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Gratitude and Joy

I live gratefully
With thanks for family and friends
Gratitude brings joy

The Flights Were Great!

I hope you had a joy-filled day of gratitude, too – on that day we call Thanksgiving here in the USA. We arrived safely (thanks to my niece, Jodie) at the Pittsburgh airport around 5: AM. Our flight to Minneapolis arrived on time, with no difficulties – and we had a nice breakfast in their lovely airport. The 6:15 AM flight to Bozeman was on time and encountered no problems.

Problems Began After Landing

The problems came after we landed in Bozeman, MT and Bob tried to find our car in long-term parking. He wandered in the wrong parking lot for a half hour before realizing the car was in the next lot over. By then, I knew he was in some kind of trouble as I stood in the warmth of the airport with our luggage waiting for him.

I prayed to God, “Please help Bob solve whatever trouble he has encountered.”

Prayer Works

About that same time, Bob reported later, he realized he had not sought God’s help, so he also prayed to find the car. That’s when God nudged him to go to the next parking lot over… and sure enough, there it was. BUT, it was covered in snow… and the snow had more than one layer during the time we were gone. The under-layer was iced on.

Be Prepared

Anyone who has lived through a winter in this part of the world, should know what to carry in the trunk of your car. An emergency kit needs to include a blanket or two, gloves, a hat or two, an ice/snow scraper, etc. Our trunk had a can of de-icer and a blanket, but none of the rest of those items. It took Bob 20 minutes to clear away enough of the ice and snow to make the car safe to drive.

Yes, we know what we need to add to our emergency supply to be prepared in the future!

Home Safely

It was snowing lightly as we began the 60 miles toward home, but it let up as we crossed over the mountain pass and followed the Madison River into Madison County and our valley. The roads were clear – and we praised God for a wonderful homecoming!

Family Greeted Us

At home, we were greeted by our son, his wife, two grand-daughters and their husbands, and two of our great-grandchildren. Happy Thanksgiving!! The smell of turkey assailed my nostrils when I opened the door – and hugs all around said, “Welcome Home!”

Hail, hail, the gang’s all here!
Xander, our great-grandson
Monika, our daughter-in-law, with Sienna, our great-granddaughter
Ty, our son, with TazE, our dog

I am grateful to our dear friends, Gail & Harold, who took care of TazE while we were gone.

Here’s our granddaughter, Hope, with Sienna
The smell of turkey roasting was so inviting!
The sweet potatoes are ready for the marshmallows

It was a wonderful meal…
and great fellowship.
I hope you had a great day, too.
Now on to “Black Friday!”

Some call this “Black Friday” –
a day when merchants encourage shoppers
to come to their stores – big sales everywhere!

Only Thing Black

The only thing black about today for me is my coffee and the night sky! I am up early and enjoying some quiet time.

I hope yours is a Fabulous Friday with delicious coffee (or tea) to warm you inside, and a cozy home filled with love to warm you through and through.

Eternally Grateful

While my family is still asleep, I am up in my sanctuary, thanking God for:

  • answered prayers
  • a safe trip to Pennsylvania and back
  • the chance to see my sis in her new setting
  • the generosity of my niece, Jodie, and her husband, Bill
  • the gracious hospitality of the McSparrons in Kutztown, PA
  • the opportunity to participate in a bit of the life of Liam, our great-nephew
  • Liam’s big heart and wonderful work ethic
  • the love and care my niece, Jodie, gives to her family and my sis (her mom)
  • our son and his family who greeted us with love and a luscious Thanksgiving dinner when we returned home

Life is Good!

Bee Happy – Bee Grateful – Take Joy!

You are loved!
See ya later.

Comments on: "Gratitude and Joy" (7)

  1. What a lovely post filled with family, trips and holiday! Love that entryway! It’s gorgeous, and so is your fam! 🙂

  2. Jan, I am thankful for you safely returning back home. You definitely enjoyed God’s blessings with your travel as well as spending time with family and friends.

    Two years ago from this coming February, my youngest daughter was married at Big Sky. The winter weather was wonderful to experience, but my wife and I were challenged to reach the airport to fly back home. Thankfully, everything went well, and we safely flew back to Columbus, Ohio.

    • My son and grandson-in-law are in Big Sky skiing today. Isn’t it a beautiful place? A wonderful venue for a wedding. Glad you got back home safely. We felt blessed to do so, also. Thanks for your lovely response!

  3. I’m so sorry dad had such a trying experience finding and uncovering the car! I hope you’ve purchased snow scrapers now! Loved all the photos of the family. I SO miss you all…..and especially during the holidays. I love you!

  4. Another joyful trip, despite mislaying the car.

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