Grateful children list blessings

Toys, pets, nature, food, family members and God - even squirrels - figure into notes of thanks by homeschooled children.

By GAIL HOLLENBECK
© St. Petersburg Times
published November 23, 2002

INVERNESS -- At a recent home school meeting at Calvary Bible Church in Inverness, group leader Lisa Cannon asked students this question: What am I thankful to God for this Thanksgiving? Here are their responses:

Andrew Cannon, Age 10, Inverness

I'm thankful for my family -- for my mom and dad, my big sister and brother, and my grandparents -- because they love me, and they give me food. They gladly pay for my needs. They help me when I'm sick or when I'm hurt.

I am thankful for my animals, too, because they play with me and they comfort me. My dog, Penny, chases me around the house so excitedly. "Aarroooo, aarroooo!"

I'm thankful for my toys. If I did not have them, I probably would be bored to death.

But one of the things I'm most thankful for is that God gave me a home in heaven when I believed that Jesus was the savior of the world.

Maria Aguilera, Age 5, Inverness

I like Thanksgiving because it makes God happy when we celebrate him. I am thankful for my mom, my dad, my cat Lacy, my friends, my sisters and God. I like to eat ham most of all on Thanksgiving.

Christina Aguilera, Age 8, Inverness

Thanksgiving is when you give thanks to the Lord and you celebrate God.

I am thankful for my family, my church, my friends, my house, my food and my water.

I am thankful for my God and all he has given us.

On Thanksgiving Day, I love eating the big turkey.

Natalia Aguilera, Age 10, Inverness

I am thankful for Thanksgiving because it is a happy holiday and it's when families get together and have a time of celebrating God's goodness.

The Pilgrims are a good example to me because no matter how hard things go, God is always with you and will provide for all your needs. When God provided for them, they did not forget him, but praised him with thanksgiving.

I am thankful for my parents, my sisters, my home, my cat, my church, my friends, and most of all the Lord Jesus.

Anastasia Kollett, Age 10, Crystal River

My name is Anastasia and I'm thankful for:

My family.

That my dad has a permanent job.

That my brother is in remission of leukemia.

That I have a house and that I have clothes.

That Jesus loves me and that I have friends.

That I finally met my half-brother, Mike.

And that my mom is there for me.

Natasha Kollett, Age 8, Crystal River

My name is Natasha, and I am thankful for:

My friends and family, and food to eat.

My baby brother, who is sweet, cute and healthy.

My other brother, who is playful again and is doing better since he got leukemia last year.

My half-brother, who now keeps in touch with us.

That my daddy gets to come home for the holidays.

That my mommy takes good care of us.

Ryan Emerson, Age 7, Inverness

I'm thankful for our Teacher Mrs. Lisa, who teaches us at church. For my parents, I'm truly thankful, because God gave them to me.

I'm extremely thankful for the blessing of my dog, Rubin. Our furry little squirrels bring great happiness into my life.

Especially, I am thankful for the one true God, who powerfully created the heavens and the earth.

God has richly blessed my life.

Victoria Emerson, Age 9, Inverness

I'm thankful for flowers and trees, oh so tall;

For our van to go places, especially the mall!

Also for my caring Mom and Dad,

Who love me even if I'm awfully bad!

The bright sun which shines in the sky,

For birds and squirrels who love to fly.

Most of all I'm thankful for family and friends,

And the Lord Jesus Christ who died for all sins.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright