Thankful Thursday

 

 

I missed posting last Thursday evening because I was picking my daughter Abigail up from the airport, got caught in some road construction delays on the way back and needed to go to bed when we got home at 1:30AM  :)

 

But I have much to be thankful for, and wanted to make sure I took the time to express my gratitude today

 

It's Christmas time, so at the top of my list is thankfulness for God's amazing gift in sending His Son to be the Savior of the world

 

The baby born in a humble stable, grew into manhood, and was crucified as a common reprobate even though He committed no crime.

 

But the good news!  He rose from the dead to live eternally with God the Father, and because He lives, He offers life to all who believe in His name.

 

I'm thankful for this expression of God's love and for His forgiveness offered to a sinner like me

 

I'm thankful all our kids were able to come home to spend time together over the last week and a half.  Although they didn't all come at the same time, there was overlap so that we could celebrate together.

 

Thankful too for extended family that was in town for Christmas, and for our neighbor's generosity in allowing us to use her home to house out of town guests while she was visiting her daughter in Florida

 

Our kids would be nonexistent if it wasn't for God showing me favor in a huge way by giving me my wife, Chris, with whom I get to celebrate 33 years of marriage tomorrow!!  She is a gem, for which I am extremely grateful

 

When I looked at the temperature outside this morning, it made me very thankful for a roof over my head and a furnace that works. 

 

I'm thankful for time spent this morning playing piano and guitar and singing together.  Grateful for the gift of music.  It has filled our home even more than usual these last few days

 

One of the big events of this past year has been relocating Chris' parents and getting their home of 50+ years ready to put on the market.  Our prayer was that God would provide a buyer who would want to purchase it before the end of the year.  We are thankful for the way He answered that prayer.  The house went to settlement last Wednesday, the 20th.  So glad to have that behind us.

 

The God of grace has shown His faithfulness over and over again in our lives as we walked through 2017, and so on this last Thursday of the year, I pause to give Him praise.

 

As the angels declared so many years ago, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men..."

 

May you know His peace in the coming year and give Him the glory He alone deserves 

Thankful Thursday

 

 

Been reading through the Psalms recently

 

they remind me that I share similar struggles with others

 

I easily begin to feel alone at times, wondering why I find it so hard to live victoriously when others seem to have their act together so much more

 

I know satan uses this tactic to isolate not only me, but other brothers as well

 

This morning as I read through Psalm 68, I was encouraged by verse 20

 

"God is to us a God of deliverances;"

 

That's why Jesus came, 

 

He became the sacrificial Lamb to deliver me from the power and penalty of sin

 

In this advent season, I thank God for

 

His unfailing love

 

His extreme sacrifice

 

His grace and mercy

 

His Son, my Savior

 

a baby born 2,ooo years ago who was fully God and fully human

 

the cross

 

the empty tomb

 

delivering me out of darkness into His glorious light

 

His patience with me

 

His calling on my life

 

His power

 

His glory

 

a warm and cozy house on a cold winter day

 

good food to eat

 

music

 

daily reminders of His presence

Thankful Thursday

 

 

In case you haven't noticed, Christmas is coming

 

It seems like everybody wants to know what I want for Christmas

 

My kids are asking for gift ideas

 

But I've already been given the greatest gift

 

My Savior left His home in glory, came as a baby, lived among men for 33 years or so, died on a cross, and rose again

 

Now that's a gift worth receiving

 

And I'm so thankful I've been a recipient

 

As Jesus put it in John 11,

 

"Father, I thank You that You hear Me.  And I knew that You hear Me always, but because of the people standing around I said it, that they may believe that You did send Me."

 

He understood that a grateful heart bears witness

 

It has the ability to move others toward belief

 

I have so much to be thankful for

 

I don't need any gifts, no fancifully wrapped presents

 

I just want those around me to believe that God sent His Son for them

 

For me, Christmas is about sharing the gift that's already been given

 

And as I reflect on that gift, I realize that I have no reason not to have an attitude of gratitude

 

So tonight I'm thankful for

 

a loving and loyal wife

 

early morning phone calls from my daughter

 

text pictures from my son letting me know his latest project status

 

Skype calls with my daughter and son-in-law (missed you this evening, Carl!)

 

friends who let me know they pray for me

 

songs that allow me to express my joy

 

God's word that is living and active

 

a job that I can enjoy going to each day

 

Opportunities to serve

 

a God whose ears are always open to my cries

 

Answered prayers

 

 

 

 

Thankful Thursday

 

 

It is Thanksgiving evening

 

Today was refreshing and restful, filled with the blessing of family and friends

 

I thank God He has provided both in my life, and I'm grateful for those who fill both roles

 

I know there are many who don't consider their family as friends, so I feel privileged in that area

 

I also thank God for my spiritual family, brothers and sisters who support and encourage me in my journey toward knowing and serving Him

 

As I spent time today reflecting on God's gracious and generous provision, I realize how unworthy I am of His merciful investment in my life

 

I'm thankful He was willing to sacrifice His only Son for a sinner like me, paying the penalty of death I deserved to pay, offering forgiveness and new life

 

I'm thankful for the connection I had with our kids today, from the early morning phone call from Abigail as she drove to work, to installing a new handrail on our steps with Adam, to a family Skype call with Allison, Carl, and Abigail this evening.  So wonderful to build those memories

 

I'm thankful we could open our home to my little sister and Chris' parents today as we had a Thanksgiving feast together

 

I'm thankful for the music that filled our home today: piano playing, guitar playing, singing

 

Psalm 92 tells me that giving thanks to God is a good thing

 

declaring His faithfulness and lovingkindness should be regular activities

 

The fact of the matter is that but for God's grace I wouldn't have a home, or kids, or friends and family

 

I was on a path of destruction, with no hope.  Last evening, I heard about an acquaintance who took his life earlier this week.  He had lost hope, and gave up on life.  I remember dark days like that as a young man

 

I'm so thankful God rescued me out of that place of darkness and invites me to walk in the light of His love and enjoy fellowship with Him

 

He is an AWESOME God

 

His works are wonderful

 

His words are true

 

His ways are pleasant

 

He is worthy of all praise!

Thankful Thursday

 

 

For a few years now I have had the privilege of sending out daily verse texts to a number of men

 

There's something powerful about the word of God

 

It has been written by men, but they were led by God's Spirit

 

It is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness

 

It is living and active and sharper than a sword

 

It is our defense and our offense against sin

 

It is eternal

 

I'm especially thankful for God's word, for the availability to read it in my own language, for its freshness and relativity to life

 

Thank You God for giving of Yourself through Your word

 

Thank You for teaching me and giving me an ability to understand

 

the verse I sent out this morning was from Proverbs 16:6

 

"By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil."

 

Thank You Lord for Your lovingkindness

 

Thank You for Your truth

 

Thank You for being a God who delights in reconciliation

 

Thank You for providing a way of escape when evil surrounds me.

 

If you are interested in becoming a recipient of my daily verse text, let me know  I will gladly add you to the list.  Investing in lives through scripture is one way for me to express my gratitude for all that Jesus has done for me.

Thankful Thursday

 

 

The weather has taken a turn and we've had some very damp and cold days

 

I'm especially thankful for a warm and dry house at this time of year

 

I'm not a big fan of spending lots of time in the shower, but lately that warm water has sure felt good.  Thankful for a water heater that works

 

With the cooler weather, the leaves are changing and dropping

 

Thankful for the colors of fall and for vision that allows me to take them in

 

I'm also thankful for the beautiful sunsets I've been able to enjoy on my drive home from work at the end of the day since the time change

 

I'm thankful for music, for songs that turn my thoughts toward God and His amazing gift of grace demonstrated through Jesus

 

My wife had a get together with a group of ladies the other evening, so I got to cook dinner.  I invited one of my neighbors to join me as well as another friend.  Thankful for good food and companionship

 

I'm thankful that I will get to see my son in just a little over a week.  Thankful for the resources to be able to fly him home for Thanksgiving!

 

Thankful for early morning calls from my daughter as she's leaving her house to drive to work

 

I've been meditating on verses from Proverbs 2, working on a new song from those words.  Thankful God is the source of wisdom

 

Thankful for opportunities to serve others.  Sometimes I think I'm too busy, but it is a blessing to just slow down and take time to look around, recognize needs, and reach out

 

I've been challenged lately by Jesus' words when asked what the greatest commandment was

 

Thankful that God loved me first, asking Him to give me an undivided heart in loving Him

 

Thankful for the reminder that God is always with me.  I've been reading through the Psalms, and can definitely identify with the psalmist crying out to God, sometimes wondering if He's listening, but so often seeing His hand of mercy responding to my needs 

Thankful Thursday

 

 

For the Lord gives wisdom;

from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,

guarding the paths of justice,

and He preserves the way of His godly ones.

Prov. 2:6-8

 

I read these verses this morning

 

I'm thankful that I know the source of wisdom

 

and I know that He speaks words of knowledge and understanding

 

In John 10 Jesus said that His sheep hear and recognize His voice

 

So often I struggle with hearing

 

Like right now, my ears are ringing loudly

 

It's annoying and tends to affect my ability to hear other things

 

In the same way, there's so much noise, so many voices offering advice, and promoting some form of truth or wisdom

 

but they can be distracting me from the truth that God wants me to hear

 

I'm thankful God continues to patiently speak

 

I'm thankful He gives me His Spirit to guide and remind

 

There have been times lately when I wondered if I've become numb to His voice

 

Thankful Jesus' blood covers my sin

 

Thankful power lies not in my efforts but in His shed blood

 

Thankful God preserves and protects

 

Thankful for His unfailing love and His faithful fathering

 

Thankful that He calls me to a life of integrity, a life filled with promise

 

Thankful for the hope that one day Jesus will return to take me to my eternal home

 

Thankful that God's mercies are new every morning

 

It gives me confidence to face tomorrow

 

 

 

 



Thankful Thursday

 

 

Had an opportunity to visit my mom last weekend

 

While we were there, we helped with some projects around her home

 

I'm thankful for the skills God has allowed me to develop and the chance to use them to assist others

 

Three of my siblings live within an hour and a half of my mom

 

Thankful that I was able to see them and their families

 

Thankful for the way we all worked together to help out

 

Thankful for time to just enjoy being together and catch up

 

Had some good conversation with one of my nephews

 

He asked me about my eye and during our talk he questioned what I was learning through this experience

 

I told him it has been a reminder of my inadequacy.  When things roll along and all cylinders are firing, I have a tendency to think I'm in control.  That's part of the deception.

 

So thankful for God's reminders about who really holds the reins

 

Thankful for His patience with me when I'm slow to learn

 

Thankful God is redemptive and forgiving

 

Thankful He hears when I call out to Him and responds

 

I've been spending money on airfare lately, putting plans in place to be together with my kids around Christmas

 

Thankful I have that time to look forward to

 

Thankful for God's blessing in allowing me to be a father

 

Thankful for my wife, the mother of our children, and my cherished companion for almost 33 years.  She is the expression of God's favor in my life

 

Thankful for Jesus, His life, His sacrificial death, His resurrection

 

Thankful He came to seek and save the lost

Thankful Thursday

 

 

I fell asleep on my couch, but I can't let this evening end without expressing my gratitude

 

There are so many ways that I have seen God's hand over this past week, and experienced an outpouring of His grace and mercy

 

Last week I posted in the aftermath of what could have been viewed as a tragic event

 

And yet even in those moments I was able to see how God was orchestrating within the circumstances for my good

 

We had planned a full weekend of continued work getting my wife's parents' house ready to put on the market

 

But the doctor told me Friday morning I shouldn't do any lifting or strenuous work

 

I'm thankful Chris' cousin and her husband were in town for a few days and could pitch in to assist in moving stuff out of the house

 

Also thankful for my brother-in-law, Steve, who drove up from Virginia on Saturday to give us some much needed help

 

I'm grateful for the progress I've seen over the past week in the vision in my right eye; it's not back to what it had been before the accident, but it is getting pretty close

 

I'm thankful for the many who cried out to God on my behalf

 

Especially thankful that I serve a God who hears and responds to those prayers

 

God tells me that children are a blessing from Him; I experienced that blessing as I was able to connect with all four of our kids via Skype last weekend

 

There are times when I think modern technology might be a curse, but as I was able to talk to and see each of my kids who live so many miles away I expressed gratitude to God for the technology that allowed for that to happen

 

And I received a special blessing yesterday when I heard from my son, Adam, that he has some time off around Thanksgiving and will be able to come home for 6 days to spend that time with his mom and me

 

I'm thankful for airplanes that will help him get here and back!

 

I'm thankful for challenging conversations with other men this past week and for the way God uses those times to help point me in the direction I should go

 

I'm thankful for His patience with me

 

Thankful that even when I am faithless, He remains faithful because He cannot deny Himself

 

Thankful for His Spirit who indwells me and guides me

 

Thankful for God's word; grateful it is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.  I'm thankful for the time I can spend in His word each day, and I'm asking Him to speak to me through His word so that I might grow in my knowledge of Him

 

Thankful for grace

 

I've experienced it throughout my life in so many ways

 

Thankful that God's mercies are new every morning.  Can't wait to see what's in store for tomorrow!

Thankful Thursday

 

 

It's been a painful evening

 

I was working in my shop and had a spring come loose

 

Not sure exactly what happened, but received blunt trauma to my right eye

 

after a short period of intense pain, I opened my eye only to realize I couldn't see anything

 

I have much to be thankful for

 

Many praying family and friends

 

my eye doctor had office hours this evening and was able to fit me in

 

There is no visible tearing of the retina

 

I was able to get medicine to help start the healing process

 

my wife is a great nurse (and she didn't give me a hard time for doing something stupid!)

 

I've often said that no matter how bad my circumstances may seem, there is always something for which to be thankful.  This is a fine example of that truth

 

As I sat in the doctor's office waiting for the dilation drops to do their work, I began reciting Ps. 121

 

Thankful that I know where my help comes from

 

Thankful God is the creator of heaven and earth

 

Thankful God never slumbers or sleeps

 

Thankful He is my protector, my shield and the guardian of my way

 

I may not always understand His ways, but I know that He is good

 

I know that He holds me in His hand and there is nothing that can separate me from His love

 

So grateful for God's abiding presence, for His Spirit who indwells me and reassures me that I am His child

 

One of these days, I'm going to see Him face to face and worship in His presence forever

 

So thankful for that hope! 

 

 

Thankful Thursday

 

 

I don't know about you, but having a thankful heart can take quite a bit of effort at times

 

It does serve as a catalyst for right perspective though when I persevere in reminding myself of all I have to rejoice about

 

If I take the time to observe, I see God's hand of mercy and grace in so many ways

 

the gorgeous sunsets recently remind me that He still rules over the universe; I'm thankful the earth is still spinning

 

The fact that I got up out of bed this morning points me toward God's creative genius; thankful for body parts that move and function properly

 

Each day this week I've been able to go to work; it reminds me that God provides--so thankful

 

My son received a truck this week, donated to him to use as he serves the people of Texas.  We're calling it God's truck.  I thank God for His generosity and for the way he moves in peoples' hearts

 

I come home to a wonderful wife each day.  She is an expression of God's favor in my life for which I thank Him continually

 

I often stumble and get waylaid by sinful thoughts and actions.  God offers me forgiveness and His strong hand to pick me up and set me back on the right path.  I thank Him for His patience and persistence with me

Thankful Thursday

 

 

Got to sit out back and enjoy a glorious sunset this evening with my wife

 

Thankful for our million dollar view!

 

Thankful God is the most amazing artist!!

 

Thankful that the heavens continually proclaim His glory and all creation shouts forth His praise

 

Thankful God opened my eyes to the wonders of His grace and shows me mercy every day

 

Thankful He has put a new song in my heart

 

Had a call from my daughter yesterday.  She was just checking in on me to see if I was working by myself and needed some company

 

Thankful for all my kids and their support and encouragement

 

Thankful for technology that allows me to stay in touch with them even though they are scattered all over the country

 

Thankful for a God who is omnipresent...no matter where we are, He is there

 

Had an opportunity to sit down with my father-in-law for an hour on Wednesday morning

 

Thankful for that relationship

 

Thankful for the godly heritage passed down through generations

 

Thankful for the chance to be in a supportive role during this time of transition

 

As I had time working alone today, singing and praying, I told the Lord I'm ready for Him to come back anytime

 

Thankful for the hope of an eternity worshiping around the throne of God, enjoying Him forever!

 

Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

 



Thankful Thursday

 

 

"And though the storms may come, I am holding on, to the Rock I cling..."

 

I have much to be thankful for

Especially that I have a God who is my Rock, who does not change

He is the same yesterday and today and forever

the storms will come...that's one thing you can count on

But I'm grateful that God does not abandon me in the storms

He reaches out with His strong arm and wraps me in His comforting embrace

There has been a lot of transition and change for me over the last few weeks

So thankful I am anchored to the Rock

So thankful He hears the cry of His children

So thankful He promises to respond when we call out to Him

Thankful for my family...for our time together on Skype Monday evening

Thankful for my wife who has walked beside me now for 32 years, 8 months, 9 days

She has been a faithful companion...can't imagine life without her

Thankful for songs that speak of God's goodness

Thankful for a roof over my head

As I see the reports out of TX and the developing hurricane in the Caribbean, and as I watched a violent wind storm rip through our neighborhood the other evening, I am grateful for shelter

Thankful that my son made it safely to TX and that he has the opportunity to serve those facing devastating life change over the next weeks, month, and maybe even years

Thankful for new jobs God has been providing

Thankful for His amazing grace

Thankful Thursday

 

 

I'm just a bit behind the eight ball on this, but really needed to take the time to reflect on what I have to be grateful for

 

It's been an emotional week

 

God is showing me His grace

 

Paul prayed for the Ephesians that they would know the hope of God's calling.  It's a prayer I've echoed for myself and those around me for years.  Sometimes that knowledge can get tangled up in life's events and I can begin to lose my way; lose the confidence of knowing why God has me here

 

But it's never really been about me, it is about trusting God

 

HE is deserving of all praise

 

HE is sovereign over all

 

HE is Lord and King

 

HE has the name above all names

 

HE is good

 

HE is faithful

 

HE holds the keys to set us free

 

HE is light, and He called this sinner out of darkness into His glorious light and now invites me to walk in the light and enjoy fellowship with Him

 

I sure don't know the path ahead; I'm not even guaranteed tomorrow.  But I do know that God, who holds all my tomorrows promises to walk that path with me.  And I know that at the end of my tomorrows there is one eternal day awaiting me in His presence!

 

For that I am extremely thankful.

 

And my prayer is that you have that same confidence; not in yourself, but in the God who made you and calls you to come and find all your fulfillment in HIM

 

 

Thankful Thursday

 

 

It has been an interesting week

 

I am very thankful that God has brought healing to my body

 

I've been doing demolition the last four days--can't imagine trying to do that a month ago

 

But my aches and pains are gone and my energy level is back to normal

 

On Sunday, my wife told me she was glad to hear me singing again

 

She went on to say that there had been a period of time where I played the piano, but didn't sing.  She asked if I was aware of that.  I hadn't really thought about it, but looking back I can see she is right.  I've been asking God to put a song in my heart.  I'm thankful He is a God who responds when we call out to Him.  Thankful for the songs He gives me

 

Yesterday we moved Chris' parents into their new apartment at a retirement community.  I'm thankful that went fairly smoothly. I'm grateful God provided a place for them to live, and thankful that He goes with them and will continue to guide them.

 

Tomorrow my son Adam comes home!  Haven't seen him since June 2nd.  I'm thankful for the experiences God has allowed him to have this summer.  Grateful that He is bringing Adam back.

 

My two brothers-in-law will be arriving late tomorrow evening.  Thankful for family, for the bond we share both physically and spiritually.  Grateful for time when God allows our paths to intersect

One of the songs I've been singing a lot lately has the line, "Who can save us from our sins?"  I am very thankful for Jesus, His sacrificial death on the cross, bearing the penalty for my sin, His triumphant victory over death, and His role as my intercessor at the right hand of the Father

And I am thankful that one day soon I will be with Him in glory, lifting up continual praise to Him for all eternity.



Thankful Thursday

 

 

Been working on learning the words to a few songs recently

 

Although they have been familiar when I hear them, I never took the time to get the lyrics down so I could sing them myself

 

One of the songs is "How Can I Keep From Singing"

 

The chorus starts out, "How can I keep from singing Your praise...

 

My God is so worthy of praise!

 

He is holy

 

He is righteous

 

He is compassionate

 

He is merciful

 

He is just

 

He is forgiving

 

He is patient

 

He is loving

 

He is the creator

 

He is Savior and Lord

 

He delights in reconciling people to Himself

 

His ears are always open to my cries

 

He is mighty and majestic

 

He is the author of truth and knowledge

 

He is my anchor

 

He is a peacemaker

 

All these things and so many more give me a reason to sing

 

I am so grateful that the God who made heaven and earth has adopted me into His family, calls me His son, and continues to bring transformation to this sinful broken man

Thankful Thursday

 

 

Thursday is almost over

 

But I need to take a few and put down the things I'm thanking God for this week

 

I'm grateful for God's grace

 

thankful for my job

 

thankful although I haven't been feeling well, I've been able to get out of bed every morning

 

grateful for the cross and salvation

 

thankful for friends who support me in prayer

 

thankful for music

 

thankful for an opportunity to serve through my musical ability

 

thankful to finally be on medicine; hopeful it will help to promote healing in my body

 

grateful for opportunities to connect with my kids

 

thankful for God's word

 

thankful God invites me to abide in Him; grateful He is always near

 

thankful for the promise of heaven; spending eternity praising my Savior

 

thankful for appreciative customers

 

thankful God's mercies are new every morning

 

grateful to be completely out of debt; no longer a slave to a lender

 

thankful I got this done before midnight!

Thankful Thursday

 

 

It's Thursday evening

 

Time for a pause to consider the blessings I've experienced recently

 

I am thankful for:

 

God's faithfulness

 

Good books that challenge my thinking

 

Difficult times that drive me to my knees

 

Tears of joy

 

My loving and supportive wife who knows how to encourage right responses in me

 

a God who hears and responds when we call on Him

 

music that lifts me spirits by pointing me toward God

 

phone calls and Skype calls with my kids

 

God's word and the way He speaks to me through it

 

fresh produce from our tiny vegetable patch

 

God's invitation to come to Him when we are weary

 

God's Spirit who indwells us

 

beautiful sunsets

 

times of refreshment in my Adirondack chair

 

God's protection-- seen a lot of accidents or near misses lately--grateful I haven't been involved

 

God's mercies that are new every morning

 

friends who reach out across the country with words of encouragement

 

grace and truth



Thankful Thursday

 

 

It's Thursday evening

 

Time for me to take a few minutes and reflect on what I'm thankful for

 

In Philippians, God tells us not to be anxious or worry about anything, but rather make our requests known to Him with a heart of thankfulness

 

I've learned that no matter how bleak things may look, I can always find something for which I'm grateful

 

Too often I don't take the time to express that gratitude

 

I just keep plugging away trying to make a good show of things

 

But God wants me to acknowledge His goodness and my need

 

I am thankful...

 

God invites me to express my requests even though He already knows them

 

for the living and active word of God

 

God reached out to this sinner with grace and mercy, lifted me out of my sinful state, and established my path

 

He is patient with me

 

for good books that challenge me and encourage me to seek God while He may be found

 

God has been putting a song in my heart, giving me a reason to sing

 

for my family and the opportunities I have to connect with them

 

God is a generous provider; He has given me everything I need for life and godliness

 

I know how to play the piano and have one in my home I can enjoy

 

for my wonderful wife; the expression of God's favor on me for the last 32 1/2 years

 

for the power of prayer

 

God knows me completely

 

He loves me continuously

 

all creation shouts forth God's praise and I can join with them

 

we have the nighttime for getting rest

 

when I wake up in the morning there will be a fresh batch of God's mercy for me tomorrow!

Thankful Thursday

 

 

I've been reading a book recently, called,

 

"Tempered Steel"

 

It talks about the effect of difficulty in our lives

 

When challenges arise, I have a choice

 

How will I respond?

 

With grumbling and complaining or with gratitude for the opportunity to grow and mature

 

I've been facing some challenges lately and honestly it's been an effort to keep a grateful heart

 

But I know that what God says is true!

 

And I rejoice in His goodness and faithfulness to me

 

I am thankful for

 

God's peace that passes all understanding

 

His joy demonstrated by Jesus as He faced the challenge of the cross

 

God's mercies that are new every morning

 

His forgiveness, offered to all

 

God's creativity and artistry

 

His unswerving commitment to reconciliation

 

rain

 

sunshine

 

moon flowers

 

a loving and patient wife

 

technology that allows me to connect with my kids who are scattered across the country

 

music

 

doctors--never thought I would say that!

 

restful evenings

 

God's grace

Thankful Thursday

 

 

The love of God--

 

can't comprehend it

 

can't plumb its depths

 

can't fully describe it

 

But I know it and have been touched and changed by it

 

And for that I am extremely grateful

 

It's Thursday, the day I try to take some time to put down in writing the things I've been thinking about being thankful for all week

 

Today I thank God for

 

His patience

 

His creativity

 

His artistic ability--as seen from my Adirondack chair in the back yard most evenings

 

His provision

 

the fact that He puts a song in my heart

 

the direction He gives each day

 

opportunities to tell of His amazing works

 

the chance to serve others with the gifts He provides through His Spirit

 

music

 

the cross where Jesus shed His blood in payment for my sin

 

the truth that Jesus prays for me regularly

 

friends who willingly help out in my times of need

 

my wife--loving companion for 32 1/2 years

 

technology that allows me to communicate with my kids who are scattered all over the country

 

birds that sing praise first thing in the morning

 

my piano

 

His amazing grace!

Thankful Thursday

 

 

It's Thursday, and the week has been full of things to be thankful for

 

My wife and I had the privilege of going out to Missouri to visit our daughter and son-in-law last week

 

Very grateful for the time we were able to spend with them

 

Thankful for the chance to get to know their community a bit more

 

My daughter had a couple projects I could help her with, which makes this father's heart glad

 

Thankful for God's provision of safety as we travelled almost 2,000 miles

 

We got to stop in Indianapolis on the way home and spend an evening with our uncle and cousins.  What a delightful time that was.  Thankful for their hospitality and the chance to visit with them

 

I'm thankful for the different ways God has been prodding my heart to pursue Him more diligently recently

 

Thankful for His word, and the way He reveals Himself in His word

 

Thankful for music and the ability to use it as an avenue of worship

 

Thankful God creates beauty all around us and has given us eyes to see and appreciate that beauty

 

Thankful for work, and for the wisdom God provides to accomplish the work He gives me to do

 

Thankful for my family; each one is a gift from my loving heavenly Father

 

Thankful for grace; amazed at God's patience with me and His mercies that are new every morning



Thankful Thursday

 

 

Today I'm reminded of how much I have to be thankful for

 

It is my wife's birthday

 

She's been my best friend for going on 33 years

 

I know she is a gift from God

 

She's an expression of His love and favor in my life

 

So thankful I have the privilege of sharing life with her

 

thankful for her constant companionship, her beautiful smile, her faithfulness, her support and encouragement, her time

 

I'm also very thankful for my son, who leaves early in the morning for a 2 1/2 month internship with ReachGlobal Crisis Response in South Carolina

 

Thankful for his servant heart, his love for the Lord and for others, his hunger to learn and grow, his creativity

 

Thankful God has opened this door of service for him this summer.  Excited for what he will learn as he works alongside others with a similar heart

 

I was also reminded today of how faithful God is in directing my path

 

I know I need Him every day

 

And He is always there, fulfilling His promise to never leave me or forsake me

 

Thankful for the conversations He has allowed me to have in the last week

 

Opportunities to declare His mighty work in my life

 

I am a recipient of His amazing grace

 

Can't thank Him enough!

Thankful Thursday

 

 

Although our anniversary was in December, my wife and I went away this past weekend to celebrate the 32 years of marriage God has blessed us with.

 

I'm very thankful for the expression of God's favor Chris is in my life

 

Thankful for the time we got to spend together away from the normal routines and scenery

 

Thankful for the conversations we were able to have

 

Thankful for this godly woman who continues to walk beside me on life's journey

 

This week we started a large remodeling project at work

 

Grateful for the way we have seen God's hand of provision

 

  Other things for which I am thankful:

 

God's mercies that are new every morning

 

rain

 

the beauty God has created for our viewing pleasure

 

friends who support and encourage me

 

opportunities to share how God has brought change in my life

 

piano/music

 

fires in our back yard pit

 

watching sunsets in our Adirondack chairs

 

grace

 

God's patience