Thanksgiving

WOO HOO so I realized I posted during Thanksgiving… but I was not thinking I should probably give yall an update on my break away from seclusion and my vacation home.

So over the break, which was a full week, I traveled to spend some time with a friend and I also traveled to my hometown to have Thanksgiving with my amazing father and his girlfriend. Though a lot of my time was spent on the road, I am very thankful for the time I spent in the different places.

During my time spent with a special friend, I got to spend a few days relaxing and catching up on some lost time. Sleeping in a little later than I usually do at camp and FINALLY not having to eat breakfast! Haha for those of you who do not know me well… I am not a breakfast eater. I love breakfast food, but I do not enjoy eating in the morning once I have woken up. So.. I was thankful for that! I got to go see Catching Fire in the theater and have some awesome food that I have been missing since moving out to the wilderness! Though my time with my friend was short, it was well worth it and refreshing to our friendship!

Thank you Lord for growth in friendships.

I traveled home to my dad on Wednesday and started to prepare for our Thanksgiving meal! We planned to have a regular Thanksgiving meal with just the things we all liked! We ended up having sooo many leftovers, I am sure we all usually do! My favorite part of the meal is the cranberries and of course my dad’s amazing fried turkey! Food is of course my weakness… so the leftovers didn’t last too long!

For the holiday my dad, his girlfriend, and I were able to spend a lot of good quality time together! We had a face stuffing tummy full meal and then enjoyed some nap time and football together! My middle sister, her hubby, and my oh so precious nephew also arrived on Thanksgiving Day! I had a lot of fun spending time with them J The time spent sitting around the couch, playing with my pup, laughing with my nephew, and talking with my sis… priceless moments.

I went out alone on Black Friday, not for anything specific, but just to get out of the house and look around! I didn’t spend too much time out at the stores, but I enjoyed running into some old high school friends and sharing sweet hugs with them. This was once again a reminder since the beginning of the program… I often spend money on items I don’t need… but simply want. Materialistic much Haley????

Friday morning I left to go see my oldest sister in Abilene and spend a few days with her! I use to live in Abilene with her, which was such a blessing and something I am so thankful for. During this time, I grew close to her best friend and her family! So not only was I getting to go see my sister, I was also getting to go spend time with a sweet family! Upon arrival in Abilene, I enjoyed one of our favorite Mexican food restaurants and awesome time with my sister.

Since I had decided to arrive on a Friday, I also chose to stay another day and attend my Abilene church – Beltway Park Baptist Church – because it has played a major role in my current decision to take part in the discipleship program that I am currently in. It is through this church, that I have grown to love the Lord in a deeper more personal level. So, not skipping my day on Saturday, but I was blessed with the opportunity to attend my church since I was already there in Abilene!

SO back to Saturday… My sister, friend, and I enjoyed lounging around and just being silly. Talking, reading, watching TV, sleeping, crocheting (my sister is an old lady), and shopping. It is the time spent being engaged with those I love that I have learned to value the most.

Most often I have realized… it is not about what I am doing that brings me joy… it is who I am with.

My thanksgiving break was spent surrounded by my family/friends and that is what I was most blessed by. Time spent with those I do not get to see much or talk to as often since moving to the wilderness. I hadn't realized how much I had once taken for granted…. Thank you Lord for kind reminders of the greatness of family and love.

SIGH… and now for the heartbreaking realization of my break:

My lack of commitment to continue focusing on the Lord. While I was home, I choose not to do anything that I usually practice out at Camp Eagle (seems pretty dumb now!)… I also didn't engage myself in scripture at all.

So for those of you who have stayed connected with my whole process... You know that this has been a struggle I have in my walk with the Lord. One of many reasons I chose to seclude myself from the world and go into the wilderness. My issue:  The lack of commitment in the real world to stay in tune with the only thing that truly matters. The ONE thing that I should be MOST thankful for. MY HEAVENLY FATHER… But Praise God for mercy and grace ….

What are you most thankful for sweet friends? ...and WHO are you most thankful for?

I love you all. Thank you for being a part of my life.