Thankful Thursday

yesterday I celebrated my anniversary

37 years of marriage to the love of my life

I'm thankful for each of those years

thankful God has directed our path, showing us the steps to take, and sometimes carrying us when we couldn't walk on our own

I'm thankful for the joys and the sorrows we have experienced over these many years

thankful God has been faithful in guarding our relationship

I know it's only by His grace that we have enjoyed the closeness and depth of relationship we share

I'm thankful God challenged me many years ago to begin each day praying with and for my wife

it has provided solid footing for us throughout our journey

God is the glue that has bonded us together

I'm so grateful He knows us and hears us

I remember standing before Chris those many years ago, telling her that I would love her as Christ loves the church

I certainly haven't done that perfectly over the years

but I am thankful God has helped me in doing that, and thankful He forgives my shortcomings

I remember singing the song, "I Could Never Promise You" in our wedding ceremony

acknowledging my utter dependence on God in starting the new role as a husband

and as the years have passed, I just become more and more convinced of my need for Him

I'm thankful for Chris' patience with me

thankful for her devotion to God first of all, but also to me

I'm thankful for her support and encouraging words

she is my perfect gift from God

I'm thankful for my job

I'm also very thankful most days aren't like today was

it was just one of those days!

my brother in law sent the verse, 

"In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have overcome the world." 

in a family group text this morning

it was fitting for the day I had

trouble!

but I'm thankful God continued to guide me and give me strength even while experiencing trouble

I'm thankful God is the source of wisdom

thankful He is the giver and sustainer of life

I'm grateful for His presence with me each day

although I've been doing this kind of work most of my life--40+ years

I still find myself seeking His insight when I'm facing a challenging situation

I'm thankful for God's invitation to ask for wisdom when we find it lacking

thankful too for His assurance that He doesn't look on us with reproach when we acknowledge that lack

God is my refuge

He is my strength and my song

so grateful!

Thankful Thursday

I pause to reflect on what I am thankful for this evening, 2 days before Christmas

Immanuel: God with us

what an amazing gift!

I thank God that He sent His Son

born a child, and yet a King

I am thankful God is near

thankful He didn't just create the earth and then take a giant step back to let us flounder on our own

I'm thankful God reveals Himself to those who seek Him

on the night of Jesus birth, the shepherds received a message about this new born Savior

they could have just stayed on the hillside watching their sheep

but instead they went in search of the One who had come to bring peace

and they found Him

The magi from the east saw a star with special significance

they didn't have to travel many miles to bring homage to the One who was born king of the Jews

but the did

they came seeking Him and found Him

and I'm thankful God is still revealing Himself 

am I seeking Him?

I'm thankful God responds when I call out to Him

I know He hears me when I pray

I've seen the evidence of His answers to those prayers

I'm thankful God has blessed me with children and grandchildren

thankful for stimulating conversations with my kids

thankful for the way they challenge and encourage me

I'm thankful for God's protection

I was just quoting from Ps. 121 to my grandson this morning

"The Lord is your keeper; the sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul."

I had one of those protection moments this week

I was ripping a board on the table saw and suddenly felt something on my thumb

I pulled back, and looked at it

I was wearing a glove, and it had a cut in it, but when I pulled the glove off, the skin wasn't even broken

It could have been a very bad situation

but God...

I'm thankful God's timing is perfect

at just the right time, He sent His Son

even when I was trapped in my sin, Jesus died and rose again so I could experience newness of life

so thankful Jesus humbled Himself and became a servant and a sacrifice

I'm thankful for the exemplary life He lived

I'm thankful for God's grace and mercy demonstrated on the cross

and I'm thankful I am a recipient of His love 

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for God's continued guidance and protection

my wife, Chris, spent 2 weeks out in Missouri with our daughter and her family

while there, she tested positive for Covid and was dealing with a lot of fatigue

she really wanted to come home, but wasn't sure if she could handle the trip

as we prayed and sought God's direction, we decided that I would drive out and bring her home 

1,900 miles in three days

so thankful God gave me the energy and endurance to make that trip

and I'm thankful to have my wife back home

I'm thankful God answers prayer

thankful He responds when we call out to Him

and I'm thankful God invites us to come to Him with our prayers

I've been singing a lot recently on the job

one of the things I've been praying about is thanking God that He is my strength and my song, and asking Him to give me a song throughout the day

and He has been answering that prayer with more than one song

daily I'm reminded how dependent I am on God's strength

the physical toll I experience in my work is a constant reminder that God's strength is perfected in my weakness

I'm thankful His grace is sufficient for all the circumstances I face

my coworker has been reminding me lately that in the world we will have trouble, but he encourages me with the rest of that truth: that we can take courage because Christ has overcome the world

I'm thankful God is a God of victory

thankful that He causes us to triumph through Him

I'm thankful His mercies are new each morning

and thankful God is faithful in fulfilling His promises to me

I'm thankful for the wisdom that comes as I seek Him and live in fear of Him

God is holy and righteous, and yet He is also gracious and merciful

I'm thankful I have experienced His salvation

as we go through this advent season

I'm thankful Jesus came

thankful God is with me

thankful He continues to shine on me and show me His favor

Thankful Thursday

it's Thanksgiving!

I wonder how many spent the day in an attitude of gratitude

I have a feeling that for many it's just a holiday that gets them a break from work

but for me every day is a gift, and therefore every day is a day of thanksgiving

it was a different kind of day for me

I didn't sleep very well last night, and woke up this morning feeling achy

so I've been lying low, drinking lots of fluids, and trying to recover

but it's given me an opportunity to consider all I have to be thankful for

I'm thankful for mercy, grateful God doesn't give me what I deserve

I'm thankful for God's faithfulness 

He is a generous provider

I'm thankful for family

thankful God has blessed me with a loving wife who supports and encourages me daily

thankful for kids and grandkids

thankful that although our kids are scattered across the country, we can stay in touch through technology

I'm thankful for my job

grateful for the opportunity it gives me to use my gifts in taking houses from a state of disrepair to a place someone would want to live in

I'm thankful for my new coworker, a man who loves Jesus

thankful for the conversations we've been able to have about the Lord

I'm thankful God is my strength and my song

thankful for salvation through the blood of the Lamb

I'm thankful for God's peace that guards my heart and mind

I'm thankful for His joy

the author of Proverbs says that a joyful heart is good medicine

so I should be feeling better soon

my heart is filled with joy!

Thankful Thursday

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." 

I'm so thankful for this truth

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

Spending a week with her in Missouri and me in Pennsylvania just helps to confirm how blessed I am to have her by my side

I'm thankful she came home Saturday night

I listened to a sermon recently that talked about God's presence in our lives

I'm thankful for His promise to never leave us or forsake us

one thing the pastor said that has stuck with me is that "Worry waste the wonder that God is with me."

I'm thankful God continues to reveal Himself to me

thankful His ears are always open to my cries

I'm thankful for the truths found in His word, and for the impact those truths have on my life when I give heed to them

It's been a beautiful fall season

lots of vibrant colors to enjoy

I'm thankful God is a creator of beauty

thankful for the variety He has placed in His creation

we have a lot of clear nights that make the stars seem brighter

the heavens truly do declare God's glory

I'm thankful for God's attention to the little details

Scripture tells us He even has the hairs of our head numbered

seems that number has been decreasing for me lately

but God knows

I don't know why He needs to keep track of that, but it's a reminder that nothing escapes His notice

I'm thankful God is my strength and my song

thankful I can take refuge in the shadow of His wings

I'm thankful He is my provider and protector

thankful God knows exactly what I need

and thankful He gives generously out of His abundance

I'm thankful God is always good

thankful He is forgiving

I'm thankful Jesus paid the penalty for my sins so that I can experience God's forgiveness

I'm thankful God has raised me to newness of life, that my name is written in the Lamb's book of life, and that one day I will enter His presence to enjoy and worship Him forever

Thankful Thursday

I'm sitting here in Missouri

Chris and I have been enjoying an opportunity to invest time and energy with our oldest daughter and her family

I'm thankful for my two grandsons

they are a blessing from the Lord

and I'm thankful for the resources to be able to spend this time with them

it's a long drive from Pennsylvania to Missouri

but worth the effort

and I'm very grateful for God's hand of protection over those many miles

I'm also thankful for the people God has placed here to be a support system for my kids and grandkids

I'm thankful God is caring and compassionate

He knows our needs and He is a generous provider

I'm thankful for the friendships I have been able to develop with men here as well

got to spend some time with one of them this morning for a couple hours

it was a blessing to catch up and just to share how God has been working in our lives

I'm always grateful for conversations that center around making much of God and His greatness

two weekends ago, I had the privilege of playing piano for my niece's wedding

it was an honor to be asked 

I'm thankful for the gift of music God has given me, and for the ability to just play off the cuff

what was supposed to be a 30 minute prelude turned into an hour because of weather delays

I'm thankful for the chance to catch up with some family that weekend

also had some extra time with my son who drove up from North Carolina and then traveled with us to the wedding

thankful for someone to share the driving with and just for the time connecting with him

I've also been playing piano while here and singing with the family

I'm thankful for the calming effect music can have

it has helped put my youngest grandson to sleep a couple times when he was agitated

I'm thankful God answers prayer

we've had a number of ways we've seen this as we talk with our daughter and son-in-law

thankful for their trust in God to direct and provide

thankful for His faithfulness in doing that

 

Thankful Thursday

so it has been a while since I took the time to put my thoughts on thankfulness in writing

I make it a habit to express thanks to God whenever I talk with Him

but I know this focused time is beneficial

there's just times when life interrupts and I get distracted 

but James tells us that the one who knows to do good and doesn't do it is sinning

I want to avoid sin!

what am I thankful for?

God has been faithful in spite of my inconsistency 

God's mercies are new every morning

just this evening in a conversation with my wife, in a bit of frustration, she said, "Lord have mercy on me!" and I reminded her that He does, every day, His mercies are new every morning

God's timing is perfect

He knows what I need and when I need it

He is a generous supplier 

God is wise and when asked, gives me doses of wisdom out of His storehouse

God is my strength and my song

He is my Deliverer, my Redeemer

God uses my circumstances to remind me of my need of Him and assure me He is always present

God surrounds me with friends who encourage and support me

Life isn't always pretty, nor is it easy

But God gives grace in abundance

God has blessed me with family; a loving wife, children, and now a couple of grandsons

He has given me so many wonderful gifts, too numerous to count

I'm grateful for all of these things

and thankful for a God who involves Himself in my life

He is the God who is near and not far off

Thankful Thursday

God promises to be with me

He knows my name and I belong to Him

I'm so thankful for God's guidance and presence

I've sensed His nearness and help these last few days

with Ida rolling up into our area I knew things could get interesting

I'm thankful God gave me safety as I travelled home from Maryland yesterday

I had a message from my wife earlier in the day that her brother would be joining us for supper and spending the night at our house

I'm thankful for God's timing in that visit

around 9:30 last evening Dennis came up and said he thought water was coming in our guest room in the basement

I went down and sure enough, there was quite a bit of water

we began running shop vacs to try to suck it up

I spent most of the night pulling water from the carpet

if Dennis had not been here using that room, we would not have discovered the water until sometime today, and the damages would have been much more severe

I'm thankful he was here, and thankful for his help in cleaning up

part way through today, God helped us come to the decision to remove the carpet and padding which was totally saturated

I'm thankful He provided information to help us make that decision

I'm thankful for the friends he sent our way to help out with the clean up today

thankful for the equipment provided to help with that clean up

I'm thankful God provided strength as I operated on just a couple hours of sleep today

I'm thankful the damages were confined to just the one room

and thankful at this point things are drying out well and we can begin putting things in place to restore order to that room

I'm thankful for God's word, as I read verses in Isaiah 43 yesterday morning about not being overwhelmed by water

how fitting

at the time I didn't realize how I would experience the reality of those verses

but thankful God knew I needed them 

His timing is always perfect!

I'm thankful God helps me keep things in perspective

thankful His peace guards my heart and my mind

thankful God gives wisdom to make decisions

I'm thankful He is generous and trustworthy

I'm thankful God is my refuge and strength

thankful He gives me a song

and thankful God gives rest to the weary

I'm counting on that as I head for my bed! 

Thankful Thursday

as I sit here this evening reflecting on what I have to be thankful for

I'm aware that I am blessed beyond my ability to even comprehend

almost every time I hear someone  asking God to bless them or bless our country

I think to myself, "If you could just take a few moments to thank Him for how He has already blessed you, your life would be so much richer."

I don't speak those words out loud; they probably would be misunderstood

but for me the reality is that God has blessed me so much more than I deserve 

and much of the time I don't even express my gratitude 

I'm quick to ask for things, slow to say "Thank you"

that's one of the reasons I take this time on Thursdays

God is worthy of my praise

He deserves to hear me express thanks

I am thankful God woke me up this morning

thankful He gives me life and breath

I'm thankful God has designed my body to function the way it does

thankful He has created me with a mind to be able to think and reason

I'm thankful I've been born again

thankful God has adopted me into His family and calls me His son

I'm thankful Christ went to the cross, taking the Father's wrath against sin on Himself

I'm thankful His blood has paid the penalty for my sin and washed me clean

I'm thankful God has clothed me in Christ's righteousness

I know I can't drum up enough of my own to count for anything

I'm thankful for spiritual conversations God has allowed me to have this past week

thankful for opportunities to sow seeds of truth

I'm thankful God helps me to weather the storms of life, both physical and spiritual

I'm thankful He has given me His Spirit

I'm thankful for the privilege of communicating with God in prayer

and thankful He speaks to me through His word

I'm thankful for a house to live in, food to eat, and clothes to wear

I'm thankful for a car that runs well

I'm thankful for a comfortable couch to sit on

in light of the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti over the weekend, I'm especially thankful for these physicals blessings

I'm thankful for the financial resources to help others in need

I'm thankful for God's grace

thankful for His goodness and faithfulness

I'm thankful for the trust I can have in Him

I'm thankful God is the sovereign Lord

that His will is never thwarted or frustrated

I'm thankful God knows me completely

and thankful He loves me supremely

Thankful Thursday

Life has been a little bit crazy lately

but I've been meditating on some truths from Isaiah

in chapter 14, the prophet tells us:

"the Lord of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it?"

certainly not me!

I can't control the circumstances around me or change what God has planned

what I can do is submit to His authority rather than fighting it

I can be thankful for His work in my life

even when it seems like most of what I am experiencing is hammer and chisel

I know that God is at work, molding and shaping me into His image

I'm thankful God's plans cannot be frustrated

thankful He is sovereign

I'm thankful God is powerful and able to accomplish whatever He chooses

I'm thankful I'm a part of His family; I've been adopted by Him

I'm thankful I am a recipient of His grace

thankful God mercifully forgives me

in chapter 33, the prophet gives this assurance:

"He(God) shall be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge;"

I don't know about you, but I am so thankful God is my security

thankful for the stability He brings in my life

I'm thankful God knows the number of my days, thankful my times are in His hands

I'm thankful God is wealthy and generous

He gives freely of His salvation, wisdom, and knowledge

I just have to acknowledge my need and ask

I'm thankful God doesn't look at me with reproach

even though I often stumble along and at times lose sight of the path

God continues to guide, never leaves my side, is a shelter in which I can hide

and I'm thankful I can place my trust in Him without any fear

knowing even when I'm faithless, He remains faithful

I'm thankful faithfulness is so much a part of His character that He can never depart from it

I'm thankful I can lay down and sleep in peace knowing God is with me 

Thankful Thursday

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.

These words from Psalm 86 are a precious reminder of God's heart for His people

I'm thankful for a God who is good, whose intentions for His people are always good

I'm thankful God is a forgiver of sin

thankful He does not keep a record of my failures

I'm thankful for a God who is overflowing with love for His people

and I'm thankful I am one of His people

thankful He has chosen me to be His son and adopted me into His family

I'm thankful for a God who listens when I call on Him

His ears are always open to my cries

It's been a week of seeing God respond as I have called on Him

I'm thankful for the opportunities to pray for others

thankful for the trust of friends who are in need

I want to be known as someone who it is safe to share struggles with

I know I can't do much to help alleviate the problems people face

but I can talk to the One who has all the answers and is available to listen and respond

just today, a couple of my friends reached out to me asking for prayer

what a privilege

I'm thankful God woke me up this morning, giving me life and breath for another day

every day is a gift

I choose whether I'm going to rejoice in the gift or complain that it wasn't exactly what I was hoping for

today I choose JOY

 

Thankful Thursday

I sit here on this Thursday evening with a grateful heart

I'm thankful Jesus is my Savior

thankful He intercedes for me at the Father's right hand

thankful God is my Rock, my strength and my song

I'm thankful He provides energy for each new day

my job is definitely physically taxing, but waiting on God renews my strength

He puts a song in my heart and a smile on my face

I'm thankful for the gift of today

thankful I woke up this morning and was able to get out of bed and move about freely

I'm thankful for the friends God has gifted me with

thankful for their support through prayer and encouraging words

I'm thankful for family

my sister is visiting this week, working on some memory items with my wife

my brother-in-law will be coming over the weekend to help celebrate my father-in-law's birthday

I'm grateful for those relationships

I'm thankful for my wife, for the years we've shared

thankful for the privilege of starting each day with her in prayer

thankful for times to sing together and times to just sit together

I'm thankful God has blessed us with children (all of them adults now!)

but grateful for the contact we still have with them even though they are scattered across the country

I'm thankful for God's patience with me

thankful He holds me hand and supports me when I stumble

thankful God is forgiving and merciful

thankful for His grace, poured out abundantly in my life

I'm thankful for His word, for the instruction it provides

I'm thankful God speaks to me through His word

and thankful He shows me how to apply it in daily life

every day is a gift from God

every breath is a gift from Him

and every moment is an opportunity to honor God and give Him praise

don't miss out on the opportunities! 

Thankful Thursday

time has a way of slipping by 

sometimes I believe I'm managing my time well

at other times, I have no idea where the hours have gone and wonder if I did anything of significance during the elapsed moments

I've missed a couple weeks of making note of my blessings on Thursday evening

there's been a lot of activity here at the Horst residence

but that's no reason not to take a few moments to think on and express my gratitude

I know God delights in hearing my thanks

and He is worthy of that honor

besides my daily commute to and from job sites (on average about 100 miles a day)

we made a trip to upstate NY

our daughter and son-in-law traveled in from Missouri

our son and his girlfriend traveled up from North Carolina

I'm thankful for God's hand of protection over the many miles of highway

just this morning on my way to my job site, I came upon a tractor trailer laying on its side

and was once again reminded of God's grace and protection

I'm thankful for vehicles that operate well

thankful God gives alertness and caution in my travels

some days driving and hour and a half home after 8 hours of physically intense work my body seems to crave sleep

but God provides energy and He gives me friends who are willing to talk to help keep me awake

I'm thankful for that provision

I'm thankful for naps on the couch

and thankful for God's promise that those who wait on Him will renew their strength

I have experienced the fulfillment of that promise so many times

I'm thankful for early morning communion with God, listening to Him as He speaks to me through His word

I'm thankful for songs of praise He gives me as I work through my day

I'm thankful that His word is living and active

thankful for how He uses His word to instruct and encourage me

I'm thankful God exercises patience with me

so many times I stumble along

but because He holds my hand I'm not hurled headlong

but God picks me up and sustains me

He faithfully cares for me as a loving Father

I'm thankful God gives me opportunities to serve

and thankful for the gifts and abilities He has entrusted to me

I'm thankful He directs me in being a faithful steward of His resources

I'm fading fast

it was an especially long and taxing day

I'm thankful I have a bed to sleep in tonight

and thankful God gives sleep to His children who trust in Him

goodnight! 

Thankful Thursday

my work week is done

I leave in the morning for a quick trip to upstate New York to visit family

I'm thankful for the chance to go

family relationships can sometimes be complicated

but I'm hopeful my wife and I can be a blessing and encouragement

because of the pandemic, we were not able to see most of them last year

it's been almost 2 years since I saw my mom and brothers

I'm thankful for the beautiful weather we've been enjoying this week

and thankful for some outside work which gives me even more time to enjoy it

Scripture tells us the heavens declare God's glory

as I stepped outside early this morning, I was able to see that display

thankful for God's glory, and for the beauty He has created

the psalmist says when he gazes into the night sky and sees the moon and stars which God has made

he is overwhelmed by the fact that the God of creation pays any attention to him and actually loves him

I am thankful God sees me and knows me

I'm especially thankful He loves me

thankful God has revealed Himself to me and made me a partaker of grace

the vastness of the universe humbles me

I'm such a small part of something unfathomable

and yet God knows me intimately

I'm grateful beyond words

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for Jesus; my Savior, my Intercessor, my Lord

thankful He left heaven's glory, submitted to the Father, and became the Sacrifice for sin

I'm thankful He endured the Father's full wrath

thankful He conquered death, rose from the tomb, and now sits enthroned in glory with the Father

thankful Jesus will return one day to usher me into the presence of God forever

I'm thankful for opportunities to share that message with others

thankful for the work of God's Spirit, convicting people of their ultimate need:

salvation through the blood of Christ

thankful too for His work in my life, revealing God's glory, showing me my failures, and reminding me of God's forgiveness and grace

I'm thankful for God's continual presence with me; thankful for His promise to never leave me or forsake me

I'm thankful for the strength and energy God provides each day as I go to work

I thoroughly enjoy my job, but it is physically taxing

let's just say I don't have any problem falling asleep at night!

I'm thankful God gives wisdom as I seek Him

thankful He is my song

I'm thankful for God's word, for the promises found in it, for the instruction it provides

I'm thankful God speaks to me through His word

thankful He gives me ears to hear His voice

thankful He has given sight to this man who once was blind

I'm thankful God has poured out favor in my life in allowing me to find a wife

so thankful for Chris, her love and support, her encouraging words, her quiet spirit

thankful we can enjoy one another's company

thankful for a peaceful home

I'm thankful God has blessed me with children

as we are coming up on Father's Day this Sunday, I'm very thankful God allowed me to be a father

and very thankful He is my Father

I'm thankful for music

more and more frequently I find myself sitting down at the piano in the evenings

it's a chance to quiet my soul after a busy day

God is worthy of my praise

I'm thankful His mercies are new every morning

thankful for God's patience with me

thankful He continues to mold and shape me; the master sculptor chiseling away at my rough edges

thankful I am His workmanship

thankful He has created me for good works

oh that I would recognize the doors God is opening before me and be courageous in walking through them

Thankful Thursday

God gave me another song recently

about a year ago I memorized Ps. 86

and from time to time I've thought about putting it to music

this psalm is full of truths about who God is and what our response to Him looks like

I'm thankful that God is always good

thankful He is a forgiving God

thankful His mercy is abundant

where would I be apart from God?

it's scary to even think about!

I know that He has rescued me out of darkness

I'm so thankful God now invites me to walk in light and enjoy fellowship with Him

I'm thankful God brought sight to my blind eyes

thankful He opens my ears to hear His voice

I'm thankful God is my strength and my song

the psalmist says that God has put a new song in his mouth

and I can echo that

He also puts a new song in my hands

I often will sit at the piano and just play

there are so many times when I sense God guiding my fingers as I worship Him in music

in Psalm 86 David asks God to teach him His way and to unite his heart to fear God's name

that's something God loves to do

I'm thankful He is my teacher

thankful He is the molder of my heart

I'm thankful for my family

I've had extra opportunities to connect with family this week

got to sit out back this evening with my wife and her dad and brother

and then later, got to talk with my son on the phone 

I'm so thankful for the relationships God has blessed me with

I'm thankful for God's Spirit

thankful for His promptings

thankful He is producing His fruit in my life

I'm thankful for rest and refreshment

I'm thankful for Jesus and His sacrificial death on the cross for my sins

the words to a song ring true:

"my sins they are many His mercy is more!"

so thankful

Thankful Thursday

Well, it's been a few weeks

life's been busy!

my wife and I travelled to Missouri to celebrate Mother's Day with our daughter and her family

little did we know that a surprise was in store for us

when we got there on Friday evening, both of our daughters came walking out of the house!

our younger daughter who lives in Louisiana drove up with her husband to spend the weekend with us

what a special blessing that was

I'm thankful for the joy that brought to my wife

I'm thankful too for the time we were able to spend together, building relationships, encouraging each other, laughing together

I'm so grateful for the family God has blessed me with

just like in any family, we have our moments

but I'm able to see God's hand drawing us together, bringing healing and growth

I'm thankful He is patient with me and never abandons me

thankful God continues to teach me as a husband and father

my Missouri daughter and her family had just moved into a new house just before we went out

she had a wish list of projects for me to work on

I'm thankful for that opportunity to serve them

I love doing that kind of thing, using the gifts and skills God has blessed me with to bless others

and I'm thankful she felt comfortable asking me for help

the biggest project was replacing and unsafe railing system around the large stairwell opening in their main room.  It was a group effort, and it turned out beautifully

I'm thankful for God's help with that project

I'm thankful for the time to invest in our kids and grandkids

thankful too for safety in our travels

we put a lot of miles on the car, and through no fault of my own, we made it there and back without incident

I'm thankful for God's artistic ability

we've been enjoying evenings in our back yard admiring the beautiful sunsets

it always amazes me how each day brings something different 

God is a God of variety; He's built it into all of creation

I'm thankful for eyes to be able to see the beauty He's created

and thankful for time to share it with my wife

I'm thankful for quiet moments to reflect on my Savior and His love for me and all mankind

I'm thankful God is generous 

thankful He gives out of His abundance and not grudgingly

I'm tired--I fell asleep at the dinner table this evening

so I'l wrap this up and let my head find the pillow

I'm thankful God is good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness and truth!

Thankful Thursday

talking with my pastor on Sunday, he told me I should think about doing something different for work

it was his way of politely telling me I'm getting old

but I'm thankful for my job

thankful I get to do something each day that I enjoy

sure, it tires me out

this afternoon when I stopped in at Lowe's on my way home to pick up some materials for tomorrow my salesman told me I looked like I could hardly drag myself in the door, so I must have had a long hard day!

but there's something fulfilling about coming home tired at the end of a productive day of work

and I'm thankful for the way God has designed our bodies to be refreshed by sleep

I'm also thankful for His promise that those who wait on the Lord renew their strength

I've experienced the reality of that over and over throughout my life

I'm thankful God gives me strength

thankful His strength knows no limitations

I'm thankful He never grows weary or tired

I'm thankful God is a shield about me and the lifter of my head

I know I have nothing to fear

I'm thankful for God's word

thankful for the opportunities I have to sit under sound biblical teaching

I'm thankful for the many guys I send daily Scripture texts to

thankful I can share with them the things God is impressing on my heart as I spend time in His word

I'm thankful it is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path

I'm thankful for Jesus

thankful for His death, burial and resurrection

thankful He came to give life to those who were trapped in the death nell of sin, to give sight to the blind and abundance of joy to the defeated and downtrodden

I'm thankful I've been adopted into God's family

I'm thankful for grace

 

Thankful Thursday

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Jesus

What a comforting statement

I'm thankful God is the King of kings and the Lord of lords

thankful He always causes us to walk in victory

I ran up against some unexpected temptation today, but so thankful for how God has provided friends and accountability that enables me to make right choices in those situations

I'm thankful for God's redemptive grace

thankful He continues to bring transformation in my life

I'm thankful God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all

and thankful He invites me to walk in His light and enjoy fellowship with Him

I'm thankful as I submit to Him, He gives me the strength to resist the devil and his schemes

I'm thankful for work that is closer to home

on Monday I wrapped up a job that was an hour and 40 minute commute each way

today, I started a project that is 25 minutes from home

what a difference that makes!

I'm thankful God is my strength and my song

thankful for the joy He brings to each new day

just last week, I encountered a young man on my job site

he was there with his dad; I guess it was take your kid to work day!

after a bit, he commented on my whistling

I asked if he had heard the saying, "whistle while you work." and told him it makes the day go better

I often find myself humming or whistling a song of praise as I go about my work

I find when I'm filling my mind with song the struggles seem less heavy

I'm thankful I don't carry my burdens alone

thankful God invites me to lay them at His feet, or cast them on His shoulders

I'm thankful God shows up in the everydayness of life

there's no detail of my life that is unimportant to Him

thankful God is intimately acquainted with all my ways

I often pray that He will guide my thoughts and guard my words

I need Him desperately

without Him I can do nothing

I'm so thankful God never leaves me or forsakes me

He is always near, always available, and always ready to take me in His arms

Thankful Thursday

 Once again Thursday evening has arrived

and I take some time to reflect on all I have to be thankful for

my job requires a lot of time on the road

most of my projects are an hour to an hour and a half from my home

I'm very thankful for the safety God provides each day as I am on the road

I'm also thankful for friends and family that I connect with while driving

it helps me stay in touch with what's going on in their lives as well as keeping me awake!

I'm thankful for the relationships God has allowed me to develop over the years

I am blessed to know people all across the country

I'm thankful for music

I know God has given me a gift in being able to sit down at the piano and play

He has also helped me write songs that honor Him

I don't take any of that for granted

I know how my music has changed since placing my faith in Jesus

and I love praising Him in song

I'm thankful God is my strength and my song

I'm thankful for God's amazing grace

for His mercy evidenced in my life every day

I'm thankful for my wife

there's not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for the expression of His favor that she is in my life

the love and support I receive from her is such a gift

I'm thankful for times to laugh together, times to sit quietly together just enjoying each others company

I'm thankful for the tasks I don't have to do because she takes care of them

talking with a friend this morning, he commented that his wife likes to mow the yard

I told him I didn't know if my wife enjoyed mowing or if she just does it to help me, but I'm thankful that she often gets the mowing done, and it looks good

I'm thankful for God's physical provision

I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food in my belly

I know there are parts of the world where those things aren't a given

I'm also thankful God has allowed us to give to others who are in need

Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive, and I've experienced the truth of that

I'm thankful for time

it's such a precious commodity

and I don't want to waste it on frivolous activities

I'm thankful for quiet moments and stillness

thankful for God's invitation to draw near to Him

and thankful for His promise that when I wait on Him my strength is renewed

I'm thankful God is the giver and sustainer of life

thankful that He is light--in Him there is no darkness at all

Thankful Thursday

I'm tired!

it's been a full week, so I'm probably going to make this brief

but I've been missing my Thursday evening appointment so much lately

and I didn't want to let this week go by without giving God His due

I'm thankful for Easter--for the empty tomb

thankful Jesus died for my sins

but even more thankful HE is alive!

and because Jesus rose from the dead, I have newness of life

so thankful that because I am in Christ, I am a new creation

I'm thankful for the victory I can walk in

thankful I stand in the power of God's might

and I don't have to fight the battles alone

I'm thankful for the awareness God's Spirit brings, helping me identify those battles

I'm thankful God gave my wife and me the opportunity to travel to Louisiana last weekend to celebrate Easter with our daughter and son-in-law

thankful for time with them, for laughter, good food, games, and walks

thankful for the chance to attend church together and see some old friends

I'm thankful for safety as we traveled

I'm thankful for springtime

for new growth popping out of the ground all around me

thankful for warmer temperatures

thankful for our peaceful back yard and times to sit in the adirondack chairs, soaking in the sunshine and catching up with my wife

I'm thankful for my job

thankful for a positive environment to work in

thankful for the opportunity to use my skills in a profitable way

thankful for bosses who love Jesus and their employees

I'm thankful for the health and strength God gives each day 

thankful for His presence with me

thankful for God's promise to never leave me or forsake me

I'm thankful His word is true! 

Thankful Thursday

Over two months have slipped by since I last took the time to pause and reflect by posting my expression of gratitude in this way

It wasn't for lack of things for which to give thanks  

Indeed, God has continued pouring out His steadfast love

and He shows me His faithfulness every day

when I last wrote, my mother-in-law was still with us on this earth

however, just a few days later, she passed from this life into the presence of Jesus

I'm thankful for God's comforting presence over these last two months

thankful for the grieving process

thankful for the hope I have as a follower of Jesus that Mom is enjoying her new home

thankful for His shed blood which has cleansing power 

thankful God clothes me in Christ's righteousness through belief in His name

Life goes on

its flavor has changed a bit

new routines fall into place

old routines I counted on for so long slip away

I'm thankful God is my anchor

thankful my security is found in Him

thankful for this opportunity to walk along with my wife as she journeys through challenging days

I often feel inadequate 

this is new territory for me

but God is familiar with grief

and He promises to never leave me or forsake me

for that I am very thankful!

Thankful Thursday

It's been a hard couple of weeks

as a family, we have watched Mom Martin steadily decline

her body is giving up its fight, and physical death draws near

but in the midst of that, I'm thankful for her faith

even when her words are barely discernible, her trust in Jesus is clear

her favorite song recently is "I will rise and go to Jesus"

and she will start singing it at any moment

I'm thankful too for family

I'm the in-law (some would say the outlaw!)

but I've seen the family rally together and support one another

and it blesses me to see the bond and to know my wife has the support of her siblings and dad

I'm thankful God is the Father of mercy and the God of all comfort

I'm thankful for the glimpses of His care I've seen these last couple of weeks

I'm thankful for His faithfulness

in a couple days I will turn 60

I've had a lot of years to experience God's faithfulness

and I can attest with the psalmist that I've not seen the righteous forsaken

as I age, I become more and more aware of my need of God's grace

I recognize how lacking I am in the wisdom department

but God promises to give grace and supply wisdom

and He delivers

I'm thankful He isn't reproachful when I express my needs

I'm thankful God is generous and kind

I'm thankful He is forgiving

I'm thankful for His transforming work throughout my life

although the next few weeks and months will be a grieving time

I'm thankful we don't sorrow as those who have no hope

I'm thankful Jesus has paved the way for me to have an eternal hope

and grateful He is preparing and eternal home for all those who put their trust in Him

just this morning, I was reading Ps. 121

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from whence shall my help come?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber...The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand."

these are precious promises that become even richer when we see the end of life approaching

I'm thankful God is a promise keeper

I'm thankful He is waiting on the other side to welcome Mom into her new home

I'm thankful God has blessed my life by sharing her with me

thankful for the memories I will carry with me