givingthanks.
You know, I think this has been the best Thanksgiving in recent memory. We had a Thanksgiving on Thursday with my family in Massillon, and on Saturday we had Thanksgiving with Funnel’s side, including relatives from Florida and Michigan. I had such a fun time and it was much-needed – four days in a row off from work, delicious food, getting to spend time with the people we love.
Lately, I have felt so thankful that my life and world are intact, and for health and love. November has been a rough month. I’ve been shocked at how many sad things have happened. The shattering of so many people’s lives from many different things. Two situations in particular stand out: a man I met through work murdered his 7-year old daughter and then committed suicide, and Ginger, a sweet lady from my bible study, just found out that her 9-month-old baby has Leukemia ((this is after losing her six-week old baby from SIDS a couple of years ago)). There have been many other sad things, but these two in particular are on my mind.
Celebrating Thanksgiving has been a bright spot in a depressing month, and I was able to forget about the sad things for awhile. Sometimes when I hear about these trials the people in my life are going through, I wonder when it will be my turn to really experience tragedy and loss. Sunday, Funnel and I heard a teaching on Job, who experienced more suffering than any of us ever will in our lifetime. It was a perfect message for me right now. I was reminded of God’s faithfulness to us throughout our trials – something a worrier like me needs to hear from time to time.
“Be a Warrior, not a Worrier!” ((I made that up a few months ago)).
The last few days, I have felt really good about everything. Hopeful and content. I’m excited about the possibility of something new, and I’m realizing that things don’t have to be as hard as they have been.
((change.))
I’m planning on updating more often with some photos and some of my baking & cooking adventures, as well as an exciting (at least to me!) announcement about a new wedding service I will be offering.
grace& love.
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Sometimes it’s nice to have life slow down for a few days so we can truly appreciate all of the wonderful things we have. I’m glad you had a good Thanksgiving.
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Hey Jen
I am so glad you had a good time. I know I did.
Somtime family is just what you need to cheer you up.
And let Ginger and her family know that we are praying for them.
See you
Love Barb
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:46 am
Jen,
hey I agree with you about this year. Although there are many people in my life that are suffering, it reminds me to pray more for them, and that God may grant them, healing, blessing and comfort. I’ll be praying for the ones that are suffering. i also wanted to let you know that I changed my blog website. it’s aafrederick.blogspot.com, ok well maybe soon we can hang out. We haven’t done that in a while. ok see you soon.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:46 am
Amen, amen – and a BIG amen Jen. Thanksgiving should be more of our attitude all year long. One part of a verse makes me feel comforted and laugh at the same time….”He remembers that we are just dust.” Our human frailties never shock God. I love that. Remind me to tell you about a conversation Dan and I just had last evening! I am longing for a shopping trip with just my “girls” – you, Amy, Danielle and Michaela. I just got paid and am feeling a need for a Starbuck/Panara? and Bath and Body Works run. : ) love you.
(hey – I see Amy’s new site above. I wondered where she went!)
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:57 pm
@ girlrunningaround: It definitly is nice!
I’m still rooting for you in your photo drama.
@ Barb: It was so good to see you too! Thanks for praying for Ginger and her family!
@ Amy: Yay for your new blog! I’ll have to add it to my googlereader subscriptions! I like the new name! My brother is trying to figure out how to change my header on my site so that it doesn’t say “Jen Immel” anymore.. yikes!
@ Debbie: I want to have a “Thanksgiving” attitude all year long. We should definilty do girls night/day sometime soon. Just let me know when and I am there!
— jen.