This has been a chilly week! I had to break down and get out my sweaters for the early morning chill. Mind you, by noon there was no need for sweaters! These are perfect days as far as I’m concerned. You snuggle in your blankets at night and prance around in your short sleeves during the afternoon. I’m getting used to the time change. I rather like watching the sun rise in the morning and hopefully getting home to watch the sunset. Life just seems good.

I was a little amazed to see my younger students didn’t know why we celebrate Thanksgiving. They were under the impression we gave this big dinner to thank the Indians for their assistance. While the continued existence of the Pilgrims was largely due to the help of the Native Americans, the day was in honor of God. The Pilgrims spent time in prayer, singing hymns and praising God for his provision. They acknowledged that provision came in the form of the Indians. It was a glorious time for the new colony.

I’m glad we celebrate Thanksgiving. I believe it gives us a day to pause and be thankful. I know our economy is shaky and the days ahead look a little bleak but every day is a blessing. Imagine what it would be like to be born in one of the 3rd World countries; continually on the brink of starvation, or at the mercy of drug lords and other criminals. Here in America there is always tomorrow!

We were saddened by the passing of Lou Simpson. The community amply provided for the family meal, and many friends were present for her going home service. Our prayers are with her children and grandchildren.

It was lovely to see Valita’s beautiful smiling face. I had not realized how much I missed her until I saw her sitting at the organ. I’m glad she is enjoying her work at Baylor. I know she is a blessing to her patients.

We celebrated the 3rd birthday of the Ransbarger triplets. Proud grandparents Kay and Gerald McKee did their best not to laugh outright at their delightful antics. Great grandma Gladys helped lead them to the little church that holds the birthday money. Each child was holding their own “muddy” to put in the bank. It’s the little children that appealed to Jesus and I can see why. Life through their eyes is a minute by minute adventure. Mom and Dad are doing a great job with these three little bundles of Red Bull!

Please continue to pray for our sick. Junior Evans has been under the weather. To the kids in church, he is the “Candy Man,” and his ministry to kids is very important.

Bonnie fills in for him, but we just need him greeting and smiling his way around the church, bringing a little sweet sunshine into the lives of our children. It is heartwarming to see him going from child to child spreading his particular form of ministry and love. Bonnie tells me David is doing fine at this point, so that is always good news. As she said one time, “When David has a good week, we have a good week.”

George Hill is home from the hospital. Donna tells me he is still pretty weak but now that he is home he will do better. Donna said they had been in the hospital so long it was beginning to feel like home. That is just NOT right! Welcome home to both of them.

We have a short week in school this week. In fact, we have a short 6weeks this time around. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas it gets a little rough trying to get all the work completed. I did forget to mention UIL the beginning of December. The kids have been practicing for the Preservation Society Christmas Gala. This is going to be the cutest thing. Don’t forget to put the date on your calendar. You are not going to want to miss this!

Becky, Jolynn, and Beatrice have been thanked in a different language every day, for the last two weeks. My students have decided that is a fun thing to do, and we have confused our way through the lunch line every day. They liked the Chinese xie xie and the Russian glamadolbt produced quite a few laughs.

Becky wanted to know how to respond but I was unable to help her. I think this week we’ll go with some of the Germanic languages, since it is a short week. For some strange reason my spell check is going crazy!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. My prayers are with each of you as you travel to visit family and friends. We’re headed to Jewett to meet with family there. I suspect I shall have an uncomfortable time traveling back. I think it will be the extra 10 pounds I will be carrying on my mid section! Bless you all, may your dressing be delicious and your turkey luscious. When you give thanks to God for your many blessings, please include our wonderful troops overseas. Our mighty warriors are away from their families, to give us a safe holiday. We cannot repay them for that sacrifice. Pray for our government, our President and our President to be. I pray the Lord will give President Obama wisdom in his choice of advisors and mentors. Where he takes us, we must follow. Drive safe everyone. Happy Thanksgiving.