ThanksLiving

They cry, “Peace, peace, when there is no peace.” Those words from Jeremiah, the Old Testament prophet could be echoed by our world today. Many must wonder, Is there such a thing as peace anymore?  

“…My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Those were Jesus’ gentle words to his disciples—and to us--in John 14:27.  Even back in the Old Testament, God promised in Jeremiah 29:17, “I have a good plan for you, of hope and a future.”

Thanksgiving is nearly upon us and I am blessed to live in a sheltered part of the world that doesn’t have to deal directly with terrorism and war. However, peace isn’t necessarily an external entity. The Norman Rockwell idea of Thanksgiving might picture family or friends sharing hospitality, with the general idea of overeating--and then it’s time to watch the football game. That’s all great but what if we continued to express our gratitude beyond Thanksgiving.

I love it that so many on FaceBook have joined in the idea of daily listing things they are thankful for. After this Thanksgiving season when all the turkey and pumpkin pie has been put away (either in the refrigerator or the tummy), get a notebook to keep by your bed or with your Quiet Time materials and jot down at least one thing you are thankful for each day.

This practice of thanksliving will be a step in the right direction when we look around at our chaotic world, or even within ourselves, and wonder where on earth our peace might be found.

Our Peace is right here, right beside us. He said He would never leave us.

That’s hope that brings peace. That’s really something to be thankful for.

Tucson and More

My blog posting frequency has become appalling. I’d love to blame it on Nat’l. Novel Writer’s Month, but since I’m only doing an abbreviated version of that this year, the excuse won’t work. Maybe it’s old age and feeling really crummy several days of the past few weeks. No, that won’t work either. Might as well ‘fess up to just being lazy!

Tucson Scenery

The “Diehl Reunion” in Tucson was another great time of getting together and eating great food thanks to Brenda and also to our friends, the Rundletts who fed we three Diehls one evening.  

Some of the crew

 We not only enjoyed visiting relatives in Tucson, but friends in Green Valley, more relatives in Chino Valley and friends in Las Vegas. So we made the miles count and are so grateful to all who worked schedules around our trip. 

Halloween arrived in Elko with decent weather but apparently the trick or treaters knew only healthy treats were at our house so they detoured our door. However, the biggest trickster at my house dressed up like a mad scientist—no telling what diabolical experiment he concocted.  

Brian, the Mad Scientist

Autumn leaves with Snow

Snow finally fell in our valley the first week of November—very wet snow but the NV blue skies prevailed and it’s all gone now except for the higher elevations.

And he sang, too.

The house photographer had his debut photography show in Elko last weekend and was gratified by friends’ attendance and support.  

Brian and Pat  at DLC Gallery

Extended family members have been dealt some hard blows recently but the dust has settled somewhat. Through it all, it’s good to cling to the promise that Jesus is the anchor for our souls—Hebrews 6:19. And with the Parisians we can rejoice that although trouble is a certainty in this world, Jesus has overcome the world by His death on the cross and His resurrection. (See John 16:33) And with these great promises, this blog post ends.