Thanksgiving Thoughts

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. As I anticipate being super busy, I wanted to get a post done today. I wanted to get my thoughts on this holiday out, so you all know what is going on in my head. I want to start out by saying that I hope you all have a very blessed day, surrounded by family and friends, and resting in the knowledge of God's love for you. As I have previously stated, or so I think, our family is headed for the D.'s house. There is going to be sixteen of us...8 D's, 4 G's, (that's us) 3 S's (They're a new family, just arrived from Wyoming) and 1 college guy from church. So, it's a houseful, but I know we will have a grand time, and that we'll eat far too much food. Personally, I am looking forward to the mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. Turkey's great, but I really like the side dishes. Ok....enough with the food.....on to what I really wanted to say.

There is much I have to be thankful for this year. I have been extremely blessed...much more than I deserve. But, praise the Lord, things are not based upon my worthiness. I praise Him this day for my family. Where would I be without them?! My parents are the ones who have shaped me into who I am. They are there for me all the time; I can always talk to them when I need it. They are my cheerleaders, my biggest fans, and yet, they're my coaches too:-)

I am also thankful for Garrett. (Yes, I admit it:-) He keeps our family light and always on the edge. He is the resident comedian in our house, and it just wouldn't be the same without him. I mean, when he is gone for a day, and there's no one joking at the table, you miss it.

I am so thankful for my house and food. I never expected that I would live in a house that I loved so much. If you knew the whole story, you would understand why I am like this. Our house is like a dream house, and we didn't have to build it ourselves. The orchard in the backyard was a bonus. And I am thankful for the bountiful harvest we got this year. (Though I am also thankful that it is over for the winter;-)

My new church is an amazing blessing. I say that about every week, but I am so thankful for it. It has increased my family by several aunts, uncles, and cousins. As in the case with the house, our church was one that I never expected to get. When we left our previous church, I anticipated going to a church amost the exact same. But, the Lord landed us at Fellowship, and it is the best thing that could have happened to us. I am so thankful!

I am so glad to live in the state of Idaho. Not only is it beautiful in a deserty sort of way :-) It is still, despite a California influx, a Republican state, and I am so glad it is. (I could live in Massachusetts.) My prayer is that it will stay that way. I have lived in a few states, but I am like living West of the Mississippi. I am a Southern Belle, but I do have a tiny bit of cowgirl, and I like it!

I said this at election time, but I am so thankful to live in the United States in America. I am glad to live in a country that still allows the freedom to worship the Lord, even though it has basically left the government cycles. Many nations do not have this ability, nor the abililty to cast a ballot or choose their own occupation. I pray that fifty years from now, I will still be able to say this.

I am thankful for my friends. You all, and the few that do not read my blog, have been there for me. You've joked with me and comforted me, and that means alot. I am not able to know if you all will be friends "forever," but I do know that no matter how far apart we are, we will be together in Heaven "forever." You know the Michael W. Smith song, "And a friend is a friend forever, if the Lord is the Lord of them."

Lastly, and most importantly, I am thankful for the Lord. He is the ultimate person who has shaped me into who I am. He is taking me through the Refiner's Fire, but He's there every step of the way. I am so thankful for the gift of salvation that He bestowed on me. I praise Him that I have the knowledge of an eternal life in Heaven after death. I am thankful that He has brought trials in my life (Did I just say that?!) I would not have my life be without them. They bring me ever closer to himself...and I praise him for that.

Well, I know I could have this post run on much long, but I will stop for now. I hope you have gotten a glimpse into my heart, despite the ramblings on. I pray that you have much to be thankful for, and that you have a wonderful day tomorrow. May God blessings be upon you and yours.