Thanksgiving Preparations

It is Wednesday evening, just before Thanksgiving day and the kitchen is a buzzing. Grandma, Mom, and Carly are busy preparing pies, decorating the table and just plain having fun together. This is what Thanksgiving is all about for us as a family. Wherever we are, this pre Thanksgiving day kitchen flurry is part of the family tradition. The last few years we have been in Whittier, Calif. at brother Tom's house. Aunt Marti is always busy preparing for the big day and has often completed most of her work a few days ahead of schedule.

Thanksgiving traditions are so rich for the Woodward family. Thanksgiving has always been a time to bring family together, connect, relax and enjoy each other. This Thanksgiving will be no exception. We will see what the morning brings, more kitchen buzz, maybe a run through town, The Turkey Trot, or maybe not. Have a blessed day, one rich with American traditions and filled with the Spirit of God, who makes all things possible.

Here is our gift to you from the Scriptures this Thanksgiving.

Colossians 3:14-16 (The Message)

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.