A Week of Giving Thanks



Brr.....who turned down the thermostat? It is cold and blustery here, though thankfully the sun is shining. I so meant to get this post up over the weekend but a migraine came at me out of the blue
and knocked me on my keister for the weekend. Blah!




Snow outside my work office
 

It snowed last week. Only an inch or snow, but enough to remind us that winter is here once again. It makes me want to hibernate and plan my garden for next spring. I am such a dreamer. To me winter is a beautiful, magical time of year with warm fires, cozy blankets and cups of tea and cocoa. It means baking cookies, knitting, and reading or movies. All of course, as along as I can stay inside and watch the snow fall outside the window.  I believe I would make a fantastic hermit!

Honey and I have been working hard to get ready for Thanksgiving dinner. We will be hosting 8 total with several others coming later after visiting other relatives first.  I worked on pumpkin pies (though I did cheat on the crust this year) and found all my Mama's beautiful china dishes. I love bringing them out every year and running my fingers over them as memories rush through my mind. How many times I'd set the table with these exact dishes as my Mama cooked up feasts in the kitchen. Laying the silverware just so beside the blue and white plates. Making sure the napkins were straight and the crystal cut glasses were in just the right place. Taking pride in the fact that my Mama trusted me with her most beautiful dishes.

 

Honey worked so hard making all the wonderful foods that go along with Thanksgiving feasts. A turkey in the roaster, a crockpot full of mashed potatoes, meatballs and gravy and sweet potatoes. There were homemade rolls, rice and cherry salad, and fresh cranberry sauce. Delicious....so grateful he is such a fantastic cook! :) 

 

Unfortunately I was so swept up in the delicious food and visiting with family, I didn't take any pictures. My Aunt Lynda and Uncle Alan were here with their son Brian. They go to Florida for the winter and Brian lives about 4 hours away. We don't see any of them much and I guess I wanted to sit and visit rather than take pictures.  I was able to knit while we visited and was able to finish a pair of mittens intended as a gift for one of my adopted children.

 

There is so much to be thankful for. And even though I find myself feeling down in the dumps and fearful on the future, I am thankful for all my many blessings....my family, my friends, my home, my job, and My God.

 

God's blessings on all of you this Holiday and as we get ready to celebrate the Savior's Birth!

Happy Thanksgiving...

All About Attitude

I woke up this morning feeling quite down again. I know my balance in my checking account is low (probably negative),  the weekend went by too quick, a rock chipped the window of my Jeep last night and now it's supposed to snow. Yeah, set me on my teeth real quick. Reality, that thing that jabs in the side when we start to feel good. Reality, hard and quick, bites and pulls us back under the surging tide.  It can happen so fast. One little thing and we back slide into the murk and gloominess. 

Then, just when I feel myself ready to let go and have the darkness overcome my soul again, Jesus tapped me on my shoulder and told me to lift others in order to be lifted myself.

I set my Facebook status as a prayer. For those facing a bleak Monday morning. For those who are facing their deepest fears today. For those who want to stay in bed and hide under the covers but instead face the day and their loved ones with courage and smiles. I wanted to let them know...They.Are.Not.Alone. Someone is out there thinking of them, praying for them and believing in them.

Sometimes in what seems our darkest hour, when we are taking life minute by minute, we need to reach out to help others so we can be helped ourselves.
 

The Passing Years....

Today is January 14, 2014. That date may not hold a lot of significance for most people, but for me it is a day to stay home, reflect, pray and remember. It is a day of pain and hope for the future.

Three years ago on January 14, 2014, Honey was admitted to the hospital after a breakdown. Whether intentional or not, he nearly died that night and I made a flying trip in the middle of the night to be by his side. What an awful, scary night. The not knowing, the praying, the crying....Honey spent a week in the hospital facing his deepest darkest fears. He was able to conquer some of his demons and face who he was. Even though it was a dark night, it was a turning point and he is well on his way to healing. Thank the Lord!

"Though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."

Psalm 37:24

Moving back, 5 years ago on January 14, 2009 my dear sweet Mama passed away. After a long fight with many illness, her body wasted and her breathing labored, Mama slipped away to our Lord's arms where she can be healthy and happy. She can walk among the flowers and laugh with her sister. I miss her dearly and long for the day when I will see her again, but I know she is not in pain any more and that brings a measure of relief. As much as I want her here, I would never want her to come back to this earth with her old body. 

"That everyone who believes in Him shall have eternal life"

John 3:15

Then one year prior, January 14, 2008, my wonderful Grandma passed away. She too was battling illness, bone cancer, and was in great pain so the passing was near a relief. I miss her so and am eternally grateful to have had my beloved grandmother well into my 30's. Not so many are as lucky. 

"I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death."

John 8:51

So today, I remember my mother and grandmother and praise God for the saving of Honey. May the two rest in peace and the other live happily ever after....

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28

"For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."

2 Corinthians 1:5

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."

Psalm 31:24

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

1 Peter 1:3