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Give Thanks

Woo Hoo!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving!

This year it feels so surreal to me, to be honest. I am thankful for a day to come together, though. Life chugs along, so having holidays kind of forces us to stop and enjoy each other.

This year, Dad has been so weak, and caring for him has become more of a focus. So much has changed since last Thanksgiving, and even since the beginning of the year.

I’ll be honest some more and say that this has been one of my hardest years on record. I’ve had many personal struggles to face, all of them emotional. I am learning to appreciate simplicity more, and to let some things go, but I have not become an expert on that.

When I look around, I see that most families I know have so much on their plates, and big issues to deal with too. The world is just intensifying, and things I’ve never thought would happen are happening. Morality is trampled in the streets, along with truth and justice. It truly seems like the world had lost its collective mind.

I never understood the importance of the family, the beauty of the role of mothers and fathers–something that was always assumed. But now, as I see the war being waged against Biblical values, I see more clearly why we need clear role models, well stated instruction, and so much prayer over our children and our families. The culture cannot be our standard, because it is crumbling. I am quite honestly shocked and repulsed when I see the degradation of what used to be the normal way of life. But we knew it was coming, didn’t we? The Bible told us these things.

No matter what we see around us, we can take courage knowing that God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. We can also remember the stories of those who have stood strong for Godly principles during moral decay–youth like Daniel, Joseph, and others who did what was right no matter what temptations surrounded them.

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Spoiler alert: God wins.

Our prayer is that we will be there with Him when He comes, and that we will shine to let others see Him too.And that will truly be something to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Laurie

Welcome to the Homestead Blog Hop!

Homestead Blog Hop will take place every Wednesday and is for all things homesteading: real food recipes, farm animals, crafts, DIY, how-to’s, gardening, anything from-scratch, natural home/health, self-sufficiency, self-reliance, natural remedies, essential oils, & more! Basically anything related to homesteading.

Meet Your Hosts!

Follow Their Blogs

Natasha – Houseful of Nicholes (Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram)

Laurie – Ridge Haven Homestead (Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram)

Liz – The Cape Coop (Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram)

Kelly – Simple Life Mom (Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram)

FEATURED POSTS from the Last Homestead Blog Hop

Each week we take turns choosing three posts to feature. Each post will be shared on all social media platforms by all of the hosts! Here are the features from Last Week’s Hop:

1. How to Spend Less Money on Holiday Meals this Season from Carol the Cook

2. Spiral Apple Bread from Treat and Trick

3. Easy Never Fail Mincemeat Pie Recipe from Lazy Budget Chef

Congrats! Feel free to grab the featured on button for your post.

Just right click and ‘save image as…

Homestead Blog Hop Featured Badge

Guidelines for this Get-Together:

  1. Click on the “Add your Link” Button below and add a great image of your project or recipe. Make sure you link to the page of your family friendly post – not the main page of your blog.
  2. Link up to three posts each week.
  3. Try to visit at least a few other blogs at the party. Be sure to leave a comment to let them know you stopped by.
  4. Link your post back to the Homestead Blog Hop. If the hop isn’t linked to your post then you cannot be featured. All featured posts will be shared on all hosts’ social media channels.
  5. Please link up posts that you haven’t linked to the hop before. You are welcome to link old posts from your blog.
  6. By joining the party, you are giving the hosts permission to use one photo from your post with a link back to your site if it is selected as one of next week’s Features.
  7. This is a family-friendly link up meant to inspire and motivate the homesteader in all of us.

Let the Party Begin!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Join Our Pinterest Board

Follow all your hosts on Pinterest and send me a message that you’d like to be added to our Homestead Blog Hop group board. The only rule is to only add posts that you’ve also added here.

Homestead Blog Hop - Homestead tips, ideas, animal care, and recipes every Wednesday

12 Replies

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  2. I’m sorry it’s been such a challenging year – I can relate so much to the things you shared. Have a blessed Thanksgiving Laurie. I count you among my blessings this year! 🙂

  3. thanks for hosting, i’m so sorry this has been such a tough year for you. it’s been a hard year for me to physically and emotionally. I’m thankful for these few days with my guys, i won’t say it’s restful because I have to still feed them and they are hungry and love to eat. But i know it’s wonderful to be all together. wishing you the best.

    1. You really nailed it. Rest would be nice, but being together is worth it. Hope you can catch up some after.
      Seems like everyone is under a lot of pressure. I don’t think it’s coincidental. Try to take care of yourself.

  4. Laurie, your words are so spot-on! I looked for a way to email you privately but couldn’t find one. I just want to tell you that I am praying for you, and I so understand. I trust God will give your Dad relief and that all of you can enjoy the holiday. May the Lord comfort, strengthen, and bless you today.

    1. That really does mean a lot to me.
      I thought I had a contact page, but it’s been awhile since I’ve checked on it. I’ll look into it when I can.

      But thank you for the encouragement.
      Happy day!

  5. Laurie,
    So sorry to hear about your Dad’s declining health and your own personal struggles this year…I have had many a year like that. Stay strong and you will get through it…Sending prayers…
    Thanks again for hosting this charming party every week! I know how much time goes into doing so and I want you to know that it I truly appreciate it!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

What is your experience? 💜 I read every comment, and so many times I find that I gain encouragement from what’s shared. ❤️