Betty Whitaker Jackson

November 24

Now, to the real attitude of gratitude testimony: To live relatively healthily for 75½  years is an achievement. Longevity is a blessing. Proverbs 20:29 says: “The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.” I’ve earned every gray hair and smile line on my face, and am thankful for the measure of health I enjoy.

Overweight, deaf in one ear, losing the use of my left hand to a newly diagnosed case…..

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November 23

There are empty chairs around our family Thanksgiving table. We’ve had decades of medical emergencies and dealing with elderly parents. The sandwich generation: balancing the needs of children with aging relatives, of career cross-country moves, deaths of those near and dear, and thoughts of how they had blessed, and stressed, our lives. It is indeed difficult to have an attitude of gratitude when grieving; however, even those times are teachable moments. By walking through these experiences, I have…..

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November 22

Much prayer has filled our home; we have faithfully followed Deuteronomy 6:6-9 where it says: “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Does it get easier as the kids get older? Heavens no! I know now, in retrospect, that His hand was…..

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To moms, new moms, moms-to-be:

November 21

Personally, I think moms invented the term multi-tasking. It is indeed possible to stir batter, hip-balance a cranky baby, talk on the phone, let the dog out, and carry on a perfectly logical, even engaging, conversation at the same time.

And hopefully, Thanksgiving dinner, that test of culinary prowess, of family gathering, and moments of panic will be less a test of patience than of other days.

We’re wired to accomplish such…..

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November 20

And with an attitude of gratitude, God guided me through dating and courtship, helping me develop the character list my future spouse must possess, and then sending me the perfect person to complete me. He is a godly man, and Christ has been the center focus of our relationship from day one. We met in church. We developed our relationship as church ministry opportunities opened for us. He is logical-mathematical, I am verbal-artistic-creative.. We love classical music, and…..

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Especially, knowing that millions of women in our world do not have this privilege, I offer my thanksgiving:

November 19

I express my attitude of gratitude that I can read and write, that I can expand my world through vicariously reading about others who have lived life. I can study the Scriptures. What a privilege. I think of girls in the world who are forbidden education. What a pity.  Those who never think about the loss of these cannot possibly…..

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November 18

I delighted in Mrs. O’Rourke’s discipline in teaching me journalistic style, although I have struggled to forgive her for telling me, “Now, Betty June, I know you want to be a reporter, but only men can do that job. You’d be a great teacher!”  She was right, I was a great teacher, but she quashed my dream. What I learned, I taught. My students won writing awards and distinction, and with an attitude of gratitude, I thank my…..

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 November 17

I have an attitude of gratitude that several teachers and others encouraged me to write. My school years were filled with opportunities for which I am thankful, and teachers who saw promise and shaped my voice. I fell in love with words in Mrs. Meyer’s class. I loved debate when Miss Gorman and Mr. Sullivan helped me manipulate arguments, write rebuttals, and see the essence of a topic. Today, I remember the teachers and mentors who guided me,…..

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November 16

Now, upon reflection, I realize with my attitude of gratitude, that childhood experiences serve a greater purpose. I have empathy for and special recognition and love for those who may be physically or mentally challenged in some way. I’ve always given them an extra measure of encouragement—those things I felt lacking when I so wanted to know I could achieve in spite of difficulties.

God just filled me with things other than physical or athletic beauty and prowess. …..

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November 15

The challenges and difficulties of life change in each decade.

It’s been my experience that crises in my life have not been as drastic as some that others have experienced. Yes, childhood physical difficulties like three operations for a seven-year-old, bullying by playmates and “that’s too bad” comments from adults at the patches over my right eye, the one that could actually see, and glasses on my three-year-old tiny face, did affect me. I remember “failing” the eye…..

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