Thanksgiving!

I originally wrote this post on Monday, but we had a pretty eventful week so I am just now posting. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

We are so thankful to be able to spend the holidays with family this year. I(Cassi) was able to take both kids down to West, TN a few days early so we were able to spend a full week with family. We split our time between my mom's house and Bryan's mom's. They are always great host and make us feel so comfortable. We are spending as much extra time as we can since we may not be there next year during the holidays.

We had three delicious dinners and Bryan was able to golf a couple of the days we were there(his Uncle owns the golf course). I went black Friday shopping and got the deals I wanted to get to save some extra money this year. We had lots of relax time. It was just what we needed.

As we ate each meal I couldn't help but think of all of the families here in the US and all over the world who probably were hoping for anything to eat or a family to share it with. I can honestly say that I have not had one Thanksgiving where I didn't have multiple meals with family and an abundance of food at each one. I am so very thankful for every blessing I have. God has truly blessed me. I want to reach others for his glory. I want to make a difference with what God has given me. I do not come from a wealthy family, but when you look at the big picture there are ways for all of us to dig in and help. We all have been blessed with individual talents and personalities and I am guilty of not using mine like I should. The scripture below has been on my mind a lot lately and as we all prepare for the Christmas season let us remember the true reason for the season, the birth of our Savior. Let's remember to love others like Jesus does. We should not overlook the opportunity to give of ourselves and help others It may not be easy or convenient and the timing may be horrible, but God doesn't promise us that following him will be a bed of roses. Loving others where they are at and encouraging them in a time of need is what it is all about. I know the Holidays are so very busy, but I challenge each of you to take time out and look at your surroundings and see if there is one life you can make a difference in this Christmas.

27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27