I can tell from the way people are talking, the way stores are decorated, and the color and design of starbucks cups that there is almost no one in this world who cares that in two days we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. I really don’t know why I get so aggravated this time of year – but without fail, it always happens. Two weeks before Thanksgiving retail outlets everywhere begin decorating for and celebrating Christmas! I don’t get it! What happened to the joy of giving thanks with family??? The joy of eating turkey until it comes out your ears and then taking a 2 hour turkey nap and then eating more when you woke up??? What happened to being excited about turkey day football and seeing who was going to get the turkey leg award from John Madden (or whatever that crazy guy gives out at the end of the game)??? What happened to stopping for a moment and acknowledging – just like the pilgrims did – that we’ve been provided for and cared for over the last 12 months???? Stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetables, DINNER ROLLS (my favorite – hence the all caps), pumpkin pie, and a slew of other things!!! These are all things that have somehow become obsolete and we skip right from Halloween to Christmas. Now – don’t get me wrong….I’m not a Christmas-hater. I love Jesus, and I love the fact that our country allows us to take time to celebrate His physical birthday. Believe me – come the end of December I’m wearing the silly snowflake sweaters and sucking down peppermint mocca’s in my red snowflaked starbucks cup. But I just wish we would be excited about spending time with friends and family eating more food than we need and giving thanks to our Creator that He has miraculously provided for all of our needs for yet another year of our lives. Just for one day! Understandably – Black Friday comes right on the heels of our Turkey coma….but do we really have to look at decorated christmas trees in target a week after halloween??!! Does there really have to be garland and bells hanging from the ceiling of the Southdale Mall 2 weeks before we even buy our first crust for the pumpkin pie??
Ok, i’m done grumbling. So, being as it IS Thanksgiving – let’s hear from you the readers! I’ll give two options for the comment section. first option: what has God done in the past year that you are truly thankful for? second option: what is a favorite/funny Thanksgiving memory?
Well, I hope you all have an incredible week! Enjoy the time off, have safe travels if you’re traveling (Lisa and I are going to Chicago this weekend!), and please just take time to celebrate Thanksgiving!

Eric and I returned yesterday morning from our trip to Norwich, NY & Clarks Summit, PA. It was a wonderful time. Thanks to everyone that spoiled us while we were gone. Podcasts will begin to be uploaded in the near future. I ate Jim Dandy’s wings twice and worked an auction with the Evans family (click here for a little video of our day). How could the trip be any more fulfilling?

We did see God move. Our hearts were encouraged and we believe others were encouraged as well. Thanks so much to those who participated with us through prayer. We are grateful for you.

Eric and I are presently sitting in “Being There” coffee shop in Altoona IA awaiting our pizza buffet at Pizza Ranch. We drove down from Minneapolis yesterday morning to be a part of a Sr. Class Retreat at Grandview Park Christian School. We had a wonderful time playing football, seeing the largest log possible burn in a bon fire, eating Pat’s delicious coffee cake (a shout-out to the mother-in-law), and interacting & discussing Jesus’ words in Matthew 6. We have asked ourselves tough questions such as:

“Why do we do the things we do as followers of Jesus? What are our motives? Are we living our lives in search of man-made accolades or for the joy of our Father?

Who is our master…God or money?

Are we seeking first the Kingdom of God? Will we live lives of faith…trusting God to provide our meals and clothing?

My hope is that these discussions will push us to complete, holistic, and transformational change. I pray these followers of the way of Jesus will flesh out following Jesus in Des Moines, IA so the Kingdom of God will be advanced.

Thanks to everyone at the retreat. We felt a part of your group these 24 hours. Much love!