Thanks-giving Prep for the Heart and the Table

Oh, it has been so long since I have posted here ... not since the beginning of September! And what a whirlwind it has been since then. A four-week trip to Oregon to be with my dear siblings (first time in almost five years), and also a concentrated time of packing up and helping my youngest brother (suffering from Parkinsons) to move to an assisted living place, just two blocks from our home! 

And after the four weeks in Oregon, we have been involved for seven weeks now, helping our dear brother settle in ... in a new state, and into a new life with assisted living care. It has been quite intense, and also, it has been filled to overflowing with God's daily strength and care as He has opened up doors for this big move. We are thankful.

And now, this week ... another gift from God has been for me to start reading through Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always. Click here to see this brand new book by Ruth Chou Simons. Yes, it is not the advent season quite yet, but I am so very thankful to start reading this book a few weeks before Dec. 1st.

In the midst of a very full and busy season, it is exactly what I am needing. Slowing down the 25 daily readings so I can savor each one more deeply. Here's a quote from the reading for Week One: Day Two ...

Worship begins when we bow our hearts before Jesus

and trust Him for all that we can't fix on our own ...

which, as it turns out, is everything.

This is so true for us all as gals -  wives, moms, gramas, singles - all of us who are caregivers, life-givers, as we are in need daily of God's loving care and strength. And maybe especially so, as we approach the holiday season. 

I know that I have been in such great need of His care these past few months. And in the world and times that we live, we find ourselves so often helpless, and in need. Feeling completely inadequate to keep up. We are often tempted to try to do things on our own, to rely on our own strength. To trust our own wisdom for impossible situations. 

Where in reality, these situations are all opportunities to realize our need, and to draw close to the only One who can meet us right where we are, and give the strength and wisdom needed each day. Challenges and busy times can become opportunities to grow in deeper trust and peace. So true each day of this whole year, and also as we enter the holiday season.

With plans for 21 precious family around our table for Thanksgiving this year, I wondered how I would possibly have time to prepare. And it has been so amazing for me to see and experience God's care in the midst of this very full fall season for us. Our sweet daughters are helping by bringing multiple food items for our feast, and I have also been greatly enjoying preparing food, as well. Always choosing to do as much prep ahead of time as possible, I have prepared the pie crusts for pumpkin pies (ready, in the freezer, for baking this next week).

And also this Pecan Pie is ready, waiting to be pulled out of the freezer next week. Click here for this new-to-me recipe.

Also I tried out another new recipe, for a sweet potato side dish ... click here to view the recipe. I tried it out earlier this week on the two of us, and will be preparing it next week for our big group. It is delicious, and beautiful! I also have prepared the mashed potatoes already with an amazing make-ahead recipe ... click here for the recipe.

Preparations for the heart and for the table ... both are critically important. And both are needed and are essential for a memorable time with family and friends, and most of all, for us as we grow in trust and love with Emmanuel: God With Us.