Thanksgiving

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here already. When our girls were younger, it was a day of the family getting together for a big turkey dinner, a time for them to visit with their cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents, and a day when they could do what ever they pleased and not get into too much trouble. For the men it was deer hunting and football - for us women it was cook, serve, and clean up. But it was truly a day of thankfulness for family and friends. I particularly loved the day after Thanksgiving - I really did not cook that day (leftovers, of course), but it was the beginning of my Christmas baking. I turned on Christmas music and baked all day and lots of days after that to prepare for Christmas. Now our girls are grown (some of them grandparents themselves) and are preparing their own Thanksgiving dinners. My baking has really dwindled. I still do some for gifts and visitors, but certainly not to the extent I used to do.

There are a couple of praises and thanksgiving in our family the past couple of weeks. Our grandson Seth Wilken, was named the Caretaker of the year (which encompassed 4 counties in NW Arkansas). We are so proud of him. He is also so very humble - upon receiving the award his reply was "I was only doing my job". But he does his job fully and with love and compassion.  Also, our great grand niece, Raeleigh Ann was born a bit early due to complications, but all is well. God is so good. Our family line is continuing - I wonder if our relatives in  50 years will relate to us in any way, other than our names and position in the family? I sincerely pray that we leave a legacy of love and Christian values.

On Friday we celebrated the life a dear friend and resident here in the park - Marvin Rutledge who passed away in September. If any of you knew him, you were truly lucky. It was a lovely service, with friends giving tribute to Marvin and his love for politics, Texas football, and the price of gold!!!! The church was full of friends and relatives - a really wonderful indication that he was loved by many.

Yesterday, we took Chaplain Lee and his wife Marilyn to Mexico so that they would know how to get there on their own. We needed a few medications (so much cheaper there even with co-pays AND endorsed by our family doctor). It was really crowded, with all the street vendors vying for our attention. Marilyn wanted to get a pedicure, so as Fred and Lee shopped, I decided to join her. It was so relaxing having our feet massaged, lotioned, pampered, and painted!!! Marilyn was a bit conservative with a pastel rose pink polish - me - who likes bling, got a red sparkly color (because of Christmas of course).  Marilyn broke a bone in her leg (by her foot) and had to be a bit careful during the process but everything went well. We got a chance to visit and get to know each other better, as this is their first year as Chaplains here at the park.

Chaplain Lee's sermon was partially about Thanksgiving of course as he reminded us to be thankful in all things, including adversities. Be thankful for salvation because of the death of His Precious Son, Jesus. Be thankful for His forgiveness and mercy. Putting God first in our lives reminds us that it really is not all about you or me - but all about Him. We need to always pray - when we say we do not need pray is the time we really need prayer.  Many say God is not a fair God - this is so true. If He was truly fair, we never would know His forgiveness and mercy. God's love is endless - tell someone every day that you love them. Chaplain Lee encouraged to tell someone that we love them - as thoughts and words of love ended the service, people left with smiles on their faces and gladness in their hearts. A gentleman who did not attend the service came in after and mentioned that the service must have been good, as those who were leaving were smiling and laughing. We told him it was indeed a good service, and invited him to join us next week. He considered this and said maybe he would do so after Thanksgiving. See what a little love will do??

During the coming week, tell someone you love them - thank God everyday for your blessings. As Chaplain Lee said - we need 364 days of Thanksgiving and only one day of doom and gloom.

My greatest thanks are for my husband and our family, our daughters (and their husbands and significant others), our grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings and in-laws. All of whom make us feel loved everyday. So go out and make someone smile.