Wow....I did not realize I was so far behind in updating the blog online. I noted when I began this that I was not good at remembering to do this, and it shows. I will now proceed to get my Thanksgiving Blog current pulling from my journal. Entries may be very brief...

Thursday, November 18th: Photos
Photos are something we have on the wall, on shelves, in our wallets--photos are everywhere we look. However, we don't really think about how glad we are to have them until someone passes away and we go back to the photos of their life with us, or if a fire or something else threatens these memories caught on paper. I am thankful that God gave someone the knowledge of how to create a way to make memories last forever in this way. It is always such a wonderful event to pull out some old photos and take a stroll down memory lane. Look around at the photos in your home, on your desk at the office, or the ones nestled in your wallet and be thankful for those memories that you have to constantly look at. Thank You, God, for photos and for all the wonderful memories they represent.

Wednesday, November 17th: Hope of Heaven (Revelation 21-22)
God created such a beautiful place for us to live on earth, but I am even more thankful for the place where I will spend eternity. Heaven. It is a place that we cannot fully begin to understand, but it is a place that every Christian desires to be. It is a wonderful hope to know that when our time on this earth is over, we have a beautiful place to spend eternity with our Savior. Thank you, God, for the Hope of Heaven and for allowing us to be there with you forever.

Tuesday, November 16th: Laughter (Ecclesiastes 3:4)
Some say that being a Christian is no fun...they must not be hanging around the same Christians I do. I am thankful for Laughter, and the way that when we get together as brothers and sisters in Christ, that we are able to laugh and enjoy each other's company. I enjoy hearing little jokes, little comments, and other things that make me laugh. They say laughter is good medicine, and I believe it is. Thank You, God, for creating Laughter and for allowing me to have the people in my life who cause me to laugh.

Monday, November 15th: Baptism (Romans 6:3-5)
Every baptism I participate in is a little different and each is very special for the person being baptized. I am thankful for Salvation, for the new life that Jesus Christ offers to each of us. I am thankful for baptism to wash away our sins and allow our lives to begin anew in Jesus Christ. Perhaps, we should stop and remember our baptism and the feeling we had at that moment. It is a wonderful experience to remember and reflect on. Thank you, Lord, for salvation and baptism. Thank you for the new life I am able to live.

Sunday, November 14th: Talent of Playing Piano (Ephesians 5:19)
I'm not the greatest, but I am thankful for the ability that God has given me to be able to play some keyboard. It is such a blessing to me to be able to play music, knowing that the God I play songs about is the God who gave me the ability to play. Thank you, God, for this talent. I will always use it for your Glory.

Saturday, November 13th: Sports
I really had to think today, but Sports popped in my mind as something I am thankful for. You may think this is odd, but I am glad that God gave those who invented the different sports the thought to do so. Do you ever stop and thank God for football when you are sitting with family enjoying a game? Do you ever stop and thank God for baseball when you are cheering your team home? Do you ever stop and thank God for Volleyball when you are out on the court exercising and having fun? Sports is another gift God has given us to enjoy. Don't forget to thank Him for everything.

Friday, November 12th: Transportation
I don't often think about anything when I get in the car, turn the key in the ignition, put it in gear and drive off. However, when you see someone walking somewhere carrying many sacks of groceries because they don't have a car, it makes you think. Having a car is something many of us take for granted because it is just one of the "luxuries" we have to come to expect. However, there are many who do not have or cannot afford cars. Thank You, God, for blessing me and my family with vehicles.

Thursday, November 11th: Veterans/Military (2 Chronicles 7:14)
I am thankful to live in the greatest country that God created. Yes, God has given us this country to live in and flourish in. I am so thankful everyday for those who have fought and given their lives over the history of America to keep us safe, free, and the best Country in the world. I am still thankful today for all those who continue to serve and fight to keep us safe and free. Thank You, God, for America and those who fight to protect it. Please watch over them, Lord.