Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving, Friends!!!

I hope that you're enjoying lots of time with your favorite family and food ;)

I am blessed beyond measure and thankful beyond words.  

And I saw this on Jen Hatmaker's facebook page yesterday morning and thought it was so so so good...

A quick word to everyone for whom this Thanksgiving is a sad first. First Thanksgiving after you lost someone precious this year, after a divorce, after a hard move, after a job loss, after something broke apart.
Thanksgiving (and the Christmas season) are wrapped up in traditions, but when an important person or place is missing, everything can feel disoriented and broken.
I love you. God loves you and sees you. Praying this morning for new joy, fresh enthusiasm, the creation of new memories. Asking that grief does not rule your heart and mind this year.
You are strong and capable and still able to fill your days with laughter and joy. Jesus is the best. People love you. You matter. There is still so much ahead.
God gave us an amazing tool to mitigate sorrow and seize joy by the collar: gratitude. It is a crazy effective trick.
Maybe we can bear witness for each other here today. For those of us who suffered a loss this year and those of us who just love you. Let's list it, name it all, as a sheer act of courage and trust in the face of struggle:
What are you thankful for, in spite of everything, dear ones?

11 comments :

  1. God lead me right to this post for a reason today. Thank you for posting it! I just lost my mom about a month ago, so to say the least, this will be a hard year of firsts. BUT, in spite of that, I am so thankful for God's grace and faithfulness. I am also thankful for God giving me an AMAZING family and friends that have been nothing less than spectacular during this time. Praise the Lord for His unfailing love :) Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    -Rachel at www.thefashionistahousewife.blogspot.com

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    1. Oh, Rachel. I can't even imagine and I am so sorry for your loss. What am amazing perspective you have and how awesome that you've had the opportunity to experience the love and care of friends and family. Praying for you, sweet girl!!!

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  2. My dad passed in April. He endured a heart transplant 10 years ago that led to Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He endured countless sessions of chemo and radiation. During this time, we moved several states away. We were lucky that he was healthy enough to travel to be part of our new life. I miss him everyday.

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    1. Christie, I am so sorry about your dad. Praying that you have a great holiday and get to reminisce with family about your time with him.

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  3. Happy thanksgiving Andrea! Hope your enjoying the day with your littles! <3

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  4. My aunt passed away just over a week ago. It was very unexpected and we are reeling in the wake of grief. She used to spend Thanksgivings at our house when I was a young girl. She had Type One Diabetes, which my oldest son (he's 3) now has. My aunt was a source for inspiration and courage. This Thanksgiving is very tough without her here. Thank you for sharing Jen Hatmaker's words. How appropriate for today. Thank you.

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  5. I love your post, Andrea. That is why I read your blog every day! Good bless you.

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  6. I lost my grandfather back at the end of July. He was the head of our family and one of the most important people in my life. It was definitely tough without him and I'm sure that Christmas will be even tougher. Thank you for this post. I'm going to share it with my grandmother when I see her again tomorrow.

    I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving weekend with your sweet family.

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