Yesterday we had the opportunity to spend time with our daughters, my brother, and our church family at First Baptist Church of Mooresville for Thanksgiving Dinner. It was a precious time of food and fellowship. What a blessing!

Lauren escaped unnoticed, at one point, so I went to find her. It did not take long as I quickly heard the passionate way she was playing the piano in the sanctuary. I arrived to hear her lifting her praises to the Lord...alone, in the dark. I paused at the front for a time, and then joined her. It was sweet communion with our Lord, to be able to sing love songs to Him. She is so blessed and gifted.

This week as we travel to Louisiana, Lauren and Whitney will be leading worship for our team of 35(ish) people. I cannot wait as Lauren plays keyboard (Yes, even on the bus) and Whitney plays guitar, to give praise offerings to our Father in Heaven! We are heading to Slidell (sp?), across the lake from New Orleans. We will join family from Texas and our team will aid in the relief effort with other brothers and sisters in Christ.

We are excited about being there, and look forward...selfishly...to the distraction of serving. This is an opportunity Beej would want to take part in. I am glad we will be together in this way.

This morning, Deanna conveyed to me how sad it is that she never has to clean toothpaste splatter off of the mirror anymore. I don't think I ever thought she would say anything like that. I mean, pools of congealed hair gel on the vanity... globs of dried toothpaste in the sink... damp, crumpled towels piled wherever he was when it fell out of his hand... stinky sox under the couch, kitchen table or his bed. I never expected to think that the lack of these things would be anything but, well, great! After all, that's why we tried to get him to stop doing these things.

My how perspective changes. It is amazing to stop and consider what you would be willing to put up with, when it's no longer an option.

As Thanksgiving day draws near, we are each incredibly grateful to our Lord and Savior, for the years of precious time we were afforded with Beej. He touched us so deeply, and he made a difference in the lives of so many. How can we not be thankful for a life that was so well lived! Praise Jesus, that we had him for almost 16 years. Thanksgiving without him will be different, but we are blessed and even more thankful!

dad