Good morning, my favorite blog community! I hope you are so blessed this week and that, no matter what your year has been like, your thoughts are on God’s goodness to you this Thanksgiving season. One thing is pretty certain: you are BUSY. Most of you are either going, coming, cooking or eating. Some of us who are in charge of our family gatherings are doing all four. I started my grocery shopping list this morning and I’m already in Pre Traumatic Stress thinking about getting to Kroger today. Not really. I’m actually looking forward to it. I love this time of year and especially this holiday because it’s not so commercialized.We will miss Melissa and Colin like crazy this week but we are so glad they are joining another family in the Atlanta area on Thursday. They can’t get home to their folks this year either so they’re all celebrating together. I hope so much that many of you are doing the same thing. Borrow a family this year if you can’t get home!
I think God’s given me a neat idea for today’s “Talk To Me Tuesday.” As you can see from the alteration in the title, we are going to do something a little different today. You’re going to be talking to someone else instead of me but you’ll have this platform to make it public and, in doing so, extra special. Sometimes a public acknowledgment can esteem someone like nothing else. It’s your way of saying, “I want everybody to know how wonderful this person is and how much God has used him/her in my life.” Choose one person that God has used to bless you this year and express your thanksgiving to God for them through a letter the length of one meaty paragraph. (Please no longer or people will tend to scroll past it. If it’s too long, we have a hard time publishing it anyway.) I know that it’s hard to choose just one person so consider making your choice based on the one who might not often get a public acknowledgment or might need the encouragement the most. You will address the letter straight to them: Dear _________________… (And then sign it, of course.)
After it’s been posted, jot down the time it appears and let your person know to look for it.
I think this will be such a sweet post. I am looking so forward to seeing you boast in the Lord by giving very specific gratitude to someone He’s used to bless you. Over and over in the epistles, the Apostle Paul set this example.
So, go for it, Girls! You are so dear to me. And I dearly love seeing how dear you are to one another. May God smile every time He casts His eyes toward this webtown we call Siestaville. I love you and will certainly talk to you later this week!
Dear Pastor Raemisch and family,
Thank you for being you. Thank you for responding to God and for sharing your lives with us. Thank you for taking the time to meet with my husband and help him in his new walk with Christ. Thank you for reminding me of a father’s love. Thank you for inviting us over for Thanksgiving this year. You didn’t know, but I prayed a few weeks ago that someone would have us over because I just didn’t have it in me to “do” Thanksgiving for my family this year. God uses you to minister to so many… I am blessed beyond measure that we are part of that “so many.” May God bless you richly in return!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Hilary
Dear Cindy Rene, There are friends that show up in life for the laughter & then who remain through the bitter gut wrenching tears when everyone else just wants to walk away. Through the sudden death of my 46 year old brother a few months ago, to job woes and the general troubles of life all in between, you are always the one encouraging me to look to the Lord and keep my faith in Him. When my cup has not only been empty, but shattered to pieces, you have been the one encouraging me to look to the Lordāto remember I am His precious lamb. What a blessing to have a friend that I donāt have to perform for or put up a front and stiff upper lip. I can cry when it is time to cry or laugh when it is time to laugh or just be in those times in between. Thank you for reminding me that God is in control and even though my whole world might be shaking from time to time that God is my refuge, He is my strength and I donāt have strive. I donāt have to try to fix what I canāt fix. I just need to be still and know that HE IS GOD. God has used you so many times to remind me of the truth in Psalm 46.
I absolutely LOVE this! I hope this person sees what you wrote! I pray it BLESSES their heart!
My precious Lindsey Caroline,
You are the baby girl that I thought I would never have. But God…
Precious One, you have taught me more about trusting God than anyone human ever has been able to. Your God is pursuing your 9 year old heart and has been for quite some time. There are arrows that are coming your way at every turn and so I know that the enemy sees in you something that he feels threatened by. Be strong. Be courageous. The Lord will never leave you.
Your fiery passion for everything in life does you more harm than good some times, but I’m praying that it all will one day be channeled into a fiery, passionate and holy pursuit of God.
You are my hero. You are brave. You are loved. My prayer for you is that in these tough, tough days of being a little girl your heart will be still and KNOW that He is God.
I love you,
Mommy
Bless your hearts.
I think its beautiful that you called her your hero:)
Oh Beth, I wish I could come help you with your tday. I am so grateful my friend and I had thanksgiving dinner last month while my Cindy was still here.
Dear Jesus,
The words āthank youā are not nearly enough to express my gratitude toward you and all you have done in me. You are the One who has brought me through these last two weeks. You are the One who saves my soul, renews my mind, binds up my broken heart, comforts my lonely spirit, and gives me hope. Thank you for not giving up on me when I got attached to a person ā and a sweet dog ā who ministered to me and looked to them instead of you. I want it to be different from now on. I want you to be my bff. I want to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I want to be one with you. Teach me what it means to be truly free in you. Teach me about real relationship. Letās do this thing. Praise You, Lord.
HEY SIESTAS ā
I am still thinking about taking a trip south (from NY), possibly trying to get in to Deeper Still on Dec 3-4. Lots of details to figure out about travel, lodging, a DS ticket, etc., but hereās my request:
Iām looking for Siestas to meet up, travel, or room with, and as many hugs from as many people as I can get.
Anyone interested, please come to my blog so we donāt clog things up here. Thanks sisters!
Find me here: http://michelencindy.wordpress.com.
p.s. – yāall are tempting me to make a Peppermint Mocha my first cup of coffee ever.
Michele, ask for a Peppermint Mocah Mesto (Mee-stow) it’s 1/2 milk 1/2 coffee same flavor and half the price. I am addicted to them.
Michele,
Try the Gingerbread Latte, it tastes like a gingerbread cookie that has just come out of the oven.
Dearest Brian,
Ten years, this year, and God is STILL using you to bless me. I don’t think I could ever fully express my gratitude for you or for God giving you to me. You have been my bestest friend since we have been together. No better husband could I ever ask for (even when things are difficult and demanding, or when we get a bit ‘fleshy’). You are so patient and kind with your wife, sometimes I really wonder at how you ‘deal’ with me, but I totally see you acting out the command of treating your wife by following the example of Christ and the church. I know I have told you before, but I will tell you again ~ God has used you to show me, just a glimpse, of what it’s like to be loved and esteemed by Him. I love you and I am so thankful for you. You work hard, you provide for us, you take care of us and you love us. Who (seriously) could ask for more?!
And you STILL make me laugh (even when things aren’t so funny)!
I love you. And I am thanking God for you.
Shmily,
Michele
Dear Melanie,
I literally thank God every single day for our friendship. You have helped me through so many events in my life, and allowed me to be a part of so many events in your life. The best part of our friendship is our shared faith, our shared desire to be Christ-like; it’s the filter that we run all of our conversations through. Know that I’m praying for you through the challenges (like now), through the triumphs, and through the everyday! The only thing that would improve our friendship would be if we lived in the same part of the country, but then of course, we’d probably be too busy to see each other! haha I love you, friend.
Vicki Koons
Dear Angie,
What a priviledge and honor to serve beside you at First Baptist Church. You will never know this side of heaven the incredible impact for Jesus you’ve had among the women in our Body. God has graced you with the gift of showing His love to the walking wounded on Wednesday nights. I love you! i am blessed to have you as my friend!
Jackie
Dear Connie,
God has richly blessed my life with your friendship. You make me laugh even when I forget how to and even when I don’t necessarily want to. You are God’s reminder to me that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Although you often find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. God has definitely given your friendship to me in the right place and the right season of my life. Thanks for being my true friend! Happy Thanksgiving with much love! Pam
Dear Tara,
You have been such a dear friend to me these last several years. I’m so thankful for the technology that brought us together again after several years past graduation from CU. You are a wonderful encouragement and inspiration to me–you have listened and prayed and gave and shared and I count it one of God’s best blessings in my life to be your friend. The way you live out God’s love through your family is so rare these days and via your blog, I know it’s been encouraging other mothers/wives out there. Thank you for leading me to LPM’s blog–it has been a wonderful source of encouragement, conviction & growth for me. Though thousand of miles now separate us, through the blood of Christ our hearts will be forever knit together. Thank you dear friend, for everything. You are a treasure. š
Dear SIESTAVILLE,
You all have blessed me beyond measure this year, and in the 4 years I’ve been following this blog. So many of you encourage me with your sweetness, your honesty and your sincerity. In a sarcastic, cynical world where kindness is the exception, not the rule, you all SHINE like stars in the universe! I love being a part of this community. Even if I never get to meet any of you face to face, I imagine Jesus will be building us a glorious subdivision in Heaven called “Siestaville”.
Love,
Redeemed
(Rebecca in Oklahoma)
š
we need a like button:)
nah not subdivisions, mountains- with cabins-and streams of living water and trails to connect us. š
Ooooh, I like your idea.
First, Dear Beth, your topic is swesome as always, and so timely. I am planning, as may be others, to write a Thank You letter to several of my loved ones. I will use this platform to share my letter to my Mom.
Dear Mom, (Betty Cabaniss)
I am so thankful for you today, but I don’t know where to start in expressing my gratitude to you.
You have always been a wonderful, Godly mother to me and to my 2 brothers, and Dad always called you a Proverbs 31 wife, and meant it with all his heart. I know that you miss him very much, and we will all always miss him. I know your heart hurts, but you are so strong in your faith. When I think of Lamentations 3:22-23, I think of you. Thank you for being such a Godly model for me.
Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Happy Thanksgiving!
Love from Your Daughter,
Sandy
Dear Victoria,
What a blessing you are to me. You have loved me and my family unconditionally. You are a
Prayer Warrior like no other. You are not only beautiful on the outside, you are even more beautiful on the inside. I always have a total blast with you. I am free to be
myself without fear or condemnation. You make me laugh and you make me smile. You are one of the kindest and most loving people I have ever known. I wish everyone knew you like I know you. You have such a servant’s heart! The way you radiate Christ’s love and grace makes me want to rise higher, love deeper, judge less, encourage more, extend grace lavishly. You have taught me so much; not by the words you say but by the way you so order your life after the example of Christ. Thank you for taking a chance on me and for loving me. I am a better person because our paths have crossed. I love you and am so thankful for you!
God bless you!
Roxanne
Roxanne,
I’m SO very thankful God saw to it that our paths would cross this past Oct. in Dallas.
You are so precious and I hope we are able to meet again soon and spend more time together. Thank you for this precious comment about Victoria. I was blessed to hear you talk about her when we were together.
You are a blessing to her too!
Love ya & Happy belated Thanksgiving!!!
Dear My Precious Husband,
I woke up this morning and the first thought in my head was, “This is my 4th year of teaching. How did it get here so fast?!” While you’re entering your sixth year and loving it, I’m still getting accustomed to the early mornings that you pull multiple times a week (at least 4 out of the 5 days you’re at school between 6:30-6:45) I don’t know how you do it. On top of all that, you are now half way through your master’s (yay!) while trying to constantly improve and change your style of delivery in show choir and the other choirs you joyfully conduct-all with impressive results. In addition to your job and its demands, you juggle me, Ella Puppy and household duties when I’m not capable of getting it all done myself. You are clearly Ella’s favorite and the kitchen looks cleaner when you do it. Dinner tastes better when you make it and I can tell the difference when crawling into bed if you made the bed or I. The bed feels fresher when you make it. That’s the best way I can describe it.
So, thank you. For being supportive when I need you, for being “God with skin on” when I need arms around me, for having a logical head about you when I’m stressing out, for changing band aids on wounds that I can’t stomach to do myself. I’m thankful for your strength, both your physical strength and strength of character. I’m thankful for the man you were to me while we were dating, engaged and first married. I’m thankful and hopeful for the man you want to become in the many years we have ahead of us.(Lord willing)
I love you,
Carrie
Honey – I am so glad to be your wife. Working with E with her eating disorder has really taught me how much you sacrificed and loved and persevered to help me get better five years ago. And I’m so proud of your work with Wycliffe. I love love love watching you play with the boys. You are an amazing man, our spiritual leader. And I am thankful.
Dear Steve,
You are my man and I am so thankful, not only for our eight years together, but especially for the last year and how incredibly meaningful our little relationship has become. You are a wonderful husband, father to our children, and an inspiration to more than you realize. I love you dearly, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer.
Love you,
Marilyn
Dear Mom,
God has given me a great gift in you. You are precious to me. Thank you for all of your encouragement this past year. Though we are on opposite sides of the country I have received your support and love as though I were right next to you. I have had quite the ups and downs and you have celebrated my accomplishments and helped pick me up when I have fallen. I am so thankful for you and cannot wait to see you for Christmas!!!
Love, Love,
Julianne
Dear Momma,
You sometimes say, a three score and ten, that you think your life has not had much impact. But you see, I know it has. Where would with prodigal returned be, with the 11 plus years of intercession – you knocked on heavens door for me again and again. And now, as I am a single momma of four, I know you are still knocking for me and my precious blessings. When all is dark and hard and confusing, I know…there are two interceding for me: you and Jesus. You carry much in your heart, all your sisters and nieces and nephews and grandkids and kids….and with that passionate heart you petition God, and it avails much. There is so much in life I could thank you for, you have done so much. The one that means the most, is your never stopping prayers for me and mine. I love you. Happy Thanksgiving.
My dearest Sisters Jane and Rebecca,
The last year has been so hard for me… moving from Clyde to Chicago for school,then back to Clyde and now to our monastery in Tucson. There has been little stability and a lot of change and you both KNOW how much I love a regular schedule. What has remained constant has been God’s faithfulness and your friendship. You both encourage me to live this life to which we have been called to the fullest. You cheer me on in my work with our new members and cheer me up when things are tough. Our weekly snail mail letters always bring joy because I know we are thinking of each other. I love loving Jesus with you, I love learning and laughing with you, I love living our shared vocation with you. In short, I love you and am thankful beyond words for the gift you are in my life.
Your sister, Lynn
Dear Sallie,
You are a butterfly with sparkle wings in my world. God knew I needed someone like you to upset my comfort zone. He knew I needed to jump out of the box once in a while and the only way I could get butterfly wings is if someone pushed. I so appreciate you for that. You make me laugh and you have added sparkle to me. I am so blessed by your wisdom and grace even when I am fighting and kicking and screaming.
love you
Tammy
Susan,
You are far more than a blood sister to me. A heart-to-heart sister in Christ. We know each other better than the back of our own hands. You have watched over me all of my life…literally. No one can match what a gift you are to me!(tears) My greatest joy in life is knowing that you and I will be together forever.
Gina
Dear Mom, (Shawnee Hicks)
Words can not express how thankful I am for you always…but especially through this last year. Since I told you the news that you were going to be a grandma, you have been so supportive and helpful! You have supported Brandon and me through the years in everything, but especially this journey! I know you will be a fabulous grandma, just as you are a fabulous mom, and I am so thankful to call you “best friend”.
Love,
Aishlea
Dear Michelle (and Brad),
I greatly appreciate everything you have done for us over these many years of friendship. This year I am more grateful to you for accepting the task of becoming our children’s beneficiaries should something happen to us. It’s difficult to find somebody who would want to take on the responsibilities of 10 additional children. There’s nothing you wouldn’t do for us and nothing we wouldn’t do for you. You are very special to our entire family! With much love and appreciation…Heidi and the Krew
Dear Andy,
Thank you…
1. …for going to work every morning, whether you feel like it or not. (And then for coming home to me every evening….whether you feel like it or not. :))
2. …for “boy trips” with Nathan and “daddy dates” with the Anne and Molly.–You are the very best father. I love to watch you with them.
4. …for believing in me and in what God wants for me. For pointing me to Him in every anxious moment.
5. …for believing in Him yourself! You’ve endured a “season of growth”, to put it kindly, but you’ve been faithful to Him the whole way. What an example your humble perseverance is to me!
5. …for asking me every single morning, “Is there anything I can do for you today?”
6. …for 16 years of faithfulness and love.
I love you, Andy!
Amy
Dear Linda,
I thank God you so much for your wonderful friendship. Sometimes I think you are the only person I can be real with! We have shared so many good times over the last 20 years and some painful ones too but God has blessd this friendship w/ great staying power. You are a true prayer warrior not to mention great planner of getting me to the Living Proof live events in our area. I still remember the day I called to cry and cry on your shoulder because Colton was heading off to kindergarten and I was afraid he would get hungry. Well he graduates this year and I know that you know that I will call and cry and cry as he leaves for college. I hope you know I am Always here for you too. HAPPY THANKSGIVING Love Jill
Dear Ryan,
Besides our children, I am most thankful for you. You continue to bless me more with each year of marriage. No, you are not perfect, but you are perfect for me. You are so patient and helpful. You work so hard to provide for us and, although I know that you wish it were more, it is enough to keep us trusting in God to provide. Our children are so blessed to have you as their dad. You are the kind of father that I always wished I had had. I love how you love the Lord and continually try to be more like Him. It shows. And so does your love. I am a blessed woman and I hope that you always know how much I love, appreciate and treasure you!
Love always,
Me
Dear Gabe,
You were born on Thanksgiving 34 years ago, and how fitting that your birthday falls on Thanksgiving this year too. Because I am more thankful for you than EVER before.
13 years of marriage, 3 beautiful daughters, 10 moves, 52 Zoos in 52 Weeks, a life-changing trip to Cambodia together.
I am so blessed that God chose you to be the one I get to journey through this life with.
I wouldn’t be the woman I am without you holding my hand, cheering me on, and telling me (and everyone else) how much you believe in me. (I also wouldn’t have gotten to meet Mama Beth in January if you wouldn’t have told me, “Go to Houston. God will provide.”)
You are strong and fiercely loyal and an amazing father and an incredible provider. And you love Jesus with everything in you.
I need a million more words to express how much I love you.
Love,
Marla
Dear Beth (yes, Mama Beth),
I know this letter isn’t supposed to be to you but you ARE the one person I’d like to thank this year (other than Jesus Himself)! 6 months ago I had no idea how desparately I needed a spiritual makeover but Jesus gave me one anyway (and boy was it tough) but now…now I just want to jump for joy about what He has done in my life. But see Beth, He has used you in my life in ways you just can’t imagine. I never truly understood how important it was to have some true girlfriends in your life to hold you accountable but in addition to that, He has given me you (even though I’ve never actually met you) as the woman I look to to keep me focused on God and laugh hysterically at things I know it’s actually ok to laugh about. God has brought me so much joy through you this past year Mama Beth and I just want to thank you for your service to His Kingdom through this little place we call “Siestaville!” I love you and each one of the siestas madly and am so Thankful He brought me here! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family…all of whom are absolutely PRECIOUS by the way!
Much love,
Amber Moon, Lincolnton NC
Dear Hayley and Nathan, You are the greatest blessings a mom could ever have. I love you so much and am so honored to be your mom. I have learned a great deal from you. Hayley, you are one strong-in-the-LORD cookie, and I admire your courage and so enjoy every second with you. You know how warped my humor is and you love me anyway! Nathan, when God told me to name you Nathaniel because it means a gift from God, He chose the perfect name for you. I prayed for you to be a strong healthy baby since I had Lyme Disease through the pregnancy with you and your 10 lb. 2.5 ounce self was a yes from God. I enjoy you so much and love you dearly. Our time together is so sweet…hard to believe my baby is 16 years old. I pray for you both so many times a day. I pray to be the mom you need.
Love you both,
Yo Mama
Dearest Jess,
I’m so grateful to God for you. I prayed for new friends, and you one of Godās surprising and wonderful answers. Thank you for the all the fun, the laughs, the heart to hearts, your time, your listening and compassionate ear, your love and never ending encouragement and for seeing in me what I couldnāt see- for calling out an unspoken and unrealized dreamā¦and for encouraging me to pursue it. You are true living example of a Champion for a little Ordinary like me. Thank you for teaming with me on this bible study too! For your passion for the Word and willingness to be a study buddy š For your passion for life and living radical for Jesus. For just being the wonderful you God created. Youāre a treasure to me and I know you are and will be to so many others. I love you! God bless you!
:)Cara
Dear James a/k/a hunny bunch, (my husband),
Thank you for showing me how to love unconditionally. I thank you for being patient as I grow in my walk with Christ. You give me such support; in all manner of ways … have learned so much through the ups and downs in our marriage; and for this I am grateful. I love you with all my heart as does our son and the rest of my family. We are blessed to have you in our lives.
Dear Buzzy,
When you looked at me, a complete stranger, and said “You’re the best friend I’ve been looking for my entire life” was the day my life changed forever. After getting over my initial reaction, we jumped off the cliff into instant friendship. None of this surfacey stuff. For us it was “into the deep” right away. I love how God sent us to St. Paul to find each other even though we’d been living only two blocks apart. Even though words come easy to me, it really is hard to put into to words how much I treasure our friendship. Thank you for being genuine and real, for showing me your flaws and for accepting mine, for encouraging me in this busy, insane homeschool life we live, for getting me off my rear end and out walking at 5:00 a.m. in Minnesota when it’s 5 below outside, for making me laugh, for being my sounding board, for trusting me with your thoughts and feelings, for Sunday afternoons from 4-5, for teaching me how to quilt, for helping me through my miscarriage, for being “another sister.” As I celebrate this Thanksgiving, I give thanks for you – one of God’s good gifts in my life. I love you, my dear friend.
Mary Lou
Dear Alice,
You have blessed me in more ways than you could ever imagine. You have been my example of a Godly woman in the later years of her life who has followed hard and trusted fully in the Lord. You will leave a legacy of peace. I have seen and heard of the difficult years (decades, really) that you spent trusting and resting in Him. You have served as the Lord’s representative well. Now, your days are short and your King is awaiting you with a huge reward. Thank you for showing me how to sow seeds of Godliness, and showing me how to end well.
Love,
Diane
Dear Steve,
Just wanted to thank you for being such an amazing husband. I don’t deserve someone as fabulous as you, but I am so thankful that God saw fit to bless me with you. You and the Lord have held me together this past year, and I don’t know what I would have done without you. You are so even-keeled when I am all over the place…so thankful for that. I love you and I am so proud of the man of God that you are becoming…..what a blessing to sit back and watch!
Love,
Ashley
Dear Josiah-
Though you are only 4 God has used these four years of your life for many good reasons. He’s talked to me through you at many times. The other day we were in the store looking at a bible study God was leading me to. You confirmed God’s love for me and my connectedness to that special study in a very straight forward way. You just turned 4 but any time God talks through you, you carry the assurance of a seasoned saint. You are still learning about our savior, but I’m sure he’s marked you. Most recently, thanks for shouting out “Jesus made me special!” RANDOMLY!at the yogurt bar the other day. Everyone heard it. Everyone new you meant it. Or proclaiming “I like this church!” randomly. EVERY HEAD TURNED. You are blessing us all.
Dear Becky,
I thank our Great and Awesome God for YOU, my Siesta friend! God has given us a special bond through His Word. Not only that-you are indispensable to me at FBC Medical/Dental Clinic! Thank you for being my friend!
I love you, ro
Dear Rosalye
I also value our friendship. I enjoy working with you at the FBC Medical/Dental Clinic each month. You are a true friend who has seen me and my family through many trying times this year. I thank God for you!!
Your friend Becky
Dear LEE,
Thank you so much for being such a positive influence on… well, my entire life! I love knowing that there is someone out there who is wired the same way & gets me; makes me feel a little less crazy! š Your constant encouragment and friendship inspire me even when we aren’t together. You are wise when wisdom is needed, quiet when a listener is required & FUN all the time! This week I am THANKFUL for YOU!
Love,
K.
Krissy…
I am so grateful for your kind words. Thank you for all that you wrote. Of all the people you could choose for this… I can’t believe you chose me, but I am so thankful that you feel the way you do. Know this… I feel the exact same way. I know that sounds trite and like a lame response… but it is so very true. I love that you are not “just my niece” but my very dear friend. As I reflect on what I am grateful for and think back over this year… one of it’s hallmarks was doing the “So Long Insecurity” study with you. It made it so much better to journey through it with my “kindred spirit.” It was life changing for me and you were a big part of that. I will always look back on 2010 as the year we kicked that together! Even if it does rear it’s ugly head at times… we have the tools we need and we have each other to get us through. Thanks again and again for your friendship. You mean more to me than you know. Love you! LEE!
Dear Jill,
Your words touched my heart. We have shared free marriage, parenting, friendship, and in-laws therapy. Your faith has made mine stronger. John and I know we can call anytime of day with any problem and you and Rusty will be there for us. We are so blessed and truly humbled that the Lord would put you both in our lives.
Love always,
Linda
Dear Kathleen,
God has weaved our lives together for several years now, but this last year, it was side by side each step. You’re my blessing because you see all my blemishes- all my failures and shortcomings- and love me anyway! You lovingly step on my toes when they need to be stepped on, you build me back up when someone has torn me down; you’ve cried with me when I wanted to cry and laughed with me until I thought we would both pee our pants! My favorite moments with you are our soul talks we have during lulls at work. KLOVE playing in the background and you and I choosing to sing loudly our favorite praise song- regardless of whether or not we can carry a tune. Lovin’ our journey, sweet sister!
Anna Mitchell
Dear Lori,
I prayed that God would give me a friend when we moved here, and it turns out that He answered that prayer 5 times over in giving us you, your husband, and your three children to be my, my husband’s, and my 2 kids’ friends. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for sharpening me like iron with challenges to pray and study the Word. Thank you for teaching me by example how to constantly and consistently teach Truth to our children. Thank you for laughing. Thank you for listening. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for loving. You are precious to me. I love you.
Emily
Dear Kate,
God sure knew what He was doing that amazing day when He transformed all the dislike my natural self had of that brash annoying woman who had joined our little group and had rubbed me the wrong way from the moment she arrived, into an incredible love that only He could give. I’m so grateful He did it, for what would I have done without my best friend these past almost eleven years? Having had a time in my life where I had no friends at all, I can’t begin to express how comforting it is to know you’ve got a friend you can always count on to be there for you, no matter what. We may have had a rough start, and have been through some ups and downs over the years, but it’s only served to grow our friendship stronger. “Every good and perfect gift is from above,” and I thank God for the gift and blessing of your friendship.
Love & hugs!
Zoie
Dear Gene,
I am so blessed to call you my husband! Thank you for always being so loving and gentle with me! (Even when I don’t deserve it) Thank you for being willing to work so hard for our family! Thank you for doing things you don’t enjoy just because you care for us! (like fixing the car) Thank you for being selfless and such a great example of Christ to our kids! I pray that God blesses you big time for all that you have done for us!! I love you baby!!!
Love
Annie
Dear Melissa,
I want to thank you for the amazing spiritual influence you are. You bless our church as our Women’s minister and always take the time to get to know us individually. This has been a very difficult year and I love that you are always there for me to talk to, you are always there to pray with me and most of all you tell it to me straight. Thank you for how you have blessed my life and I pray the Lord returns it to you ten fold.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Karla
Nashville, TN
Dear Matt,
I cannot thank you enough for the last 16 years! It has been crazy in all the ways life throws at you. You have been steady and taught me to be a better women. You encourage me when I’m not worthy and you love me. You gave me the gift of the honeymoon we were not able to take and it was truly priceless. Your love for our family is deep and thoughtful. I love that you are my Man and I am so grateful and full of thanks for our relationship. We have fought hard for it at times and then we seem to hit a steady stream. I love doing this life with you and I look forward to what the Lord has in store for us.
Happy Thanksgiving Baby.
PS Thanking you in advance as the fun truly begins when the family arrives.
Love you more
C
Dear Bianca,
I thank God for you, your wonderful friendship, open heart and listening ears. I’m so glad that your in my life as someone I can honestly air my laundry to and trust with all my junk. I’m so blessed to have a Godly woman like you in my life, someone who navigates life ahead (singleness, marriage, motherhood) of me so I can learn how its done, with the grace, dignity, energy and flair that makes you, you.
I love you with all my heart friend and thank God for your presence in my life, cant wait to see you when I get home.
Love you bunches,
Just*
Dear Mom,
I can think of no one who deserves more of a “thanks” this Thanksgiving than you. With three babies under 18 months, I have needed your help so much these last couple of years. And, you have given it tenfold, whether it be buying groceries, babysitting, coming over in the middle of the night (twice now!) for emergencies or just listening and offering encouragement. The wonderful thing is I believe you when you tell me that you are glad to help. I don’t have to feel guilty about it or worry that I’m monopolizing your time. You are a true blessing to me… sweet and kind, funny and so smart. You taught me how to be a good mommy through your example and are now showing me what it means to be the best grandmother.
Love you,
Natalie
That was so nice! I think every day how lucky I am to have such wonderful daughters and grandchildren.
Love, mom
Dear Jennifer,
aka, my iron sharpening friend
God placed you in my life and I am so very thankful. You have lifted me up when I needed lifting. You let me cry when I was hurt, and when I just needed to let something go or was incorrect you loved me enough to be honest with me. You have been my sounding board, but most of all you have been my friend.
It has and continues to be an honor to call you friend and minister with you. Love you much “my iron sharpening friend.
Tracy
My dearest Luke,
I am most thankful for you in my life. You are such a wonderful helpmeet. In a world that still says that men make the money and that’s all, you bravely choose differently. You make the money AND you pitch in wherever you are needed. You will never ever know how much this means to me. You still make my heart flutter after 12 years. When times are tough you don’t let it get you down, you live each day doing everything you can to make sure we have the best life possible. You are my earthly hero!
Love
me
Dear Danya,
I can’t express in mere words how much your friendship has meant to me. I think about how much you have grown in Christ these past few years and I just get goose bumps. I know God is doing amazing things through you, while you are serving in Africa this year and I cannot wait to see all the adventures He has planned for you! I miss you friend and just want you to know how dear you are to me and how thankful I am to know you.
Love, Shiloh
Dear Sherri and Margie,
I am so thankful to God for giving me two wonderful sisters! I laugh when I think of all the fighting and yelling we did growing up, and I rejoice that we are now such good friends. I am so thankful anytime we get to spend time together, and this past year I had the awesome privilege of attending a Living Proof Live event with both of you! Besides Jesus, you know more about me than anyone on earth. I’ve always been able to tell you anything without fear of losing your love and support. You are both living proof of God’s unconditional love. I cannot imagine life without you.
Love,
Terry
I too rejoice in our sistership! For years you two have been what sets me straight when I get off track. There’s never any tip-toeing around or any sugar coating the truth, and it’s always done in love and with the desire to have us be who God planned us to be. He has used you both to bring me closer to Him. Seeing Beth live for the first time with the both of you was life changing for me. Thank you for making that happen.
Love, Sherri
Dear Todd,
I am so very thankful to you for bringing me back to my faith!
Wendi
OH, AMEN, Wendi!!