A Simple Thanksgiving

Together, we gathered and gave thanks.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord!

Call upon His name; 

Make known His deeds among the peoples!

Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;

Talk of all His wondrous works!

Glory in His holy name;

Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!

Psalm 105:1-3

It was a simple, relaxing Thanksgiving this year - from the quiet, cold morning to the gorgeous, outdoor afternoon to the chilly, fireside night.

I have so much to be thankful for.  A Savior, Jesus, who gives me peace and hope and joy in a chaotic world; a husband who is my dearest and best and most faithful friend; children who add sparkle to our world and who are growing in their faith; a family who lovingly shares life with us; a small but sweet, supportive circle of friends; a caring church family and the freedom to worship; a cozy, comfortable home full of love; provision after provision; blessing upon blessing; gift after gift; grace upon grace.

Even the difficult things are reason to give thanks when I really stop to consider.  Yes, there have been circumstances that have been challenging and people who have been hurtful and personal failures and painful moments.  No, I wouldn't choose every trial, but I must acknowledge that they draw me closer to the heart of God and make me passionate for truth and driven to seek God's wisdom.  They make me stronger and more resolute in my relationship with Christ and with Christ-following friends.  They make me long for Heaven.  And I have full assurance of my home in Heaven, which alone is such a reason for gratitude.  Hope eternal.  Peace everlasting.  Glory awaiting!

Yes, we gave thanks on a beautiful November day.

And still we give thanks. Our hearts seek the Lord, and we rejoice!

Thanksgiving Morning

I set out this Thanksgiving break with a different goal than usual.  Because Thanksgiving is a bit later this year and we will only have three weeks of school between this break and Christmas break instead of four,  I decided I wanted to take down my beloved autumn decorations, do some cleaning and major catching up on laundry, and get my Christmas decorating done before Thanksgiving Day.  I don't think we've ever decorated for Christmas before Thanksgiving, but I must say I am so thankful we did it.

Because this Thanksgiving morning is so calm.  The house is (mostly) clean and sparkling, with lights aglow and wassail on the stove and quiet music playing.

We had a beautiful cold front come through and woke up to sunshine and brisk temperatures.  It won't be long before we gather around the table for a bountiful feast for lunch.  The day will be slow paced and spent with family.   This weekend will involve more time with family and friends and some Christmas celebrations.  Right now I am in my chair enjoying the music and twinkling lights and scent of oranges and cloves wafting in from the kitchen.  At 25 weeks pregnant, I am thankful to put my feet up for a few minutes and enjoy the simplicity of the moment, reflect and give thanks on day I love and look forward to each year, and rejoice in the beauty of a season that celebrates the birth of Savior who changed my life.

These lyrics just flooded my home and heart a few moments ago...

Christ is the Lord! Oh, praise His name forever!

His power and glory evermore proclaim!

What a thought for this gorgeous Thanksgiving morning.

Christ is the Lord! 

Today and every day we give Him honor, praise, and thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving Morning!  Wishing you a blessed and beautiful day!

Thankfulness Breakfast

Every family has traditions that are special to them.  Special breakfasts have become important traditions in our family.  I think it is refreshing to share breakfast with someone...maybe because it isn't typically the meal that we share.  There is something unique about beginning the day together, especially at home with a beautifully set table and celebration.  It starts the day off in a wonderful way! 

The past several years I have prepared a Thankfulness Breakfast for our family during the month of November.  It is a time for food and togetherness, and also to intentionally give thanks for how God has blessed us.  

The Saturday before last we began the day with our Thankfulness Breakfast and it was a sweet time together.  We laughed and ate and lingered around the table.  We gave thanks.  God was honored.  A memory was made.

This year, Madi helped me the night before with some of the decorations.  She colored and decorated "Thanks" cards with each person in mind, thoughtfully adding colors and details that would be special to each person.  She also helped me make little foam turkeys to set at each place.  It is neat to involve her in these preparations!  Children feel important when they can contribute and help!

On the menu was Sparkling Grape Juice, Orange Juice, Pumpkin Bread, S'mores Pancakes, Rotel Grits, Blueberry Peach Crisp, and Sausage Squares.

I set out a Thankfulness Tree with tag ornaments I made a couple years ago.

As I placed these tags on the tree, I couldn't help but give thanks for what the Lord has done in our lives.  He is so faithful and generous!

"Together is my favorite place to be."

When I plan special breakfasts I try to set the table the night before, after the kids go to bed.  It is always a treat for me to see the excitement and joy in my children's eyes when they see it for the first time in the morning!

I am so grateful for my parents.  God uses them on a daily basis to bless and enrich our lives.  They help us so much, and add to the family fun!

After we ate, I had everyone write down specific things they are thankful for on little strips of paper.  Then Madi and Trev took turns reading them outloud.  This time was filled with laughter and smiles and also pure tenderness.  God, I pray you will give our children thankful hearts.  Help us to live out gratitude.

I am grateful for this sweet time of thanksgiving we had as a family.  Intentional thanks is vitally important.  We so easily forget.  Remind us, God.  And thank You for all Your gifts!  May we gratefully acknowledge them each day!

Enter His gates with thanksgiving

and His courts with praise;

give thanks to Him and praise His name.

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;

His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5

Reflections On A Most Favorite Week

One of my most favorite weeks of the year has come and gone.  

Thanksgiving week always seems to show up just when desperately needed, doesn't it?  After months of flying forward in full gear, we slow down to a near halt to spend time with family and give intentional thanks for God's goodness and faithfulness.  My heart felt incredible relief at the thought of that special week's plans and priorities of family time, rest, good food, and thanks.  When over, I must admit I felt a sort of sadness.  Thanksgiving week is the pinnacle of my very favorite season.  Oh, was it a good week.  I wanted to reflect and journal so I can one day remember this time that included...

A cold day at Hollywood Studios so we could show Grandpa the beautiful nativity and spectacular dancing lights on the Streets of America.  We stumbled upon this last year and had no idea the spectacle that would be right around the corner!

Hot chocolate was just right for this freezing night in Florida; her gift card from Miss Laurie treated her to her favorite face painting.

A day trip to Clearwater Beach for a much anticipated visit to see Winter the Dolphin and friends.  The four of us, my parents, Jimmy's dad, as well as my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew who had arrived from Arizona enjoyed this day together.  All three cousins absolutely love the movie Dolphin Tale, and Madi and Trevor had been waiting months for this special visit.  My dad treated all of us to an amazing day and with stunning cool breezes and warm sunshine, we couldn't have asked for anything more.

Madi and Trev even got to see Winter's prosthetic tail!

The cousins' expressions and squeals of delight during this show with Nicholas the Dolphin were completely priceless!

My Brother: "Jen, put on your sunglasses for this picture because I look good in mine."

Well, nice to know some things in life don't change.   :)

Cooking and baking for Thanksgiving while a backyard baseball game happened outside my open kitchen windows.  These are the kind of moments where I wish I could freeze time.

A bountiful Thanksgiving meal spent with family.  Backyard fun afterwards flying kites, sliding down hills in cardboard boxes, and more baseball.  The day was stunningly beautiful and time was slow and precious.

A highlight of Thankgiving week is having more cousins and friends over for Thanksgiving dessert in our home.  Always a sweet time with lots of laughter.  

This year Madi had all of our guests fill out cards she had received at church - she had specific instructions for us to list at least three things for each day of the week that we are thankful for.

Another sunny, cool day after Thanksgiving to head out to do some Christmas shopping with friends.  Came home with a few great surprises for the loves in my life.

Saturday morning breakfast and Dinosaur Bingo with family.  Such fun!

Took a few moments to capture the essence of my mom's autumn home. Gratitude abounds.

"This world is not my home.  My home's been made at Heaven's throne, this world is not my home."

Time for personal worship at my piano.  If you don't know this song look it up. You will be blessed.

"Now ransomed I am freedom's slave, my Jesus raised me from the grave."

An outing with my nephew to Radiator Springs.  Absolutely priceless!  Enjoyed some peppermint and Nutella gelato too!  Disney is just plain fun.

And at the close of the week, a few family photos while we were all together.

A treasured week.  Will hold on to these memories until the season rolls round again.