What's up with us?: November 2004

Thanks-Giving

Every culture celebrates important holidays, days that represent the best that they have to offer. One of America's finest holidays, in my humble opinion, is Thanksgiving. This is one holiday that, to date, remains relatively un-touched by the taint of commercialism. There are no dancing Santas, or cute cuddly bunnies, just the vision of family gathered together to celebrate the blessings in their lives. So, in the spirit of the season, I would like to let you know what I am thankful for.

1. The wonderful blessing of salvation that was given to me by Jesus Christ. If there was nothing else available to me, this would be enough. I know that sounds "Christianeze" and cliched, but truly, when it all comes to the bottom of it, this life is just bootcamp for eternity, and if I had nothing, that would be nothing compared to the riches awaiting me in heaven through Jesus sacrifice. It truly is that serious. Interested to know how you can have this kind of confidence? There is a really helpful group who will answer your questions, it is just a toll free call away at 1-800-NEED-HIM. Give them a call, this could be your best Thanksgiving ever.

2. My wonderful family. There are so many wonderful people that I am thankful for. My husband, Alex is a precious treasure who I could not live without. His kindness and patience are beautiful, as his heart. He is God's greatest gift to me. My parents are people of integrity and principle who raised me in the way I should go, and now that I am old, I try not to depart from it. They care about others and are devoted to the work of God's kingdom. I couldn't ask for better parents. My brother, Dave, is a great friend. Growing up we were always somewhat rivals (although I dare say that I probably made that a much bigger thing in my mind than it really was), but now we have become even better friends than I had thought. He is wise and humble beyond his years. My new, adopted family (Alex's crew) are so kind and welcoming. They had never met me before we went out to Wyoming, but they accepted me as their own, and I truly love having sisters, although I never could have anticipated that I would gain four at one time! Thank God for wonderful families. They are there when everyone else walks away.

3. I am thankful for freedom. I was reminded this evening of the price that has been paid for our freedoms. One of my college friends has a husband who is serving in Iraq. He has been actively involved in the battle at Fallujah, and saw one of the members of his 4 person fire team get killed by a terrorist bullet just a few days ago. These brave men and women are willing to give the ultimate sacrifice, their own life, so that we here in America can have the freedom to say and do what we please. This can not be taken too seriously, as my friend prays every day that her husband will return to her. What would you give to remain free?

There are so many other things that I could list individually, but suffice it to say, we as a couple are very blessed. Remember this holiday season that "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." James 1:7

Happy Thanksgiving!

Odds and Ends

My word, it has been a while since our last posting. Sort of sounds like the diary that I used to keep as a kid. I'd always start out with the greatest of resolve and then sort of trail off once the novelty was gone. There is so much to talk about so I'll just dive right in.

How about that election? I was absolutely thrilled! I think that the greatest thing aside from the fact that GWB was re-elected was that the evangelical Christian community finally seemed to get a clue that voting really does matter!!!! Here's to seeing this trend continue. After all, if we don't take a stand to change our country, someone else will, and we probably won't like the outcome.

Hmmm....in other news, Alex has started to take in computers to fix on the side. He is quite the enterprising businessman. It is really cool to see how patiently he diagnoses problems and fixes them. I don't think I would have the patience for doing things like that!

Christmas is coming really soon, I am finding out. But at the same time I am puzzled at the fact that it never seems that we can make it through Thanskgiving before the Christmas songs are on the radio and in every department store. But I have to admit, that even I have been sucked into the Christmas "mood." Tonight we did some Christmas shopping for Alex's family and it was so much fun. I am an aunt for the first time and buying toys for the kids just made me smile so big. Can't wait till we're buying toys for our kids! (All in due time *wink*).

Oh, and let me tell you, after reading Sarah and Jacob's blog, it hit me again how much I miss our friends!!! Particularly the Adamo family. They are some of our closest friends, and Judah is our sweetheart! But you know, Alex and I are pretty sure that fate will bring our two families within visiting distance one of these days.

Ok, I think that is enough for now. Happy early Thanksgiving!!!!