What does Thanksgiving mean to you?

Webster's dictionary defines Thanksgiving as "the act of giving thanks; grateful acknowledgment of benefits or favors, especially to God." When you look in the Bible, there are over fifty verses that define, command, or speak about thanksgiving. In a year of uncertainty in economics in America and a "change" coming to the White House, I found myself focusing on one thankful verse in particular. "in everything, give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thess. 5:18. When I looked this verse up in my study Bible I noticed a side note that I had written. Really small it said, "Bishop". Then I remembered last year. I, in no absolute way, wanted to be in Bishop. I knew though that I needed to be thankful for Bishop. This year when I was thinking of the things I was ever so thankful for, Bishop was close to the top of my list. Imagine that. When we pray and give thanks for everything, even the things that we most definitely do not want, the Lord rejoices because as it says, "for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus". Even when we don't want to be, we need to be thankful for what we really don't want. It is a command and when we are obedient, He is exalted.
Of course, like many others, I am thankful for:
1. my Faith and salvation 2. my husband
3. my family
4. my friends
5. my job
6. my dog
7. my health
I am also thankful for adventures, adversity, and conflict. Those are not usually on my list, but I am commanded to be thankful for them. Once I really looked into that, I see why I am encouraged to do so. Adversity, conflict, and adventures down the "wrong path" have still made me and brought me to where I am today. Thank you, precious Father, for all things in my life. Thank you for those things in the past, things now, and things that you have planned and are yet to be revealed. Thank you for my wrong choices and the growth I have experienced from those. Thank you for be redeeming, fervent, and my God.
This year we had Thanksgiving in South Texas (as you will be able to tell by my attire). This was hard for me, but I need to remember that I is not in we. So the switching off begins! Thanksgiving here, Christmas in Montgomery (this year) and then vice versa next year. Momma, E, and Kyleigh could not get used to that idea, so they came and joined us here. Grandma recently had knee surgery, so dad stayed to keep her company and make sure she got around ok. We missed the Hemken's, but enjoyed our time with the Patricks and the Caves. Here are a few snaps of the past week:

Porter.
God's amazing work!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

We are not going to be able to make it to Kyleigh's birthday this year (boo), so we let her open her gift from Lala (Lulu all of a sudden) and Tio.

Tio telling Caleb about farming.

Precious Caleb flirting with the camera.

Did I mention that I had to get braces 2 days before Thanksgiving. No, it was not a selfish "image" thing. Two of my eye teeth that had to be pulled down when I FIRST had braces years ago are trying to go back up into my gums. Yes, ouch. So, we slapped on now (hopefully 4-6 months tops) and then a root procedure shortly after. So yes, I look exactly like I did in high school.

Mom and E.

Ray telling Porter all about farming.

Kyleigh learned how to call ducks. She is actually really excellent at it!

Tio helping Kyleigh shot her BB Gun.