What I'm Grateful For

This year, we had a quiet Thanksgiving: just my 8 siblings, my parents, my paternal grandparents, and me. But though it is much smaller than normal (marriage seems to change that and now our relatives have other "family" to be with), it is extra special this time, because it is the first time in 2 years that our family has all been together for the Holy Days..

Rachel mashing potatoes & Josiah washing yams

Daniel putting together a pie crust

Blueberry and Cherry pies were on the list this year!

I taught David how to make the cranberry sauces this year--this one is my favorite
(a festive orange/brown sugar sauce...SO yummy!!)

Rachel finishing the mashed potatoes.. 

In some ways, I think we treasure it more - at least those us who reality has already hit...who knows how many years we shall all have together as an entire family? Daniel is headed off to college next Autumn, and who knows what God has in store for me...plus, there is always that lingering question of marriage for us 3 of age.

Most of us working in the kitchen (it's a family affair!)

Oma was up earlier making pies with the little ones, but we didn't get any photos.. :(

Table Settings: Mama has collected Royal Albert's "Old Country Roses" for years, and it's so much fun to set the tables all gorgeously with it!! Even if it is usually for nicer occasions, since it's all hand washable. (Talk about spoiled--having a dishwasher!)

Love this table arrangement--This is what Thanksgiving is really about!

Another arrangement

Mama putting the food out...

Visiting...

Playing games....

I manned Thanksgiving prep this year, including cooking the turkey and stuffing.
This was the first turkey I've done, and it turned out DELICIOUS!
(If I don't say so myself...and I usually don't like turkey!)

After dinner, we were going to have a toast, and then found this weird thing in the cider bottle!!!

It freaked us out a bit at first, but after Grampaw tasted it (the next morning) ;P, we decided it was just an old, petrified apple core... Yikes!!

I love the faces...

Everyone was REALLY interested.....

Life is truly a vapor, as James 4:14 says...

"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."

I love Ecclesiastes... It helps me keep in focus what life is really all about. It isn't about the things of this world--the carnality.. Life is about glorifying God for the set time we have here; to encourage and edify others, and lead others to our Saviour.

It is hard to pick out one verse...if I could, I would post the entire book...but instead, I shall encourage you to sit with a hot cup of tea and an open heart at the feet of Yahweh, and ask Him to show you those truths He wants you to apply.

"What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.

Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth Him: for it is his portion. 

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."

~ Ecclesiastes 1:3-5, 5:18, 11:9-10, 12:14 ~

20 Things I'm Grateful For:

1) My Jehovah-Rophe, El Shaddai, akong Ginoo Hesus Kristos.
2) My Godly heritage and the example and passion they have passed down.
3) My grandmothers - Oma and Mamoo - who spent hours teaching me almost all the skills I know, especially handwork and creativity. Thank you for being some of my best friends, and always having wisdom and love to impart!

Oma

4) My living grandfather - Grampaw, who faithfully delivered me from the Alaskan bears I was sure would eat me up, dried my tears, made me precious things of wood, and showed me how diligence, perseverance, and frugality always pays off.
5) My Papa who has stolen every inch of my heart (next to my Jesus). Thank you for your daily example of meekness, boldness, wisdom, love for God, and love for us. I'll always be your Princess!!

Papa serenading Mama...love his violin music!

6) My Mama who without her, I would be at a loss. Thank you for teaching me by example how to be a virtuous woman and that orderliness is next to Godliness. You are the best Mother ever!!
7) My 23 siblings, both living on earth and in eternity (Christiana, Christopher, Daniel, Ardenia, Rachel, David, John, Samuel, Rebekah, Esther, Josiah, Matthew, Lydia & James, Faith, Grace & Hope, Joshua, Caleb, Charity, Simeon and Anna, and Phillip). I am so blessed to have each and every one of you. Thank you for your encouragement, example, and of course the character building you each help me to pursue. ;) I look forward to spending time with each of your for eternity, because each of you loves our Jesus!

Daniel

Rachel

David

Samuel

Rebekah

Esther

Josiah

James

8) My Freedom - the good bit of traveling I have done, as well as living in the Philippines has made me so very grateful for the freedom (albeit changing) that I have as a {homeschooled} Christian living in the United States of America.
9) Our Forefathers who died that we might have the religious freedom we have. How important it is that we don't let that freedom wash away, but rather stand up for what is right and Truth. We need to infiltrate all positions in our government and justice system with those who are bold in Christ, and understand what God's heart and design for leadership is.
10) My Mentors who encourage me to follow God no matter the cost, and push towards higher heights.
11) My Close Friends - how I have been blessed with a circle of friends who sharpen me, as I do them. I am so thankful for each and every one of you!! Through thick and thin, you have been there by my side, or afar but close in prayer. Thank you for your inspiration!
12) Mission Opportunities - I am so grateful for the opportunities to live and serve in the Philippines  for 7 months: serving the buntis (pregnant women), discipling girls in the mountains, learning and living the culture--including the Holidays, gaining a 'filipino family' and helping to marry off my filipino 'sister', and learning 2 (partial) dialects.
13) My Physical Short-comings - Yes, pun intended...  There was a time that I was angry at God for the multiple challenges He gave me...however, I have learned over time that they are really blessings designed to strengthen my character, and treasures to take care of for God. I am just so grateful that I at least have most of hearing and that out of my 5 senses, my 'feelers' are completely intact!!
14) Raphya - how can I forget one of my best friends?? Raphya means 'healer'..my beautiful black mare...God used you in your life and in your death to show me more glimpses of Himself, and to strengthen my faith. Though I never saw your beloved filly - my Ruhamah (meaning 'having obtained mercy'), God used you both more than you'll ever know to draw me to Himself!!
15) My Hair - 1 Corinthians says our hair is a woman's natural covering, and though I sometimes covet my sisters' thick hair, I am so grateful for my own, and all the fun we have together.
16) My Home - Home truly is where the heart is. I'm so glad my parents have desired and welcomed us as adults to stay in the home after we reach adulthood.
17) Institute in Basic Life Principles - I grew up using Advanced  Training Institute Curriculum, and though at times I was unsure if I really liked it, in the last few years, I have grown to appreciate the Godly impact it has had on my life. I have so appreciated the Biblically-sound principles they have shared, and for the insight Dr. Gothard has given on multiple occasions, whether it was at conferences, Journey to the Hearts, or direct conversations.
18) Our Piano - what would I do without my relaxer?? I take out all my emotions on our poor, dear piano..what a blessing it is!!

All of us gathered around the piano to sing...so beautiful!

19) Color and Design - Bright, vivid, colors and contrast...oh, they light up my world like no color else.. ;)
20) Adventure is out there!!! God gave it to us. We can explore it, so LIVE the adventure!! ;)