No, We Haven't Fallen in a Snowbank

It's very frosty here, but we're not stuck in snow. We simply slept in late this morning, because Chuck struggled a lot in the night with breathing. (The cold up north isn't healthy for him.)

I learned more about my thanksgiving list yesterday in church. Pastor Van Valin ran down the usual responses to the Thanksgiving dinner question, "So, let's all say what we're thankful for." Family always tops the list, followed by friends, material provisions, creation beauties, etc. He reminded us that all such blessings, thankworthy as they are, are circumstantial and temporary. He said we can track, via our thanksgiving, to the root of our attachments. And, he warned, unless we're rooted in "forever" attachments, most of us will come to huge disappointments at some time or other. It's not difficult to find a host of eternal wonders, beginning with God Himself, and extending to His salvation, His Word, His promises, His peace, and His church. (Okay, I'll admit that church disappoints us at times, but He's still working on making it glorious.) Pastor Mark showed us Bible verses tracing all the things Jesus and Paul gave thanks for. I think I'll spend some more time studying my notes.

Justin and his friend Lora joined us for much of yesterday afternoon; it was a loving and pleasant day. This afternoon we'll greet friends at our "open house" at the food court. I am SO looking forward to that.

We spoke with Jeremy on Saturday. He sounds happy about his friendships and his prayer life. His French also seems to be working for him now, at least with young people. His mom had spoken more at length with him, and she posted an update on his blog, jeremyinafrica.blogspot.com. He'll be back in the city Niamey about December 12.

Nothing new to report in the cancer or kemo department. Every day I take that fact as evidence of answers to prayer.

Love,
Carol