Through the hustle and bustle of every day life; no matter if you come from the big city or the small homestead we all have been blessed in one way or another. Each year families sit around the table and say what they are thankful for this year.
As homesteaders living the lifestyle that we are blessed to be able to live, we have all come closer together as a community. Today, we asked eight (nine including us) homesteaders what they are thankful for and here is what they all said:
The two most powerful words thanks and giving and put them together to get Thanksgiving. At Thanksgiving most of us thank about what we’re most thankful for and just smile. I am truly speaking from my heart so here goes what I am thankful for. I’m thankful for the simplest of comforts in my own home such as hot water, light and warmth. I’m thankful for finances that allow us to live comfortably and be generous with others. I’m thankful for past adversities that have formed me into the person I am today. I ‘m thankful for difficult times that sharpen me and make me better in the end. I’m thankful for the new relationships and connections over this past year both online and right here at home. I am thankful for my partner and my son who has been my rock plus my biggest fans. ~ Tana
First and foremost I am thankful to my God above for all that he has done for me and my family. This year I am especially grateful for my Wife Tana, and my children: Kyle, Tristan and Mackenzie, and for the rest of my friends and family. I am also grateful, to all the men and women in uniform or have worn the uniform for your sacrifices so that we all may be free and allow us to live the lifestyle that we do. ~ Shane
Shane and Tana Floyd – Floyd Family Homestead https://www.floydfamilyhomestead.com
“It’s not happy people who are thankful. It’s thankful people who are happy.” -unknown
In my opinion, being thankful means showing appreciation and gratitude for all that you have been blessed with. I don’t think you can be truly happy without this. We should also be thankful for the struggles we face because, without these challenges, we can not grow or learn from them. Everything in our lives molds us into who we are. I am thankful for my blessings and my struggles for they have molded me into who I am and I am very happy with the person I see every morning when I look in the mirror.
I have been blessed with many amazing things that I am thankful for. My kids, who challenge me every day. I am thankful for these incredible opportunities to teach them life lessons. My husband, who has stood by me through all my ups & and downs. My parents, who raised me to be myself no matter what. I’ve also been blessed with a love for our earth and a drive to keep her safe. I am thankful for all of my blessings. I am also thankful for all the unbelievable people on this earth that do good every day. Be thankful and you will be happy.
Happy Thanksgiving ~ Elizabeth From simplelifedreamer.com
As I reflect upon the history of that first Thanksgiving I realize just how blessed we are! The Pilgrims sailed on a ship across the sea, their food spoiled; the fresh drinking water became stagnant. When they finally reached the golden shores of America their bodies were already greatly weakened and winter was fast approaching.
In fact, over half the Pilgrims died during that first terrible winter. The living buried the dead at night in secret, in hopes that the Indians wouldn’t know just how few of them were left.
However, the Native Americans had pity on the Pilgrims and extended them their hand in friendship.
Today my family is thankful for good food, fresh water, our health, our many friends who have helped us along life’s journey, and this beautiful land that God has given to us!
~Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
“I hope this next year will be a bit easier…Have a few more blessings…”
“Honey, God will never bless us with more, until we are thankful for what we already have…”
I almost wanted to roll my eyes. On occasion when I am talking to my mother, even as an adult, I still want to say, “Mooomm…” dramatically.
But I knew she was right.
Until we are thankful, no matter the circumstances, we will never reach a place of true contentment and blessings overflowing. A thankful heart says, “I am so blessed” when the bank account doesn’t agree. It says, “I am so grateful” when hard knocks are so very persistent. Thankfulness says, “I am so relieved my hope is in Jesus.” Because without that, there really is nothing.
My friend, never let your circumstances dictate the thankfulness of your heart. Your success, your contentment, and your happiness all hinge on whether you can be thankful right where you are.
Delci Heritage Club Stables www.heritageclubstables.com
Why am I thankful? This question, this year, hits me deep. I am thankful for so much! But, I will let you in on my top few. Family & Friends. I have never been more grateful for my family…. ALL my family! Our foundation may have all left this earth, but they are still in my heart. This year, I have learned more than ever, that the word ‘family’ does not mean just blood. I could not be more thankful for everyone that has been a part of our lives. Family and friends…. Thank you! The love and support you have given during our times of need, I will never forget! I love ya’ll!
Mother Nature. Our whole holistic homesteading “lifestyle” revolves around her. She gifts us everything we need to survive and thrive. We are what we are, we do what we do…. because of her! Losses. Most losses come with a lesson. Especially on a homestead. Yet, my greatest lessons this year were from losing close family members. They taught me to appreciate what is right in front of me more. That sweating the small stuff is not worth it in the end. I am more grateful now, for what I have instead of what I don’t. Waking Up Every Day. Every new day, I am able to surround myself with who I love. I am given another chance to live the life I love. Life is so precious. As we were reminded too many times this year, there is no guarantee how long we will be on this earth. Every day that I wake up, I am given another opportunity to make the best of it.
Looking back at this year, I have so much to be thankful for! I sat back and made a list and it actually became overwhelming. The year has been so full of positives! I have been so fortunate to have been able to work from home and launch A Chick And Her Garden. A big help to A Chick And Her Garden has been the amazing support of fellow bloggers and homesteaders. I was at a huge learning curve at the beginning of the year and I wouldn’t be where I am now without their help!
Most importantly I am thankful for the love and support of my husband and family. Without their help and input I know that I wouldn’t be able to continue with my homestead life, blogging and taking of them in return! Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope this year has been as full of blessings for you, as it has been for me!
We are Thankful for You!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Thank you Lisa
One Grace Filled Life
Friday 25th of November 2016
Hi Staci! I absolutely love this! One of the many things I love about your blog is that you are such a source of encouragement and support to other great blogs! It's so refreshing, and I really appreciate it! I hope you had a wonderfully blessed Thanksgiving! Keep up your amazing work! ??
Staci
Saturday 26th of November 2016
Thank you so much Kipper! That was a much needed and humbling compliment on a very busy weekend! You should join our blogging group on Facebook! It's such a great team! Homestead & Sustainable Bloggers (Bloggers Only) And Thank you again!! :-)