Thanksgiving.

Well, as many of you know I crashed my Caddy The night before Thanksgiving. As most would imagine, it got me incredibly down. I was talking to a dear friend of mine about this who offered me some sage advice. What she said to me was this:

"first, go read Philippians 4:4-9.

[4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.

9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. ]

That verse popped into my head and heart when you told me this, and I believe this is what God's speaking to you.

And after you've done that, meditate on the things that God's done for you. Everything that you're thankful for. His provision. Make a list if you have to. And as you enter in this holiday, just to focus on Him and His goodness and His provisions."

That seemed impossible to me at first, and I didn't really do it until later the next day... but I began to think about all of the things that I had been blessed with. I began to write them down even. I started a sort of Thanksgiving book that I write in periodically to remind myself of not only the great things I have, but also the importance of giving thanks.

I still wanted to see a miracle though. I had been praying for a miracle since I need a car and I don't have money. I was talking to Steve about how I needed a car and he said he had a similar problem recently, but was fortunate enough to be blessed with a jeep while his truck was broken. I replied that I was fortunate enough to be blessed with a close network of friends and family who care. I surprised myself a little when I said that.

I think that perhaps my miracle was in the fact that I wasn't hurt at all in the accident, or that I am so incredibly blessed with so much more than I could ask for--and despite not having a car I was still able to get to where I needed to be, or even simply in the fact that God taught me the importance of thanksgiving even in the bad times. It's a lesson I wish I had learned sooner, but I am glad that I have learned it. It has brought me tons of joy.

Furthermore, I hope that this might somehow help my dear readers to realize the importance of thanksgiving. I suggest that you also might write about things you are thankful for. It's a joyful experience.

Also, the insurance adjuster should finally be coming tomorrow. I should be getting a car to use while mine is being repaired. I'll still have my car eventually. God is good.

...And Laura Mounts, if you're reading this... despite our distance and how seldom we see each other, you've been a great friend. I thank God for you often. Your spirit of encouragement is a major gift and a huge blessing to all that are fortunate enough to know you. I pray that God continues to bless you and work in you, knowing that He will as you remain faithfully devoted to Him.

I think that's everything I have to say regarding this... now I have to run downstairs to reset the router so that I can actually post this. Silly internets!

I love you all. Goodnight.