Today, I am Thankful for:

• My sweet sister-friend Valerie, who drove me to the airport at 5 am this morning... to keep me from paying long-term parking fees for the next 5 days. Now THAT'S Love :0)
• liquid sunshine that came in a red, festive cup at the Nashville airport Starbucks. I was ridiculously excited to try the new Creme Brulee Latte... but unfortunately they were out of syrup. Whoa is me... I had to settle for a Pumpkin Spice latte. (such a hard life ;0)
• a not-so-packed flight that allowed me to stretch out in comfort and sleep like a baby!
• an oversleeping sister, Trina... who wasn't there to pick me up when my flight landed 30 mins early. This gave me time to grab my bags, find a quiet space and just kick up my feet for a little bit before all of the busyness began.
• a bright, smiley 4 year old, Tayo (my nephew)... beaming at me from the backseat... with that signature Dukes Family 1000 watt smile. Be still my heart :0)
• the love of my Mommy... and the ability to embrace her for the first time since her surgery. Oh God, thank you for the chance to do that again... never, ever will I take a single hug for granted.
• the joy that flows from my Daddy! When he enters the room, I can't help but get excited. I always have and always will!
• a sister who is the best delegator I know... and her commandeering of the kitchen to present a Thanksgiving meal fit for Royalty! After all, we are the DUKES family ;)
• a wonderful after dinner walk and talk with my big brother, Hines... and then a quick trip to the playground with my favorite 4 year old, Tayo!
• wonderful time spent with one of our greatest family-friends, Vanessa... there's always great laughter and reflection when we get together. You've just gotta love those relationships that have lasted for over 25 years. Wow!
• sweet phone calls from my bestie, emails and countless texts from friends and loved ones all over the globe
• the assurance that we are not alone in this world... and that God's love through many abundantly overflows. My heart is refreshed by togetherness and celebration. I am soo Thankful for all of You.

With a satisfied heart,

Tracye

Word-Filled Wednesday : He Satisfies

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men,
For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Psalm 107:8-9

Happy Thanksgiving Eve to You, today!

What a wonderful scripture to ponder today.
I really need to hear those words over and over again in my heart.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and Gratitude, I lift up to God today... my questioning heart, so over-burdened with cares and I press in to the last lines of today's quote.

For HE satifies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things!

Oh Lord,

We are so thirsty and hungry for good things.
We are restless and searching... looking longingly at one another to be filled and satisfied.
Yet, all too often, we are left empty and still in need.

Thank you, today... for this treasure in Your word.
Thank you for the reminder that YOU ALONE are the one Who gives us the feast we are craving.
Oh Father, open our eyes and reveal to our malnourished hearts the Truth that You are our satisfaction.
May we drink deeply and no longer thirst.
May we eat heartily and be filled.
May we KNOW You... and be satisfied.
For YOU are good.

With a Thankful heart,
Tracye


Enjoy more wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit Susan.

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Today is a wonderful day..... I awoke with joy after a very beautiful weekend... full of fun times.
I'll tell you all about that later on this evening.... but this morning.... I want to celebrate the most amazing woman I know. My Mom!!!

It's her birthday... and I am sooo thankful that this is the day that she was given to this world.... and that as her story was written....she was chosen for me... and I for her. Wow! What a wonderful God... to always provide for us... in just the way we need.

My mother is perfect... for me :0)
God in His divine wisdom knew had it all planned out... He knew every tear.... every moment of screaming laughter....
He knew each tragedy and every single breathless wonder that would take place in our lives.
During each of those times in my life.... My amazing mother was right by my side!

When no one else understands.... she is there.
When I want to dance.... she plays a song.
When I need a to cry.... she too cries.

There is nothing more precious than the times that she and I get lost in praising His name.
It's so sweet... the way she'll be talking about something that the Lord has done... how He loved on one of us.... or unexpectedly showed up in a situation.... and her strong voice will break with the flood of tears. When the melody of her lyrics are replaced with a quiet lifting of her hands and a stream flows down her cheek....
It is then that I understand why Daddy bottles each one of our tears.

She is beautiful.
She is Loves lavishly.
She is strong and sweet.

I am so thankful to know her.... to watch her grow even as I grow up.
To cherish the memories of childhood.... and now enjoy calling her my Friend.

I wish I could be there with her today.... to wrap my arms around her... and kiss her on the cheek 20-too-many times as I love to do... (laughing).
But it's okay.... because I know that there is Someone Who loves and adores her even more than I do.... and HE will celebrate her fabulously today! Unexpected blessings will overtake her today... and peace will drape over her ... as the finest garment.

Thank you Mommy... for simply being you! I love you so much!

Sweet Father,

I love you.
Even as the tears fill my eyes this morning... I am sooo thankful.
You truly make all things beautiful... and my life is no exception.
Today... I celebrate on my most precious gifts in this life... My mother!
Lord... she is so special... and I am so greatful that you chose her for me.
You could not have picked a more perfect woman.... she is fabulous in every way.
Thank you.
I stand in awe of your ways, Lord.
As this day progresses, Father... I pray that she will feel just as special as she is.
May you allow her to be celebrated well!
Wrap Your great Love around her.... and respond to her every prayer.
Bless her with Your finest blessings.... and most of all give her even more of You!
In the Name of Jesus....with a heart overjoyed...
amen.

Have a beautiful day,
Tracye