giving thanks for you, dear reader...

my dear friend that i have known for many years, who is a sister in the Lord, sent me this email today. as i read it, it so expresses the feelings in my heart to all the friends and family who have journeyed with me through the years and especially this past one. this will be our second thanksgiving without Brian and the first without my father; i miss them greatly, but am at peace knowing that they are feasting at the greatest banquet table with the King of Kings. i am sure that surrounding the table are many of the ones Brian & Dad admired [family and those familiar only through books or philosphies] who had entered eternity years, decades or centuries before him. i am sure they have met loved ones of those who have become my dear friends because of their deaths. i am sure that around this banquet table laughter fills the air as well as the aromas of the best Food ever tasted and the sweet words of the Lord blessing everyone's socks off! [that one made me chuckle...] and most surely the banner of love that covers us here on earth is waving proudly above them all.

so, dear friends, take comfort in this vision, for if we trust in Christ and accept all he did for us, we too will be able to partake in such a festive occasion for all eternity. also, read on and take these words of my dear friend as my own, speaking directly to you.

"Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:16-18

On the eve of my favorite holiday of the year, I want to express my thankfulness for you. In a year of major transition, to say the least, my heart is overflowing with a joy that comes only from the Lord. He is molding in me a heart to understand His love and purposes in ways that I did not know before. He has opened my eyes to so many things that before this year I could not fully see. And, He has reminded me time and time again that in this life here on earth- there should not be a single day that I don't stop, sit very still in His presence and reflect on the bounty of blessings He's poured out.

So, as I reflect on those blessings, I am reminded of YOU and all that you mean to me. In hopes of not sounding too cheesy, or like a greeting card- I hope you know both in my word, and in my actions how much my heart is truly thankful for you.

May this holiday season be one of a rising hope of encouragement in your heart as you too reflect on the goodness and greatness of our God who can be fully trusted even in suffering. Eternity with Him along with those beautiful Saints that have gone before us is ours...coming sooner than we know- May we keep our eyes on that glorious future and while still here, make the most of everyday that the Lord gives.

may you have a joyful and blessed thanksgiving, giving thanks for the greatest Gift of all -- Jesus.

only because HE is able--

heidi