Family Thanksgiving Dinner
November 23, 2023
At almost precisely 2:00pm we began to sit down at the lovely table with the family for Thanksgiving dinner. Of course Rod had to take a few pictures, but then he reflected on the treasure of family and asked God's blessing on the food and our gathering.
 | The pleasure of serving one another with this fine meal. |
Looking at this picture brings thoughts of the family relationships. On Mark's left are his three nieces Elyse, Ashleigh and Jordan, daughters of his brother Jeff. Mark is being served by his cousin Shirley Howard, daughter of Rod's sister Dorothy Nave Tirey.
It has been a family tradition to take a picture of the group at the fireplace after the meal. Front row Ashleigh Nave, Jeff Nave, Shirley Howard, Mark Nave, Brenda Nave. Back row Darla Nave, Elyse Nave, Jordan Nave Zell, Luke Zell.
Ashleigh set up her camera with a timer to get us all in. Front row Ashleigh Nave, Jeff Nave, Shirley Howard, Mark Nave, Brenda Nave, Rod Nave. Back row Darla Nave, Elyse Nave, Jordan Nave Zell, Luke Zell.
 | It was certainly appropriate to celebrate Mr and Mrs Luke Zell for the first time in this setting. Since last Thanksgiving they experienced their remarkable wedding ceremony in Joshua Tree National Park. |
It has been a wonderful blessing to have fellowship with Jeff and Darla and all three daughters at this time in their lives when they have so much going on. We are so proud of them all.
Relaxing into the evening with dessert and a card game. Marty came up and they all joined in with this fun time. |
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November 24, 2023
 | This was the day of departure for all our treasured guests, but at least we got to have breakfast about 9am with most of them. |
| We took the opportunity for a photo of Shirley with Elyse, Jordan and Ashleigh. Shirley had attended Jeff and Darla's wedding, but she had never met the girls! |
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 | We also went outside to take the picture by the Japanese Maple, one of our favorite photo spots. |
| As they wrapped up their final packing, we took every opportunity for casual conversation. |
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 | Jeff and Darla were the first to leave, and Ashleigh and Elyse were riding back with them after having flown up. |
| After our family circle prayer, Jeff and Darla took off with Ashleigh and Elyse. |
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 | We made sure Jordan and Luke's tires were aired up and bade farewell to them as they headed to North Carolina to visit friends. |
Shirley's return flight to Little Rock was in early afternoon. Mark came out and took her to the airport rather than her taking Uber. It was an amazing week of family fellowship and we praised the Lord.
| Stories and Songs with Awana and Youth |