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Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

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Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.

November 18, 2020 By D'Ann Mateer

I am so very grateful (warmly or deeply appreciative of a kindness or benefit) that in this crazy year God has not been absent. In fact, even though 2020 has often been a hard year in which to find things to be thankful (feeling or expressing appreciative gratitude) for, I think most of us are looking harder and seeing things small and large that God has blessed us with during these days of stress and uncertainty. As we in the United States get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving next week, I wanted to share a few of the ways in which I recognize the kindness and blessing of God:

As of this Friday, we will live closer to our sons and daughters-in-law and granddaughter.


My husband’s new job is much less stressful that his previous one.


The Lord has given us a home we desired but didn’t think possible.

We can’t wait to move in!


During the circumstance of shelter at home this spring, our hearts were being drawn back to the Dallas area and our friends and family long before necessity required the move.


Our daughter is building a life in Boston in spite of moving there in the middle of COVID!

  • Her dogs checking out their new city.
  • My daughter and I hiking after we got her all moved in!


God’s mercies are new every morning.


God’s love never fails.


Nothing—nothing!—takes God by surprise.


My parents let us stay with them for a few weeks until our house closes.


The grace of God which has brought us all through this crazy year.


Our country, even with all its faults.

Photo by Jon Sailer at unsplash.com


The coming celebration of the Incarnation, that Jesus chose to come and dwell among us and be the perfect sacrifice that grants us access to God Himself.

Photo by Gareth Harper at unsplash.com


My youngest sister and her family moved back from overseas and we will get live near one another for a while.


Technology that allows me to stay close to far away friends.

Me with Austin friends.

What kind gifts from God are you particularly grateful for this year?

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D'Ann Mateer

Inspired by novelist Eugenia Price, D’Ann’s dream of writing historical fiction with an element of faith began in middle school, though her serious drive toward publication took a bit longer. D’Ann is the author of four historical novels and one novella, as well as a contemporary short stories in a compilation volume. D’Ann and her husband of 30 years can be found in Austin, TX when they aren’t touring historic sites or visiting their grown children.

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Filed Under: Faith, Family, Friendship

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Comments

  1. Paula Shreckhise says

    November 18, 2020 at 5:20 am

    That house looks perfect! Glad things worked out for all of you.
    After 51 years of marriage, we finally bought our first house. We are retired and loving it. We are trying to get the family together for Thanksgiving.

    • Anne Mateer says

      November 18, 2020 at 8:40 am

      How fun! Congrats! Although this isn’t our first house, we hope it will be our last. 🙂 Hope Thanksgiving works out for y’all!

  2. Linda McFarland says

    November 18, 2020 at 6:51 am

    There are always blessings to count. I, too, am blessed to move back to my hometown and downsized into the perfect home for us! So glad to be closer to family. It will be a blessed holiday for sure! Blessings to you and your family!

    • Anne Mateer says

      November 18, 2020 at 8:41 am

      So happy for you! It is so nice to be closer to family. I think COVID has enhanced that feeling. Enjoy your home and your holidays!

  3. Kelly says

    November 18, 2020 at 8:12 am

    Hello from north of Dallas! Welcome (back) to Texas!

    • Anne Mateer says

      November 18, 2020 at 8:42 am

      Ha! Yes, Austin isn’t quite Texas. 🙂 So glad to be back in the Dallas area!

  4. Deborah Raney says

    November 18, 2020 at 8:47 am

    Wow! So many reasons for huge thanksgiving! So happy for you, Anne! Blessings abound!

    • Anne Mateer says

      November 18, 2020 at 11:12 am

      Thank you! I’m so constantly amazed at what God has done!

  5. Janice Laird says

    November 18, 2020 at 2:47 pm

    Grateful for the friends that always check in, because we’re getting each other through these dark times. Grateful that those we love have stayed safe thus far. Grateful for sunny days whenever they appear in northern climes!

    • Anne Mateer says

      November 18, 2020 at 3:43 pm

      Those are wonderful gifts! Thank you for sharing!

  6. SARAH TAYLOR says

    November 18, 2020 at 9:50 pm

    Thankful for each and everything The Good Lord has Blessed me with. My health, Family and friends Love Your House and Blessings To You and Your Family This Thanksgiving! And Everyday.

    • Anne Mateer says

      November 19, 2020 at 8:00 am

      Thanks, Sarah! Blessings to you and yours, as well!

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