Hi friends,
Happy Wednesday! Can you believe tomorrow is Thanksgiving? Today I’m super excited to have Toni Shiloh guest posting. I met Toni a number of years ago when I spoke at the ACFW-Virginia conference. We’ve stayed in touch since and we have the blessing of sharing a very sweet mutual friend. Welcome, Toni!
Even in 2020…
It’s the month of Thanksgiving and thankfulness might feel strange to have in the year 2020.
Being thankful. Having gratitude. Experiencing any form of joy really.
I mean, after all, this is 2020. A year that brought us a pandemic that doesn’t seem to be accepting its eviction notice. The year that made us want to avoid the news and anything negative. You know those repeat hurricanes, an election year, crazy hornets (I didn’t dream those up, did I?).
When Dani asked if I wanted to share a blog post with y’all, I thought sure. I’d be happy to share my thoughts and then I realized I couldn’t think of anything to say. So I thought, prayed, thought some more, and prayed some more. Through it all, one verse kept coming to mind that I wasn’t quite sure what to do with:
Then it hit me. I do have something to say, and something to be thankful for.
You see on the surface, 2020 has been a pretty horrific year for all the reasons I stated above and the ones I skipped over. But when I take stock of my life, my family, the friendships I have, my writing journey, all I can say is “thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” And honestly, I think gift should be plural.
God never stops at one, does He? We could thank Him for the gift of Jesus, for our salvation, and that would be enough to fill a blog post. But when I take the time to think of the little things, those things that have been deep seated in my heart that I was afraid to give voice to because I didn’t think they would happen, those gifts quickly add up and I really, truly do feel thankful.
Because I have a God that loved me enough to bless me with Jesus as my Savior. A God who loved me enough to not stop there. He blessed me with a husband (we hit 15 years this past June), two beautiful boys (that make me laugh all the time), friends (who weep when I weep, laugh when I laugh), a writing career that amazes me every single day (hello, Bethany House 2-book contract!!), books to read (have you read the amazing authors who write for this blog?), and so much more.
This week, I plan on being more intentional with feeling gratitude. Before 2020 ends, I want to be able to make a list of all the gifts God blessed me with this year. I want to remind myself that even in 2020, when it seems to rain cats and dogs, God is still good.
Tell me three things you’re really thankful for this year. Oh and I’ll pick one lucky commentator to win one of my print books of your choice (that includes international if the book is available on Book Depository. If not, e-book for international entrants).
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring God glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novel, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist and Risking Love is a 2020 Selah Award finalist.
A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and of the Virginia Chapter, Toni seeks to help readers find authors. She loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. You can learn more about her writing at http://tonishiloh.com.
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I am thankful for the opportunity to make a major move back to my hometown allowing me to be closer to my family; the blessing of being able to now help care for my aging mom who has been diagnosed with dementia; and I am thankful for amazing Christians authors who provide an escape from the madness if only for a little while. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I’ll be praying for you and your mom, Linda!
That for the first time in my 56 years, I made the time to read the entire Bible in one year.
That God has grown shown me and guided me in my marriage and family to be a better woman.
That I have so many wonderful people in my abundant life to share this time with
I love reading the Bible. So many lessons to learn.
Know it’s more than three, but how do you choose which one not to include?
Very thankful that hubby is retired and we CAN stay at home during these troubling times, Thankful that we planned well for our retirement and have a guaranteed income when so many are struggling to make ends meet. Thankful for a home for a roof over our heads and a place to lay our heads at night. Thankful that we took the plunge 4 years ago, sold out downsizing to move to our dream destination where we have many daily critter visitors that keep these two photography nuts happy and content during this extended stay at home phase we are in. Thankful that even with medical issues that we are both well and Covid free able to continue on living life as we know it. Always grateful for my Mom teaching, bless her heart in heaven, for teaching me throughout my to keep a well-stocked pantry and the ability to cook from scratch. Thankful for ample food when so many are wondering where their next meal is coming from. Thankful for a loving man that I love more with each passing day who makes the last 37 years seem like a twinkling of an eye and who I pray I have many more years to share with. And lastly but most definitely, I am grateful for my loving God who is walks with me every day holding me up when I don’t think I can make it.
It is hard to choose. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Toni! This year I am so grateful for health! Since C19 hit hard my daughter was diagnosed with a heart condition and has had successful heart surgery. My husband was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that attacks your spine like arthritis, but now that we have a diagnosis he is finally getting treatment! And in September my family contracted C19, including my parents. Thankfully, none of us were ill enough to need hospitalization! I’m just so grateful that we’ve made it through these things and praying 2021 will be all about health & strength! Happy Thanksgiving!
Joining you in prayer for a healthy 2021, Melissa. Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Toni! I love your books! I am so thankful for my family, church family, and work family this year. My husband lost his father in October and the families have rallied together and it’s just been so special. My church family has just helped me grow so much this year. My work family is such a support to me and keep me sane when the others drive me crazy. I’m so blessed to have so many great people in my life!
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s amazing how many wonderful people we’re surrounded by.
And thanks for reading my books!!
1) God’s Word that strengthens, convicts and comforts.
2)My mom had a stroke in Feb. but has completely recovered and suffering no side-effects
3) Still going into work everyday and my company is doing well financially.
So glad she fully recovered! So amazing.
I’m thankful for new opportunities that have arisen this year for me – career and relationships.
I’m thankful for time that has allowed me to process and grow in faith through the grief of the loss of my Dad last December.
I’m thankful for provisions and encouragements that God has given me when I’ve been discouraged this year especially.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Summer.
Welcome to our blog, Toni! It’s wonderful to see a post from you here. Happy Thanksgiving to your family!
Thanks, Becky! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
I am thankful for my family/friends, Salvation, and air conditioning!
All so important, though I have the heat on these days.
I will admit that I am struggling to be thankful this year. This year has not gone how I planned. I am thankful for my family and friends, butI do wish I could see them more. I am thankful that my family lives nearby, so at least I can see them for short periods of time. I am thankful that my husband has had work this year. I am also thankful for my two books that were released this year.
Sending you virtual hugs and prayers, Gretchen!
Nice to “meet” you, Toni. Thanks for sharing.
Three things. Hmmm. There are so many. I’m so thankful for my relationship with Christ, my savior and joy. Two and a half years ago I moved quite a few states north to be/live with family after the death of my husband. So thankful for being with my grandson, watching him grow and learn about Christ, as well as being right in the midst of my family’s life. My third choice = I’m so glad for “my” church where I’ve been attending for one and a half years. Through the fellowship of believers, I’ve met my extended “family”, my girl buddies, and, of course, growing in the knowledge and love of my Christ!
Thanks for the opportunity to receive one of your books! 👏 Bless you, Toni.
Blessings to you too, Donna!
Thank you Toni!
I am so grateful for so many things. Our youngest son married during the summer
(On zoom no less), his wife is a darling girl and they are expecting a son in the next month or two. We have an awesome God who meets our needs each day and allows us to enjoy his creation daily. All three children have been well and healthy as has our grandson.
Is there anything else we need?
What a blessing!
I am so thankful for the things God has accomplished in my life in 2020. Things that I had prayed for 5 years ago, and waited in expectation for became a reality. Remaining faithful in prayer and devotion, even when it didn’t seem possible to me, was more than possible with God! God takes care of His children, in His timing and in His way.
Amen!
Hi, Toni.
I’m choosing to “skip” the Top 3 (Jesus, family, friends) just because they’re obvious and constant. I’m truly thankful for the stories God gives me. Apart from Him, I can do (write) nothing. I’m exceedingly thankful for prayer. Nothing tops going to the God of the universe for needs and wants. I’m blessed beyond words when one of my novels touches a heart – means so much. (And I agree, Toni, those small, personal things He does are amazing.)
Prayer is such a gift!!
I am thankful for God, my family, and books (my friends are included in family too) 🙂
Love when friends become family!
I’m thankful that we got to buy a house this year.
I’m thankful we get to spend thanksgiving at our son’s house.
I’m thankful my daughter found a good doctor that takes her seriously.
Good doctors are a definite blessing.
I’m thankful for faith, family and friends. I’m also thankful for good Christian authors who write great books to share with their readers. Toni is a new author to me, but I’m sure her books are fantastic!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Joining you in prayer that 2021 will be a better year.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Toni! I’m thankful for my family all being around me during this weird time, for faith in God and knowing He is at work even in the turmoil, and for every day I wake up healthy and feeling good.
“work even in the turmoil” amen!!
I’m thankful for my husband.
I’m thankful I have my mom with us even though it is hard with her being on hospice care.
I’m thankful my house is warm.
Praying for you and your family, Lucy!
Hi Toni! I’m thankful for Zoom so I can keep in touch with family and friends, for friends who are always honest with me even when I don’t want to hear it, and for authors who write amazing books to keep me entertained and challenged as a writer!
Kels!!
Thanks for a great post, Toni! I’m thankful for wonderful new writer friends, for my health and that of my family, and for technology that allows me to keep in touch with those I can’t see in person. Happy Thanksgiving!
Technology is so helpful that way!
Hello Dani and Toni, I am Thankful for My Health, My Family, and My Friends and Authors Thank you for the amazing giveaway!
Hi Sarah,
Wonderful things to be thankful for. Thanks so much for taking time to drop by 🙂
Thanks to everyone for commenting and for taking a part of your day to welcome Toni! The giveaway winner is Kay Garrett. Congratulations, Kay! If you could email me at danipettrey@gmail.com with your address, I’ll give Toni the information and she’ll get your prize to you.