Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

My home was absolutely buzzing with excitement this Thanksgiving as grown-kids streamed through the back door, arms full of green beans and grand babies. Nanny came with her legendary dish that is my childhood in a bite. Another family member came in early to oversee decorating and desserts.

Yes, sometimes everyone can come home for the holidays, but other times we miss a few. We have missed Terry's mom and dad for many Thanksgivings. This year we're are missing a few more, but I paused to soak in the people that were around me.

I stop to be present.

I listened.

I observe carefully.

I savored each one in my tribe because people matter. My home was full, and this momma’s heart was overflowing with gratitude.

God's Word tells us to "Give thanks to Him; Bless his name!" Psalm 100:4. In the many seasons of life there will be up's and downs. Life brings good and life can be hard. However, Thanksgiving is a time for me to pause to embrace gratitude.

How about you?

Here are a few things I am grateful for:

1. A son and daughter-in-love who are rocking this pregnancy gig with a new grand baby girl who is coming very soon. (Not pictured)

2. A grandson's first visit to Mimi and PopPop's house with amazing intentional parents.

3. Continuing a 66-year-old tradition of homemade yeast rolls with the fam!

4. Another Thanksgiving with my ‘miracle daddy’ whom doctors said, ‘had a 10 percent chance to live’ twelve years ago: What a miracle!

5. Another celebration with my mom who has recently had congestive heart failure but getting stronger every day.

6. My sister and brother-in-law who came from St Louis to love on family and join the cray cray!

7. A daughter-in-love who impromptu wanted to spend the night!! We had the best time!

8. A husband who deep fries our delicious turkey.

9. A time to reflect and renew this weekend.

10. A daugher and her family who are thriving in Norfolk.

11. My Abba Father who loves me always.

My friends, whatever your Thanksgiving weekend looks like and even as we plan for the Christmas holidays, there is much beauty in thanking the Lord for His blessings in our lives. I invite you to express your gratitude for He is worthy.

I give you Psalm 92:1-5.

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your steadfast love in the morning and Your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For You, O Lord, have made me gald by Your work, at the workds of Your hands I sing for joy. How great are Your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep."

From my messy and imperfect tribe to yours, Happy Friday!