HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We can hardle fathom that tomorrow we will be celebrating Thanksgiving together as a family.  Where has the time gone this year?   As we look back over the year, we can definitely say that we have so many reasons to be thankful!  Today...here are just a few:

LARRY IS HOME!  After undergoing a second back surgery recently which meant a stay in the hospital and then a resulting stay in a rehabilitation center, we are so thankful that he is now home and in time for Thanksgiving.  He is very happy to be in his own nest.  This farm boy was ready for a farm meal---roast, mashed potatoes, squash and the fixings.  He will continue with outpatient therapy for 6-8 weeks, and we expect to see him grow stronger each day.

FOOTBALL WITH FAMILY!  Who's ready for football? One of our newer traditions now that we are able to be together for holidays after all the years of being on the road and not being able to gather....is enjoying football games with family.  Our great granddaughter is ready!

TOOTH SURPRISES : Our great grandson recently lost his second tooth.  He discovered after losing the first tooth that if he put it under his pillow, it was replaced with a surprise ($)!  He got right on wiggling out the second tooth.  I think he would go through them all but we are trying to make sure he knows he has a limited supply.  HA!

• YOU :   We are ever grateful for you---our wonderful faithful partners---who have stood with us and continue to stand with us through your prayers, love and support.  We just wouldn't be able to continue to do what we do without you!

• OUR LORD & SAVIOR :  We remember daily the moment we came to Christ and came to know Him as Lord and Savior.  What a journey and adventure it has been giving Him our whole lives, but so rewarding.  Until our last breath---we are Yours!

Obviously, there is so much more we are thankful for---family, health, provision, creation, staff, America---the list is great, but we thought you would enjoy the above.  We pray you are taking the time to be intentional and thank the Lord for the many blessings you have.  I love the quote, "Be grateful and thankful, and you will always have something to be grateful and thankful for."

Here are a few Thanksgiving letters we have received we wanted to share:

• "We really enjoy both of you and love to read your newsletters.  You are both so precious in the sight of God.  Your reward will be great!"  -Gene & Marion Knudson

• "Blessings to our dear friends, Larry and Gloria.  We have enjoyed you for years and we hope you continue to serve the Lord, Our Savior, for years to come."  -John & Helen Monson

• "Thank you for going out in our place; there are so many cheering you on in heaven."  -Ron & Karen Meroney

• "I always enjoy your COFFEE & CONNECT times.  Lots of times I catch it on the rerun.  Today was an extra special one---loved it!  Truly, I enjoy those times together with you two.  You both look great, happy, healthy and praising Jesus." -Marie Lay

• "Thank you for your lifelong commitment to bring the message of salvation to the lost and hurting.  You have paid such a great price to pull people out of the fire and show them the way of life in Christ Jesus!"  -Joe & Dorothy Swisher

As always, we have enjoyed being able to minister through COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE.  As we are entering the holiday season, in the most recent CCLIVE, I shared how we can look at these family gatherings as opportunities FOR GIVING and for FORGIVING!  Every person has a need and you may be able to help meet that need through your actions, words and the presence of Jesus in and through you.  You can listen here:

WHY THANKSGIVING IS IMPORTANT

Thanksgiving is important because it reminds us how thankful we are for you.

You are important because you enrich our lives in countless ways.

You are strength; you are support; you are encouragement.

You are sunshine, lighting up the dark corners of our lives.

Thanksgiving is important because it prompts us, each year...

To tell you how much you mean to us!

Happy Thanksgiving!

By Joann Fuchs   https://www.poemsource.com/thanksgiving-poems.html

RECIPE

Pumpkin Pecan Pie

3 eggs, beaten

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup dark corn syrup

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup chopped pecans

Mix all ingredients, except pecans.  Pour into an unbaked pie shell.  Sprinkle pecans over top.  Bake at 350 degrees about 45 minutes.