Give Thanks 2020

Last month I went to a retreat, and the facilitator said something that has been churning in my spirit ever since. Karrie Garcia is a pastor’s kid, author, and founder of Freedom Movement and Freedom Academy. She has spent her life loving and serving in…

Feel free to read through this entire meditation and then go for it as you like. Cycle through the sections once or multiple times, in order or mix it up.  Enjoy! Find Find an object, preferably something outside, that reminds you of a tree. Example:…

My husband Steve and I have enjoyed 38 Thanksgivings together! This year, and every year before, we are thankful for our family. We’ve eaten turkey and shared prayers of thanksgiving with our grandparents, parents (blessed that three are still with us), aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings,…

Throughout the month of November, as people give thanks for what is important to them, family is nearly always mentioned.  Family looks so different to each person--with various portraits of broken, complex pieces that are forever linked together because of bonds that cannot be broken. …

I find myself a bit snarky these days (even more than usual).  My stuffed down anger at the seeming insanity that is our current culture is coming out sideways.  I don’t feel entirely horrible about this, sometimes snarky can bring out the humor and bring…

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.  Proverbs 8:34-35 Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our…

Let me be honest. Giving thanks does not come naturally to me.  Don't get me wrong. I am aware of, and thankful for, all the blessings and goodness and unearned privilege I receive in my life. I am, to the depths of my heart, thankful…

“Sometimes,” said the horse.  “Sometimes what?” asked the boy.  “Sometimes just getting up   and carrying on is  brave and magnificent."  -Charlie Mackesy   The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse Sometimes the days are dark. Sometimes the days are lonely and cold. Sometimes the…

When I think about someone who’s not very thankful, my mind conjures up pictures of a little kid, surrounded by all the toys he could ever want, throwing a fit; or a wealthy person, surrounded by all the comforts they could ever want, bemoaning how…

In my job as a psychologist at the VA, I have the privilege of hearing veterans’ stories and walking with them through difficult times. Often, by the time a veteran enters therapy, he or she may feel devoid of hope because of what he/she has…