Home for Thanksgiving

(This was us in March when we dedicated Ryan to the Lord)

Our family has so much to be thankful for. Our God has supplied all of our needs and wants. :-) He has saved us from eternal judgement, AND He has provided everlasting life in His Son Jesus Christ. This year He blessed our family with little Ryan, a change in jobs, an opportunity to serve Him, and so much more!

I thought I'd post some thoughts on Thanksgiving...Pastor Alan Jenkins recently preached a message on "{Thanksgiving} is not just a rest on the way to Christmas". He is so right. I hope you found some time today to meditate in God's Word and truly thank Him for the blessings in your life. We should always remember that Thanksgiving is about giving thanks, not just eating turkey and football. (Although I love turkey and "Go Bucks!") Spend some quality time with your family--enjoy one another while we are all on this side of eternity. You'll never regret just loving each other. In fact, Thanksgiving day is just a day to emphasize these things, but I hope you can practice these things every day of the year. :-)

The Girl I Used to Be

“She came tonight as I sat alone, the girl I used to be…
And she gazed at me with her earnest eye and questioned reproachfully;

Have you forgotten the many plans and hopes that I had for you?
The career, the splendid fame, and all the wonderful things to do?
Where is the mansion of stately height with all of its gardens rare?
The silken robes that I dreamed for you and the jewels in your hair?

And as she spoke, I was very sad for I wanted her please with me…
This slender girl from the shadowy past the girl that I used to be
So gently rising, I took her hand, and guided her up the stair
Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay innocent, sweet, and fair.

And I told her that these are my only gems, and precious they are to me;
That silken robe is my motherhood of costly simplicity.
And my mansion of stately height is love, and the only career I know
Is serving each day in these sheltered walls for the dear ones who come and go.

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest, she smiled through her tears at me.
And I saw that the woman that I am now, pleased the girl I used to be."

- Author Unknown