This past year I have had much to give God thanks for. Here are just a few. I am thankful...
...for a wife, Trish, who models the love of God by loving me just as I am, warts and all!
…for our daughter Jennifer, who makes Trish and I proud, not only because of what she does but more importantly because of who she is and the beautiful woman of Godshe’s become.
…for our son-in-law Zach, who we are proud to call “son” because of the good husband he is for our daughter, and the great father he is for both of our granddaughters.
…for our granddaughter Hayleigh who is so full of life, energy, excitement and curiosity about the world that she is discovering at age 5.
…for our granddaughter Hannah who is full of passion for life, compassion and love for others, and her ability to see joy in all around her at nearly age 11.
...for parents who raised me in church to love, understand, and eventually follow the ways of God.
...for a church family who loves, supports, and prays for both my family and myself daily.
...for all of my fellow staff members – Janet, Andy, Ali, Cindy R, Thomas, Carolyn, Cindy J, Julie, and Nina -- who, together with me, share in the cause and work of Christ through our church.
...for Sunday School, Bible study, and small group facilitators and leaders who live out their faith in the selfless way they teach and/or lead.
...for committee and ministry team chairpersons and members who give “above and beyond” to the work of Christ through their participation in and leadership of our church’s ministries.
...for the “behind-the-scenes” members of our Audio-Visual, Greeters, Security, Usher ministries, and our and Communion servers and preparers in the essential work that they do.
...for the members of our praise band, adult, and children’s choirs and our Agape Handbell choir members for the blessing and inspiration they share through their music.
…for all the staff of our church nursery who give tirelessly of themselves to make sure our children are safe and happy.
…for the staff and teachers of our Preschool, in keeping us in touch with the needs of the community that we are called to serve.
...for church members who roll up their sleeves and pitch in to be part of "the answer," rather than whining about what someone else is not doing to fix "the problem."
...for church members who are willing to make God a priority through their financial giving to His church.
...for fellow Christians who’re willing to step outside themselves by participating in serving and/or sharing in mission ministries both locally and overseas.
…most importantly, for God who gave his son for me to give me forgiveness and salvation when I didn’t deserve it, and for giving me life and hope in the midst of a hectic and mixed up world!
Of course, there’s many, many more, but have you “counted your blessings” lately? When you do, I’m sure you’ll find that, like me, you have many things for which to “give thanks.” This Thanksgiving holiday and for the entire month of November, I invite you to join me in striving to live out our thankfulness! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!
FOR WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL???
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