Trying to Find Thanksgiving

Two weeks ago I hopped a plane bound for Washington States just hours after our daughters' Sweet 16 party. I was headed to celebrate my grandfather's 90th birthday with my family. Years have separated us seeing each other. It was a bittersweet trip.  

I am thankful for a husband who sent me away and who held the fort down!

I am thankful for time with mother, sisters, cousins, uncle, aunt and grandparents!

In addition to getting to spend time in Washington, I got to spend a few hours going and a few days returning in California with dear friends. 

I am thankful for friends who selflessly gave up time and who 'spoiled me' way too much!

And after a week I boarded several flights and returned home to Honduras.

I AM THANKFUL FOR MY FAMILY!!!!

But.....

I am trying to find thanksgiving amidst a situation we have been dealing with for two years now.  In the words of my husband that he wrote on our facebook page:

 I have a prayer request……For 2 years now we have been dealing with someone who is intent on harassing us. The communications have been sent as e-mails and it started while we were on HMA as attacks pointed toward Kathy and our situation with Elias. It escalated to very untrue, farfetched accusations involving our children and the ministry. They have requested us to leave the ministry here and for our return to the States. This person hit an all time low when they sent an e-mail to one of our daughters with some very vulgar language and accusations. It all stopped for a while but today we got another one. The e-mails have enough current information to know it is someone in our circle of communication. We have kept this to ourselves long enough but it is time to bring it to light.

At first I was very angry and wanted justice especially when this weasel directly involved my daughter. This person is a sick coward, hiding behind anonymous, seemingly untraceable e-mail messages. I now honestly want this person to know Christ and His love and grace and mercy and compassion.
Please pray for this person. Pray God will somehow penetrate their heart and soul and bring them to His light, grace and love. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support in this journey we all call life.

I received the latest email as I was sitting in the airport terminal waiting to board a flight to California. I had just said goodbye to my grandparents who I had not seen in 20 years...probably for the last time. I only got to spend less than 24 hours with my mom who I had not seen in 9 months and my sisters who I had not seen in 2 years. I was sad. And, I was also sick. Getting the email....well....didn't help me in trying to find thanksgiving. Now weeks later I can say:

I am thankful for those who hit their knees and lift us up to the Father!

I am thankful for the overwhelming amount of love and encouragement we have received!

I am thankful for YOU!

Just a few days ago we received the news that my niece's husband has been diagnosed with lymphoma. Will you please pray for Sarah and Jason?  Will you pray that through their trials they will find thanksgiving?  That their eyes will stay fixed on Jesus and the cross and what was accomplished on Calvary. That we all will be....

Thankful for JESUS, the one who knew no sin, 

but took our sin upon himself. Dying a brutal 

death, conquering death, thus allowing us to 

have fellowship with the FATHER!

When I consider all that He has done for me, the grace and love that has been lavished upon me. That I am called His daughter and precious in His sight....trying to find thanksgiving is not so hard!