I'm not used to updating this blog yet, so I'm adding these from my Thanksgiving Journal to catch up.

Thankful for:

Friday, November 5th - Encouragement from others! (Romans 12:8)
I was given the greatest gift this month for Pastor Appreciation. It was a book containing letters and encouraging words from families and individuals at New Hope. I have a file already that I go to from time to time when I need a pick-me-up, and this book of letters will be one that I will easily grab when I need to know that what I do is making a difference. Life is tough at times for all of us, but it doesn't matter what you are experiencing,--joy or sorrow--encouragement from others means alot. I am thankful to those who have the gift of encouragement to lift myself and others up. Thank you, God, for bringing so many people in my life to encourage me and others.


Thursday, November 4th - Home! (Luke 10:38-42)
I am thankful for the home that God has blessed Rachel, Tucker and myself to live in. I am thankful that we are able to use our home to grow as a family and to grow with our church family. It is a place where we are creating some great memories, and a place that is a refuge from the world around us. Too often, when we pull in our driveway, open the door, and sit on the couch in our living room, we forget those who have no place to call home. Don't take for granted the house, apartment, etc. that you call home. Home is where the heart is, that's true, but I am also thankful for the home that my body is allowed to rest and live life in. Give Thanks to God as you look around your home and think of all that God has given to you.


Wednesday, November 3rd - Food! (John 21:10-14)
I am thankful for food. You can probably look at me and be able to know that fact. However, I am thankful that I am able to have food in my home, that I can enjoy food with others, and that I can enjoy a variety of food. There are those who have medical, financial issues, etc., who do not get to enjoy the food that we might take for granted. In this scripture in John, I imagine the excitement of the disciples as they are able to enjoy the catch of the day with Jesus Christ. Give Thanks to God for the food that you enjoy today and everyday.

Tuesday, November 2nd - Nature! (Genesis 1)
Growing Up, I always enjoyed going to my elderly neighbor's home because her yard was always well-maintained and her backyard almost appeared like a wooded setting within the city. My favorite feature of her backyard was a fishpond full of variable-sized goldfish fed by a waterfall. I always knew that when I got a home, I would put in a pond with fish. Now, we have one. When I step onto the back porch at our home, I am drawn by the sound of the waterfall in our pond. It is full of some goldfish that have become like family. The pond, itself, is surrounded by flowering perennials and it is such a wonderful place to observe nature and reflect on the beauty of God. I love nature--flowers, trees, animals, etc.--and I am thankful to God for creating it.