Sweet Friends,
My life has been whirling by, every day, and at the end of the day, I say, "What day is this? What did we do today?" and can hardly remember because it has been such a whirlwind. But this week, is such a great week to s l o w down and to stop and make a life-memory in your mind.
This week, I have sat inside and sipped hot drinks all day for our mini-blizzard, listening to Joy saying, "Look at the beautiful sparkles God created. Isn't it gorgeous."
Yesterday, I had 30 women in my home for a baby shower. I love celebrating babies.
But this week, I will be celebrating Thanksgiving all week. It is a great time to plant deep memories in the souls of our children through touching not only their sweet spirits, but by touching all of their senses and giving them memories stored up forever.
This Thanksgiving, you are investing eternal memories into the soul of your children that will feed them the rest of their lives. Thanksgiving is a marvelous, magical time that is filled with fond memories and cherished traditions. Over and over, my children tell me it was the feasts, traditions, rhythms that speak to them of our close ties and community that we all share now! This is a holiday in which all of our senses are involved in the memory-making process on this one very special holiday that we so look forward to in our family. (The photos below are from last year's Thanksgiving week.)
Touch:
"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service."
-1 Timothy 1:12
In our home, the bustling of family members getting involved in the hospitality process makes Thanksgiving so much fun. Remind your children what a great delight to you to have such a great team and what an honor it is to be a part of such a great working team. Tell them the work of beauty of a feast and the life of the day would not be complete and full without their help and personal touches. What a gift to be a part of a family sharing togetherness. On Thanksgiving, through using our hands to make pies, set tables, decorate, or hold hands during prayer, the things we touch and cultivate as a family turn into life-long memories.
Sight:
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
-1 Thessalonians 5:18
I know that for many of you sweet mamas, burdens and hard work come along with the turkey, pies, and memories. Remember that your hard work is so worth it, because you are creating visions for your children to behold that will shape who they are forever. Take a deep breath, relax, and allow yourself to look around and take it all in, seeing with your own eyes the value and worth of your labors. The beautiful table, the delicious meals, and most importantly, the smiles on the faces of your family should be your visual reminder that it is all worth while.
Taste:
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." -1 Corinthians 10:31
It is a beautiful gift that God allows us to taste. Not only is our food nourishment, but it is a way for us to bond over something so wonderful that fills us with joy. I know my family is very thankful for flavors of many kinds that bring so much variety to our taste buds and warmth to our souls. The meals you make this Thanksgiving will not be ordinary-they will be creating the palate of memories that enchant your children's taste buds for a very long time. (Just like the verse in Corinthians says-we shall be thankful and do all things to the glory of God. This includes our feasting!)
Smell:
I love hazelnut candles for this time of year and put them throughout the house. Always the kids say, when they come downstairs in the mornings, "Ohhhhh, what great smells. What are you cooking?" At least I can make a quick cup of coffee for them......
"And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." -Ephesians 5:2
Is it just me, or does it seem that people tend to gravitate and crowd around the kitchen once the enticing aromas begin spilling from the oven? Nathan, my 26 year old son, was recently telling me about one of his very favorite Thanksgiving memories:
"It's the best thing, waking up on Thanksgiving morning to the smell of your homemade cinnamon rolls. All of us kids lose our patience as we sit and watch the parade in our PJ's, eagerly wondering what second they will be ready to devour!" They say that scent is the strongest link to memory, so do not underestimate the importance of the candles you light and treats you bake.
Hearing:
A photo a couple of years ago on Friday when we were all out picking the Christmas tree. At our home, hearing gaggles of kids and adults talking, laughing, pontificating is such a pleasant sound to my mama heart that always loves having my chitlins home again. The noise of loud fellowship actually sounds great to me during this season of life. Enjoy those little precious voices while you can.We play music all weekend and someone is always singing at the top of their lungs. Little ones whisper in front of the Christmas lights.
Our hunt for a Christmas tree and the decorating of it always happens on this weekend and so we begin with a mug of something hot and then adventure out into the wilds of Christmas tree land.
"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." -Romans 10:17
Your Thanksgiving day will be filled with many sounds, some joyful noises, and some possibly not so pleasant. Be intentional about the sounds of your home's Thanksgiving day. Select calming music, encourage singing, allow plenty of conversation, and be wise about what words are said, as they will remain in the hearts of our loved ones.
One last pic I had to share, as Joy went to a birthday celebration of her sweet friend. It was a Titanic party and so all dressed up in the style of the times. Just had to share.
Finally, in my quiet time this week, I was struck by the fact that Psalms ends with one thanksgiving poem after another:
The final line of the book says it all:
"Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord."
"Praise the Lord."
Psalm 150: 6
There is so very much to be thankful for as we prepare to embark on another Thanksgiving holiday. I hope that you have a blessed Thanksgiving day with your family, and that all of your senses are delighted.
