I'd like to thank you too. The first time you left an impression on me was when you were journeying with your late mom during her final days. It really left a great impact on me. It gave me strength and guidance when I faced a similar situation with my dad.
Veronica, thank you. I means so much to hear that God somehow redeemed my hard season to lend some kind of encouragement when you needed it most. I love how God does that for us. Bless you, friend.
Veronica, I guess i never put 2+2 together before with all those intriguing, beautiful images and stories you share. Thank you for continuing to expand my borders. You open doors to places I'll never be able to visit in person. What a gift you are in my life.
I'll always be thankful to God's encouraging and assuring words. I've been reading a lot about turkeys and they're incredible creatures. Too bad millions of them are slaughtered this time of the year just so people can gather and give thanks.
Linda your post is so spot on, families can be challenging, especially for introverts. I become so exhausted! But this, "I’m an introvert, born and bred, and l cherish those quiet solitude hours spent reading, writing, and creating. But I come alive when holding space for others to share their stories," is so true of me, too!
I'm enjoying a few hours of quiet this afternoon, Donna. A nap, a bit of online catch-up. Last time I heard, nobody was saying, 'where's Grandma I miss her so much?'!
I think you would have enjoyed the gang around here down in Maryland, Andrew. I hope you and Barb are having a peaceful biker-bar-free Thanksgiving afternoon.
It's a good day, considering that Barb had a bad fall yesterday and broke a couple of bones in her face. She's recovering, but still hurting. Hope your day is terrific!
Thank you for all your needed advice and the verses, Linda. Sometimes gatherings can be exhausting, especially when there's an elephant in the room. I always have to ask God to help me be loving and kind to all. This prayer is often on my heart, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer!" Love and blessings of a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Yeah, you're right, that elephant can be exhausting, Trudy. Thanks for sharing that bit of a Psalm as we head into the weekend's events. When we make it our goal to please Him, things start to fall into place.
We are SO blessed with three children, three in-law children, and three grandchildren who all do their best to keep peace and joy flowing through the rare times when we're all together. Without actually discussing it, I think each of the adults has decided to steer clear of politics, theological differences, etc. That helps a lot!
Isn't that wonderful when we simply KNOW what to steer clear of ... and then live it out. That kind of respect is a sincere form of lovingkindness. 'Blessed are the peacemakers.' And Nancy, thanks for reminding me not to throw out some tantalizing political bait to my own family members. They'll arise and call you blessed!
I should thank them all for being such kind and loving peacemakers! Thank you LInda and may you enjoy a blessed and peaceful Thanksgiving with the ones you love.
I spent nearly a year in high school studying birth order, family dynamics, and really dove into nature versus nurture in college. I find it all so fascinating.
Yeah, it really is fascinating. We certainly don't live life in a vacuum, do we. We were created to live in the company of others, yet it's often so complicated and messy. We hold out hope to each other that we can make choices that can lessen the hurtful impact on our own souls. And pray that others will make healthy choices, too.
I'm spending Thanksgiving with my son's family and his inlaw family and others. Obviously, a different culture (with a small "c"). My other 65 offspring are far away.
I have been "adopted" in and will join them in gratefulness, and enjoy our differences. That is a choice I make.
Muriel, your last line hits home! We get to choose how we respond. There's so much freedom in that reality. Even and especially this time of year when memories of past celebrations become so much dearer and sweet. Thinking of you, praying for you as you continue to look ahead. Your gratitude is inspiring, friend.
Love the picture of the turkeys! My answer to getting through the holidays is to enjoy the people that are there and make new memories. There is no way not to acknowledge to yourself the seniors that are no longer with us, the parents/families who have lost children, the "black sheep" of the family that have chosen not to be there, old hurts etc. Bringing them up doesn't help the people who are struggling with the holiday. The truth is that what we want is to stay home alone, enjoy a quiet day by ourselves, but you go because this is family. New generations, people who have shared your entire life, you will eat old recipes, laugh, talk about memories and enjoy the time together. Until you are alone and the tears come again and you remember the past Thanksgivings when "family" was all together.
Gosh, I'm going to get you writing, little sister. I know so many readers are resonating with the losses you've named, one after the other. We've proved to ourselves again and again that we can reinvent the holidays. Nothing stays the same but that doesn't mean it's easy.
Thanks for the reminder that the losses are quite obvious and evident on their own and that they don't have to be brought up every other minute. We'll acknowledge the ones that are no longer with us, some out loud ... and others we hold quietly in our own hearts because they are too difficult to speak.
Love thinking about our roles from the past as putting on a ratty old sweatshirt. It always starts with ME. ☺️
I know, right?! 'Search ME, oh God ...'
I had to chuckle here. You are so right. Extrovert turned introvert friend here, lol. I hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving!
Thanks bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends November Link up dear friend.
Paula, thanks for always always getting back to each one of your readers. You're a rare gem, girl ...
You are so welcome my friend. And thank you. You are a true treasure to me.
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Best ever?
How 'bout you?
I'd like to thank you too. The first time you left an impression on me was when you were journeying with your late mom during her final days. It really left a great impact on me. It gave me strength and guidance when I faced a similar situation with my dad.
I thank God for you, Linda.
Veronica, thank you. I means so much to hear that God somehow redeemed my hard season to lend some kind of encouragement when you needed it most. I love how God does that for us. Bless you, friend.
xo
Malaysia.
Veronica, I guess i never put 2+2 together before with all those intriguing, beautiful images and stories you share. Thank you for continuing to expand my borders. You open doors to places I'll never be able to visit in person. What a gift you are in my life.
I'll always be thankful to God's encouraging and assuring words. I've been reading a lot about turkeys and they're incredible creatures. Too bad millions of them are slaughtered this time of the year just so people can gather and give thanks.
Aw ... I haven't thought about the turkeys like that. My daughter raises chickens and I hear what you're saying, Lux.
Linda your post is so spot on, families can be challenging, especially for introverts. I become so exhausted! But this, "I’m an introvert, born and bred, and l cherish those quiet solitude hours spent reading, writing, and creating. But I come alive when holding space for others to share their stories," is so true of me, too!
Thanksgiving blessings to you!
I'm enjoying a few hours of quiet this afternoon, Donna. A nap, a bit of online catch-up. Last time I heard, nobody was saying, 'where's Grandma I miss her so much?'!
Yep, family drama often unfolds during holiday gatherings.
Love the verses you shared, Linda.
Happy Thanksgiving!
So far so good in the drama department around here. I hope the same is true for you, Veronica.
Oh, we don't observe Thanksgiving here, but our share of drama comes during the Chinese New Year Reunion dinner!
Hugs and blessings
Can I ask where you live?
There's a turkey in the room;
every year, there's gotta be!
To some it brings Thanksgiving gloom,
for that turkey's plain ol' me,
hanging gun belt on the hat-rack
(but there's still one inside my boot),
slapping all upon the back
with laughter that sounds like a hoot
of biker-bar bright gaiety,
yelling for another beer,
pitching out propriety
'cause "I've arrived, the fun is here!",
and leaving yet another feast
homage that's made to Happy Beast.
I think you would have enjoyed the gang around here down in Maryland, Andrew. I hope you and Barb are having a peaceful biker-bar-free Thanksgiving afternoon.
It's a good day, considering that Barb had a bad fall yesterday and broke a couple of bones in her face. She's recovering, but still hurting. Hope your day is terrific!
No way
Barb, I'm so very sorry. Please take extra special care of yourself. Praying right now ...
Thank you for all your needed advice and the verses, Linda. Sometimes gatherings can be exhausting, especially when there's an elephant in the room. I always have to ask God to help me be loving and kind to all. This prayer is often on my heart, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer!" Love and blessings of a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Yeah, you're right, that elephant can be exhausting, Trudy. Thanks for sharing that bit of a Psalm as we head into the weekend's events. When we make it our goal to please Him, things start to fall into place.
Thank You, Jesus.
good thoughts here and yes yes family drama erupts during the holidays. One of my most earnest prayers is that my kids get along as adults.
And all the praying parents said, 'amen.'
I hope your holiday turns out to be delightful, friend ...
We are SO blessed with three children, three in-law children, and three grandchildren who all do their best to keep peace and joy flowing through the rare times when we're all together. Without actually discussing it, I think each of the adults has decided to steer clear of politics, theological differences, etc. That helps a lot!
Isn't that wonderful when we simply KNOW what to steer clear of ... and then live it out. That kind of respect is a sincere form of lovingkindness. 'Blessed are the peacemakers.' And Nancy, thanks for reminding me not to throw out some tantalizing political bait to my own family members. They'll arise and call you blessed!
I should thank them all for being such kind and loving peacemakers! Thank you LInda and may you enjoy a blessed and peaceful Thanksgiving with the ones you love.
You, too, Nancy.
Love the verses you shared. Family dynamics are often messy and holidays can be hard. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I love how Scripture speaks directly to where we find ourselves. Thank You, Lord.
I spent nearly a year in high school studying birth order, family dynamics, and really dove into nature versus nurture in college. I find it all so fascinating.
Yeah, it really is fascinating. We certainly don't live life in a vacuum, do we. We were created to live in the company of others, yet it's often so complicated and messy. We hold out hope to each other that we can make choices that can lessen the hurtful impact on our own souls. And pray that others will make healthy choices, too.
I'm spending Thanksgiving with my son's family and his inlaw family and others. Obviously, a different culture (with a small "c"). My other 65 offspring are far away.
I have been "adopted" in and will join them in gratefulness, and enjoy our differences. That is a choice I make.
Muriel, your last line hits home! We get to choose how we respond. There's so much freedom in that reality. Even and especially this time of year when memories of past celebrations become so much dearer and sweet. Thinking of you, praying for you as you continue to look ahead. Your gratitude is inspiring, friend.
xo
Wish I could drop in for coffee. (Not tea,ha)
Oh those were the days!
Love the picture of the turkeys! My answer to getting through the holidays is to enjoy the people that are there and make new memories. There is no way not to acknowledge to yourself the seniors that are no longer with us, the parents/families who have lost children, the "black sheep" of the family that have chosen not to be there, old hurts etc. Bringing them up doesn't help the people who are struggling with the holiday. The truth is that what we want is to stay home alone, enjoy a quiet day by ourselves, but you go because this is family. New generations, people who have shared your entire life, you will eat old recipes, laugh, talk about memories and enjoy the time together. Until you are alone and the tears come again and you remember the past Thanksgivings when "family" was all together.
Gosh, I'm going to get you writing, little sister. I know so many readers are resonating with the losses you've named, one after the other. We've proved to ourselves again and again that we can reinvent the holidays. Nothing stays the same but that doesn't mean it's easy.
Thanks for the reminder that the losses are quite obvious and evident on their own and that they don't have to be brought up every other minute. We'll acknowledge the ones that are no longer with us, some out loud ... and others we hold quietly in our own hearts because they are too difficult to speak.
God knows.