and middle daughters are living far from home – one is married, one is going to school. Our youngest is still at home. I used your idea about the seasons of life for my TT post.
Thanks to Ann (comment #46) for her phrasing: Remember the past fondly but look forward with joy.
Hello Iris! Love the scripture you used today. I copied it. Thanks for hosting TT! Have a great weekend! God Bless~