Lessons Learned on the Farm

• Nov. 30, 2008 - Thanksgiving beyond measure!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We spent part of the day at my mom's house and then part of the day at Tony's brother's house. The weather was simply gorgeous.

At one point as I was sitting on the swing outside at Mom's, I was just really struck by how much work God has done in my family. For many years, we didn't get together. For years I couldn't have told you where my brother even was and there were years where my sister and I were not speaking. There were so many things that happened. So many hurts, so many tears.

As a Christian, I knew that I was called to forgive and forgive I did, but at the same time, there had to be some healthy space in order for healing to occur. Those quiet Thanksgivings and Christmases, God was so gentle with me. I treasured the time with just Tony and the boys and sometimes my mom, free from the pressure to just "pretend" that things were ok, when they weren't.

And so I share with you now that God has simply amazed me by bringing my family back together again. I love watching the kids play, hearing everyone tell funny stories, and seeing how happy it makes my mother. I love that my children are seeing how God has worked in all of this. Years ago, I couldn't have imagined us all being together again like this, but as the verse says above, He is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine!

I apologize for the blurry photo, but we were experimenting with the timer on the digital camera and forgot to get things focused properly.

I thought you all might like some other outtakes as well. (Just in case you were tired of seeing other people's perfect family photos!)

Ummm, does that blinking light mean it's... *CLICK*

OK, try and be still this time. Everybody SMILE. NO funny faces!

Oh well, I guess that's as good as it's going to get TODAY anyway. But just look at Mikey's little Gwendolyn.
At least we got another great picture of her!

I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving whether you were with a bunch of family or just having a quiet Thanksgiving at home for whatever reason. If you're in a season of being separated from some of your loved ones or dealing with heartbreak, I just want to encourage you that God CAN do even more than you can imagine to bring healing to those areas. It may take years, but once it finally happens, you'll be blessed by seeing his handprints through it all.

Comments

• Dec. 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by brumbemom

Hey, that verse in Ephesians is one of my favorite. It is so awesome to think that God can do, give and be so much more than we can imagine. Thanks for the reminder.

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• Dec. 1, 2008 - Sweet pictures

Posted by Michelle

It is great to see your whole family together. Sweet pictures! God is SO good!!!

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• Dec. 1, 2008 - Awwww....

Posted by ReviewsbyHeidi

....your pictures made me smile!
We tried to get a family picture for Christmas cards. My poor dad - I swear he had to take about 50 to finally get one good one. Brian had his eyes closed on every single inside shot. Finally, we got smart and went outside. Our picture looks amazingly like yours - I am wearing red and white and my oldest (15 now) is also taller than me. Where has the time gone? Oh, and did I mention we're also standing in front of an evergreen tree?! LOL
Great pics!
Heidi

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• Dec. 2, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SandBetweenMyToes

So glad you had a great Thanksgiving, and that the Lord has brought healing to your family. I would love the miracle that it would take to bring James' family in together.
Enjoyed hearing about your husband.

Letitia

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