Happy Thanksgiving! I have finished a big meal, and am struggling to stay awake right now. But, while I am relaxing, I wanted to wish each of you a very blessed day today, and in the upcoming holiday season.
I stayed in TN, where Chelsea, my brother Tony, and I shared a meal that we all had a hand in preparing. I am driving to pick Isaiah up tomorrow for the weekend, and then our big fundraiser/dinner/concert for the Veranda is this coming Tuesday night. I simply couldn't get away to AR to spend the day with my Mom, and I felt awful about that, but she had two of my brothers, my sister-in-law, and one niece and her family there. They had a nice day, too, and I know it made Mom feel better to have family around her, this year especially, being the first without Daddy. (What a Thanksgiving he had this year, though - his first in Heaven!)
I must admit that I am having quite a few "blue" days as the holidays approach this year. I am not sure why, except that it has been one of the roughest years I have ever experienced, in many ways, and holidays always bring a time of reflection. I am filled with special memories of Thanksgivings past today, and most of them make me smile, and laugh (especially ones about Roger and his antics). I am thankful for the gift of memories, and for all of the special people who made those memories. And, as I also reflect on all of the blessings I have in my life, I am overwhelmed at the abundance of them. Even on those days when I feel tears spilling over for no apparent reason, I am reminded of all that God continues to work out in my life. I have a wonderful family; I have so many dear friends, and I am blessed with friendships old, new, and REnewed! I may not always know in what direction I am headed, but I do have the assurance that as long as I follow the LEADER, I am bound for the Promised Land! And that sounds pretty good to me!!
So, as we take time to think about what all the Lord has done for us, let us also remember that there are those who are really hurting during this "festive" season. Take a moment to tell someone that they are loved. Go the extra step to make someone feel special. Be patient, because we don't always know the "back story" of a person's life. Remember that all of the Seasons belong to God, and we are His means of conveying love to each other. He loves us, He cares, and He holds us ever
In His Grip!
Debbie
Debbie,
Truly Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Praise God! Sounds like the Veranda fundraiser will be fun. What a wonderful ministry. As we all are struggling one way or another this year it is my prayer that we all reflect on The One who will always continue to hold our hand. Isaiah 41:13. Happy Thanksgiving from Kansas City
Posted by: C turnbull | November 22, 2012 at 10:07 PM
Hi Debbie,
We are so blessed.I am so glad for memories. My little grand girls are always telling me--mamaw, lets make some memories.That seems to be important to them. My mom has been gone ten years in Feb. Feels like she just left, but I am so glad for the memories I have of her.I hope my girls say the same thing about me one day. Be blessed, we are God's favorite child. Linda
Posted by: Linda | November 23, 2012 at 06:52 PM
Hi Debbie,
Sounds like you had a great Thanksgiving....we had 14 and I think this year was awesome. Had kids, grands and greats. We made fantastic memories that I will hold on to forever and hope they will too.
Hope your Holidays are full of joy and happiness. We are suppose to go to see L5 in January...it is our New Year's celebration.
Love and Blessings,
Judy
Posted by: JUDY HICKS | November 23, 2012 at 08:50 PM
Hi Debbie,
So glad you had a nice Thanksgiving. I did something totally different this year. I've always wanted to see the parade in New York so I went with a wonderful tour group out of Charlotte NC and did so many wonderful things. We saw the parade and then the Rockettes Christmas show. Never having seen it before I was amazed at their talent and precision but above all that at the end of the show there was a live nativity scene. With the way the politically correct are treating Christmas these days I didn't expect to see this on a stage in New York. It was truly a blessing.
In His Love,
Ann
Posted by: Ann Woodward | December 01, 2012 at 06:48 PM
Hi Debbie,
I was just checking in to see if you have posted anything new. Now that I am here I just have to tell you that my fifteen year old granddaughter gave her heart to Jesus during a Greater Vision concert last friday night.In a small resturant in Ohio--the Lord was present in a very real way. How blessed we are that he can be wherever we need him to be. I am still in awe. Linda
Posted by: Linda | December 03, 2012 at 09:51 PM
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING WITH US. I TOO MISS MY FAMILY SO MUCH MORE AT THE HOLIDAY TIMES AND YOU ARE RIGHT THE MEMORIES WE HAVE DO BRING US SUCH JOY. THANKS FOR LOVING US AND SHARING WITH US AND MY PRAYER IS 2013 WILL BE SUCH A WONDERFUL YEAR FOR YOU. YOU ARE A DEAR LADY. YOUR KY FRIEND
BECKY
Posted by: barvin@jessamineco.com | December 07, 2012 at 07:29 AM
hearing about your thanksgiving memories. I remember Roger telling me how he deep fried your turkey for thanksgiving and how good it was. (I never heard of it being prepared that way before). So next yr when I asked how his deep fried turkey tasted he replied with a sheepish grin that he ran over the deep frier with the car (or van?). that gave us all a laugh.
Blessings and to more memories sweet and new Connie
Posted by: connie nicholl | December 08, 2012 at 12:46 PM
Hi Debbie: Thanks so much for your recent post. You always lift my spirits with your comments whether they be sad or happy. I, too, am a widow having lost my husband 17 years ago. He LOVED the Cathedral Quartet and Roger playing that wonderful piano. The last thing we attended was a Gaither Homecoming Concert in Ft Worth. I hope you have a blessed Christmas with family and friends.
Posted by: Wanda Moran | December 09, 2012 at 09:45 PM
Merry Christmas Debbie,
May your holidays be filling with many blessings. And my your heart be filled with many wonderful memories. Blessings, Linda
Posted by: Linda | December 14, 2012 at 08:02 PM
Thinking of you and your family during the Holidays. It can be a difficult time for so many who have lost loved ones. I'm thinking today of the shooting in Conn. how sad. The post today on FB read:
"Dear God, why would you let such violence happen in our schools?" and God replies, "Dear Concerned Citizens, I am not allowed in schools." Signed God.
I'm so thankful to wake up in the morning knowing God is there with me to start my day.
May you and your family have a peaceful Christmas. You are so loved by us all Deb.
Posted by: Barb | December 15, 2012 at 12:50 PM