The holiday season is by far my favorite time of the year. I love the air of expectation! Don't get me wrong - I see the stress as well. But, well, I just choose not to dwell on that.

This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for a God who promises an abundance.

• Even though we had a tough year on the farm, crops were fairly good. We, as a nation, will have enough to eat - and to share with the world.
• My sister is doing alright with her pacemaker. Still battling pain but able to be up and around. She's a tough cookie! :-)
• My brother's tests came back good, his body is responding to the iron tablets and his strength is returning.
• My cousin, Doug Edwards, was finally responding to his stem-cell transplant (from leukemia) when he suffered a massive heart-attack which left him badly brain-damaged. He passed away Saturday. His funeral is today.

Why would I count a death as an abundant blessing? Well, you had to know Doug. He was a professor in the college of religion at the University of Puget Sound. Doug was about the most interesting man you could find to talk to. He fought a valiant fight, raised a beautiful family. He's in a magnificent place, at peace, healthy, and I have no doubts he's having an amazing conversation right now with the prophets he studied and taught about, and with God, himself. Doug led a life filled with abundant fruit.

I am grateful for so many other things. We had the chance to visit mom and dad a few weeks ago and, as usual, attended church with them Sunday morning. As we stood to sing a hymn I looked at mom. Memories flooded me of the times we have stood in church together. From the days I stood and looked up at her to this day when I seemingly towered over her shrinking frame. It struck me that these days are numbered. Mom will be 85 in January. She's a picture of health and I am so thankful for that - both my parents are healthy. But I just don't want to take these precious moments for granted.

That's why I love the holidays. I am reminded that they are in celebration of a God that doesn't take us for granted. He saw our struggles and sent us help. His sacrifice for us was ultimate. Sometimes it is hard not to lose sight of what it is we are to celebrate. When that happens I try to schedule some extra "Us" time - time spent at the piano playing Christmas music, time alone in the car with my favorite CD playing, time in my bedroom reading His word. It always lifts my spirits, renews my energy, and puts joy in my smile!

Happy Thanksgiving, Life is good! -cindy