Happy Thanksgiving!

We're off to my parents' house later this afternoon for turkey and dressing and lots and lots of pie. And since I'm bringing pies, I'd better go bake them. (And as I look in my pantry, I realize I'm out of Karo syrup--gotta run to the store because we GOTTA have pecan pie!)

Part of the morning office in the prayer book (Venite by Robert Benson) each day is the prayers of the people. It begins like this:

We give You thanks, Almighty God: For all Your gifts
so freely bestowed upon us and all whom You have made:
We bless You for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of life;
above all, for the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the hope of glory and the means of grace.

We thank You, O Lord.

Grant us such an awareness of Your mercies, we pray,
that with truly thankful hearts, we may give You praise,
not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving ourselves to Your service,
and by walking before You in holiness and righteousness all our days.

I love that. All good gifts do come from God as it says in James 1:17. And so I'm thankful this morning for so many things...for I have been blessed.

With life and salvation
With an incredible family
With wonderful children
With a husband who loves me lavishly
With health
With an education
With amazing friends
With a home
With gifts and talents
With the Word
With provision

I've been realizing more and more that all of these gifts are not just for me--but for me to share with those around me. For when we share our gifts, they keep on giving. The gospel reading included this today, which seems particularly fitting for Thanksgiving Day:

When you give a feast, do not invite only your friends,
but invite the poor, those who cannot repay you.
There is where you will find joy.

Generosity with what we've been given brings joy.

Comments

[Marla Taviano]

Well said, friend! Happy Thanksgiving to you! Ooooh, pecan pie sounds delish!

[Lisa R-P]

I will soon be ready to felt my bag and was wondering if you had any tips on felting. I have found many patterns on the internet and all seem to give different instructions for felting. What has worked well for you?

[erin s]

What a beautiful "THANKFUL" list Joanne. I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving. Pecan pie???? Any chance you might post a picture and/or a recipe? I have always wanted to make a pecan pie as my Husband loves it...but I have always chickened out!

[Beth]

I love your gospel reading on joy. How true--and rare--that is. Thank you for sharing!

[Holly Smith]

I am thankful for you, my friend! What a wonderful day to spend with family and to invite others in (I read your comment on the LPM blog...you were first! Yay!). I pray for continued blessings to fall thickly upon the Heim family!

[Puva]

I like that picture. It's nice =)

[Fran]

That was beautiful. Hope your day was wonderful and your weekend is full of family and joy!
Blessings~