Just a few of that which I'm thankful for (in no particular order): another day waking up with breath in my lungs, my family... growing up with brothers and a sister, having both my parents and their love and support, my sister-in-law who feels more like my sister than an in-law, my darling 6-month-old niece who brightens up my world simply by existing, having my dear 85-year-old grandmother still here on Earth just a drive, call, email, or text away (yes, she's texting now haha), aunts, uncles, and cousins, friends who are kindred-spirits, including so many of you who are reading, my spunky and cuddly kitty Pumpkin Muffie, living in America and having the freedoms afforded us here, freedoms that much of the world doesn't have and we so easily take for granted, having the liberty to read my Bible openly and talk about and share Jesus, having the honor of defending the unborn, unending books galore, beautiful music, an internship that has turned into a job starting in the New Year doing what I love (it doesn't really feel like a job at all), living near both the beach and mountains, having a safe and reliable car, good food that I have the luxury of selecting, clothes to wear that can be cute and girly, being chosen to be the mother of the most lovely Heavenly flower, the months I had with her and bonded with her, the gift of being a forever citizen of Heaven! What are you thankful for?
"We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction." -Henry Ironside
"The table is set and our glasses are full
Though pieces go missing, may we still feel whole."
-Sleeping At Last ❤️🎶
She is that missing piece. And no matter how many are seated around the Thanksgiving table, the place where she'd be will never go unnoticed.
Days like today are, and I imagine always will be, bittersweet for me. My heart overflows with gratitude for all the Lord has blessed me with, including the sweetness brought by Lily's beautiful life. Yet, the bitterness of her absence and the empty spot at the table where she'd be sitting is also deeply felt.
Missing you, sweet girl, and longing for Heaven where there will be no more bitter, only sweet.
"If the joy Jesus promises is real and you believe Him, there's no circumstance that can steal your thanksgiving." -Jon Bloom
My friend Emily sent me this photo below with the following sweet message today: "Hello from New York City! I love how people honor Miss Lily and I wanted to join in. I saw this at a store called Bethel and thought it would be beautiful to send to you from my fave city. "Bethel" means a holy place. How awesome is that? I pray this shows you that God knows where you are and is a reminder that she is there with Him waiting for Mommy to get there. Love, Em"
This was so touching to receive on a tough day... and there are roses in the background. :'-)
This Sunday, when more of my family is in town, we are planning on having our Thanksgiving celebration. For today, the 4 of us who were here got delicious meals at Cracker Barrel (my idea.. my favorite hehe). Anyways, when I was sitting in the parking lot after checking out, I "happened" to glance down at the receipt and saw that the cashier who assisted me is named Lillie. :)
This is the one photo I have that was taken on Thanksgiving Day 2009... the one year Lily was here alive. It's my sister and I on the way to Thanksgiving lunch/dinner.
I'm holding all your hurting hearts close to mine in prayer. Here are some articles I want to share for Thanksgiving:
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