GRATITUDE AS A NATIONAL CELEBRATION

 We had our beautiful, sweet family for lunch.  

 This is supposed to be a turkey - per Pinterest

 This was truly a FEAST prepared by everyone.  After we ate, we played a couple of games, one of which was a Thanksgiving trivia game.  It made me even more thankful to be from a country that not only encouraged thankfulness, but makes it a national holiday - where people get a couple of days off and everything!  And thanks to FTR, it's on the fourth Thursday of November, which just makes the Christmas holidays seem longer!  Genius!  I also love the time when we sit back from the meal and go around the table telling what we are thankful for.  Sure, a lot of the same things are named: The heavenly father and His love, Family, friends, jobs.  Why do we all say the same things, and REALLY mean it?  Maybe because we realize it's the things that are free, and the things we can't hold in our hands that mean the most to our sanity, our peace, our joy, and is what makes us who we are.  It's especially amusing that the whole time we were going around the circle, Josiah, who is just mastering the art of language is interrupting with, "Jesus! Thankful for Jesus!"  so sweet!

 Ate too much turkey - passed out during some teamwork on the  "spoiling activities"

We finished the day at the theater.  The Muppet movie was so good.  Loved the music!

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

—Psalm 9:1