Thanksgiving Letter from a Soldier

I received the following letter in an e-mail from a reader, Thomas B. He wrote to all of you in it as well and I wanted to share his inspiring and heartfelt words. As we think about our blessings this year, our freedom is certainly one of the greatest and we owe it to brave men and women like him. Let's take time this Thanksgiving to remember and pray for all of our soldiers and their families.

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I want to wish you, your family, and all your readers a very wonderful, safe, and blessed Thanksgiving. I, along with many others here in Afghanistan, will miss the opportunity to spend this blessed day with our families and loved ones. But, I am there with them, in love, mind, thought and spirit.

Why I Give Thanks For Thanksgiving:

It happens to be one of my favorite holidays and time of the year - it brings a presence and a reminder of all the things we have in this world, the blessings that each and every one of us have, and a great feeling of contentment. It also brings a trait to all of us: GRATITUDE.

Our nation is facing a great struggle at this very moment—and there are a lot of people who are facing a great number of real life difficulties—for example, their jobs, despair, money problems, family problems, and even a sense of their personal safety and security. But even so, we, as brothers and sisters in Christ, have a lot to be thankful for....

I hope all of you can take the time and reflect upon the things that you are grateful for in your lives....from the major things—Our God, our country, your health, your loved ones, your special talents—to the subtle-but-still-important things like your favorite books, friends, fellowship, the beautiful sunsets that you can enjoy for free, chocolate candy, ice cream, pies and cookies!!

I hope that all of you enjoy a warm and love-filled holiday of Thanksgiving this year—and may our loving Heavenly Father fill all of you with His love, His blessings, and His grace.

I GIVE THANKS.......

FOR OUR GOD, OUR CREATOR, OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WHO BLESSES US EACH AND EVERY DAY.....

FOR OUR NATION AND HER PEOPLE, WHO I LOVE WITH EVERY INCH OF MY HEART AND BEING.....

FOR OUR GOVERNMENT AND OUR LEADERS, WHO FACE CRISES EACH AND EVERY DAY.....

FOR OUR NATION'S ARMED FORCES, AS THEY DEFEND AND PROTECT OUR HOMELAND AND THE MANY BLESSINGS AND FREEDOMS THAT WE ENJOY IN OUR LIVES.....

FOR MY FAMILY, MY LOVED ONES WHO I MISS AND LOVE DEARLY WITH ALL MY HEART.....

FOR MY WIFE KATHY, WHO I LOVE, MISS, AND ADORE SO GREATLY.....

FOR MY MANY FRIENDS, WHOM I ALWAYS REMEMBER FONDLY.....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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If you'd like to express your thanks and prayers to Thomas and his family personally, please leave a comment for them here.

Waiting...

It's early Monday morning and I'm waiting in the airport to catch a flight to Texas. I tried taking a picture to post here but all I got was an odd-looking fake tree and a few haggard travelers. Mark and I are sharing a large cup of Starbuck's coffee. I just got lipstick on the rim, which drives him nuts. I had to get up at 5am so I'm feeling grouchy. We'll be fine by 10.

Another reason I'm feeling grouchy is that waiting seems to bring out that side of me. Are you like that too? I have waited for several "flights" in my life--getting married, finding a job, having kids (still in the airport on that one). I once wrote about that and here's part of what I said...

Imagine expecting to arrive in Hong Kong and stepping off your plane to discover you’re in Australia instead. That’s exactly what happened to one woman who boarded the wrong plane at the Los Angeles airport. Due to a computer error, no one knew she took another flight. She got on board, found a seat, and didn’t realize her travel plans had drastically changed until the plane landed in a different country.

All of us experience situations in life like the one described above. You think you’re taking the nonstop flight to your dreams, and next thing you know you’re stranded in a strange land you never intended to visit.  You’re not quite sure how you got there, when you’ll be leaving, or what in the world to do in the meantime.

While you may not be where you want to be, you don’t have to be there alone. And whether or not you chose your detour, you can choose to make it a time of healing and growth that changes the rest of your journey... 

Has anyone else ever feel like they unexpectedly hopped on that flight to Australia? I have!! While waiting may not be my favorite thing to do, I've discovered there can be unexpected blessings in those times. That doesn't make it easier...but it does help to know God is working to make sure I won't be boarding the plane empty-handed when the time comes. 

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 NIV

If you're waiting today, I'm asking God to give you strength, peace, and perseverance. And I'd love for you to share with us here so our little community can pray for you too...

A is for Anxiety

Last night driving home my heartbeat was tap-tap-tapping againt my chest like a crazed woodpecker. I rolled my eyes and thought, "Hello, anxiety, my old friend." And the truth is, anxiety is a long-time companion of mine. As a child it gave me inexplicable stomach aches. The doctors ran tests and finally chalked it up to stress. I used to hide out in the bathroom (not the men's bathroom like I did recently) because being alone and quiet made my anxiety better. I have two small dimples on the inside of my cheeks where I've bitten down on them for years when I get nervous. I sweat when I have intense conversations--positive or negative. I own several books on social anxiety.

Those who know me personally would probably be surprised to hear me say all of this. I sometimes get told, "You seem so calm and like you've got it all together." That always makes me want to burst into laughter (or tears) and never ceases to shock the living daylights out of me.

Through the years my anxiety has gotten a lot better. And, recently, I've begun to even see it as an essential part of who I am. My anxiety may make it hard to walk into a party sometimes...but it also tunes me into everyone there. I've got an emotional thermometer inside me that detects even the slightest shift in mood. That makes me sensitive. It helps me write and counsel. If anxiety is really just our bodies being in "alert" mode then I would miss a lot without it.

Stephen Covey once said, "If you pick up a stick you get both ends." I'm starting to see that my strengths are very closely tied to my weaknesses. For example, sensitivity = strength, anxiety = weakness. But I wouldn't have one without the other. Perhaps it's really just about focusing on the end of the stick that is helpful and letting the other stuff go.

This has been on my mind since last night, and I can't help thinking that one of you needs to hear it. So if it's you, then know that the thing you keep asking God to remove may actually be beautiful in His sight and a part of His plan when you offer it to Him. It's not about eliminating but consecrating...giving all of who we are, as we are, and trusting Him with the rest.

(And if this is for you, please share...I'd love to know I'm not the only one with a few quirks. If I really am the only one then my anxiety will probably go to a whole differrent level--the one where it feels like a hyperactive chihuahua is living in my chest rather than just a little ol' woodpecker.)

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 

A Quick Update for Subscribers (And the Rest of You Too)

Some of you who are subscribers may not have been getting e-mails from me the past few weeks because of an RSS feed issue. That subject brings to mind the verse, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain" (Psalm 139:6 NIV). In others words, I have no idea what that means.

Fortunately, our brilliant web designer Brandon does and he has fixed the feed. So all of you should start getting e-mails again. If you don't, let us know.

Brandon is also the one who did the design for my blog. I think he did an amazing job and did just what I asked--which was to make me look cooler than I am in real life and not let me be too cheesy. Believe me, I need all the help I can get with both of those.

So I'm declaring today, November 20th, the official "Be Grateful to Brandon Day." (I know that's a bit cheesy, but I just can't help myself sometimes and Brandon isn't here to stop me right now.)

If you're not a subscriber, I'd love for you to sign up. For those of you (like me) who weren't too sure what that meant when you first saw it, if you enter your e-mail address then the blog posts will come directly to you via e-mail. That means you can use the energy you'd spend on clicking for more important things like opening candy wrappers.

Thanks, Brandon!

Another birthday...

 

Speaking of chocolate, the cake above was a surprise from my husband (way to go, honey!). Being married to a greeting card writer is a lot of pressure. But he’s handled it quite well and just keeps getting better at holidays the more years that go by.

Those are some of my lovely friends around the table. They’re also part of my church small group. I can count on them to share laughter, tears, and cake with me anytime I need them.

(If you’re wondering why my kitchen table has a stripe down the middle it’s because this is the table my husband had as little boy. The rest of the table got a lot more use than the extension so they’re now different colors.)

To celebrate my birthday I ate—a lot. On the actual day my hubby took me to a fancy-dancy restaurant called Theo’s. I had squash bisque, pork with pears, and yummy dessert. My coworkers brought me my favorite doughnuts for breakfast (long-johns!) and then took me out to lunch at a local café too. We also shared some tasty food with friends over the weekend. And my parents sent me an edible arrangement. All in all, I was quite spoiled.

So I’m starting off my 31^st year feeling full in more ways than one. I was a bit sad to see 30 go. It was an eventful year. One of my cards won “Card of the Year” at the Louie Awards in New York City, I wrote my first full-length book (more about that later!), I started my counseling internship, and I made some really good memories with people I love.

I wonder what 31 will hold but I don’t mind getting older. I’ve got some grandparents living life to the fullest and they’ve made me realize that life is all about finishing well. Writers and counseling interns also get taken a bit more seriously when they’ve got a few more years on their side. I’m in the weird in-between space right now where the college kids at the bookstore call me “Ma’am” and some of my counseling clients say, “You’re just a baby!”

There’s a verse I love that says, “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter until the full light of day” (Proverbs 4:18 NIV). I believe with every year our candles shine a little brighter…and we can too.

God's Invitation

Jesus Christ is saying here (in Luke 10:20), “Don’t rejoice in your successful service for Me, but rejoice because of your right relationship with Me.”
—Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

My Grandpa once left a message for me that said, “Slow down, settle in, and sit still for fifteen minutes so you can call me back.”

I laughed when I heard it because he’s so right—I’m constantly on the go. I’ve never been very good at relaxing or sitting still.

Unfortunately, this often affects the way I view my relationship with God. I think if I’m busy contributing to the world then I’m being a “good Christian,” just like if I’m busy doing things for my husband then I feel like I’m a good wife. But my husband also appreciates it when I simply sit with him or share time by his side. He enjoys the results of my doing, but what he truly loves is my being.

I don’t think that doing and being can be separated in the Christian life, just like they can’t be separated in marriage. Both are important parts of love. But we can all get out of balance at times. That’s why God sometimes lovingly draws us to Himself and says, “Slow down, settle in, and sit still for a few minutes so you can share your heart with Me.”

Be still, and know that I am God.
PSALM 46:10 NIV

© 2008 Blessings Unlimited. Read more devotionals like this one at www.blessingsdirect.com.

Light in the Darkness

I love flying at night and had the opportunity to do so last Saturday. Looking at the twinkling lights below reminded me of the verse, "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). There were clusters of lights when we fly over cities but those that seemed to shine the brightest were the ones spread out in the darkness.

I also thought of darkness and light one day as I sat in my office writing. I overheard the evening news coming from the living room as a reporter shared yet another story of heartbreak and despair. I felt so helpless and prayed, "Lord, what do I do? There is so much hurt in this world and it seems like there's little I can do to make a difference. I can't stop all the violence. I can't take away the pain." I sensed Him whispering, "The only way to get rid of darkness is to add more light."

Darkness is nothing more than the absence of light. Trying to capture and remove it would be like trying to catch your shadow. But each time we love our neighbor, offer kindness, help the helpless, protect the innocent, and make a small difference then a little more of the darkness disappears too.

Like the lights I watched out of an airplane window, we are called to shine wherever we are today.

Conference Confessions

I'm at the Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference teaching two workshops and meeting with people who are interested in writing cards. It's my first year to attend this conference and I've been really impressed. I'd recommend it for any of you who are aspiring writers.

This is probably my seventh writers conference or so but I'll tell you a secret...I still get really nervous. Perhaps it's the introvert in me but small-talking with editors and widely published writers scares me silly at times. Of course, they're all very nice and in the end I have a wonderful time but those first few moments through the door I always seem to sweat (literally and figuratively).

Also, I seem to be quite capable of getting myself into precarious situations wherever I go. This time I have done three things so far. First, I forgot the tank top that I normally wear under the shirt I packed for today. I frantically called the front desk this morning and they had a safety pin that seemed to do the trick. But I spent a most of the day silently hoping that no wardrobe malfunctions would occur.

Second, I walked into the men's bathroom. Okay, scratch that. I spent several minutes in the men's bathroom and even redid my lipstick before realizing I was in the wrong place. Thankfully no one was in there. (I'm becoming a bit concerned about my reason as well as reputation because I did this at the last conference I went to as well.)

Finally, I twisted the knob off a very fancy water jug. I scrambled to put cup after cup beneath the spicket to catch all the water before discovering if I leaned it back then it would stop. I carried it into the kitchen and apologized for destroying conference property. Fortunately, it was easily repaired and my fragile self-esteem probably ultimately took the greater beating.

So there are my confessions for the day. The speakers were inspirational, the facility beautiful, the other attendees inspiring and kind, but what stood out to me most was how very thankful I am that God doesn't have any requirements for who He uses. He doesn't care if I occasionally wander into the wrong restroom, almost cause a flood, or forget essential articles of clothing (okay, maybe He does care about that last one). What matters to Him most is my heart.

The other night I was watching the part of Bridget Jones' Diary where Mark Darcy says to her, "I like you just as you are." I felt that way today. It was as if I could sense God saying to my nervous, silly, mixed-up self, "Holley, I love you just as you are." He says the same to each of you tonight.

What beautiful, scandalous, undeserved grace. Is there anything better in the whole wide world?

A Prayer for America

Lord,

We come to You as a nation founded on faith.

Since the beginning of our country,

we have looked to You for blessings and guidance.

Now as we begin a new season, we do the same.

No matter what we may believe about politics or parties,

we know that in the end there is one Ruler over all.

You are in control of today, tomorrow, and eternity.

We desire Your continued favor on our great nation

and for You to help each of us follow You faithfully

as we seek to love our fellow Americans and the world.

The future is sure to bring challenges and victories, it always does,

and we ask You to be with us through whatever comes.

We thank You that America has always been, and will always be, 

in Your hands.

Amen.

Battling the Bug

I'm sorry I haven't written much lately. I've been battling a stomach bug the last few days and it seems creativity and viruses aren't all that compatible. I'm finally getting to that point where I'm starting to feel a little bit better. I ate a cracker and it was like a gourmet meal. I walked from the couch to the kitchen and it felt like a vacation. I talked on the phone for a few moments and it was like a party. That's the one benefit of being sick--it makes you appreciate the little things in life.

There have been times in my life that have felt that way spritually too. They happen when I've been battling a "bug" deep inside. It seems like things will never get better. I feel like throwing in the towel. Then God works in His mysterious, healing ways and suddenly I know it's all going to be okay in the end. The grass is greener, the sky is bluer, and I notice it all like never before. I love those times.

I hope all of you are staying healthy. If you're feeling a little yucky (whether it's your stomach or your heart), I pray God heals you quickly and fully.

I'm heading to the Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference on Thursday. If any of you are going to be there, I'd love for you to let me know!