More Than We Could Ask or Imagine: Thanksgiving thoughts...

Ephesians 5:20

giving thanks always for all things to God the Father

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

I have so much to be thankful for...first and foremost Jesus Christ, my Savior, my Redeemer, my Shield, my Portion, my Deliverer, my Strong Tower, my Shelter in the storm.

Secondly my thought go to my family. This man is the blessing of all blessings...

He is the greatest dad in the world. His children never doubt his love and devotion. He is always there for them. I am so very thankful to have him as my husband. We have shared heartbreak and triumph. We been on adventures in far off places. We've moved 5 times, the last 3 of which included all 4 kids. We've witnessed God's hand in our lives. We've laughed hysterically, cried just as hard. Thank you David for walking this life with me by your side.

Next in line would have to come our 4 children.

Then there's these 2 sweet people...they raised the most incredible son.

Next would be our extended family members. Sadly, I don't have a lot of pics of them. One actually 2 of them are anti-picture taking. So I will just have to say there are too many blessings to tell everything about each one. Brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins all so very special. "Family" is one of the most beautiful words ever spoken.

That leads me to the fabulous friends who share our lives. We are blessed with treasured friends from Tennessee to Romania. When I look at our friends I see a well used map that traces every path our lives have taken. Each person entering our lives at a push pin marked destination and then joining our adventure for a short time or the long journey. Thank you friends for caravaning through life with us.

Last but not least, today I am thankful for 2 very special ladies. My heart misses them so. It was Thanksgiving Day 1995 when my sweet Grandmother went to be with Jesus. This lady was a treasure. She raised 12 children of her own plus countless grandchildren off and on. I was lucky enough to live with her. She was the most selfless, God-honoring woman I have ever known. I wish so much she had know my children.

The next lady I so miss is my mom. She made a decision to bring me into this world. She loved me and did what was best for me. Despite what she wanted for herself. She never gave herself enough credit. She battled cancer valiantly. She worked hard and devoted herself to her husband and girls. My Mom was the strongest woman I have ever known.

Yes, that is me when I was 3 months old.

My mom was so proud of her grandchildren. I remember all little jokes she had with Alex. "I love you more than mud"..."Breakfast? Mt. Dew, chips?" She was a great grandmother. She died when the boys were only one. Olivia was 2 but already talking about "NooNoo". They are really great kids, Mom. I wish you could be here to live life with them.

I am so very blessed...by those in my life and by those who have gone on to be with the Lord.

On a side note... we try to instill thankfulness in our children everyday but especially during this season. Olivia is by far the most vocal in her thankfulness. But Thanksgiving morning's revelation really took me by surprise. We were watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Rockettes started their traditional kick line...Her face lit up..."Who is that, Mom". I told her about the Rockettes...the most famous dancers in all the world. Her response, eyes glued to their every snap-like head turn and kick... "Oh, Mom I am most thankful for them, they are so beautiful".