Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone! Once again, my sweet Momma, Sister and I are cooking and preparing for Thanksgiving. I don't consider it a chore but a treasured time spent with my 2 best friends!

We are cooking chicken hens instead of turkey, pies, cornbread dressing, broccoli casserole, and more! Oh, boy, the kitchen smells good... I so wish I could share the wonderful aroma with you all!

We are fixing many of the traditional dishes that have been in our family for generations. While preparing the food, so many memories flood my mind of such precious times that I wish I could go back to so I could hold onto loved ones who are not with us! Those memories are one of the things I am so thankful for this holiday season!

What a blessing it is to be surrounded by my family, looking around that table and seeing everyone's faces. Thank you, Lord! As we celebrate Thanksgiving and gather with family & friends...let us be thankful for one another, enjoy one another, love one another, treasure one another...and let us always be grateful for the One that saved us all...Jesus...the abundance of God, and may His love fill your heart this holiday season to come!

I pray all of you can gather with the ones you love. I wanted to personally thank you all. I am grateful to have met so many wonderful friends!

My prayer this Thanksgiving is that God will bless us with HIS joy, hope, peace, and love! May we all give thanks in all we do and be grateful for what we have, giving thanks for God's many wonderful blessings!

I hope you all have a Blessed, Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to You All!

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone! Just busy in the kitchen with my Momma & Sister cooking and preparing for family coming in. The pies are made, and the turkey is in the oven as we speak. We are fixing many dishes that have been in our family for years...my Ma-Ma's(Grandmother) Cornbread Dressing, my Aunt's Brocolli Casserole, my dish that is requested each year...southern country casserole, and always a crowd pleaser Green Bean Casserole. So many fixings and the kitchen smells amazing. I wish there was a way I could share that with you all too!

What a blessing it is to be surrounded by my family. Looking around that table and seeing everyone's faces, I am so thankful! As we celebrate Thanksgiving and gather with family & friends...let us be thankful for one another, enjoy one another, love one another, treasure one another...and let us always be grateful for the One that saved us all...Jesus...the abundance of God, and may His love fill your heart this holiday season to come!

I pray all of you can gather with the ones you love. I wanted to personally thank you all. I am grateful to have met so many wonderful friends through this blog and on social media! Your sweet comments and emails make it fun to do this for you all!

This Thanksgiving...May you all be blessed by the joy of sharing the wonderful gift of God's love. May we all give thanks in all we do and be grateful for what we have, giving thanks for God's many wonderful blessings! I hope you all have a Blessed, Happy Thanksgiving!

My Review of Abby Turner's ~ The Living Table: Recipes and Devotions for Everyday Get-Togethers

I was so excited when DaySpring personally asked me to review Abby Turner's The Living Table: Recipes and Devotions for Everyday Get-Togethers Book. I jumped at the chance; I mean, some of my most treasured memories have been around the table with family. The gatherings at my Pa-Pa & Ma-Ma's(grandparent's) house were so special. I remember so well sitting with my cousins...laughing and enjoying our family’s own sacred dishes that my Ma-Ma, Momma & Aunts had made. Oh, how I wish I could go back! At my Pa-Pa's table, there was never a stranger. Growing up, my Momma says that her Daddy was always welcoming others into their table, and with 9 children, that table was always full. My Pa-Pa's heart was always open to let anyone in need of family and Jesus in. It was not just the food that brought us together; it was the love behind it. I guess you could say my Pa-Pa & Ma-Ma had a living table of their own... what a legacy they left.

My Sweet Ma-Ma's original Million Dollar Cake recipe is pictured in the photo above. She always made this for the holidays, and it was so so good! As you can see, this recipe is a bit worn and smudged and a little hard to read, but I see my Ma-Ma's hands making it in her kitchen. What a Precious Memory! She was the best cook, and my Momma is as well. She taught us that food needs to taste good, yes, but the greatest thing is to see others enjoy it.

Abby Turner - The Living Table: Recipes and Devotions for Everyday Get-Togethers

Growing up in the Midwest, farm country, the dinner table was a tradition in our family. We would eat together at the table, even if we were busy in the fields or with school... we made time for that. We always said grace, we ate good food my sweet Momma had made, shared exciting news from that day, and just enjoyed one another. At that time, I didn't know, but those are some of the best moments that I now hold dear!

Gather at Our Table - Mini Wooden Plaque

I recall old reruns of television shows where the dinner table was so important, shows like Leave it to Beaver, The Waltons, Father Knows Best, and Duck Dynasty. Many of you know the well-loved television show Duck Dynasty. It was always filled with laughter, but at the end, the gathering at the table with family and friends, along with prayer, was a staple to that show. They never failed to gather around a table and share the moments of the day, week, or whatever. Those kinds of times in this fast-paced world are getting lost. It is so easy to let everything else get in the way and not make time to just sit down and have family dinners with one another.

My Review of The Living Table:

From breakfast to dinner, theme meals, desserts, bread, pasta, and sides, The Living Table gives readers abundant reasons to gather together. The book is beautifully photographed and filled with dishes you’ll want to bring into your own home and new recipes for your family to gather around. With each section focusing on specific tables (dinner table, coffee table, outside table, etc.), you'll discover fast and easy ways to liven up any moment, whether that be a weeknight home with family or a well-thought-out Thanksgiving feast. God is asking each of us to open our homes and prepare our tables, and this book does just that. Recipes Include:

Breakfast Sausage Bundt Cake

Berry Crumble Pie

Creamed Chicken Biscuits Bowl

Reindeer Bites

Strawberry Shortcake

French Toast Casserole

Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

Pesto Penne

Popcorn Board

This recipe/devotional book also includes the following:

● Explore the importance of the table and the art of hospitality as you connect with God and others

● With devotions, a "Food for Thought" section to reflect, delicious recipes, and pro tips, this is a go-to handbook for practicing hospitality

● The Living Table is categorized by a different way Christ teaches us to serve others: the table that connects, teaches, serves, parties, welcomes, and celebrates!

The Living Table pages are infused with warmth and passion by simply gathering around the table with family and friends. It includes recipes for any holiday or occasion: Game Night, Book Club, Bible Study, Prayer meeting, Baby Showers, Movie Night, Picnics, and Christmas! It even includes for any Hallmark Movie Fans who want to throw a Christmas Movie Party 4 delicious recipes inspired by the movies. My favorite would have to be the Creamed Chicken Biscuit Bowls(pictured below). My family loves Chicken Pot Pie, so I knew it would be a hit! Thanks to Hallmark, we can celebrate Christmas every Thursday & Friday Night, or in July, and starting October this year...WOW! I love a holiday party, and a themed one is even better. Christmas is just about 3 months away, so what better time to snuggle up on the couch with a warm blanket and watch a feel-good holiday movie, right?

This book shows there is no better way to celebrate holidays, togetherness, and have deep conversations and traditions, than over a meal at the table. This book exudes Abby's bubbly and giving heart and is filled with her faith in God, her fun-filled recipes, and her inspiration behind The Living Table.

Here is what others are saying about the book and how Abby has blessed them:

● Tasty recipes and fun menus!
The Living Table is a great mix of innovative recipes using both homemade and convenience ingredients, perfect for those who enjoy delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen.

● With a focus on hospitality (above and beyond entertaining), beautiful photos of each recipe, and thoughtful devotionals, the Living Table is a great addition to anyone’s cookbook library!

● AMAZING - Must-have for all get-togethers
I highly recommend this cookbook. Not only is there great content, but amazing recipes. I love hosting people and the variety of dishes, spreads, and desserts make it great to host any party.

● Wonderful - Bought 8 to give as gifts to all of my friends. Great Content and recipes! Highly recommend! There is so much great content in addition to amazing recipes and recipe hacks! This is my new go-to gift to give!

Whether you love to cook or you are a mishap in the kitchen, this practical devotional, hospitality book, and cookbook equips the most intimidated or experienced hostess. So, what is for dinner tonight? Hopefully, it includes a gathering around the table, a nice meal, and time with family and God! Those times around the table will become treasured memories!

As Abby shares in the book, Jesus spent most of his time around people, food, and tables. Eating with others was Jesus' way of showing love and instilling the heavenly kingdom into their hearts and minds. When I received this book, I immediately thought of the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21). Jesus used food to draw people together. The miracle that Jesus performed that day was beyond remarkable. Jesus knew that he had fed the 5000, and with the leftovers, He fed the people serving the food(Mark 6:43). Jesus's desire and concern were for their hearts and souls to be with Christ! We always get caught up in all the preparations and presentations, but the best thing is being connected with others and giving of our own hearts. What I took away from this book was that your dining or kitchen table is not just a place where we eat, but it is a place where God weaves together each moment that takes place with joy, His grace, and most of all, the love for others!

~Blessings for the Day ✞o Encourage your Life~

The Blessing for the Day is a quote from Abby in this book: "My God wants me first to worship Him and then second, to dine with Him at the table. He asks us to sit at the table with Him, commune with Him, and enter into His peace. God, in His infinite wisdom, designed the table to be a safe place where the human soul receives healing from past events, forgiveness from past actions, and a deep-seated love that only comes from the presence of God."

I also wanted to share a song from The Oak Ridge Boys that tells of how the dinner table is so important!

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🦃Thanksgiving Table Decor & More That Will Make Your Home Warm & Inviting This Holiday Season

The Holiday Season is coming fast, and that means...

Family Gatherings,
Thanksgiving and Giving Thanks to Our Lord,
Feasts,
Cooking & Baking,
and Gift-Giving.

P. Graham Dunn Bless The Food, Family, and Love 12 x 6 Fence Post Wood Look Wall Art Plaque

Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away, and many of you will be gathering with family & friends for the traditional dinner at your home. So, to get you prepared and ready, here are some items you will want to make your home look beautiful, warm, and inviting. Today, I’m going to share some ideas for your Thanksgiving table, home decor, and for yourself. All the shopping links for these items are from Amazon, Dayspring, Hobby Lobby, and Life is Good.

I hope these items give you some inspiration for your own Thanksgiving. If you have any questions about these products, I will be happy to answer them. Just leave me a message in the comment section below.

*Disclosure*: I am an affiliate with Dayspring, Amazon, Life Is Good, etc... When you click on links to these merchants on this site and make a purchase, this may result in this site earning a commission. Thank you!


Every year my Momma, Sister, and I plan our family Thanksgiving dinner. I love this time of preparing and cooking with my best friends...what sweet memories. A few years back, my sister gave me this cookbook for my birthday by Gooseberry Patch, so of course, I wanted to try a new dish from it for thanksgiving dinner. I chose to make "Southern Country Casserole." I knew it would be pleasing to everyone, and it was! I now make it every year. Here is the recipe from the cookbook. It is located on page 18.

Come on Over Cookbook: A delightful collection of simple recipes and clever ideas for casual gatherings with family & friends-Available at Amazon

Southern Country Casserole

I use organic ingredients for everything listed.

2 c. water
1/2 c. quick-cooking grits, uncooked
3-1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
4 eggs, beaten
1 c. milk
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1 lb. ground sausage, browned (I use Simple Truth Organic Turkey Sausage)
1 T. fresh parsley, chopped

Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan; add grits. Return to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 4 minutes. Mix in 2 cups cheese; stir until melted. Remove from heat; add eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and sausage, mixing well. Pour into a greased 13"x9" baking pan; bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and parsley; return to oven until cheese melts, about 5 minutes. Serves 6 to 8.




First, for your Thanksgiving Table & Home Decor...

Pumpkin Paper Plates Small or Large Plates-Available at Hobby Lobby

Details via Hobby Lobby-Serve up your Thanksgiving feast in style! 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Pumpkin Paper Plates are festive plates to use during your Thanksgiving holiday. These paper plates feature cream colors with an orange pumpkin design in the center and a Bible verse in white in the center. Set them out with matching cutlery and table centerpiece for a great display!

Pumpkin Napkins - Large or Small

Details via Hobby Lobby-The holidays are meant for delicious treats and meals, so finish off your perfect banquet table with Large 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Pumpkin Napkins. Featuring swirls, leaves, and "Give Thanks In All You Do" text, these pretty napkins are made perfect when combined with coordinating centerpieces and tableware. Serve up a delicious feast, and give thanks for the glorious bounty.

Grateful Ceramic Platter-Available at DaySpring

Details via DaySpring-'Grateful' ceramic platter's classic style makes a perfect gift for all occasions or a great addition to your own kitchen. The DaySpring home collection is the perfect combination of fresh design and timeless Scriptures, with a focus on beautiful, meaningful verses and hymn lyrics that are often underused on home decor - making them unique and compelling. Message: Give Thanks To The Lord, For He Is Good; grateful For His Steadfast Love Endures Forever. Psalm 107:1 Grateful ceramic platter Size: 14 x 7 Dishwasher safe

Come Gather at the Table - Wooden Wall Art-Available at DaySpring

Details via DaySpring-Come Gather at the Table...a welcoming message that warmly invites family, friends, and guests to your table for great conversation, fresh cups of coffee (tea and cocoa, too!), and food, if you choose! A uniquely designed wall art that emulates the appearance of reclaimed barn siding and includes the carved word 'Gather' that creates an exquisite sense of depth and distinction. Great gift for housewarmings, weddings, birthdays, Thanksgiving, or simply just because!

Pfaltzgraff Plymouth 16-Piece Dinnerware Set (Service For 4)-Available at Amazon

Details via Amazon Package include 11-1/2-inch dinner plates, 9-inch salad plates, 20-ounce soup cereal bowls, and 12-ounce mugs.
This piece is part of the Pfaltzgraff Plymouth collection, featuring sculpted and embossed vegetables, fruits, and acorns adorning a creamy white background. There are several other pieces available at Amazon with this design.
This set is dishwasher, oven, and microwave safe for easy preparation and cleanup.

Benson Mills Harvest Splendor Engineered Printed Fabric Tablecloth-Available at Amazon in Different Sizes

Details via Amazon-This tablecloth is designed with a harvest theme pattern. This engineered border tablecloth will effortlessly dress up your holiday table with a luxurious jacquard fabric print base, which will impress your family and guests in your holiday dining. The table size chart will help you quickly find the perfect size for your table. Machine washable.

Mud Pie Thanksgiving Gather Side Serving Dish Set of 2-Available at Amazon

Mud Pie Gather Pumpkin Cheese Plate with Napkins plate-Available at Amazon

Mud Pie Thanksgiving Spreader Set-Available at Amazon

Mercury Glass Pumpkin Light with Timer-Available at Amazon

Perfect accent for your Thanksgiving table Décor.

Turkey on the Table Book and Activity Kit - Give Thanks and Start a New Thanksgiving Tradition-Available at Amazon

Details via Amazon-Turkey on the Table Book and Activity Kit - Give Thanks and Start a New Family Tradition. Turn thanks into a daily routine by teaching the skill of gratitude to your children and family. This heartwarming bird serves as a daily reminder to remember the people and things you are grateful for. A new family tradition, make an effort to think of and record your gratitude on a new feather each day and display them proudly in your turkey. On Thanksgiving, read aloud what each family member has to be thankful for. A great family activity or display piece for the home, classroom, or learning environment, children will learn to reflect on and understand the blessings of their lives. Appreciate all of life's blessings with this fun and easy-to-use kit, which includes 13 chevron/polka dot feathers, a marker, and a book for your family. Not only will your family experience the benefits of being thankful, but you will also experience the joy of giving, knowing that 10 meals will be provided to someone in need with each Turkey on the Table sold. To date, over 435,000 meals have been donated by Turkey on the Table through our partnership with Feeding America.

Field of Pumpkins Silhouette Farmhouse Decor Galvanized Tray-Available at Amazon

3-Piece Flickering LED Candle Set with Timer(Grateful, Thankful, Blessed)-Available at Amazon

Set of 3 Inspirational Pumpkins Table Top Home Accent Décor-Available at Amazon

RAZ Imports The Pumpkin Patch 25" Thanks and Giving Pumpkin Sign-Available at Amazon

Set of 4 Cotton Linen Autumn Thanksgiving Decorative Pillow Covers-Available at Amazon

Here are a few Fashion Finds to wear for Thanksgiving...

Women Give Thanks Pumpkin Letter Print T-Shirt-Available at Amazon

Life is Good Women's Thankful and Grateful Long Sleeve-Available at Life Is Good

Thankful Grateful And Oh So Blessed, Shirt-Available at Amazon

Thankful Pumpkin Gingham Graphic T-Shirt-Available at Amazon

In This Home - Cotton/Linen Apron-Available at DaySpring

Details via DaySpring-Wear our 'In This Home' Christian cotton/linen apron as you prepare meals for family and friends. The sentiment on this inspirational apron makes one mindful of the blessing of friends and family and to give thanks for everything. A perfect gift for any occasion.
Message:
In This Home
We gather together with friends and family, for they are life's greatest blessings.
We give thanks in everything, for our blessings are bountiful.
We live simply and show gratitude, for in simplicity, we find meaning.
We love generously and with full hearts, for love is the greatest gift of all.

Thanksgiving Kitchen Apron with Pocket and Extra Long Ties-Available at Amazon

Blessings for the Day to Encourage your Life and Bring You Joy!

"Give Thanks In All You Do"

1 Thessalonians 5:18

This Thanksgiving...May your home be filled with the love of family and friends...
May you be blessed by the joy of sharing the wonderful gift of God's love. May we all give thanks in all we do and be grateful for what we have,  giving thanks for God's many wonderful blessings!

I hope you all have a Blessed, Happy Thanksgiving!