Thanksgiving Table

We used to have a tradition where before dinner, we would go around the circle of people and everyone would say something they are thankful for. Unfortunately, some people were dumbstruck by this idea. And some people just couldn't stand to wait that long for their food. Go figure.

So, this year, we covered the table in paper and handed out crayons and colored pencils. Then everyone got to draw or write what they were thankful for. No one had to say it out loud and everyone seemed to enjoy hanging out before the meal and working on their artwork while talking. I think we'll do this every year. Yet another way to focus on the aspect of giving thanks on Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Tree

With extended family, our Thanksgiving Day tends to focus on food and football. I find the best way for us to institute a spirit of thankfulness is to think about it as we lead up to Thanksgiving. This year we put up a thanksgiving tree. It is in our entryway. We have a supply of leaves, a pen and some tape in the entryway, also. As friends and family come to visit, we ask that they write on a leaf something that they are thankful for and add it to our tree. And everyone that shows up for our thanksgiving meal will be asked to do the same, so we start with a spirit of thanksgiving.

We will also cover the tables in paper. Then we supply crayons and colored pencils, so guests can write/draw what they are thankful for this year. Again, we are focusing on thanksgiving. That way when they must turn on the football game, I can be content knowing that we have focused on what we are thankful for this year.

Pomegranates

Yay for pomegranates! I love them, and apparently God thinks pretty highly of them, too.

Ex 28:34-35

34 The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe.

Deut 8:6-9

6 Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and revering him. 7 For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land — a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; 8 a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates , olive oil and honey; 9 a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.

Growing Up

Babies grow up. It doesn't make any difference whether they are cats or kids or any other kind of baby. It's hard to believe that our kittens are so big. Just a few months ago they fit in the palm of our hands. Now they're almost as big as their mommy. And Rebekah loves to use them as photography subjects.