Nov
30
Written by:
Gretchen
11/30/2009 7:10 PM
Thousands of families sat around the table this year, with misty eyes and soft hankies in hand, humbly saying what they are thankful for this year. This is always my favorite part of Thanksgiving, hearing how God has impacted others' and honestly, taking time to let it all sink in like sinking sand what God has done for me. And yes, even though I was not around my familliar table with my two year old niece giggling next to me, or my brother stabbing a piece of turkey off my sister's plate, only to regret it later after she instantly slaps his hand. :) ( of course in a lovingly sister sort of way!) I was exactly where God wanted me to be over Thanksgiving!
God allowed me to go to my co-worker, Camie's house over in Lubbock, TX. (in the panhandle) it is about an eight hour drive from campus and we had a blast! On the way there, we got stuck in a consrtuction/ traffic jam and decided to do a chinese fire drill, everyone switching places. When we finally arrived at her parents' house, we were instantly swept into her parent's opening arms, opening their house up as though it were ours too. They treated us and treasured us as their own daughters and I told my friend Abrecia, I knew were were not supposed to be any where else this Thanksgiving. One of the biggest things I learned this Thanksgiving break, was to literally sit on the couch, or around the breakfast table, sipping out of that chipped daffy duck coffee cup, just enjoying each other's company. I have always been on the "run". Trying to get this done, or squeeze that in , always always running around, hardly having enough time to hand out a hug.
As we had our turn to go around the table on Thanksgiving afternoon, with Camie's family and Abrecia and I, I had memory after memory flood back to mind, my heart beating quicker than a drum with all of the blessings God has done for me this past year. I would like to share some of these blessings with you all, and urge you to continue to let all of those blessings God does in your life as well, sink in as your eyes wander my testimonies.
The first thing I can't stop thinking about, is if I get nothing else out of Honor Academy ( which is impossible) I am realizing what an amazing, cherishing, fantastic and brilliant family God has given me. Honestly, Absence really does make the heart grow fonder!
My sister, Anna, is about to have a beautiful baby boy in December, my mom just got a new job God has blesseher with, where she is able to to use her brilliant mind he has given her,and my father and step mom are moving past their car accident, healing,and taking life by both of the years, teaching me perseverance. My brother, Zeb especially has helped me continue to push onward toward the goal we are all running for. He helps me keep my motives in check and to always check to make sure the path I walk is straight for my feet. My sister Lana and her husband Carl are already creating a well known and loved name in Sandpoint Idaho, living out the lives diligently God has called them to. I love my family to death and am realizing that they would do anything for me, and I would do anything for them. A very wise friend once told me, that God has put me in this family for a special reason and I need to be the most loving to them!
Another thing I am thankful is for all the family and friends back home continueing to ask and to pray for me. The fact that prayers keep coming my way, even when most of the time, responses don't flood back to you guys is so encouraging and refreshing! God always knows at the right time and place when to send me little notes and reminders that I am never out from under His wings or from His strong tower. He loves me and cherishes me and never leaves me alone. Thank you Stephanie, for always reminding me to fill out the blog, but so much more, praying earnestly for me and keeping me encouraged, Matt and Leslie, your support, verbally, financially and with prayers goes deeper than you will ever know. Sandy, for your loving prayers and updates of the family, there is not a day your beautiful family does not come to mind! But most of all, Spokanefellowship, for providing this blog for me to even communicate with loved ones all over the country. God, the fact that I have internet and phone access to keep in touch with these loved ones you have placed in my life is beyond me.
Most of all though, I am so thankful for Jesus' love and provision for me. I am never without need or want. I don't have more than $50 to my name, but every need of mine is provided, and I am able to provide for others around me. God is not going to go around me to support others around me, but he is going to go through me and provide for me along the way. Thank you all for your phone calls, texts, emails, gifts, cards, and so much more! God has truly truly blessed me.
A verse that was brought to mind even today from a friend, John 15:9, As the Father has loved me, so I also love you, Abide in my love! what and invitation to enjoy his wonderful and whole presence! To all, not just the select few or the elite, but to all who are thirsty, that is what I am thankful for. A loving and zealous God!
I could honestly go on for hours, how he has been answering prayers down here in East Texas, or how he has been answering prayers in Western Washington, with all of the glory leading to God! May your bragging be done in the Lord Jesus Christ! And He is the one I give all the glory. His sacrifice that we can even invite the thought of eternity in, all because His love and desire for us!
Here were just a few of the praises that make my heart light and my heart sing!
I would love to hear from you all back home and rejoice with me the praises and miracles he has been accomplishing in your lives! Thank you all for encouraging me on toward love and good deeds! God is using you all, as my family, to keep my heart light and my feet continue to prod forward, knowing I have an encouraging and supportive family behind me, urging and cheering at every accomplishment and step!
I love you all and can not wait to see your bright and smiley faces when I return for Christmas break on December 12th!
Grace to you and peace from our Father and Savior Jesus Christ.