Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving. May it be a peaceful day of laughter, friendship, love and for those who care, football!

Some simple thoughts for the day:

• Does your family know you care? Tell them.
• Did someone else cook? Thank them!
• Did a simple pleasure surprise you? Delight in it.
• Is there a smile inside you? Share it.

And then continue with these small gestures every day.

A few things I am personally thankful for:

• I got to sleep in this morning.
• Howie and I and the girls have six days off together and with his sister and her family.
• My girls and their youngest cousin are happily playing together.
• The very large, local mall is closed which eliminates a visit to Build A Bear Workshop which has somehow taken on tradition when we come here.
• I got to see my editor and his wife in Hartford yesterday on our way through (and they live in TN, so that was a blessing) and share my passionate beliefs about my Bible Study. I will have an opportunity to once again share with the committee by phone next Wednesday.
• My parents are still living.

May we keep each other in thoughts of love. Jodie has been a silent voice. I am sending a special prayer her way for her brother and her family.

Peace.

Rays of Hope

I love it when the light breaks through the darkness; to me it is as if God is sending a touch of hope, a glimmer of His Kingdom, a reminder of light conquering darkness, of grace prevailing.

And it doesn't need to be just some abstract concept. We can (and I think should) be a part of bringing that hope and grace to people around us. Gratitude, a smile...or anything that can bring hope to others.