Happy Thanksgiving….

So….the morning started out with my own little Turkey Trot.  I didn't register for an official race, but I did get up and run 3 miles on the treadmill.  For the health, ability and desire to do that…I am thankful…

My sister, Rochell, called me 4 times this morning in a matter of 30 minutes.  She wanted to orchestrate a conference call with all of the siblings on the line.  We were able to connect all but one,and we did try him, but didn't get him.  We each took a turn, from the oldest to me, the youngest, telling what we were thankful for.  It was a blessing and a Thanksgiving Day highlight ...to be able to talk to all but one of my siblings at the same time and know that, through it all, we will forever be family.  They try to parent me and we fuss and fight but we love even more.  For them… I am thankful…

I was able to help my sister in law set the table and get organized for our Thanksgiving feast…and it was indeed a feast!!!  I was also able to see my husband be with his family, including his mom, brother and sister…to see him sit and talk with them and just enjoy their company was a blessed rarity.  Grace got to see her Granny Rose and Uncle Donald and Nanny Wanda and Auntie Rose and her big cousins Donald, Ashley, Aaron and Bryan….and they play with her like she's a big kid…and like they enjoy being kids again; cousin David was absent in body but with us in spirit as this was the first Thanksgiving since his transition; Galen was also missed as she is in a state of growth on her journey of life and had to make adult decisions and stay in NYC to honor her maturation and progression (good job Galen)...as I write, the Wessons are playing Pokeno…a family tradition. For extended family and the joy they bring to my immediate family…I am thankful.

I'm not going shopping tonight; or tomorrow probably.  Just not feeling like that's something I want to do…that could change…We'll go see a movie, which is another Wesson family tradition for the day after Thanksgiving.  No idea what I'll see or even what's playing, but the idea that certain things do and will happen as a result of expectation…and sheer "that's what we do"... is wonderful.  For tradition and fulfilled expectations…I am thankful.

I miss my parents.  I'm grateful for the way I was raised and for the love of family and holiday celebrations.  I know what it means to love, cherish and honor…to remember them and all of the Thanksgivings of old…to know that something in most of what I did today, is reflective of them and who I am because of them.  For the sake of old memories and the experiences to create new ones…I am thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving and Blessings!



EXPECT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE!

I Don't Want You To Stop Holding My Hand...

Those were the words of my 4 year old as we embarked on the start of our Thanksgiving journey to Texas.  For me, it was a reminder that I can't be scared when she's scared.  I mean, sure I can and was even this morning on that very turbulent flight.  But when she needs reassuring, I choose to trust God. I'm a nervous flyer.  That aside, when my favorite girl holds my hand in the grip of life, I am the perpetual momma bear.  I was prepared to leap tall buildings, cross raging waters, or in this case…smile through a very turbulent flight…to protect and reassure my cub….my Grace... who was given to me because of God's grace.

In my flesh, I'm just like Grace. When my husband and I fly without her, he consoles me.  I am holding his hand with all my might just to be comforted.  In my spirit, I am like that with God….I don't want you to stop holding my hand.  He will never leave me nor forsake me.

To be comforted when we are most afraid is a wonderful feeling.  To trust that we need not fear…for He is with us…is life giving.

My 4 year old was afraid and understandably so.  I know the feeling all too well.  But in my experiences and as I grow in wisdom and grace, I've learned to trust and depend on Jesus.  I was reciting the 23 Psalm….yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me.  From the valley to the skies…I don't want you to stop holding my hand.

Thanks Grace!


EXPECT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE

The Small Wonders…Are a Big Thing, Indeed!

^"Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." John 1:16-17  NIV

If I couldn't say a word….I'd just wave my hand…
Amazingly grateful this morning!  It's not one of those instances where I rattle off a list of huge, earth shattering accomplishments or where I say I almost lost my life this week, but God kept me (although that probably did happen)…this is a real moment of being grateful for the small wonders.  Grace has played NON STOP with her cousins; I rested ALL DAY yesterday; Dale watched EVERY football game he wanted without interruption; my niece, Princess, tried a new recipe for dinner and it was YUM; my great niece, Mya, had a friend sleep over after they went to a mock slumber party at her dance company; Tank, my nephew by marriage, raked the leaves in his yard…
And on and on and on….
It's the joy of kids laughing or the amazement of using our limbs without fail even when we don't think about how many people can't do that.  It's the ability to be with family in a state of peace and harmony; which is something not to be taken lightly.  It really boils down to knowing…that God is a God of wonder, amazement, truth and….GRACE.
If I couldn't say a word…I'd just wave my hand…because the Lord has been good to me.

Expect More Than You Could Ever Think Or Imagine!

How has God been real in your life this weekend?
What are you believing God for?


Dear God, Thank you that you are who you say your are and your promises are already fulfilled.  Thank you for the blessing of family and friends and health and strength and energy and ability.
Your Grace and Mercy are beyond my comprehension.  Thank you that you love me no matter what.  May I fully experience that love by serving you and loving others.  
In Jesus' Name,
Amen

His Grace Is AMAZING!

I look around the sanctuary and there are up lifted hands, shouts of joy and tears of restoration.  It's real!  I see people at the alter on their hands and knees with high hopes.  They believe the promises of God!  I believe the promises of God.

What a Sunday worship experience!!!  I am always amazed at the presence of the Holy Spirit.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I've experienced God's presence through the manifestation of the Holy Spirit.  But, there is something about each experience that leaves me in AWE.
When people move to the center aisle to be healed; when people acknowledge that they can't go it alone…that vice is too strong, that need is too great…

It's ME saying…God, you are my refuge…a very present help.  God, you are my strength when I am weak….I worship you and adore you and I love you, Lord!  My soul cries out and my spirit is fed.  YAY GOD!

I thank God for the Shift…

What are you believing God for?  What do you need?  Do you believe the promises of God for your life?

Expect more than you could ever think or imagine…