THANKSGIVING: A SEASON FOR THANKS

Now that Howl-o-wiener is over, it's time to turn our attention to Thanksgiving--my favorite holiday! I have much to be thankful for, and this holiday hasn't been as commercialized as the others. In fact, it's a day devoted to being with family, sharing the traditional family meal of turkey and dressing, and giving thanks for how the Lord has greatly blessed this nation and our families. That is not to say that we don't have difficulties and/or problems, but that God is in control, is always faithful, and will guide and direct us if we trust in Him.



There isn't space here for me to list all I'm thankful for, but I will say that apart from the gift of eternal life that the Lord provided for me (and I've accepted it by trusting His Son Jesus as my personal Savior), my family means the most to me on this earth. We will all meet together in heaven one day, and that is the greatest blessing of all!


My favorite meal is always the Thanksgiving meal, commemorating the meal that our forefathers shared with the Native Americans. We, too, must always be grateful for this country and its bountiful blessings.

During this season, I'll once again share Sarge's Thanksgiving story, like I always do each year. Join me in giving thanks and be grateful for our lives. The human condition can sometimes be difficult, dangerous, and depressing--but it can also be abundant, joyous, and fulfilled.

God bless you and your loved ones, doxie lovers.

Norman Rockwell, artist ~ an American classic

FAMILY IS MY FAVORITE!

Clark and me with the grandchildren: 

Annika 8, Alexa 7, and Asher will be 3

next month!

Our son-in-law and daughter, Philip and Holly

We had the joy and privilege of spending a few days with them, returning home yesterday.  They live in Georgia, and we live in North Carolina.  Such is life these days!  Our younger daughter Bethany and hubby Kurt live in Arizona, so we don't see them as often.

Everyone was here for Christmas, and then returned the first week in January for my mother's funeral.

I've always believed family is special, but especially since Mom's death, I am even more thankful now for my loved ones.  God is faithful and will sustain us in life's sorrows, but I so enjoy my family, my major joy on this earth.

How about you?

SARGE'S THANKSGIVING STORY

Thanksgiving (a.k.a., Delicious Food Day!)

Daddy and Mama arose early on Thanksgiving morning. She and several of the church ladies had spent most of the previous afternoon decorating the house. I must admit, it looked beautiful with the Christmas tree twinkling in the corner, the large golden bells with big red bows adorning the fireplace mantel, and greenery everywhere. They had set up a manger scene on a table in front of the living room window. I had overheard Mama tell one of the ladies, “This should be front and center. After all, we are celebrating Christ’s birth, so He should have the most prominent place in the room.” The figures glowed with inner lighting, and there was even a star and an angel with the scene.

I had never seen so many pretty, twinkling lights. The house smelled like cedar, the greenery wreaths adorned with red velvet bows and holly, and happy Christmas music played softly in the background as everyone scurried around to get the house ready for Thanksgiving.

“Philip, oh how I hope Mom likes the coat I made her! I wrapped it last week and put it in the hall closet. Will you bring it in here for me, please?” And I suppose she’ll drag out my hat and coat, too. I’ve thought about it a lot, and I think Mama really thinks I look handsome in them, so I’ll just put up with all the laughter. Besides, Papa will be here, and he loves me so much I think I can handle the situation, I suppose.

The first to arrive were Kurt and Bethany. She exclaimed, “Oh Holly, your big tummy is so cute!”

Mama hugged her. “You wouldn’t think so if you had to carry it around for a while.” Bethany said she had made a chocolate cake with cherry filling between the layers, since their mom loved chocolate so much. Mama rubbed her tummy and licked her lips in anticipation, since she loved chocolate, too. Bethany asked where she should put cake, and Mama told her to put it on the counter in the center. “After all, today is her birthday, and we don’t want her to feel like an afterthought. Thanksgiving should come in second today.”

As Bethany complied, Mama told her to come into the hall so she could show her something. Here goes. My reputation is now ruined for life.