Thanksgiving...this year Chris and I are experiencing something brand new: the great state of Texas, living with my brother and his family (never done that before), and playing with a 16-month-old precious little girl.
Since we tend to flip flop between the Sargent family and Gable family for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and knowing that this year we were to do Thanksgiving with the Sargent's, we began planning our trip. My brother, Josh, was doing Thanksgiving with his wife's family, Jeremiah, being new to the area, wanted to stay around for both holidays, and my parent's hands were full, so they needed to stay put. As much as I would love both of my brothers and their wives, and my parents to be all in one place, we knew it wasn't going to happen this year.
So, we decided to make a visit to Texas and see my brother and his family, their new house, and the church they're serving in. It is so exciting to see everything and meet their new church family. Oh and of course seeing our cute little niece has just been a blast! She is really at a cute stage...talking, giggling, and making funny faces. It's almost scary to see my brother in that little girl's face! There is, however, a nice blend of her mother, which complements the Sargent-side features. :o)
So far today Shannon and I went for a good walk (and talk :o), the guys are busy building "something" in the backyard, and the baby is sleeping away for her morning nap. We plan to enjoy a tasty meal (huge turkey with all the usual sides), a couple games of tennis and/or bowling on the Wii, and probably a movie or an afternoon at the park.
My Thanksgiving List:
There truly is much to be thankful for, and just to name a few, I'll start with my salvation - really to be specific, I am so thankful for God's mercy, grace, faithfulness, and longsuffering. I am thankful for His Word and for the Holy Spirit's working in my life. Those truly are the greatest blessings that come from salvation apart from the peace and hope that it brings. I am thankful for family - my husband who is a wonderful man and leader of our home. He loves God with all his heart and has a great love for people and ministry. He is an example, inspiration, and encouragement to me. I am so thankful that I have godly, loving parents with whom I have a good relationship; as well as godly, loving in-laws. It wonderful having parents that set an example for us. I have been blessed with great brothers, and brother/sister-in-laws - all are fun to be around and I love them each uniquely. I am thankful for my church and all the members that make up the body; the teens we've become so close to over the recent months; our pastors and their families; our close friends; and the opportunities the Lord gives us daily to be involved in His work. There are many more things I am thankful for, but those are just a few. :o)
Another thing I am "greedily" thankful for is my new phone! Early Christmas present from Chris...and let me tell ya, it's so fun to play with! Don't be jealous...
The palm pixi...candy bar phone that's not only eye candy, but an awesome phone to own. After being content with the "free" phones for so long, I'm officially converted...I'll never go back to those average joe-blow phones again! :o)
Well, if you're reading this on Thanksgiving Day...Happy Thanksgiving! Have a wonderful day with those you're thankful for. If only we were as thankful everyday as we try to be this day, our lives would drastically change and the Lord would become more real to us than He ever before.