~ Thanksgiving ~

Gordy and I are leaving in the morning to head to Idaho - Washington and Oregon. Of course I can't sleep - many details to hammer out before closing the pickup door and being at the point of no return.

Having a large family - there is never an end to activity and issues that arise. So when it comes to the 2 parents leaving - there is much to consider - and much to be thankful for.

The last time Gordy and I traveled alone - was in 1998...yikes!!! But this will be a good trip - before leaving - it has already had it's ups and downs. But - as ever - God is in control and all will be done according to His will.

Kimmie gets to go camping with her brother. It will be such a blessing for her. I am thankful for the Hanson's and their willingness to 'practice open-ness' for the sake of Kimmie and Cyrus.

Ryan will be with his birth family while we are gone. It will be a blessing for him. I am thankful for their willingness to 'work together' for the greater good for Ryan.

I will get to see a young woman - I haven't seen in about 10 years - she is now married and a mommy and fully exploring her new relationship with Jesus. I am thankful for the opportunity to meet with her and her family while Gordy is busy at his Pro Show.

Jesse and Joe plan on attending church on Sunday with their girlfriends. There are MANY praise items in this statement. First, I am thankful for my sons commitment to go to church - with out us. I am thankful for their girlfriends that want to be with them in the church. I am wholly thankful for our church Fresh Life.

These young people that answered God's prayer a little over a year ago - to uproot their lives, relocate in the wild, wooly west with their families - have been on the recieving end of watching a small congregation blow up into a large active responsive church. I am certain that they are annointed and God's will is being carried out. They are each gifted in different areas - but compliment each others and define - the 'body of the church'...head, hands, feet, etc.

I get to see my grandchildren this weekend - specifically my grandaughters that share a birthday...I am so grateful to see them each on the day they turn 3.

I get to see my wonderful wonderful sons and their wives - a blessing to just gaze upon.

I am going to see Ben in a few days and bring him home. I miss him soooooo much. I have felt like a part of my body has been missing. He has been a trooper being gone from the family - I am going to buy him a cheeseburger.

I get to see Stephanie and her family - I am thankful for relationships that just pick up - where we left off - like no time has past.

I am going to see SINBAD!!!!! 'Nuff said....

I have been thinking about my clients and how things play out when I am gone. I think that a few know that I am going to be gone. I worry about them - desperately some days. Some more than others. They all have so much potential in their lives - that they haven't even realized yet. Some are so resistant to change or so resistant to accepting the help that they desperately need. I am thankful for my job - and the ability to be with all these special people - that most would walk past on any given day.

I am thankful for the condition of my heart right now. I have been in continued prayer for many things - one being my Spirit being renewed. Jesus is my calm - in my somedays stormy life. Without Him - I would wither up and be as a dead person on earth. I am thankful for His presence and relationship.

Now - on to finish packing...