“In
everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
This
past year I have had much to give God thanks for. Here are just a few. I am thankful...
...for
a wife who models the love of God by loving me just as I am, warts and all!
…for
a daughter 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
God she’s become.
...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 -- Jim P, Cindy, Peter, Frieda, Rob, Jim H, Leanna, Nancy,
Bronwyne, Lee, Barbara, and Nicole -- who, together
with me, share in the cause and work of Christ through
our church.
…for
church members who love me in spite of the fact that we “go over” in worship far too many
Sundays due to long-winded preaching!
...for
Sunday School and Bible study teachers/leaders who live out their faith in the selfless way
they lead and teach.
...for
committee and ministry team leaders 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 sound, multi-media ministries and those who help
prepare our bulletins and newsletters in the
essential work that they do.
...for
the members of our praise team, adult, children’s and youth choirs for the blessing and
inspiration they share through
their music.
…for
all the volunteers and staff of our church nursery who give tirelessly of themselves to make
sure our children are safe and happy.
…for
the members of our Kenyan congregation who remind us of our calling to be Jesus to the
whole world, even when that world is here among us!
…for
the staff and teachers of Lighthouse Academy, in keeping us in touch with the needs of the
community that we are tasked 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
all the great volunteers who lovingly help in all of our Sunday night and Wednesday evening
activities.
...for
church members who are willing to make God a priority through their financial giving to
His church.
…for
our “be BOLD” capital campaign and new Building Committee that will advance the
vision of our church into the future.
...for
fellow Christians who’re willing to step outside themselves by participating in serving and/or
sharing ministries both locally and/or 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 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.” Let us all strive to live
out our thankfulness this Thanksgiving holiday!
Remember, God loves you and I do, too!
FOR WHAT ARE
YOU THANKFUL???
