GIVING THANKS

The list I would make today of the blessings I have received would take me too long to write. Suffice it to say...God has been good to me. I am grateful God doesn't just give me what I deserve, he just blesses and blesses and blesses again. I have no needs that aren't met. I realize how fortunate I am to be able to say that. I have all the food I want, a warm house to live in, plenty of clothes to wear, a good car to drive, a great place to work, a wonderful place to worship, money in my pocket and money in the bank. I also have the most wonderful family. From the time I was a child, I have been taught to be grateful and to be mindful of what I have been given. My parents have always "given back" in many ways. I see them even now as years have advanced, still looking for ways to serve. What a legacy. Thanks, Mom and Pop. One of the sweetest memories I have of my Mom...a memory that truly shows her heart, was on a mission trip that was taken by the women in our church. We were in Nashville, and had spent all day painting a shelter type daycare building. It was time for us to leave, and we were not finished, but it was important for us to vacate the premises. As we began preparing to leave, I saw Mom sitting in one of the hallways, paintbrush in hand...tears streaming. I asked her what was wrong and she said, "There's just so much to do, and we can't do it all. Who will ever finish what we started?" She would have stayed all night to finish...we all would have. My Pop has taken many trips out of the country to help missionary families and he has always had stories to tell of how they gladly go without necessities to be able to give more to those they serve. Which is why he would go to be with them...just to be their "handy man" for a while and take care of things they did not have time to get done. Service and thankfulness has been lived in front of me all my life. My parents have always been generous with their money, in giving to our church, and missions. I have been blessed to have a husband who believes the same way. Our tithe has always been the first to come out of our paycheck. It has never been a question. Don is always ready and willing to give generously to help others any time the need arises. My Mother-In-Law, who lives with Jesus now, was also a very generous and giving lady. She was always ready to meet a need. I pray that my boys and their families will continue to use the resources the Lord blesses them with for His work and to serve others. How blest we are to live in this country. There is such abundance...no one should suffer from want in our nation. My sister and her family feel this same way. Service and helping is a part of their daily lives. They are also living a life of gratefulness and thanksgiving. I am also fortunate to have friends who feel as I do. So many times they have used their gifts of service to minister to our family. God has blessed me with friends who are always near and willing to help.

"God, forgive me when I take these blessing for granted. Make me more aware of your goodness and provisions. Help me always look for ways to be of service to those in need. I am thankful, above all else, for You. Thank-you for saving my soul and giving me eternal life. Thank-you for your daily guidance. Amen."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU