Happy Thanksgiving, November 24, 2011

Count your blessings, name them one by one... Count your many blessings, see what God has done! 

This hymn has been running through my mind all morning long, as I've been whistling and cooking in the kitchen. Our blessings this year are too numerous to count, but we try to face each and every day with an attitude of gratitude. (After all, that's why this blog was started!)

It is a low-key day at the Broadhurst house. One son is with his wife and her family, and the other son is with his mom and her family. Both of my parents are back on the east coast with the rest of my family! Thus, it's just me and John, and we are enjoying the quiet simplicity of a day with football, yummy food, and beautiful weather. We are thankful for each other, for our family members who aren't with us, and for the love they give us each day. Not a day goes by that I am not thankful for our loved ones, friends and family, and the joy they share with us.

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving, and may we always be mindful of the words from Psalm 100 ... The glory on this day goes straight to God!

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 

Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 

Know that the LORD is God. 

It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; 

give thanks to him and praise his name. 

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 

his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Thanksgiving Month, Day 21, November 21

Thanksgiving of the Day: Old Friends

Today I was able to have a wonderful phone call catch up with a dear friend. She was once in my youth group in Houston, and now she's a Georgetown graduate living in DC. I'm so proud of her, and I'm so thankful after all these years we've surpassed the pastor/youth relationship and we've become great friends! How lucky am I?

Here's to old (or ol'!) friends! Love you much, Karen!

Thanksgiving Month, Day 20, November 20

Thanksgiving of the Day: The Village People

Last night, one of my Vegas friends and I went to see the Village People! Yes, after 35 years, these six men over 60 are alive and kicking! It's the original band, just older, flabbier, and not quite as energetic! They did put on quite the show. They were full of laughter, sarcasm, and though I never wish to see older men doing hip thrusts again, they still had great rhythm and singing voices!

As my friend said, we had to go. How can you possibly live in Vegas and not go see The Village People while they are on tour?!  Enjoy the wonderful clip below! Dance your heart out!

Thanksgiving Month, Day 19, November 19

Many children in Haiti use whatever ground they can find for a toilet.

Toilets in Xmaben, Mexico

Thanksgiving of the Day: TOILETS


Imagine life without a toilet. No toilets at your office. No toilets at your home. No toilets anywhere. Imagine the mess. Imagine the disease. 


It's hard to imagine life without something we take for granted, but this is the daily reality for 2.6 billion people. 40% of the world's population do not have access to adequate sanitation. That's 2.6 billion people having to practice open defecation and urination. It's no wonder the rivers and streams are polluted, which lead to water borne diseases, such as diarrhea, CHOLERA, and dysentrery. Others resort to roadsides, buckets, plastic bags and open fields. This gross way of living most often leads to death. 


Shouldn't sanitation be a high priority for every government and society on earth? Let's cut the crap! No invention has saved the lives more than a simple toilet!

A toilet in Cap Haitien, 
Haiti.
Shouldn't every one be 
given this privilege?

Thankfully, the world is starting to take notice! Today marks the 10th anniversary of World Toilet Day. World Toilet Organization created World Toilet Day to raise global awareness of the struggle 2.6 billion face every day without access to proper, clean sanitation. World Toilet Day also brings to the forefront the health, emotional and psychological consequences the poor endure as a result of inadequate sanitation. It's time to stop being afraid to talk about poop and starting taking the initiative and sharing our thoughts to give 2.6 billion people the hope to survive.


Today, when you sit on your throne and read your newspaper, think of all of the children in the world who do not have the same luxury. What can you do to help save their lives? How can you help to spread the word? How will you make a difference?

Thanksgiving Month, Day 18, November 18

Thanksgiving of the Day: Naps

Exhaustion has set with the amount of traveling over the past year. These last few days have been filled with naps and 8:30pm bedtimes. Thus, I am thankful for naps and thankful my work and school has allowed me time to have said naps. Just one more please??

Thanksgiving Month, Day 17, November 17

Courtesy of Getty Images

Thanksgiving of the Day: Tim Tebow


Colossians 3:15, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."


Last night, Tim Tebow posted this verse on Facebook, Twitter, and his wristband before going into the game against the NY Jets. While he started by posted Philippians 4:13 for many football seasons, he changed it up before his last national championship game as a Florida Gator, and John 3:16 was googled a record-breaking number of times. Since becoming a Denver Bronco, he has worn (or posted) a different verse for every game, and game after game, readers flock to the internet to type in the verse and read it. Has there been another athlete, another celebrity, any other Christian who has had this big of an impact in spreading the Gospel message? Maybe Billy Graham. Maybe Mother Teresa. 


Sure, he's not the best quarterback. Sure, he has an unorthodox throwing style. Sure, he has happy feet and refuses to stay in the pocket. But, he is a leader. He calls for his teammates to jump on board, and they flock to him. He wills them to work harder and win. 


So while it may seem a bit cliche to be thankful for Tim Tebow, I am thankful for the example he lives and the Gospel he spreads through his everyday life. 


(For more exciting blog posts on Tim Tebow, visit Carl Jones' blog and Brian Skinnell's blog. They have a much better point of view and writing style!)

Thanksgiving Month, Day 16, November 16

Thanksgiving of the Day: HOME!

After all of the traveling fun, I am finally home. It's as simple as that...I am thankful for home! I am thankful for my couch, a blanket and a pillow...and for the many naps taken today!

Thanksgiving Month, Day 15, November 15

Thanksgiving of the Day: Unlikely Friends

When sitting around in an airport for hours stuck in a situation you would rather not be in, it's better to make the best instead of complain and portray a negative attitude. After wrapping up two days worth of Solar Under The Sun meetings and a last minute conference call with future teams going to Haiti, it was time to go to the airport and begin the journey home. It was the first time in quite some time that I was simply aching to get home and stay home. There has been so much traveling lately, I was beginning to feel a little homesick.

In Little Rock, it had been raining all day long, and the thunder and lightening picked up immensely. Our flight boarding time came and went, and no one was there to give us updates. It was only after we should have taken off and still did not have a plane at our departing gate, we were told it may be a long wait.

While standing in line with a group of folks in Little Rock as we all awaited new itineraries, a few of us joked and laughed and made the best of our situation. Three hours later, those same few ended up in the same hotel shuttle and hotel check-in line for ninety minutes. We have a choice -- to complain and negatively impact those around us OR to smile, joke, and make friends with those around us. It is a time to hear the stories of others and to share the joys of your life. So though I was stuck in a hotel for yet another night away from home, I am thankful for the unlikely group of comrades who made a bad situation worthwhile.

Thanksgiving Month, Day 14, November 14

Thanksgiving of the Day: Solar Under The Sun 


Today marks the first Solar Under The Sun Board meeting since I came along as the administrative director. These last few months working with SUTS has been a great thanksgiving of my life. Though the agenda was lengthy, the discussion was thoughtful, fruitful and very needed. We came away with a gazillion action items and to-do lists and a greater vision of where we are going and where we need to be.

I am thankful for the group of colleagues that took time out of their hectic lives to lend their talents and leadership to our ministry. We could not have a better group of people to lead this mission into the next phase of growth. How lucky I am to be a part of it!

Thanksgiving Month, Day 13, November 13

Thanksgiving of the Day: Central Presbyterian Church

In these few days between Living Waters for the World meetings in Franklin, TN and Solar Under The Sun meetings in Little Rock, AR, I have been privileged to spend time with the McRae & Ulrich families in Fort Smith, Arkansas. They have been the ultimate hosts, and I am thankful to have a home away from home!

We worshipped today at Central Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith. We participated in Sunday School on the book of Revelations, and the worship service was a beautiful mix of liturgy and creativity. Both Tom and Cathy preached, each giving their take on the parable of talents found in Matthew 25:14-30. It a needed time of worship in the midst of a chaotic week of meetings and more meetings to come.

Being the second Sunday of the month, Central Presbyterian prepares and serves a meal at the Salvation Army. How wonderful it was to be a part of this mission for the evening, and sure enough, I was able to participate on the serving line with the gravy bowl. There were many wonderful people who came through the line, each more thankful than the next and giving us love just as we were spreading love to our neighbor.

Yes, what a great day of learning, worshiping and serving alongside a beautiful church family!

Thanksgiving Month, Day 12, November 12

Thanksgiving of the Day: College Football Games & Tailgating

Today was a first. I have never been to a SEC College Football game, and believe me when I say, it lived up to all of the hype! There is nothing much better than University of Arkansas versus University of Tennessee. It's an old rivalry, and though Arkansas is a top ten ranked team and Tennessee is not ranked, we were expecting a great game!

Tailgating took place at the Presbyterian United Campus Ministries building at University of Arkansas. I am blessed with the friendship of the campus minister there, and she graciously allowed us to crash in the building due to the wind gusts and chilly temperatures! We parked there and it was a short easy walk to the stadium.

Even better, I was able to renew friendship with one of my old "youths", Alex Schroller, who is now a Hendrix College Graduate. We spent a wonderful bit of time catching up and just plain talking outside of the stadium before the game started. I am so thankful for Alex and all of my former "youth." They continue to enrich my life every single day.

The game began with a bang as we "called the hog" and yelled a few "pig sooooies". Oh, the crowd was electric, and though our seats were one row from the very top, we were able to have a great view to watch each play unfold. By halftime, we were close to being popsicles, and when the score reached 42-7 in favor of the Razorbacks, it was time to go!

What an amazing day! I am so thankful for friends, fellowship and football!

Thanksgiving Month, Day 11, November 11

 Thanksgiving of the Day - Veterans

Today is 11-11-11.

Most of the world is celebrating the succession of ones in the date, as this is the one and only time it will ever happen. However, many of us are taking time to appreciate the amazing men and women who have given their time and service to our country. I, personally, am thankful for three men very close to me who have served in our military.

First, Papa, my dad's dad, was a sailor. He was aboard the USS Texas in Europe and then in the Pacific during World War II. He was an amazing man, and I miss him everyday!

Second and third are the Broadhurst Men. John served in the Air Force, and Clint is now serving in the Army. Rumor has it, young Michael Broadhurst will be an Army man soon, too! Their dedication to our country is awe-inspiring and I am thankful to have them in my life and to be a member of their family.

In a nod to the amazing military service of the United States' servicemen and women, the University of North Carolina and Michigan State will kick off the college basketball season tonight aboard the USS Carl Vinson. Not only is this special due to my very favorite Tar Heels playing, but the USS Carl Vinson was also one of the first ships to Haiti following the earthquake.

Today, find a veteran or active serviceman. Shake their hand. Thank them. Hug them. And tomorrow, do it again. And the day after that. And the day after that. Though we as a nation take today to recognize our military, let us keep our servicemen in our hearts and prayers every day.

Thanksgiving Month, Day 10, November 10

Thanksgiving of the Day - Road Trips

Driving across the United States has long been one of my favorite things to do. My first (and most memorable) big road trip was with my grandparents and dad following my sixth grade year. Granny & Papa always had big RV's and this was a 60' Bounder! It was awesome. From Little Rock to the plains of Oklahoma over to the mountains of New Mexico and up through the Rockies of Colorado and Wyoming. We stayed at KOA campgrounds, visited the US Air Force Academy, Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rushmore, the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota, and even prepared for a twister in tornado alley of Nebraska and Kansas. At such a young age, it was impressive to see the scope and greatness of God's creation.

Since then, from little road trips (such as my dad & I driving from San Fran to Reno one night) to big road trips (like the move from VA to NV), traveling across this beautiful country and seeing the sights, sounds, and people is an absolute joy of my life.

Today, a friend & I road tripped from Nashville, TN to Fort Smith, AR. While it was only an eight hour drive, we saw the likes of Toad Suck Park, the beautiful Arkansas River, and the leaves just completing their color change on the sides of the roads.

Road Trips. I'll take a car and a good radio station over first class seating on an airplane anytime!

Thanksgiving Month, Days 7, 8 & 9 - November 7-9

Thanksgivings of the Days - Solar Under The Sun & Living Waters For The World

Two organizations are near and dear to my heart. Back in 2007 when we lived in Houston, I was introduced to Living Waters for the World, a mission organization designed to train mission teams to give the gift of clean water to international communities in need. I went to their training facility, Clean Water U, in Oxford, Mississippi, for a five-day training session. Immediately, I was hooked. Shortly thereafter, I accompanied a team from Bellaire, TX to Xmaben, Mexico to install a reverse osmosis clean water system and teach a hygiene education class. Following that installation, I went back to Clean Water U for more training and went back to Mexico to survey for potential sites. By the time we moved to northern Virginia, our Bellaire team made the move to Haiti, and thankfully, they asked me to join them to continue the work. This was one of the BIGGEST blessings and thanksgivings of my life.

My first LWW installation in Haiti was also the very first installation for Solar Under The Sun, as the very first solar-powered clean water system was built in July 2009 in Arcahaie, Haiti at Pere Irnel Duveaux's parish. This set off a flurry of involvement for me, as my passion for bringing clean water and solar power to Haiti was lit. Since July 2009, I have served on eight installation teams building fourteen clean water systems, eight of which are solar-powered, and two stand-alone solar systems. Because of these two organizations, my mission addiction is being met, my family size has grown immensely with my brothers and sisters in Haiti, LWW, & SUTS, and professionally, I get to do what I love everyday.

The entries from these three days are written from a "business trip." As I type, I am sitting in Franklin, TN in a leadership meeting for LWW. Following this meeting, we will go to Little Rock and meet for two days with the Board for SUTS. Thus, I am so very thankful God has blessed me with ministry opportunities in the form of Solar Under The Sun and Living Waters For The World.

Thanksgiving Month, Day 6 - November 6

Thanksgiving of the Day - Church

It has been awhile since I have been to church in Vegas. Between traveling and being distracted by sports (see previous post), I had not been to a church in a bit. For whatever reason, I felt led to be a Methodist this morning. While I love attending The Crossing, and the preaching is impeccable, I had missed the intimate worship atmosphere of a small denominational church.

It was a warm feeling walking in, and several people spoke up to say hello and made me feel welcome. Two nice ladies sat down right beside me, and the children's choir led the music of the morning. Even when the pastor and associate pastor got the "giggles" during prayer and communion, it led my thoughts back to fun banter during announcements and prayer at my last church. It was beautiful and real and reminded me of everything I loved about being on a church staff.

Following the service, the ladies next to me struck up a conversation, and in the end, we're having coffee when I return from traveling. It was as if God handpicked the church service for me to attend this morning. He knew what I needed, and He provided. Thanks and praise to God and the Church today.

Thanksgiving Month, Days 4, 5 & 6 - November 6

Thanksgiving of the Day: Sports

This may seem so very contrite. I love sports. I love all sports. I've said it many times before. I love college basketball, college football, NFL football, soccer - domestic and abroad, baseball, golf, racing... I love it all. With that said, this weekend has been one great weekend for sports.

First, the Major League Soccer playoffs are in high gear. Friday night, Houston Dynamo won their game, as did LA Galaxy. This put them in their conference finals for Sunday night. Houston has already posted their win tonight, advancing to the MLS Cup Finals. Will LA Galaxy? Stayed tuned tonight to find out!

College football was on fire yesterday. Though my top two teams - UNC and Appalachian State - lost early in the day, the stage was set for a phenomenal evening. I've taken quite the liking to the University of Arkansas with all of my travels to the state for Solar Under The Sun meetings and solar school. They were ranked #7 and taking the #9 South Carolina Gamecocks. The Hogs won! This game was in the second quarter when both the Alabama/LSU game and the Oklahoma State/Kansas State game started. We clearly had to find our way to a sports bar in order to watch three games at once. The Tide/Tiger game was like watching a chess match, while the battle of the states was an impressive touchdown showdown.

Moving to today, the Denver Broncos got a really good win with Tim Tebow at the helm! Following the game, a ESPN commercial came on to advertise the "Carrier Classic!" UNC versus Michigan State aboard the USS Carl Vinson on Friday night! My heart was racing. College basketball returns with preseason #1, UNC TarHeels playing on top of an aircraft carrier! WOW!

Oh I am thankful for sports. All sports. And I am very thankful for a husband who puts up with my sporting addiction! Hey, he should be the thankful one, right? :)

Thanksgiving Month, Day 4 - November 4

Thanksgiving of the Day: Church Staffs & Coffee

Today's thanksgiving comes in the form of a coffee maker! Upon departing Herndon UMC, the staff gave me a Keurig coffee maker, which now sits prominently in my kitchen. In fact, it is the only appliance used every single day! As Melanie, the Children's Pastor, once told me, "I've only seen you once without coffee. Don't let that ever happen again!"

What I miss most about working on a church staff is the Christian fellowship. Two of my distinguished colleagues, Melanie & Ryan, are very near and dear to my heart. Melanie and I would yell across the hall to each other, or I would spend hours in her rocking chair to distract her from work. Ryan was always up for jumping in the car and going off to a new restaurant for lunch, and his sermons were inspiring and simply outstanding. Working with these two made me a better pastor. They challenged me to think outside the box, and they supported and encouraged me every step of the way.

So, this cup is for you, Melanie & Ryan! I am so thankful for you! I miss you, and I miss our team work, but I think about you every day! ....Mmmm...it's good coffee!

Thanksgiving Month, Day 3 - November 3

Thanksgiving of the Day: Youth Pastors & My "Kids"


If you've been reading the last few days, you know my dear husband had hip surgery on Tuesday. He is feeling remarkably well, though his nights are not as comfortable as his days. Today was his first day at physical therapy. I went along, as I still cannot bear to leave his side! (He's getting a little tired of me...!!)

I took along a school book, simply to keep myself company and catch up on reading; however, after a few minutes, I turned to my phone and read through the Tweets of the Day. A tweet by one of my great pals and youth pastor, Carl Jones, said, "Today is #ThankAYouthWorkerDay. Take time to let the youth pastors & volunteer youth workers in your life know they're appreciated!" 

Since leaving youth ministry almost a year ago, every day I consider myself more and more blessed to have worked with such amazing students. The kiddos at Pine Hill Friends, ChristChurch Presbyterian & Herndon United Methodist loved on me every day, gave me more joy than words can express, and ultimately shaped my beliefs and strengthened my life as a Christian. They made me want to be a faithful servant and follower of Christ. 

So today, though it was Thank A Youth Worker Day, I simply wanted to remind those wonderful students how much they meant to me. I sent out about a billion and one text messages, and sure enough there were replies....many, many replies. My heart was flooding with joy and love, and my smile could not be wiped off my face. I am abundantly thankful to God for bringing these students into my life and thankful for the kids who I am so very proud of. 

If you know a youth pastor or have ever worked with anyone in ministry, find them today and give them a hug! Encourage them, love them, and lift them up every chance you get! They will do the same for you!

Thanksgiving Month, Day 2 - November 2

Thanksgiving of the Day: Health & Recovery

We have much to be thankful for today. John is healing and walking well. We even did a couple of laps at Target, as he was itchin' to get out of the house. Praise be to God, he is feeling okay! In my mind, I could not have hoped for anything more! Let us continue to pray for his recovery and that I do not drive him too crazy with my doting and "mother henning!"

We are so thankful for our many friends and family who have called, emailed, and sent texts to check on us and pray for us. How lucky are we to be cared for by so many?! Thank you, dear friends. We are thankful for you!

Peace be with you today and everyday!

The Thanksgiving Project, Thanksgiving Month, Day 1 - November 1

In celebration of The Thanksgiving Project's one year anniversary AND kicking off a month of thanks, in honor of Thanksgiving, it is time to be publicly thankful each and every day again.

This blog was started almost a year ago, and while I have not written every single day, I have done my best to be mindful of my "attitude of gratitude," giving thanks in all situations. This was the original intent of "The Thanksgiving Project" - finding something to be thankful for each and every day - and writing daily served a dual purpose. With seminary beginning last January, I needed to get back into the habit of writing and using an expansive vocabulary. Now I am three semesters into seminary, loving every moment of learning, and more thankful than ever.

Today, my dear husband had hip surgery. Thankfully, it was not a hip replacement, simply an arthroscope. However, this is the first time I have ever been on the "opposite side." Usually I am the patient, and let me tell you, it is a lot less nerve-wracking to be the one on the table!  They give you great drugs and put you to sleep when you're having surgery. When you're waiting on someone you love to emerge from the recovery room, you're totally on your own!

With much encouragement and many prayers, John awoke from surgery feeling like he could run a marathon! (Okay, maybe not...) We were back home by 11:00am, and he walked inside on his own two feet. He didn't even hold on! All day, he's walked back and forth with hardly a limp. I am simply amazed and in awe of his healing. Then I got to thinking... Should I ever be amazed at God's healing power? He's healed the sick, healed the blind, and healed the hurting. Should I really be surprised he is doing so well?

Thus, I am thankful for a God who can do all things, and for a husband who is a strong patient with determination and perseverance. AND I am thankful to God for giving me this amazing husband, who really is my best pal! :)