Monday, November 20, 2006

Update on Debbie: Her heart is beating on its own and she does not need a pacemaker. We are cautiously optimistic and very thankful this Thanksgiving for God's mercy and for all of your prayers.

Thanksgiving is always a wonderful day but it's especially wonderful this year. It's comforting to pull out the recipes for Cranberry Whip, Sweet Potato Pie, Green Bean Casserole, Mashed Pototoes (okay now I'm getting hungry) and all those great standbys. God is so good to us . . . when I think of what I've learned from history this last year while I've been working on my Master's degree, it amazes me how fortunate we are to live in this time and in this place.

Washers, dryers, dishwashers, vacuums, televisions, computers, cars, boats, planes, antibiotics . . . this century is a reality our ancestors could only see as "magical" (and I mean that in a completely non-occult way). :) We are so blessed . . . so rich in spiritual and physical things.

I'm also thankful for the family and friends God gave me--people who love Him and sincerely try their best to serve Him. They are gifts--they teach me and love me even when I'm not very lovable. From my little sister Lani I've learned to put others first. She gives so much to so many people, I can only hope to be a little like her. From my dear friend Ronaele I've learned what it means to love with open arms . . . to be accepted for myself. Her friendship healed so many hurts. From my wonderful friend Dwayna I've been reminded of how precious--and rare--are the gifts of loyalty and generosity, and how sweet it is to spend time with Jesus. She brings joy to so many people. I could go on and on, but I'll stop for now (and start again at Christmas).

Tonight, I took my little six year old son to our favorite thrift store (it is a treasure-trove) and he found an awesome Hotwheels Space Station for $1.00. And I thought, God cares about the littlest thing. Justin was so happy with such a small gift, and I realized, this is how God must feel when we're truly thankful.

We are so blessed. In all the sorrows, in all the stresses of life, in all the regrets, God gently points us to the joy and says, "See what I've given you?"

3 Comments:

Ken Silva said...

May the Lord strengthen Debbie so this will be an even nicer Thanksgiving then ususal. You are in our prayers.

5:32 PM  
Dwayna Litz said...

Jill,

Our friendship is sheer joy to me, too, and I just want to be more like you as I see Jesus SHINING through. I am thankful that we have known each other for years, and the longer I know you the more I love you and want to be like you!

I was checking your blog tonight, expecting to be challenged to give an answer on some deep, theological issue--I didn't think I would get to read something about our friendship with my name mentioned! Thank you. Thank you for being such a sincere blessing to me, and thank You, Father--just like I thanked Him years ago when He first let us be friends--I continue to thank Him for just the gift of knowing someone like you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

12:07 AM  
JohnD said...

Glad to hear about your sister. Still praying.

God loved his people enough to part the obsticle in the OT (the Red Sea), he will part the mount of olives for his people to escape in the end timein the NT.

He can heal your sister.

His will be done.

Happy Thanksgiving.

12:17 AM  

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