1. Ayn Rand. I’d love to ask her why she couldn’t see that any system built on self-interest would never be in the best interest of the people.

2. Laura Ingalls Wilder. I’d just love to hear more stories of her childhood.

3.  C.S. Lewis. I think I’d be way too shy to ask him any questions!

4. Jasper Fforde. I wonder if he’s as humorous in person as he is in his books?

5. Orson Scott Card. I’d love to hear him talk about Ender’s world.

6. Jane Austen. Mainly because I think it’d be cool to say I had Jane Austen at my Thanksgiving dinner…

7. Corrie Ten Boom. Definitely would be inviting her for her, not her writing. Though I loved The Hiding Place in a hard-to-read way.

8. Jerry Bridges. His writing is so gospel-centered, and I think that would be a welcome addition to any meal.

9. Thomas Friedman. I’m now reading my 3rd book of his. I don’t agree with him on a lot of things, but he’s very astute.

10. Carolyn McCulley. I really respect her and think I have a lot to learn from her.

• Since I’m always traveling long distances on Thanksgiving, I never make any food for the Thanksgiving meal. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to make some Thanksgiving foods here or there, but never for “the” meal. This year I’m making the ham, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pies. I’m also planning on bringing a olive/pickle tray and spinach and artichoke dip for the all-important munching time.

• So yeah, I won’t be spending Thanksgiving alone, but my “family” here. I’m looking forward to it.

• And I’m also looking forward to decorating for Christmas next Friday. I still have a few “essential” decorations to pick up (basically everything associated with the tree). Can’t wait to show you guys pictures!

I’m thankful for family, both by blood and by choice.

I’ve chosen to live far from my family not because I don’t love them (really, I do!) or don’t want to spend time with them (I still choose to see them a few times a year), but because this was where the school I wanted to go was.

But that was 3 years ago. Why am I still here?

I’ll blame that on my “family by choice,” the people in my small group at church. These are the people I see at least weekly and do life with. These are the people I call when I need a place to do laundry, a ride to the airport, or someone to talk to. These are the people that call on me when they need help around their house or with their children or want someone to talk to. These are the people who see my struggles and strengths everyday and help me see them too.

My life would be very different and less colorful without both types of family. I thank God for each one of them.

Last Sunday during the service, I started to tear up. Sure, it was the day before my last day at my job, but that had nothing to do with why I was crying.

I was overwhelmed by what God has done for me.

Yes, I’ve been physically blessed with many positions and talents and education enough that I might be tempted to trust in them for my next job. I have family and friends I love (and who love me). But I’m not talking about all this icing, I’m talking about the fact that God sent his Son to die so I don’t have to.

I can’t imagine loving someone that much.

The length of time it would take me to drive home, walk up the stairs, and open the drawer. So about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

2. Do you drink enough water?

Yes. I drink 100-120 ounces a day (sometimes even more). Any less, and I’m thirsty.

3. What are your thoughts on bottled water?

Don’t like individual bottled water as it’s such a waste of resources. Is it really THAT hard to refill a reusable bottle? I don’t mind the 5-gallon type of bottled water, as those containers are reused over and over again. For my part, though, I don’t mind tap at all.

4. What are two things on your night-table (or next to your bed)?

A humidifier and my mouth guard (to prevent me from wearing my teeth down while I sleep). Other than that, there’s only a lamp. I rarely read in bed, so my books stay over on the table by my reading chair.

5. What’s your favorite kind of pie?

This is a good Thanksgiving question, though a hard one to answer. It’s basically a 3-way tie between apple, pumpkin, and pecan. On Thanksgiving day, though, I always choose pumpkin first (though will eat the others later). I think someone would have to keep track of my pie-eating habits surreptitiously to see what my true preferences are.

I thank God He’s given me food on my table in abundance.

I thank God that He’s given me family and friends who love me and show me more grace than I deserve.

I thank God for giving us quick travel that I may visit my family who’s over 1,000 miles away on this day.

I thank God for giving me not only a well-paying job in these times, but a job that I like.

I thank God for allowing me to be part of a church who, though not perfect, is seeking to grow together towards christlikeness.

Most of all, I thank God for giving His Son to save a wretch like me.

So happy Thanksgiving, and remember to thank God for the many blessings he’s given you…no matter how many or how few, they’re more than we deserve.

Photos by CarbonNYC, Julie McLeod,  aka Kath, me, Phillie Casablanca, and DrGBB

Thanksgiving meal with people I love

(though I could say the same thing when I have Thanksgiving with my family later this week!)