Ahhhh, the time is among us. It’s here. My second favorite holiday — Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a family day, a day of happy gatherings and feasting! Football on TV in many homes, youngsters at play, and the older folks reminiscing. It’s an American tradition! I don’t want to get into politics here, but I’m just going to say, let’s remember that Thanksgiving is the holiday to give thanks especially. Let’s put all differences aside, open our eyes, and see how blessed we truly are.

Over and over again, the book of Psalms in the Bible shows us what it means to be thankful, even in times of fear, sadness, and grief. Gratitude draws our eyes away from the pain, terror, and anxiety of loss, and helps us focus on the gifts of this world, moving us forward along the healing process. There is so much dividedness anymore. Haven’t we had enough of 2020 and what it has done already? Now, with the election, we are even more divided. I laughed, thinking, how funny is it that the election and Thanksgiving are in the same month?? Instead of being full of thanks, love, and happiness, we are full of hate, judgment, and anger. Guys, God is in control. He is the King, and no matter what happens, he’s got this!

“For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.” Psalms 22:28

I want you to stop right now and think of three things you are grateful for. Go ahead; I’ll wait.

Did you think of three? Was it hard? No! It was easy!! I don’t care who you are; everyone has at least three things to be thankful for. My list would go on and on.

I am not boasting, but I live with thankfulness every day. I know how blessed I am, and I thank the Lord every day for my healthy children, food on the table, an incredible husband, a wonderful church to walk freely in each Sunday morning, a roof over my head, and a family who loves me.

I don’t sit around moping about what I don’t have; I live on what I do have. Even the small things like wildflowers in the spring, a good sale on a favorite snack, or a smile from a stranger make me happy. I mean, come on; you know, just a simple smile can go a long way.

Take, for instance; I was at Weis on Lycoming Creek Road grabbing a few things. I am typically a Wegmans shopper but only needed a few items, so I just popped in there quick instead. A man about my age was coming out from the aisle I was turning in. I told him to go ahead. He was so sweet, told me thank you, and asked how I was doing with a big smile. We both had on a mask, but you could tell by his eyes how happy he was. I thought, “How kind was he?”

I then shot over to the Dollar General. That’s mostly why I just went to Weis; they are close. Anyways, I walked in, and a man said, “Hey there! How are ya!? We meet again!” At first, I was confused; I got a quick glimpse of him and thought maybe I knew him. As I got closer, it was the same man I had just seen Weis! He said, “I just ran into you at Weis!” We both laughed, and he told me to take care and have a nice night.

His kindness towards me only made me feel like, yes, there are still good people in the world and country we live in. It is what YOU make it — a smile. A thank you. A door being held. They go so far! So, please, in light of Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, can you do me a favor? Smile at a stranger. Hold the door for someone. Just be kind. Because in this crazy world we live in, things like this go a long way. We live in the greatest country in the world, whether you believe it or not. Just be thankful.

I also want to share that I will personally be at the Rust & Shine in Williamsport on Black Friday, November 27th, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Please feel free to come say hello! My cookbooks will be 15% off November 26th to the 28th, and the store will be filled with so many amazing unique gifts and wonderful deals throughout the entire store. Lots of great vendors!

I want to wish you and your family a very wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
(In my cookbook on page 43)

This is a family tradition Thanksgiving dish! No mushroom soup. No french onions. It’s one of a kind! You’ll definitely want to double this recipe for a bigger crowd.

Ingredients:
• 2 cans green beans (drained)
• 1/2 cup sharp cheese (extra 1/2 cup to sprinkle on top)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp. Onion
• 1 tsp. Sugar
• 1/4 tsp. Pepper
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 3 Tbsp. melted butter
Directions:

Mix all together in a bowl. After mixing well, transfer into a casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.