Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for 38 years

38 years loving the wife of my youth

38 years walking through life with my best friend

38 years of experiencing God's favor and grace

I was so young and clueless when I married Chris back in 1984

but I knew one thing--I needed God's help if I was going to be the husband He called me to be

And He has been my Helper 

I'm thankful for His promise to respond when I call upon Him

I'm thankful God is faithful

thankful He is patient

I'm thankful for the paths God has led us down

life has definitely been an adventure

I'm thankful for God's word

for the instruction He gives to me as a husband

it's good to have a guidebook when facing the challenges of life

I'm thankful for the example of Jesus in loving His church

His life of sacrifice  is the bedrock for making marriage work

I'm called to give myself up for Chris and nurture her

I haven't always known what that was supposed to look like

but I'm thankful God has been patiently teaching me 

and thankful He continues to teach me as I seek Him

I'm thankful God has blessed Chris and me with children and grandsons

it has been a joy to all be together this Christmas

I'm thankful God has been my provider throughout the years

I'm thankful He knows my needs and promises to supply those needs

I'm thankful God is always present

thankful He walks by my side every moment of every day

where would I be without God?

so thankful I never have to find out

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for shelter this evening

it's a cold and rainy night

I'm thankful for God's provision

there are so many comforts that He has blessed me with

many of them I simply take for granted

but I know there are people tonight who don't have a roof over their head or a bed to sleep in

I'm thankful God brought all of our kids home for Christmas

it is such a blessing to all be together

sitting around the dinner table tonight was very special

I'm thankful for this time of year

thankful for Jesus

thankful He willingly gave up His place in glory to come and live among men

I'm thankful God had a plan in place even before the creation of the world

that His Son would be the sacrificial Lamb who payed the penalty for man's sin

I'm thankful for the newness of life that comes through trusting in Jesus

I'm thankful for freedom from fear

I was reminded today that there are 365 times in Scripture where we are told not to fear

once for each day of the year

I'm thankful God is always present

thankful for His nearness

I'm thankful that although I think up plans God is the one who directs my steps

I'm thankful He is the Sovereign Lord

thankful there's never a plan B with Him

I'm thankful for the grace God provides in every circumstance

I'm thankful that His strength is perfected in my weakness

I'm thankful God never grows weary or tired

and I'm thankful for His patience with me

I'm thankful God's mercy is new every morning

thankful for His faithfulness

I know I can trust Him

thankful He is the same yesterday, today, and forever

I'm thankful God is truth

thankful He is a promise keeper

I know that what God says He will do, He does

every time, every day 

Thankful Thursday

my heart is filled with gratitude

God is good

He is my salvation

I'm thankful for His mercy and grace

thankful God is my defender

thankful He is the lifter of my head

I'm thankful for God's promise of His presence

thankful He walks with me through every circumstance I face

I attended a friend's funeral on Saturday

his family is grieving

but they also have hope

I'm thankful God gives hope

thankful this world is not my final home

my friend was strong in his faith, and passed that strength of faith on to his family

I had the opportunity to see the production "David" at Sight and Sound  today

such a sell produced show giving glory to God

it was a good reminder of the importance of worship

it also brought out God's compassion for His people

and the importance of repentance

I'm thankful God is forgiving

thankful He is the creator of heaven and earth

I'm thankful that God draws near to those who draw near to Him

thankful He gives me songs in the night

I'm thankful God blesses His people with peaceful sleep

thankful He invited me to come and find rest in Him when I'm overwhelmed by the cares of this world

I'm thankful God is a listener

thankful He invites me to call out to Him

thankful God is "abundant in lovingkindness and truth to all who call on Him."

I had the opportunity to pray with a friend this evening

he called me to give me the news that his wife was just diagnosed with cancer

I'm thankful for friends who I'm privileged to share life with

thankful for their prayers for me

and thankful I can pray for them

I'm thankful for the confidence that God does hear and respond when I call upon Him

I'm thankful for this season of year when we celebrate God's gift in sending His Son to walk among men

I'm thankful God is Immanuel

God with us

so thankful He is with me 

Thankful Thursday

It's Thanksgiving

and although I frequently post a list of things I'm thankful for on Thursday evenings

I'm usually reflecting on the previous week

today I had time to ponder God's goodness in my life over the last year

Ps. 86 tells us that the Lord is good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness and truth

how grateful I am for those statements

I'm thankful that God is good and that He pours out good on His people

I'm thankful God never intends for anything to promote evil

He takes even the least desirable situations and uses them for my good and His glory

I'm thankful God is a forgiving and merciful God

because He is good, He desires for His people to be good also

I'm thankful for the blood of Christ that washes me clean

thankful that His sacrifice on the cross made forgiveness possible

thankful I am now clothed in His righteousness

it's God's lovingkindness that allows Him to forgive

it's His lovingkindness that gives Him patience when I stumble and fall

I'm thankful for the abundance of God's love for me

His love never runs out or dries up

I'm thankful God is governed by truth

there is no falsehood in Him

I'm thankful God always keeps His word

another verse in Ps. 86 says God is abundant in lovingkindness to all who call on Him

I'm so thankful for the channel of communication God has opened up for me

I can call on Him at any time knowing His ears are always open to my prayers

as I looked back over the past year today

I realized just how good and forgiving and loving God has been over the last 12 months

as I shared with family today, there were a few times this past year when I didn't know whether my wife would continue to walk by my side

she had quite a few health complications since last Thanksgiving

but God has preserved her life

He has shown me such favor

I'm thankful for each day we've been given

I'm thankful for opportunities to serve my wife as she has traveled down some difficult roads

and I'm thankful God has walked each of those roads with us

I'm thankful God continues to give me a song

I'm thankful for God's protection on the road and on the job site over this past year

there have been a few situations where the outcome could have been a lot different

but God has been a shield about me

He is the lifter of my head

I'm so thankful God calls me His beloved son, wraps me in His merciful arms and lights my path

teach me Your way, O Lord; unite my heart to fear Your name

Thankful Thursday

today is a good day to give thanks

actually every day gives us the opportunity to give thanks

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

I'm thankful God is my strength

thankful He created me with arms and legs that function and enable me to move about and do things

I'm thankful God is my song

thankful He enables me to life my voice in praise of Him

I'm thankful God is patient with me

I'm thankful His mercies are new every morning

I'm thankful for God's abundant grace

I'm thankful God is always good

thankful He is ready to forgive

I'm thankful Jesus paid the penalty for my sin when He hung on the cross

I'm thankful salvation is available to all who believe in His name

I'm thankful for the beauty of creation and for eyes to see that beauty

I'm thankful for sunshine

thankful for the crisp fall weather

the moon has been brilliant recently

actually, the moon has no light of its own, it merely reflects the light from the sun that shines on it

in the same way, I have no light of my own, but God gives me the opportunity to reflect His light as I gaze at Him and allow Him to shine on me

thankful for circumstances that allow me to shine

I'm thankful for the ways God reminds me of my need for Him

I'm thankful He holds me in His hand

thankful there is nothing that can pluck me away from Him or separate me from His love

 

Thankful Thursday

it is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord

He is deserving of my gratitude

God has done great things for me

without Him I would be nothing

I'm especially thankful I arrived hoe safely today

it was a day of longer driving

and on my hour and a half drive home I was really fighting sleep

but I'm thankful God kept me awake and protected me from running off the road or into someone

God is my strength and my song

I'm thankful for the strength He provides each day

thankful for energy to do my job

I'm thankful for answered prayers today

I was working with some little screws, and they kept falling

the first time one dropped into the mulch bed

it was a black screw and the mulch was black

as I looked for it, I told God I needed His help to find it

and He came through

that happened two more times with the same conversation with God

and each time I found the screw, I thanked Him for helping me

I have to give credit where credit is due

I'm thankful for work closer to home tomorrow

a 15 minute commute instead of an hour and 45 minutes

we have had a full house this week

I'm thankful for time to visit with my in-laws

 we've had some good conversations, fun times around the dinner table, and competitive games

well, maybe the competitiveness was just me

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

I was thankful to see the sun today after a rainy week

I'm thankful for the beauty of this season

I saw so many colorful trees on my drive today

thankful for eyes to enjoy that beauty

I'm thankful for good teaching

I was listening to a sermon on prayer during my drive this morning

the speaker was talking about aligning ourselves with God; becoming a part of His plan rather than trying to get Him to become a part of our plan

it was good food for thought

Thankful Thursday

As I reflect on the past couple of weeks

I'm thankful for the gift of music

I've been writing a new song based on my standing in Christ

Each time I write a song, I'm reminded of the verse in Psalms that says God has put a new song in my mouth

I do feel like these songs are gifts from the Lord

He gives me the words and guides me in putting them to a melody

I'm thankful for life

I know that each day is a gift

there are no guarantees about tomorrow

I want to live each day in a way that pleases my Lord and brings honor to Him

I'm thankful God is the One who directs my steps

thankful He illumines my path

I'm thankful for His word

it is a source of instruction, correction, and encouragement 

I'e been praying often that God's word would dwell in me richly

One of the reasons most of my songs are putting Scripture to music is because of my desire to have God's word on my lips

and I find myself singing those songs as I go through my day

I'm thankful for God's presence

His promise is that He will never leave me or forsake me

I'm thankful I am His beloved son

thankful I am a part of God's family

thankful He is my heavenly Father

I'm thankful for my family

as I was praying with a friend this afternoon

I was thanking God for the favor and blessing He has poured out in my life in giving me a loving wife and for children and grandchildren

I'm thankful for opportunities to connect with my kids even though they are scattered around the country

I'm also thankful for an opportunity to have a long weekend with my wife

I'm thankful for each moment I get to spend with her

she is my favorite person

I'm thankful God brought our paths together 

Thankful Thursday

it has been a week of lots of windshield time

almost 20 hours of driving so far

and that's just to get to job sites to do my actual job

I'm thankful for God's hand of protection as I've been on the road

today as I was traveling home, I saw 5 state troopers with flashing lights heading south on I-83

I don't know what the situation was, but sure seemed like it must have been something bad

I know I was struggling to stay alert

but once more God came through and brought me home safely

I'm thankful every week isn't like this

I'm thankful for my wife who always expresses gladness when I arrive home

thankful for the time God gives us together

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

thankful He is my strength, my refuge, my song

I'm thankful God has opened the door for communication with Him

thankful I can enter His holy place by the blood of Jesus

I'm thankful God's ears are always open to my cries 

and thankful that He responds when I call out to Him

I'm thankful for God's word; living and active, convicting and encouraging

I'm thankful for how God uses His word to guide my steps

I'm thankful for the way He reveals Himself in His word

I'm thankful God is the giver of wisdom

thankful for His peace that guards my heart and mind

thankful for joy that comes in walking with Him

I'm thankful for the love and grace God has poured out in abundance in my life

I'm thankful God is patient with me

I'm thankful He offers forgiveness when I stumble and lose my way and sin against Him

I'm thankful God is kind and gentle

I'm thankful God is my sure foundation; a solid rock on which I can build my life

I'm thankful God's mercies are new every morning

great is His faithfulness!

Thankful Thursday

it's another Thursday evening

time for some reflection and expression of gratitude

I'm thankful for God's word, living and active, powerful, life changing

thankful for God's promise that His word does not return void

it accomplishes His purposes

thankful for how God reveals Himself in His word

I'm thankful for the Living Word, Christ Jesus

I've been reading through the Gospels

taking another look at the documentation of Jesus' life

I'm thankful God sent Jesus to be our Savior and our example

I'm thankful for music

thankful for songs that put Scripture to music

thankful for how God has been bringing those songs to mind throughout my day

I love being able to worship in song as I work

I'm thankful for enjoyable work, for being able to see the fruits of my labor each day

I'm thankful for friendship

God has definitely blessed me with some solid friendships

I'm thankful for the encouragement I receive from brothers

thankful for those who pray for me regularly

I'm thankful for family

even though they are scattered around the country

I'm thankful for phone calls, FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom

thankful for the technology that allows me to stay connected with family

thankful too for visits from family

I'm thankful for God's peace

Life has had its twists and turns lately

but through it all there is a quiet confidence knowing God is in control

thankful He loves me and is working for my good and His glory

I'm thankful for the joy God gives as I trust Him and follow Him

I'm thankful He is the One who directs my steps

I don't know what lies around the bend

but God does and He has proved His faithfulness over and over in my life

Thankful Thursday

Yesterday was a day of prayer

a lot of time was spent seeking the Father on behalf of others

I'm so thankful God is a prayer hearing and prayer answering God

thankful He is not just some idol made of wood or stone

unable to hear or talk or move

He is alive and active

I'm thankful He is responsive when I call out to Him

and He made that known so vividly yesterday

I personally saw Him answer a number of prayers

and I received reports from others of how God answered prayer in their lives

I'm thankful God invites us to communicate with Him

and thankful for His promise that when we draw near to Him, He in turn draws near to us

One of the things I've been asking God for each morning is that He would give me a song

I'm thankful for how God is answering that prayer

there have been a number of songs running through my head the last few days

this evening when I got home from work, I sat down at the piano and played and sang for a while

I'm thankful I have the opportunity to sing praise to Him.

I've been enjoying jobs that are closer to home the past couple months

but that will be coming to an end beginning next week

I wrote the above last Thursday, but ended up falling asleep and never getting it posted

I'm thankful for sleep

thankful for the way God has designed our bodies to be refreshed by sleep

I'm thankful for the opportunity to spend some time with our daughter and son in law this past weekend

it's always a joy to have family around

we will have more family coming in this weekend

and a gathering of some extended family on Sound

I'm thankful for the bond God gives us as families

as I see the breakdown of families in our culture and the deception of redefining marriage and family, I'm grieved at how far we've fallen from God's design

I'm thankful for my faithful wife

thankful for the years God has blessed us with

thankful for each day He gives us to live and serve together

I'm thankful for the commitment we share to walk life's road together 

it's not always an easy path, but God gives us grace for each twist and turn

thankful He is our strength

thankful He is the glue that holds us together

I'm thankful God is a shield about us, He is the lifter of our heads

I'm thankful God establishes my path and directs my steps as I depend on Him

I'm thankful for the peace God offers

peace that goes beyond my comprehension

thankful for the way it guards my heart and mind

I'm thankful for joy

I'm thankful for quiet moments to sit and reflect on God's goodness and faithfulness

Thankful Thursday

I haven't been very consistent lately with putting my thoughts down in written form

I'm thankful God is always consistent

thankful He is the same yesterday, today, and forever

I'm thankful His love never changes, never fails

and very thankful there is nothing that can separate me from His love

I'm thankful God is my strength

with all that's been going on recently, I'm more and more aware of my need for His strength

I was meditating on some verses from Proverbs today

"do not lean on your own understanding"

I don't know about anyone else, but that can be a challenge sometimes

I've been around the block a time or two, and sometimes I get too confident in my own ideas

"in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight"

I want my path to be straight!

I want to be acknowledging Him in every situation

talking with a friend today who spent the best part of yesterday in the emergency room

he was sharing how he prays that he will be a testimony to nurses and doctors he interacts with

people who under normal circumstances he would not have any contact with

what a great way to pray

I'm thankful for a God who responds when I call out to Him

a God who shows Himself faithful in every situation

I'm thankful God is near to the brokenhearted

thankful God executes justice for the oppressed

I'm thankful God guides my path

thankful He is intimately acquainted with all my ways

I pray with the psalmist that God would teach me His ways and unite my heart to fear His name

I'm thankful for nighttime

thankful for the refreshment that comes with a good night of sleep

I will lay down and sleep in peace, for You, O Lord, are with me

Thankful Thursday

It's been over a month since I posted on my blog

It certainly isn't because I haven't had things to be thankful for 

nor has it been a lack of taking the time to talk about those things

it's just been a period of having life turned upside down

and a need for shifted focus

when I wrote last, my third grandson had just been born and I was looking forward to meeting him

and after a month of multiple visits to the emergency room and doctors' offices

it has finally happened

I'm thankful for this opportunity to be with family

I'm thankful God holds me and my family in His mighty hands

I'm thankful He knows the number of our days

I'm thankful for the hope found in Jesus

thankful God is my strength and my song

thankful He is my Deliverer and my Redeemer 

I'm thankful for God's orchestration of all the little details of life

Proverbs tells us that the mind of man makes plans, but God directs our steps

I'm thankful for His direction

I celebrated my 4 year anniversary working for Dutch Family Services last month

I'm so grateful for this job which God has provided

I'm very thankful for the flexibility granted me in taking time off when needed

I'm thankful for the variety of work which helps to keep things interesting

I'm thankful for owners who genuinely care about their employees

I'm thankful for the new skills I have learned over the past 4 years

I'm thankful for music

it has been such a joy to watch my 20 month old grandson strumming the guitar and bursting into song when we gather as family around the piano

may he always have a heart devoted to worshiping our great God

I'm thankful I've gotten to see both of my daughters and their families this past month

children are a blessing from the Lord

and there's nothing like hard times to remind us how blessed we are to have family who love us and pray for us

I'm thankful too for my in-laws

thankful for the support they have shown over these difficult days

God is the author of marriage, He's the creator of family

I'm so thankful for His good gifts to me in marriage and family

Thankful Thursday

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

especially grateful for this as my third grandson was born yesterday

There were a few complications, including a visit to the emergency room, but mom and baby are both doing well

I'm thankful for technology which allowed me to see and talk to them this evening

I'm thankful God is trustworthy

thankful He is faithful

thankful God is my burden bearer

I'm thankful for His invitation to cast all my cares on Him 

thankful for the knowledge that God does care for me

I'm thankful for rain

we sure got a lot of it today

thankful God waters the earth, making things grow

thankful for the beauty of creation

I'm thankful God is my strength and my song

thankful He is my defender

I'm thankful for God's word

thankful it is true

thankful it is living and active

thankful it always accomplishes what God sends it out to do

I'm thankful for the verses I've committed to memory

I'm thankful for family

it's been a full week with both of my brothers in law visiting from out of town

but thankful for the conversations, the games, the laughter

I'm thankful for healthy relationships with my in-laws

I'm thankful for God's grace 

thankful He has shown me mercy

and thankful I will get to experience it again tomorrow

His mercies are new every morning!                                    

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful God delights in reconciling people to Himself

I was reading in Col. 1 this evening, and was reminded once again of God's pleasure in the reconciliation process

I'm thankful for the blood of Jesus

the sinners only hope

I'm thankful God's mercies are new every morning

and thankful He is steadfast and faithful

I'm thankful God is my strength and my song

I played piano a bit this evening and sang the song God gave me from Psalm 103

the psalmist admonishes me to "forget not all He has done"

I have truly been blessed beyond measure

I have received grace upon grace

I'm a recipient of God's love

even when I was His enemy, God loved me and paved the way for my salvation through the death of His Son

I have obtained favor from the Lord in the form of my wife

I can't even scratch the surface of how blessed I am to share life with her

I'm thankful for each new day

thankful for the opportunity to walk with God on this journey of life

I'm thankful He directs my steps

thankful He interrupts my plans at times to lead in a different direction

I'm thankful for God's word

living and active

a light for my path

encouraging and convicting

truth and wisdom

so grateful for how God preserves His word

thankful for opportunities to hide it in my heart

and thankful for recall of verses in times of need

I'm thankful I'm God's adopted son

thankful to have a place in His family

thankful for my spiritual brothers with whom I can share life

so much to be grateful for 

Thankful Thursday

on this Thursday evening

I'm thankful Jesus is the Living Water

I'm thankful He satisfies the thirsty soul

thankful God has made a way through Jesus to enter into relationship with Him

I'm thankful for the Holy Spirit

thankful He guides me in prayer

thankful He produces fruit in my life

thankful for the Spirit's work in nudging me to take certain steps

and thankful for the guardrails He provides to keep me from going in certain directions

I'm thankful for life and breath

I know that each day is a gift from God

there are no guarantees for tomorrow

just got word this morning about an acquaintance who passed away

it's a reminder that life is fragile and short

I'm thankful for opportunities to work on projects with my wife

thankful she enjoys spending time with me

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

I'm thankful God has blessed me abundantly in so many ways that are undeserved

thankful for His grace poured out in my life

thankful for His mercies that are new every morning

in a world corrupted by sin, I'm thankful God delights in reconciling people to Himself

thankful He offers forgiveness to all who repent

thankful God has the ability to cleanse me from sin

and thankful He has clothed me in robes of righteousness

it would be easy to get bogged down in the everyday happenings of life

but God gives me hope and the ability to express gratitude

which enables me to rise above the struggles

I'm thankful He reveals Himself in so many ways

thankful God gives me a song of thanksgiving

Thankful Thursday

on this Thursday evening I'm thankful for God's presence and protection

I've driven a lot of miles this week

thankful God travels with me always

thankful He has brought me safely through each day's journey 

I'm thankful for conversations with God as I spend time on the road

and I'm thankful for conversations with friends and family that help to keep me awake

I'm thankful for the beautiful weather we've been experiencing recently

I enjoy springtime with all the signs of new growth

I'm thankful for the flowers blooming this time of year

thankful for some opportunities to pick flowers to bring home to my wife

I'm thankful for her smile when I tell her that flowers make me think of her face

our son, Adam, came home this past weekend for Mother's Day

I'm thankful for the time to spend with him

thankful for the chance to communicate with him on a variety of topics

and thankful for the project we were able to work on together

spending time with any of our kids is such a blessing

thankful God has given me the opportunity to be a father

and I'm thankful He is my heavenly Father

I'm thankful God has adopted me into His family

thankful His mercies are new each morning

I'm thankful for the sufficiency of His grace in facing struggles along the path of life

I'm thankful I don't have to lean on my own understanding

thankful God gives wisdom when I am coming up short on it

I'm thankful God gives me a song each day

thankful He answers that prayer

I'm thankful God's ears are always open to my cries

thankful for the confidence I have in prayer, knowing He hears me and responds when I call out to Him

I'm thankful I am loved with an everlasting love

I'm thankful for the peace that brings to my heart and mind

Thankful Thursday

 

I've been reading over the account of Jesus' meeting with the Samaritan woman at the well

I'm so thankful Jesus is the Living Water

thankful He satisfies the thirsty soul

in the midst of a culture that promises fulfillment in many different ways, but only disappoints, I'm thankful Jesus never falls short

but it is easy to fall into the trap of drinking water that doesn't satisfy and wondering why I need more and more

I'm thankful Jesus continues to invite me to drink from His well

thankful the water He gives becomes a well of water springing up to eternal life

I'm thankful Jesus is all knowing

it's funny how the woman responds when Jesus tells her about her failed marriages and current immoral relationship

"Sir, I perceive You are a prophet."

you think?!

but even though Jesus knows all, the good, the bad, and the ugly, He still loves me so much He was willing to go to the cross to purchase salvation for me and for anyone who believes

I'm thankful for that depth of love

I'm thankful for His obedience to the Father

I'm thankful for His example

His statement to the disciples when they return from town with food

"My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me."

that's the food I want to be hungering for

I'm thankful Jesus is the Bread of Life

thankful He is the Good Shepherd

thankful for His leading in my life

I'm thankful I'm an adopted son 

thankful God knows my name

life's been a bit challenging lately

but I'm thankful for God's promise that His grace is sufficient

thankful His power is perfected in my weaknesses

I'm thankful I don't have to lean on my own understanding

thankful God gives wisdom generously

thankful He is the giver of every perfect gift

I'm thankful as we approach Mother's Day that God has blessed me with children

and thankful for the godly woman who is their MOM

Thankful Thursday

we just celebrated Easter weekend

that time of year when we remember Christ's death on a cross

but more importantly, His resurrection from the grave

if Jesus didn't rise from the dead--if He isn't alive today--we who are His followers are to be pitied

but the truth is that Jesus conquered sin and death

and God the Father has given Him a place of honor

He is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on High making intercession for me

I'm so thankful Jesus came--the Word became flesh

I'm thankful He died in my place--the Sacrificial Lamb

I'm thankful His death satisfied God's wrath agains my sin

I'm thankful for the hope that comes through faith in Jesus

at a time when my life is experiencing a bit of uncertainty

I'm thankful for God's sovereignty

thankful He can see the road ahead

I'm thankful nothing ever catches God by surprise

thankful He is trustworthy and faithful

I'm thankful God is my rock, a sure foundation

I'm thankful for the season of Spring

thankful for all the signs of new growth around me

into the drabness of winter green shoots begin to appear

flowers start to bloom

I'm thankful God makes all things new

thankful Spring is a reminder of that truth

I'm thankful for God's grace

I'm thankful I'm a child of the King of kings 

Thankful Thursday

I've been challenged and convicted by Jesus' words to His disciples in the garden before His crucifixion

when He faced His greatest temptation and needed the support of His friends, He found them sleeping

and asked, "Couldn't you keep watch with Me for one hour?"

and then He goes on to say, "Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

I'm all too familiar with that reality

I'm thankful as the psalmist says, that God is mindful that I am but dust

thankful for His loving care of me in my weaknesses

thankful God forgives me and separates me from my sin

thankful He clothes me in robes of righteousness

I'm thankful God never sleeps

thankful He never abandons me

I'm thankful God knows me completely

thankful Jesus is my intercessor

I'm thankful God's ears are always open to my cries

I'm thankful God never allows me to be tempted beyond what I can bear

thankful He always provides a way of escape

I'm thankful God delights in reconciling people to Himself

I'm thankful God enables me to walk in victory

I know that in my strength nothing good can come

but I'm thankful God gives me His strength

He is the Overcomer

God is the Victor in every battle

God is the One who makes a way for me

I'm so thankful God is the Director of my path 

I'm thankful He gives me grace for each moment

Thankful Thursday

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits:"

that's how Psalm 103 begins

it's a reminder that knowing God benefits my life

and a charge to give Him credit for who He is and all He does

from this psalm:

I'm thankful God forgives my sin

I'm thankful God is a healer

I'm thankful God has rescued me out of the pit of sin and death

I'm thankful God shows me His lovingkindness and compassion

I'm thankful God brings satisfaction in my life

I'm thankful God renews my strength

I'm thankful God is righteous

I'm thankful God takes up the cause of the oppressed

I'm thankful God makes Himself known to His people

I'm thankful God is patient; slow to anger

I'm thankful God doesn't deal with me according to my sin, but rather separates me from my sin

I'm thankful God is a loving Father

I'm thankful God knows me, understands my frailty

that's a good list to be reminding myself of often

as I think over these benefits, I'm grateful to know this God

I'm thankful He has adopted me into His family

I'm thankful God provides and protects

I'm thankful for His ongoing work in my life

a few years ago, God gave me a song from this psalm

if you're interested, you can listen to it 

if you go to bandcamp.com and then in the search for artist type in Papa's songs, it's #6, Psalm 103

there's something there about buying the track, but you can just listen for free! 

Thankful Thursday

there is so much I have to be thankful for

but it's a matter of choice

because there are plenty of things I could complain about as well

so each day, yes, even each moment, I decide

what will my focus be right now

will I choose to rejoice and be grateful

or will I allow my mind to go down the path of negativity

complaining is a natural response

because satisfaction alludes me

but gratitude is a godly response

it results from trust that God is good 

and He governs my life graciously

the results of gratitude are joy, peace, and contentment

what a place to live

I'm thankful God has rescued me out of a life of despair

He lifted me out of darkness

I'm thankful God is my strength and my song

the psalmist declared, "He has put a new song in my heart!"

and I have experienced that as well

I'm thankful for the songs God gives

thankful too for His word

I'm thankful God is a promise keeper

His word is sure

it is an anchor that holds me fast

I'm thankful for the way God reveals Himself in His word

He is the Author of salvation

He is the source of wisdom

He is the Bread of Life

the Living Water

I'm thankful God is faithful and true

thankful He is patient and kind

I'm thankful God's grace is sufficient for any hardship I might face

I'm thankful God's love is an everlasting love

 

Thankful Thursday

each day is a gift

I'm thankful for the gift of today

thankful God provided strength and energy to do the work He put before me today

I'm thankful for the peace that comes in trusting Him

I can only see this moment

I have memories of days gone by

and I may have ambitions for days that may come

but I can't see around the next bend

I'm thankful God can

thankful He knows the beginning from the end

thankful He is never caught by surprise

God is all knowing, all seeing, all powerful, He is ALL

I'm thankful God has chosen me to be His son

thankful He has adopted me into His family

I'm thankful God has given me a biological family

so very thankful for my loving wife

thankful God has blessed me with children--two girls and a boy

thankful they have grown into adults 

thankful for my two sons-in-law

thankful for my grandsons

I'm thankful for my faith family

thankful for brothers who encourage and challenge me

thankful for friends who go to the Father on my behalf

I'm thankful for shelter

the weather's been a bit crazy lately

thankful for a roof over my head, a furnace that gives heat, water to drink and wash with

I'm thankful for health

it seems that often I take things like that for granted

but when there's something missing, appreciation for what I have rises to the fore

I want to live a life of gratitude

I want to be known for having a rejoicing heart rather than a complaining spirit

I'm thankful God continues to open my eyes to new recognition of the many ways He has poured out blessing in my life

 

Thankful Thursday

life can be difficult

one of my go to statements is: everyday is a challenge

but in spite of challenges and difficulties, I know I'm still doing better than I deserve

Scripture gives us a glimpse into God's holiness

He is altogether righteous, there is nothing evil in Him

actually, evil is the absence of righteousness, and since God is righteous, He cannot be evil

I, on the other hand, have a lack of righteousness

and it is because of this that evil is often present in me

this absence of righteousness creates a separation from God

that is why Jesus came; to provide the cure for my sin sick soul

and God's word tells me that through the death and resurrection of Jesus, eternal life is available to all who believe in Him

and because of Jesus' work on the cross, I can now be clothed in His righteousness

that's the better than I deserve part!

I'm so thankful God sent His Son to be the perfect sacrifice for my sin

so very thankful I am clothed in the righteousness I did not possess on my own

I'm thankful through belief in Jesus I've been given the right to be called God's child

I'm thankful God is the author of salvation

He is the fountain of wisdom

I'm thankful God is good and ready to forgive and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call on Him

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

thankful His ears are always open to my cries

this is especially comforting to me since my family is scattered all across the country

I can't be physically present with them, but I know as I pray for them God is listening and working

and He is always near

I'm thankful He is the God who sees me

 

Thankful Thursday

I was messaging with my aunt this morning

mentioned that I was thankful God woke me up this morning and gave me life and breath

she replied, "yes...amen....It's Thursday"

I guess she knows that Thursdays are the day to be thankful

actually everyday is a day to be thankful

Scripture admonishes me to give thanks in everything at all times

but I know from personal experience how easy it is to live on the other side

I'm thankful God has turned me from a complainer into a person of gratitude

I'm thankful His Spirit has produced the fruit of joy in my life

I'm thankful I've been washed clean by the blood of the LAMB

and thankful God has clothed me in robes of righteousness

knowing I'm a chosen son of the Living God gives me motivation to get out of bed each morning

I'm thankful He has adopted me into His family

thankful God pulled me out of darkness into His marvelous light

I'm thankful for God's word that tells me I am a recipient of eternal life

I'm thankful for the hope which comes with that assurance

I'm especially thankful for this as I experienced the passing of my uncle on Sunday

I don't sorrow as those who have no hope

I know he is rejoicing in the presence of his Savior right now

I'm thankful I will have the opportunity to express this hope through music at his funeral this weekend

everyday is a gift

as I age, I become more and more aware of that

I'm thankful God knows the number of my days

thankful He knows every minutest detail about me; even the number of hairs on my head!

that's a number that is constantly changing

I'm thankful for a job I enjoy

I was sharing with a friend this afternoon how grateful I am the God has provided a job I enjoy and can do   even with some of the limitations I experience as I age

I'm thankful God is my strength and my song

I know that without Him I can do nothing

but I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength

Scripture says that those who trust in the Lord lie down in peace and sleep

that's what I'm going to do as soon as I finish this up

I'm thankful for that peaceful sleep God provides

Thankful Thursday

I've been spending time reading and meditating on Psalm 145 recently

one of the phrases that has stuck out to me is verse 4:

"One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts." 

it is so crucial for me to choose my words carefully

Jesus said in Matthew 12,

"But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an account for it in the day of judgment."

God has done so many wonderful things, and He wants me as one of His followers to be telling others about them

it's so easy to get sucked into talking about the negative things going on around me

but God calls me to rise above that

He wants me to fix my eyes on Him and recognize all that He is doing 

and then He wants me to talk about it!

I'm so thankful God is the creator

the earth is an amazing place

and the universe is beyond description

there is so much beauty surrounding me

and God made it all

He is a master designer

He placed the earth just the right distance from the sun to benefit from it's power without being overwhelmed by it

He is an extraordinary artist 

I'm thankful for the beautiful sunsets I get to enjoy from my dining room window

when it's warm outside, I enjoy them from my back yard

I'm thankful for a roof over my head, especially on days like today when it rained all day long

thankful for God's provision of my home with electricity, running water, and heat

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

I'm thankful for His gift of eternal life

I'm thankful for the grace and forgiveness I have experienced

I'm thankful for music, for that avenue I have for expressing praise to God

I'm thankful for family

I had a surprise phone call from my grandson today

(He's 16 months old!)

somehow he got hold of his mom's phone and called me

it was so cool to hear him jabbering on the other end of the line when I answered

couldn't understand a thing he was saying, but it was still a special moment

I'm thankful for health

throughout my life, I have enjoyed good health

if I get sick, it is generally just a 24 hour thing and then it's gone

I'm thankful for the way God has designed our bodies to heal

I'm thankful I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God

I'm thankful for God's patience with me

thankful He holds me in His hand and lifts me up when I stumble

I'm thankful He is a God who delights in reconciling people to Himself

I'm thankful that because of my belief in Jesus, I have the right to be called a child of God

Glory!