I start my thanksgiving tonight giving thanks for last nights service with the people of Resurrection, St. John, and Our Saviour. I was very pleased with the number of people who ventured to St. John to join in the service. Don and the choir joined members of the other congregations, and the music was wonderful. Thank you! And Pastor Connie said something in her sermon that hit me. I too am proud to be a citizen of this country. I rarely say that, and probably not for a very good reason. However, as she said last night, no matter how flawed our system may look, we do live in a country where I can practice my faith openly, I can challenge the norm, I can generally speak out without fear of retribution. So tonight, I give thanks that I am a citizen of the USA.
I give thanks for my family, though only my brother remains alive from my immediate family. They taught me to care, my father taught me how to stay strong in the midst of adversity, to keep integrity above all else-even if it meant you would lose something you really wanted. Losing integrity would be the worst. My mother taught me that love knows no bounds, and no matter what, it is what it is! My brother talked to me on the phone the other night when Abbe had got out and I didn't know where she was. I give thanks I can count on him late into the night to be awake and talk (not so much during the day, then he doesn't answer the phone!)
I give thanks for all the experiences of my life, those that were happy and those that were not. For the wins and the losses. For success and failure. These are part of made me who I am today. If my life had gone perfect, I'd be a different person. I don't always get what I want--which annoys me, but it is good. Every person, every love, every job--these made me grow. I prefer the happy times, but everything is an experience to be learned from.
I give thanks to friends, the many friends that I have had for years, and the new ones. Without family living near by, the near by friends are my family. I am so grateful for the love, support and sacrifice you all make for me at times. Sometimes I am afraid of being alone when I will need someone, but you are there, ready to give me a ride or just listen. Recently, the doctors found something on the stress test they want to check out. I haven't really said much about it, because it isn't a big deal. However, my greatest concern was being a burden and needing a ride, or someone to take care of Abbe. No worries, I have great friends.
I am thankful to the people with which I serve in ministry. I love all the people at Ascension. For all the flack I got for "moving back" to Saginaw, I truly felt this was the call from God and believe it even more so today. We are moving and shaking in the name of Christ. I love being bold, and even more making Christ boldly known.
We all have so many things to be thankful for. As you watch the news about the brokenness of our country and world, as you struggle with whatever it is you are struggling with, remember to be thankful.
Psalm 100.
| 1 | Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! |
| 2 | Serve the LORD with gladness; |
| Come before His presence with singing. | |
| 3 | Know that the LORD, He is God; |
| It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; | |
| We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. | |
| 4 | Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, |
| And into His courts with praise. | |
| Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. | |
| 5 | For the LORD is good; |
| His mercy is everlasting, | |
| And His truth endures to all generations. |
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