Giving Thanks for Thanksgiving

At age 41, I just prepared my very first Thanksgiving dinner! It was so fun, what was I so nervous about ?! Okay, I prepared all the main food, with the exception of the ham and turkey, which probably is considered the hardest part ;). But, if the Honey Baked Store is willing to cook them, why would I steal that business from them!? :) I'm so thankful to be physically able to host my family. It seems like such a simple thing...hosting a dozen people, cooking the food, setting the table, washing the dishes...not something I thought I'd be doing when I got rediagnosed 2 1/2 years ago with metastatic breast cancer. The future felt so "unknown" back then. It's still unknown, but I'm learning to not be scared just because I don't know, because God does.

I'm reminded constantly that it's so important to see where God has brought you, and from what you have been spared from (whether it be physical, spiritual or emotional place of hurting) or healed of, or sustained through. Because from that recognition of His movement in your life comes deep gratitude. 

I Thessalonians 5:18 says it perfectly-

In every situation be thankful and continually give thanks for God, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Giving thanks with a grateful heart. 

Happy heart?? Thank God!

Thank God=happy heart

See how that works?

Practice makes (near) perfect :)

    My youngest Turkey

   Three Generations 

Hali'a aloha

Fond memories were made last week in O'ahu. We spent the week with both my brothers and their families, along with my parents, who generously made it all happen! What is it about being on the islands? Is it the perfect breeze, the smell of the ocean and air, the gorgeous landscape, the friendly, laid back people, the sunshine (which feels completely different then it does here in CA). Perhaps it's all of them together, coupled with being there with my favorite people? 

A week hardly seems enough time, although I'm very aware it's more time them some get at all. We are never ready to leave, and the 6 of us took turns for 2 days after returning, saying, "I miss Hawaii" or "I wish we were in Hawaii still". Spoiled? Perhaps.... But also very, very thankful and full of gratitude that we got to have this week. No appointments, no tests, no shots, no homework (ok, kids did some on the plane ride each way;), no work...and we got to spend all day together, every day. Pretty much my idea of paradise, this side of true paradise.

Mahalo mom and dad for the vacation. Mahalo Jesus, for giving us another year to be together, to make Hawaiian memories.

A visit to the North Shore/Turtle Bay~

 

The Pool~

The Beach~

Adventures to Diamond head...

And Hanauma Bay~

Lots of treats~

More Beach~

And tourist stuff....