Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time of the year. I just love fall and the crispness of the air as well as all the beautiful trees. It's a reminder to be thankful and remember all of our many blessings. Since the theme this month is thankfulness, it was easy for me to quickly think of some things that I am particularly thankful for this past month.
First of all, I am thankful for life-long friends. I had the privilege of going to Branson for a week with two friends who I grew up with--Shari Morford and Kathie Spare. What a blessing that was. Shari's mom, Iolene Hildebrand and my mom, Donna Whitehouse as well as Kathie's sister, Brenda went along too. The last time that I was in Branson was many years ago when my sons were small so things have changed a lot since then. Ty and I took the boys to Silver Dollar City and I have very fond memories of that. Interestingly enough we were there (at Silver Dollar City) on October 17--the 4th anniversary of Ty's death. I was excited about that because I knew that Ty would be glad that I was on this adventure with these special friends. It was fun to go back and visit the places that I specifically remember that we went to as a family. The blacksmith shop and knife shop were places that Ty and the boys especially enjoyed. Even though the trees weren't changing too much yet, the scenery was still beautiful and the weather almost perfect. We were very privileged to stay in a condo owned by some dear friends. The view from our balcony there was fabulous and a special blessing to me every morning as I enjoyed a yummy cup of coffee with Jesus. Watching the sun come up and praising my Lord for His creation is a priceless treasure! My dear friend, Shari, even created a picture album on facebook of our adventures as the "Branson Belles" (the name we gave ourselves). The trip also reminded me that friendships are such a blessing. It's important that we don't get so busy that we don't take time to visit with friends and nurture those relationships. Take time today to reconnect with an old friend (not just on facebook) but face to face sharing a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and encouraging each other!!
I'm also thankful for my family--for my children and grandchildren. I enjoyed some one on one time with my one and only, sweet and special grand-daughter this past month. Wyatt, Laurel and Preston went to a K-State football game in Manhattan so I went to Newton to spend the day with Clara. Now--that was fun!!! We read books, played outside, went to Wal-mart, took a stroller ride around the neighborhood, played games and generally laughed alot. The rest of my grandchildren call me Nana, but Clara calls me Nanny. It was so much fun hearing her call "Nanny" whenever she woke up from her nap. Of course, the day went way too fast. As I tucked her in for bed that evening, it was hard to say good-night knowing that when she woke up the next time I wouldn't be there to hear her call my name!! What a precious treasure grand-children are. I am thankful for each one and for their parents--my dear sons, Wyatt and Yance, and their wonderful wives (and now my daughters), Laurel and Elaine. Another blessing was having Yance bring James and Luke to spend part of a week-end with me. It gave Elaine time to catch up on some things at home and was a blessing to me to get to have some time with "her boys". Loved it when Luke woke up sucking his thumb--so adorable. Fun to watch James play with his dad's and Uncle Wyatt's trucks and tractors that they played with when they were little. Had a memorable day just playing with the boys, going to the park, visiting my mom (great-grandma), having Yance help me with little things around the house and enjoying fixing and eating some of his favorite foods from his childhood years. Lots of simple things but important things. Again, relationships are so important. Time flies by quickly. Our children and grandchildren grow up so fast. Be sure and treasure and appreciate each moment.
Most of all, I'm thankful for my Savior and best friend, Jesus Christ. No matter what life brings, whatever I have or don't have, or wherever I am, He is the best gift I've been given and will ever receive. Every other blessing that He gives to me is more special and appreciated because of my relationship with Him and the security I have in His amazing and unconditional love and acceptance. He gives me a continual, never-ending supply of joy, peace and contentment as I choose to rest, trust and find my HOPE in Him. NOTHING in this world compares to that. I am blessed beyond measure and so very thankful!!!
Praying for each of you this month that you will also be overwhelmed with Jesus's love for you and will appreciate all of His many blessings.
The song that I'm going to share with you was a gift from my dear heavenly Father on a day that was particularly hard. I was struggling when I turned on Pandora and this song, "Steady My Heart", by Kari Jobe came on. As always, my Lord knew exactly what I needed to hear. Listening to the song that day quieted my anxious heart and helped me to focus on what I have in Jesus. I trust that it will be a blessing to you--that you too will choose to take refuge in the arms of Jesus and allow Him to steady your heart.
