Satisfied and filled...

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his lovingkindness,

and for his wonders to the sons of men!

For he has satisfied the thirsty soul,

and the hungry soul he has filled with what is good.

Psalm 107:8, 9

Are you hungry or thirsty?  I'm not talking about physical hunger or thirst, but that feeling that life just isn't doing it for you.  Something's missing and if you ignore it long enough you will no longer recognize that you are needing some spiritual nourishment.  These verses tell us that this is one more reason to thank God this holiday season.  He satisfies and fills that void deep inside your being with good.

Remember yesterday's definition of good?  It's the same word that is used in verse nine - that which is favorable, festive, delightful, pleasant, right, best.  Don't ignore what God has for you in his Word.  It is good!

Preparing for Thanksgiving

A little organization (making lists) is always helpful.  Plus if you think of something and put it on your list, you won't forget it.  I am very thankful for sticky notes!  Getting things done early a bit at a time will also mean that you will have the energy to enjoy your guests because you won't be exhausted the day of Thanksgiving.

Some list ideas:

Menu with grocery list and order of cooking (what dishes need to be cooked, in what order)

Guest list - it's ok to ask guests to bring one of the food items

Table:

Table centerpiece with votive candles (both of these can be very inexpensive - be creative and set the table the day before Thanksgiving)

Iron tablecloths and napkins a week ahead (if you don't have these, make sure you have something to protect your table and buy paper napkins - fold them and set aside)

Clean and declutter: (dining area, living room, kitchen, bathroom)

Tip from Fly Lady:  Set your timer and spend 15 minutes in each of these rooms.  When the timer goes off, move to the next room even if you are not done.  When you have worked in each room for 15 minutes, set the timer again and take a 15 minute break with a glass of water and your feet up.  Repeat until your have all four rooms cleaned and decluttered, even if you have to take a couple of days to get it done.

DO THE ONES YOU LIKE LEAST FIRST!  Why? Because once you get those out of the way, everything else is easy!