Saturday, November 29, 2014

Thanksgiving Day2014




Thanksgiving Day. A day we set aside nationally to corporately thank the Lord for His many blessings as a nation. Much like Christmas, and Easter, it has become secularized and means little more to most folk than a day off and time to spend with family. For those of us who are privileged to know the God of the Bible on a personal level, (as it is common to know all ABOUT Him, without knowing Him at all) it is a day for a heart full of gratitude and bellies full of feasting. It was always my favorite day of the year, as I remember my large family gathering around the oak table as a child, with much laughter and the tinkle of the fine crystal Mom so rarely put out.
As an adult, I cooked my first Thanksgiving dinner just a couple of weeks before my first son, Matt, was born. I had no idea how to do it, and was 12 hours from my Mother’s help, so I had to just wing it. We had company from Reno and elsewhere, but neither of the wives had ever fixed a turkey and were afraid to try, so I wasn’t too intimidated. The results were satisfactory and over the years our traditions were perfected. Now the kids are in another state and Randyman and I are here alone, in the little stone house on the ranch, every year, every holiday. Sometimes I make a turkey with all the fixin’s but this year, due to my leg problems, we will just roast a chicken in the clay pot. As I reminisce I remember fondly the many Thanksgivings spent alone with my boys. Their dad always wanted the overtime so he would take extra shifts as a deputy Sheriff and the boys and I would play board games, ride horses, and do jigsaw puzzles, then eat ourselves silly on the dinner I would have spent days in the making, that was on the table. Their dad would either show up, or get leftovers. They were good times and I cherish the memories as they grew up much too fast and I still feel as though my arms are now empty. I suppose once a mother has held her child on her lap, the need for that feeling never goes away, no matter how old they are.

One thing that is constant, since we moved here, is that I am sincerely grateful for all the Lord has done in my life. This year has been one of extreme pain and loss, yet, I would walk through it again if it made the difference between walking with Him or going back to life when I did not know Him. He is worth it and I also know He will use my pain and loss, that it will not be wasted.

I am also thankful for all of you out there, my readers, FB friends and online friends I will never meet on this side of heaven. You have encouraged me and lifted me up, when I felt so isolated out here without much human contact. Your comments, letters and offerings have been much appreciated.


I want to also say, I miss a couple of people out there, that used to cheer me with our conversations. L-x, Dx and Danile, I hope you have a fantastic day and continue to shine His light on all of those he sends to rub shoulders with you. I wish there was still a way to chat with you, but I guess all good things must come to an end. God bless you all, and your families and have a wonderful Thanksgiving today and always.

10 comments:

  1. God bless you too, petey. I have greatly enjoyed reading your blogs. In my own life there has been times of hardship and I have found your other blog, "Through The Darkest Valleys" to be a comfort and reminder of the goodness of God and His provision in life. Happy Thanksgiving, and an early Merry Christmas.

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    1. Thanks so much and thank you for taking the time to stop and say hello. Best of Christmas's to you and yours!

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  2. Happy Thanksgiving to you too :-)

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  3. Thankful blessing to you and yours. As always Kim you lift us up. You may be the strongest person I know. God Bless. Some would tell me it is so very Sad that we laid my Dad to rest on Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Holiday will never be the same. I disagree. God is Good. Daddy is now free of pain and enjoying the riches of heaven with Mom, son Kenny , his parents and brother and so many new friends! We where so blessed to have him these 88 years. He and Mom celebrated their anniversary in heaven on Friday, too. :) I continue to pray that your surgery can be scheduled sooner than later and some pain eased. Big Hugs to you and the Man.

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    1. Bless you, I am sorry for your loss, but thank you for reminding us that we don't 'grieve like those who have no hope'. I hope you guys have a great Christmas

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  4. As always, you bring tears to my eyes with your posts. This time it was this:

    "One thing that is constant, since we moved here, is that I am sincerely grateful for all the Lord has done in my life. This year has been one of extreme pain and loss, yet, I would walk through it again if it made the difference between walking with Him or going back to life when I did not know Him. He is worth it and I also know He will use my pain and loss, that it will not be wasted."

    May the Lord continue to bless you, and I pray that He will soon bless you even more richly than you can think or imagine. Hugs!

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    1. Thank you Susan, and may He do the same for you and yours

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  5. Kim, one of the things I can give thanks for is finding your blog and getting to know you a bit through it.
    The admonition to "give thanks in everything" is a tough one for me to learn, but I have seen you do just that, and it's your example that helps me remember that God can give us the grace to have a thankful heart when we give it all to Him to carry for us. God bless you.
    Kristi

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    1. oh my goodness, it IS the hardest thing. It takes me a long time to get over my whining and bellyaching about what I don't like before I REALLY can focus on what He's done for us…don't be fooled by the editing LOL

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