Thanksgiving 2007

It is Good To Give Thanks

"O GIVE THANKS to the Lord, for HE is GOOD! For His Mercy Endures Forever" Psalm 118:1

What a Wonderful Thanksgiving From The Lord! Courtney was able to come home from school at Maranatha for a few days...of course we had her do a lot of the cooking! Uncle Duane and Aunt Nella came to Mama's House along with our friend, Nathan, from church.

It truly was a blessing because all 3 of the girls came down with an infection of some kind the previous Sunday and were very sick with a high fever for the first few days. Courtney came home Tuesday night, but we were not able to all be with her until Thanksgiving morning. We took comfort in knowing that God's ways are the best ways; for man plans his ways, but God directs His steps.

We began Thanksgiving morning at our house by making blueberry muffins for breakfast. Andrew and the girls then set to work on making a Thanksgiving Craft, a Thankful Tree. Marie surprised us all when Andrew asked her, "Marie, do you want to put Papa on your leaf? Marie matter of factly stated, "No, Jesus." Of course, we had to put Jesus. He is the one we are most thankful for as Marie clearly reminded us. I made up some Sweet Potato Casserole from one of my Aunt's recipes along with Raspberry Jello (Andrew's Mom's recipe) with the toppings, and we headed off to Papa and Mama's House.

Mama had set the table beautifully with our new Thanksgiving dishes we got off of eBay for an amazing price because we found them from a friend of a friend. We did not have to pay for shipping thanks to our dear friend, Kelly, bringing them all the way from Ohio to us.

Russell read Psalm 100 before the meal and after our Thanksgiving Feast, we had family praise time around the piano. Oh, and I cannot forget that dessert was soon to follow...Mercy had her first taste of Pumpkin Pie and she was hooked.

Andrew, myself, and the girls spent the night at Papa and Mama's house so we could spend more time with Courtney. Courtney and I then woke up at 3:20 AM to head off to Kohl's at 4:00 AM for all the Black Friday specials...50% off all the toys...we are toy fanatics along with just plain fanatic for getting up that early to go shopping. We say we will not do it again, BUT, we probably will...it's THE THRILL of it ALL!! We might even convince Emmy to come next year.

TRUSTS AND JUMPS

God's Words declares, "TRUST in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness...Commit your way to the Lord, TRUST also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass."
PSALM 37: 3, 5

What wonderful WORDS from the Lord to take joy and delight in. I especially love reading "Feed on HIS faithfulness." We all know that we need food in order to physically survive, but oh the more to FEED on the spiritual and to take sustenance in HIS everlasting faithfulness. Yes, we must "Dwell in the Land," and sometimes the "Land" isn't always flowing with the Goodness of the Lord, but oh, to look above the evil and hardships of the world and fix our eyes on our blessed Savior. In this, we will find the little things that the Lord gives to us as constant reminders to continually TRUST in Him. When we COMMIT our life and walk to Him, He will lead us and He will NOT fail us.

We've entitled this entry, Trusts and Jumps, because of the bedtime game Andrew invented. To hear the squeals of excitement from the girls is worth more than a thousand words. Just when you think that the fun of the day is over and everyone is to be tucked neatly inside their beds, Andrew flips on the light for one more cherished memory that will last a lifetime. Tonight Andrew surprised the girls with his Scottish hat and red hair wig that our beloved sister, Courtney, gave. She is so thoughtful, you know. She brought it back all the way from Scotland knowing how Handsome it would become Him!!! With his improv Scottish accent, the bedtime Trusts and Jumps began. The hardships of the day were all forgotten when the Lord reminded me of His faithfulness and goodness through the laughter and smiles of the precious ones God has bestowed on me.

Here is a little video clip of the action...some parts are a little dark, but all our friends and family have good imaginations and can come up with "something" to account for the dark.

Oh, and dearest Courtney, we hope this one brings a smile to your face while you are away at school. Continue standing strong for Jesus. We are counting down the days until you come home. "Trust in the Lord and DO GOOD!"