There was much to be thankful for Thursday, when Travis and I gathered with family at the home of my sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Don Beacht in West Monroe, La., to again celebrate God’s many blessings. My sister Carol and her friend Bill joined us for a late lunch, and later in the day, nieces and nephews joined us, bringing more food.
The spread consisted of the usual holiday fare of turkey, dressing and giblet gravy with cranberry sauce, broccoli-cheese casserole, rolls, iced tea, sweet potato pie, chocolate cheese cake, and my own offering of homemade-from- scratch banana pudding.
The highlight of the day was time spent with Pat’s granddaughter Chastity and her husband, Nathan. They have had some really tough times over the years, fighting their own
battles and with each other, splitting and getting back together, and trying and failing. Several years ago, after a particularly serious time in their individual lives, Chastity rose up to find Christ and make him Lord of her life. Nathan followed her lead and they reunited. It hasn’t been easy.
They had their demons to conquer. But it has been several years now of sobriety and pulling together, living for Christ. They have stayed in church and in a Christian support group for years now. Last year was particularly hard for them. A storm blew a tree onto their house, which they are still in the process of repairing. Nathan suffered a broken leg while working on the repairs. But God is still in the midst of them, giving them strength they need to keep moving forward. Hearing her give her testimony warms the heart. And glancing across the room to see Nathan with the open Bible before him gives me encouragement to know that God can do anything.
I seldom do any shopping on Black Friday, but I had my pre-lit Christmas tree at my trailer, but nothing else for decorating. So, I ventured into the dollar stores to buy ornaments and garland for the tree, and other items to make my little home away from home look like Santa Claus is coming.
I cooked lunch for Paton Saturday and ate Don’s gumbo for dinner. The travel wasn’t so bad today. We left after breakfast and arrived in Union early this (Sunday) afternoon.
Travis will be with me here this week and with his help, I hope to get enough inspiration to decorate for Christmas here. He is looking for a rent house or trailer to move into. If he could find something affordable in the Union area, he could be closer to his children than in Brandon. We are watching in both places and praying about it.
I seldom receive a news item from you these days. I guess everyone is too busy making their plans and living them to have time to report it. I would love to hear about upcoming church or community Christmas musicals, parties and programs.
Happy birthday wishes go out to my god-daughter Summer Lynn for her 15th on Monday, Nov. 27. On Dec. 4, happy birthday wishes for my granddaughter, Jade Welch. Both of you girls have brought and do bring much joy to my life.
Please send your news items or comments to me at gingersnapwelch@gmail.com or leave a voice mail at 769-222-7055, or text me at 601-504-3146. Blessings until next week!
