A Heritage of Thanks...

We have had the most wonderful Thanksgiving celebrating with my most favorite people! We had 14 at the table including my "Granny" from Arizona, cousins from Arkansas, Aunt & Uncle and parents from Southern California. 

Here are some pics of the Thanksgiving table...

 I was overwhelmed as we sat around the table sharing and praying and ended the evening singing together in worship. I was reminded again how blessed I am to have a heritage in my family of those who LOVE the Lord with all their hearts and have passed down their faith for so many generations. 

"For you, God, 

have heard my vows; 

   you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name." Psalm 61:5

Thanksgiving was really a time of reflection for me... Being with my family was inspiring and comforting. It has been a difficult few years for us... We have moved over 6 times in the 3 years we have been married. My husband is currently working three different jobs so that I can be with our daughter. We moved from a 3 bedroom 2 bath house to a tiny 1 bedroom apartment in order to save money. I often find myself wanting more and feeling sad or even bitter that we have had to sacrifice so much. Let's just say we never expected to be two college degreed teachers without work. 

It is so easy to begin losing sight of how much we do have and how we have been blessed. As my family shared together all the ways God has been faithful I was deeply moved in my heart as God seemed to be whispering to me...

 "Kirstin, I have been here, 

I have been holding you through it all" 

My extended family has been through trials beyond what I can imagine and yet they come together in pure thankfulness to God for his provision. I do not want to forget to thank the Lord for all he has done....

I have an incredible husband who gives so much to provide for us and still finds energy to take me out for coffee and talk about our day. He adores our daughter and loves to be with us more than anything. 

He really loves me and I am blessed.

I have a silly precious 18 month old baby girl. She is my sunshine and brings so much joy to our lives. She is strong and healthy and learning so much. 

I am blessed. 

I have a wonderful and supportive family... both mine and my husbands. 

And most of all... I have my God. A God who loves me unconditionally and has given me so much more than I deserve. I have salvation and a life of peace and joy that I want to live to the full. I'm thankful for a holiday that reminds us of what is important and the grace we have been given. I'm thankful for a family that takes time to gather and praise the Lord for his goodness and love. 

Linking to these wonderful friends...