Thanksgiving Thoughts

I'm headed out tomorrow morning to spend a few days in Ohio with my family. I really love spending time with them - cooking, watching the Macy's parade all together, going out at 4am to shop on Black Friday, and simply catching up on stories of the past year. With so many of us in the ministry, we are not able to be together during Christmas, so Thanksgiving has become our main family holiday. This year, we are adding a new fun thing - making a big gingerbread house with my little 3 year old cousin Micah (who is more like my nephew). He's a meticulous little boy, so this should be interesting! We are also celebrating the upcoming birth of Micah's baby brother, Nate, who should be gracing us with his presence next month! The added blessing is being able to celebrate my 29th birthday on Saturday with my family. I made a delicious cheesecake for the occasion - the first time I've ever made my own birthday cake:) Should be fabulous.

Despite the ups and downs of these last 6 months, I have much to be thankful for ~ the love & support of my family, amazing friends who are always there, the sense of call in my life, knowing that God is with me every step of the way. I will be especially thankful this year, as so many are without this holiday season. They will be in my prayers.

Thanks be to God for all good gifts and blessings bestowed upon us. May this be a time filled with thanks and love...not to mention yummy food:)

By the grace of God...

"But by the grace of God, I am what I am, & God's grace toward me has not been in vain" ~ I Corinthians 15.10

I saw this passage of scripture on a friend's facebook page today & it really struck me. In this time of uncertainity, it brings me a sense of comfort knowing God created me for a reason. When one is searching for a call, especially when one is currently unemployed, there is such a strong sense of doubt and frustration surrounding it all. It's been a long six months since I graduated from seminary & there's been so much that has happened since then. I've moved in and out of seasons of restlessness and sadness, but there have also been moments of blessing. There's been moments of deep heartache - the loss of a friend, the disappointment from not receiving a call, the pain of watching my father deal with the harsh side of church politics. There's been moments when I saw God's grace - time spent with good friends over warm cups of tea, a drive through the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, the love of family, conversations with a trusted friend & professor who knows me better than many people.

I know this journey has been long, but I also trust God indeed has a plan for me. It's not always easy to remember this, but I try every day. That's all I can do. And, by the grace of God, I will find a call. Thanks be to God for grace and love and reminders of blessings.