“The way to find God’s treasure-house of blessing is to climb the ladder of His divine promises. Those promises are the key that opens the door to the riches of God’s grace and favor.”
“He knows the way I take” Job 23:10
Jacob, Emily, Sarah, and Mitch are sitting on one side of the couch with me, Grace, Rich, and Caleb are on the other side. Ethan is on the loveseat with his legs stretched out, with bare feet. Seth is wearing his Halloween costume, on the floor with a football. The late afternoon football game is on TV.
We were supposed to have my entire family here for the Thanksgiving meal but I had to cancel a few days ago. I haven’t been feeling well (depression) and with my brother Dave’s help, we decided to try for a quieter weekend….the love and understanding of my family did so much to humble and soften my anxious heart.
The thing about low points is that the spirit is more desperate and eager to SEE God, feel Him, know Him, want Him. And he pops up everywhere, like even in the movie Sister Act 2 and Grace’s chorus performance at school, it’s a thrill. He is everything, the only Rock-solid truth and the giver of so many good things.
Like family, doctors, medicine, warmth, a friend when you need one, animals, fresh air, etc……
“The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the give of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.”
Grace and Sarah tore up the bread for stuffing.
Jacob and Ethan caught up on mine craft pursuits.
The weather was so nice today. Caleb and Seth played catch a lot.
I did a little reading in the sun with Parker the dog– (too) close.
A favorite place to lay an egg.
Loving kitty at my feet wanting some attention.
Ice from the pond.
Grace and I played yahtzee.
Parker the dog snuggling with Grace.
Rich went for a run at the school with his little ones so I could finish up the meal.
The turkey was perfectly roasted within a Reynolds oven bag.
for reals.
So I bought this plastic silverware at Costco and it turned out to be see through. We are easily amused.
Ethan finally gets to sink into his favorite—-mashed potatoes.
Rich read us a Bible passage and Seth left his place at the table to get up close.
Our thanksgiving pies are on the piano bench. 😉
Jacob went and got his Emily.
watching the football game with Gentleman Gray
Jacob and Emily did a little art.
Grace, Mitch, Ethan, and David
Sarah’s lego creation
I hope you have had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
God knows, and provides our every need.
Good to be Home 
What a cozy Thanksgiving, but I am so sorry to hear that you aren’t feeling well. You will be in my prayers dear Shanda. God Bless.
Oh please know that I am praying for you.
So blessed you have an understanding family! I am thankful that He knows and loves us unconditionally. That He knows us intimately and still loves us. Lately I’ve been enjoying the song good good father. Gods promises are real and they bring hope to our hearts.
Hugs,Christina
Your family pictures are always so cozy. I feel like I could sneak in, sit on the floor in front of the couch, take my shoes off and I would be treated like family.
You did a lot for someone who is not feeling well. Your dinner looks like a feast, and you still managed to take pictures! I got NONE. LOL. I was waaayyyy too stressed out to think about pictures.
That is such a sweet sister picture of Sarah and Grace. That one will be so meaningful to them when they are both grown up. I loved ALL of the pictures. (I always do.)
I just want to pick that hen up and squeeze her, and hug her and love her and rub her feathers the wrong way, and… 🙂 (Reference to an old Bugs Bunny cartoon.) But seriously, I think it’s so cute when they pick an unconventional spot to lay and then go at it like nobody’s business. You know how much I love chickens. That is such a sweet picture of Caleb and Gentleman Gray, too. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more contented cat!
I’m sorry you’re feeling depressed, but I’m amazed at all you do in spite of it, and that you an still keep up with your blog and remain so positive. Your dependence on the Lord through it inspires me. I’m always inspired…you post the perfect scriptures at the perfect time.
Happy Thanksgiving (Or Day-After-Thanksgiving) 🙂 I slept 12 hours last night catching up after the lead-up to the big dinner!
Shanda I loved the message you shared below and yes we have a lot to give thanks for, to know God in our Heart we have to believe what He tells us in Scripture, His promises are real and He longs to bless us.
“The way to find God’s treasure-house of blessing is to climb the ladder of His divine promises. Those promises are the key that opens the door to the riches of God’s grace and favor.”
Christian Love – Anne
Such warmth, beauty, and love in your home Shanda! Thankful for all of you and the delightful photos of everyone. I am resting today. Still in a fleece robe and slippers in the middle of the afternoon, it is raining and cold for here, and I am recovering from the big day yesterday. I will be praying that God upholds you and gives you joy. I am so sorry you experience these bouts of depression. So glad you have the Lord and loved ones to be with you. Wish we could have time together…thinking of you from across the country.
Looks like such a relaxing, good Thanksgiving. You were wise to make that decision! The spoons made me giggle. 🙂