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Thanksgiving and Traditions

Most Americans will spend today rushing around in preparation for their Thanksgiving celebration. The holiday where we give thanks to God for all that He is and has done in our lives. It’s a day we typically get together with family far and near, invite friends to join and we over indulge in all things savory and sweet. 

It’s said to be the busiest travel day. My husband will be among those millions flying home from his business trip. The grocery stores will be packed, the lines will be long, and items like chestnuts, marshmallows and fresh herbs will be short. Ah, the holiday season. 

I have incredible memories of going to my grandmas house . I don’t eat any of the traditional Thanksgiving meal but I love the tradition of family get togethers. We’ve had many good times of laughter, playing games and watching football. Well, at least listening to the guys watching and yelling at the game. 

Of course like most families, we started our own traditions when we moved away and out of state. As our family expanded it became, whoever can come and they would stay as long as they could. So many more memories made over those past 30 something years. As the kids got married and we moved out of state again, it looked different. We even had our very first Thanksgiving meal with just the two of us. That too is a fond memory. 

As much as I love tradition, Thanksgiving has looked different many years. This year is no exception. I’m sitting in a hotel room as I fulfill my role in our relocation back to Phoenix. It’s just how we do this and after at least a dozen times, by golly I think we’ve got it. The movers came and packed up the house over the last two days. I loved that house more than I should. I mean, it’s just a house. But, it really did serve us well as a home. Our neighbors are top notch. I will miss them greatly. It was a very emotional day and if I’m honest. It still is. It’s still very fresh. 

But GOD! In His grace and mercy has blessed us with taking us back to Phoenix. I am so  thankful. He is so good to us. We don’t deserve it but I am incredibly thankful. So, instead of rushing around with the crowd today because I forgot whip cream for the pies, I will be signing papers. I’m thankful. Thankful the house has sold and we can move on to this next chapter. I’m thankful for neighbors who became the best of friends. And I’m thankful for their help through this process by looking after the house as if it were their own. ( I mean who catches an armadillo because it’s destroying your yard for you?) I’m thankful that we had an amazing crew to pack and load us up on a cooler day than the heat of summer days past. I’m thankful to be in a warm hotel room with fresh linens, and somewhat decent coffee. I’m thankful a Starbucks is nearby for me to make a trip later. 😉

Mostly, I’m thankful that God has been present throughout. He has orchestrated these past five years like nothing I ever could have imaged. I am thankful! When I wanted to panic He reminded me that He is in control. He is good and He is good to me. It’s been an experience of a lifetime. 

I’m thankful I get  to go home tomorrow morning to spend time with my family! I’m thankful our daughter and son-in-love will host us and cook their first turkey. I’ve so enjoyed the text messages and phone calls from her “ How long do you microwave a 25 pound turkey?” “Do I have to put the butter under the skin, because that’s commitment.” She has her dad’s sense of humor for sure.

  I don’t know what our new traditional Thanksgiving will look like or if there will be whip cream for the pies but I do know that I will continue to praise God for all that He has done and continue to give Him the glory for it all. 

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving no matter your tradition or circumstances. There is always so much to be thankful for! Except maybe a microwaved turkey. 😂 please don’t do that. 

-Pressing On 





“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”
Psalm 9:1 NIV

“I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.”
Psalm 9:2 NIV


“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

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