ENCOURAGED IN HEART

On Monday, I wrote about our “new” frog, Sonic (which the boys haven’t so much as blinked about) and my new plether chair.  I’m grateful for both!  Sonic was determined to be more of an urgent purchase, while the plether chair was a long time coming.  Dave and I realized that after our last two friend gatherings, where no one so much as breathed in our dining room,

that the space would be better used as an office.

We went from using this room about two times a year to numerous times daily.  We recycled the dining room furniture profits into the room redo.  Our room was recycled and given a second chance.

Me too.

As I ponder on what I’m most thankful for this Thanksgiving, this is it…that God gives me, and everyone else, a recycled-redo-second chance.  NO ONE is too far from His reach, love and forgiveness.  And, what Jesus has done for me, He’s done and will do for countless others!

This past Sunday, the Finkster and about 30 others went on stage and gave their redo-recycled-second-chance story.  The church folk call it “testimony”.  While Dave has been known to bust out some fine dance moves while on stage, this time he busted out just a slice of his story and what God has done! The humility, power and transformation from pain this past Sunday was so powerful! I wanted to share it with you for two reasons – 1.  maybe you’ll see yourself in one of these signs or 2. to see what Thanksgiving is all about.  The “recycled” stories are at the end of the power-packed sermon (starts at the 39 minute mark).

If you’re in the Northern Virginia/DC area, I’d like to extend an invite to come to our church.  Christian Fellowship Church in Ashburn, VA.  I keep a link on the right side of the blog all the time. There’s no dress code or need of perfection.  In fact, perfect people…please stay home.

A redo-recycled-second chance – that’s life with Christ!  A stuck, terminal, frustrated life – that’s life with self.  I’m thankful for my new room, new life and humble husband/church friends! What are you truly thankful for?

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved…” Ephesians 2:4 (NIV)

On behalf of my “turkeys” and our official “Turkey Bowl” today – HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and yours!

The family “Turkey Bowl” was professionally photographed by photographer extraordinaire, Meredith…

The hostess with the most-est and on the injured reserve list…sis Deb!

The most talented athletes on the field…

My team, “The Winners” vs. Dave’s team, “The Wall”.  I don’t even want to talk about who won…for “The Wall” got to eat dessert first and I’m not a happy Team Captain.

I’m not one to whine, BUT, The Franchise Owner (aka: Pop on the hill) declared the game a tie…and the athletes cheered!

Our “enthusiastic” cheerleader…Griffin!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!