Give Thanks

Brother, Friend, Artist - One of the Best

It's been a hard week. One of those times when nothing seems real and the reality is too much. When you walk through days and can't recall exactly what you did and you go in and out of a room and can't recall why you went in there to start with.

We lost a precious soul this past week; my brother-in-law Terry. He was one of the kindest, most generous and talented people I recall knowing. He was an amazing musician, song writer and singer and he loved his craft. He played tennis and was active in his community. He loved his family. All of them. He was the least judgmental person I think I've ever known. Our hearts are heavy, but our hope is in Jesus Christ and we will see him again. He joins a great multitude, many we know and love; like his precious wife Dori, and his mother Adeline, and his father Lamar - my mother and father. The list goes on and on of people who planted a legacy of faith for the next generation. For Terry and for us. We have hope because we know Who holds the future. But our hearts are aching.

We're coming up on my favorite holiday. A time to reflect on what's gone on all year, hang out with family, eat some great food, watch parades on TV (or football) and give thanks. It's been a beautiful year full of wonderful events that make for great memories. We recently hosted a Friendsgiving event at the farm for some younger folks in our community and the weather and festivities were fabulous! Lots of littles to keep the grown ups hopping and good food and fellowship. Later this week we'll be hosting some of the beautiful ladies who went to high school with me. We are all the same age and there is not much oxygen left in the house once we've talked it all out. Always a good time. We'll have Thanksgiving this year with my sister and her family who live close by. Then it's on to the Advent season and Christmas. Every season brings something for which to be thankful. And I am thankful indeed.

Remember those who are struggling to feed their families. There are so many food banks, non-profits collecting food and necessities of life; grocery stores with banks of refrigerators at the front, collection places to bring food. Just give wherever you are able. It is a hard time for so many so if you've been blessed with much, give much.

This week I'll be adding Gingerbread People to the list of offerings. They're so cute and taste like everything Christmas. Honestly I could eat anything gingerbread all year long but the smell fits Christmas, and they make me laugh just looking at their unique faces and crooked pants because my hand is not as steady as it was once.

Happy Gingerbread People

Hope you all have a wonderful and peace-filled Thanksgiving. My prayer of Thanksgiving for you and yours from Numbers 6:24-26 NIV:

The LORD bless you and keep you;

The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;

The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.