with thankful hearts…

with thankful hearts…

A little earlier today, a knock arrived at our front door. The postman came bearing a gift…
Last week, our former congregation at Pine Forest UMC (headed up by the Friendship SS class and my fiery “ancients”) came together for a chicken dinner… a fundraiser for my family. Today, we are all stunned with the provision from God’s hands because of that fund raiser. Truly, we never imagined such bounty belonging to us, but that’s the way grace works–immeasurably more than we can ask for or even imagine.
Well, we’ve been asking God now for three months, even imagining a little bit, and today we hold something “unexpected.” Today we hold love in tangible measure, and we are humbled with the holding. We are exceedingly grateful for the body of Christ that loved us for six years and that continues to love us beyond reason in order to bring hope to our household this Thanksgiving. You’ve done that for us, good friends, and you’ve done it well.
We miss you; we love you, and we’ll always be mindful of the wonderful ministry years we shared together. You add to heaven’s glory, and one day soon, we will sit at the banqueting table together with the Lord. And I wouldn’t be surprised if there were a chicken leg or two to fill our plates!
Happy Thanksgiving, friends. As always…
Peace for the journey,
~elaine

34 Responses to with thankful hearts…

  1. What wonderous Love is Shared by God's children!! Such precious blessings!!
    You are richly blessed my friend!

  2. how precious when the family of believers pull together in love for one of our own. Much love and may your Thanksgiving be overflowing with His grace and beauty.

  3. How wonderful!! Such a tangible blessing can't be beat. Have a truly wonderful Thanksgiving. HUGS, Debbie

  4. When Bill was unemployed a few years ago, our church family presented us with a basket full of similar blessings. It's an overwhelming feeling, isn't it? We were also stunned and awed by the outpouring of love we received.

    You and Billy have been a blessing to so many…I can't think of any people more deserving of such a wonderful gift than your family.

    God bless you, my precious friend. Truly, in this season of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for YOU.

  5. Billy & Ealine,

    I am so happy for you and your family as you cherish and relish what your precious church family has done….hands and feet of Christ.

    With love and may your Thanksgiving be joyful-
    Yolanda

  6. What precious 'ancients' they are indeed! They are your 'people' – those of your earthly inheritance!

    Love you, Stephanie

  7. Praising God with you! Truly amazing the body of Christ…..evidence of how amazing our Father in Heaven is! He truly gives good gifts, always. So thankful that He has provided for your financial needs during this time, as I know the financial strain is great as you walk through cancer.

    Wishing you a joyous and blessed Thanksgiving.

    Much love in Christ,
    Stacy

  8. Oh, how I love this!!! THose gals are just darlin' and how they love you all!!! I KNOW for a fact that the chicken and fixin's were yum!!

    Y'all have a Happy Turkey day, sweet friend!
    Love you!!!
    Susan

  9. How God loves you and sends it your way through your dear friends from your former church, dear Elaine… I am rejoicing with you.

    I couldn't hold back the tears as I looked at the pictures – a community of love reaching out to you.

    What a wonderful thanksgiving you have this year. So many things to be thankful for!

    Love
    Lidj

  10. So happy for this special blessing God has poured into your lives this Thanksgiving week. What an encouragement it must have been.

    May blessings continue to come your way this holiday weekend!

  11. There is nothing quite like the love of our friends. God's people coming together to show each other love that only comes from Him.

    Love you Elaine!

  12. Don't you just love the way God works through the body of Christ!!! What a beautiful thing for them to do. God bless you, Elaine!

    Leah

  13. You and Billy have been such a blessing to so many of us at PFUMC. We will be forever changed by the love, memories and fun times we have had. This is just a small token given back to you for what you have given to us. We love you very much!
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

  14. I'm sitting here melted in my puddle of tears as I read this and look at the love in the faces of those precious saints. There is such a joy in giving and they surely have expessed that in these pictures.

    I too have been the recipient of such love on a few occasions. Once when our two boys were in college and one of them getting married, my hubby lost his job. Our small group put on the entire rehersal dinner for us.

    So thankful to share in your life during this season Elaine. You are a blessing to me!
    Praying for you daily…

  15. What a blessing. Happy Turkey Day, friend. I am thankful for you and the faithful heart you show everyday.

    Continued prayers.

  16. Amazing grace. Faith Elaine, I have been praying faithfully for you. You are so deeply loved. Bless you, sweet lady. May God fill you this holiday.

  17. These random acts of kindness are simply mind-boggling. How grateful I am to your ancients, and to their largesse of heart!

    I pray this is among your most blessed Thanksgivings, Elaine; enroute to even better ones to come.

    I thank God for you, too. What a treasure you are.

    Kathleen

  18. What a beautiful blessing from those who love you!

    I pray that this Thanksgiving will be special for you and your precious family. I thank God for the gift of Elaine!

  19. This morning my husband and I prayed a bountiful blessing on that church. Such a sweet blessing!!

    Have a blessed holiday.

    Believing Him~Pamela

  20. I'm glad you are being so well-loved. That your former congregation is still so actively part of your life is such a testimony to how well you loved them when you served there.

    So glad God had them send you a special blessing at this time.

    Mary

  21. What a precious act and gift of love toward your family.
    May God Bless You with the Happiest of All Thanksgivings!!!
    You deserve the Blessings:)

  22. Sweet grace and precious friends…such blessings the family of God enjoys! I received a quote in an email last week that speaks a great truth…

    "Rich is the person who has a praying friend."

  23. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Love the body of Christ!

    Thankful for God's provision for you and for me. You are in my prayers, dear one.

  24. Always a blessing to know the legacy you left behind is still part of today. Many ways to count your blessing dear sweet elaine.

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