PILGRIMS
We all know that story, right? What better time to mention them than Thanksgiving. But if it weren't for them, our country would not have been founded upon religious freedom. It's hard to imagine life without freedom of religion; to live in a place where it's illegal to gather together for worship. Which brings me to my next thankful thing...
CHURCH
I love my church! I love my pastor, the ministers, the programs. We have something for everyone, literally. No, it's not perfect, but neither is any church.
BIBLE
It is the Living, Breathing, Word of God. I didn't understand this as a child. How could a Bible be alive? Well, when I read a scripture and then reread it at another time it is applicable in different ways depending on my situation at that time. Love that! We're fortunate to have several copies, some homes in this world don't have any.
PRAYER
Direct access to the most High God. We don't realize the untapped power that's right there waiting for us. It has proven to be a most amazing thing in our lives. We would not have our daughter or son if it weren't for prayer. There's not enough room to list all the things that prayer has done for us but we would not be who we are without it.
TRIALS
Strange thing to be thankful for, right? The Bible tells us to consider it joy when we're faced with trials. Again, not something I've always understood. When I think back at all the stuff we've had to go through, and it seems like nothing ever came easy, it's then that I've grown the most in my walk. When you're forced to rely on the Almighty instead of yourself, giving up that control, you can more easily see His hand move and it changes you.
FRIENDS
I am blessed to have a handful of close friends who support and encourage me. The things they have done to help while we were waiting for Kenan made it more bearable. We can laugh at just about anything, cry with and pray for one another, and grow together as sisters in Christ.
ADOPTION
Can't say enough about this topic! It's a miracle. It's also very addictive. I get overwhelmed at times thinking about how much I can love someone who didn't physically come from me. It's one of the best things I've ever done!
CHRISTMAS
My favorite holiday. I enjoy the sights, sounds, smells. No other time of year can bring about certain feelings like Christmas does. If it weren't for Christmas there would be no Easter, no salvation. It all starts with Christmas, with a baby who was born to die so that you and I might live.
What are you thankful for today?
Once again I have not kept track of my giving like I was supposed to. I can list a couple things that I remember though. I've done some extra volunteering in helping to get ready for the upcoming Christmas programs. We gave our tithe to the Lord. (I say we because it's not myself who actually gets the check in the mail but we as a couple who are being obedient by giving a portion back.) What have you done to give today?
Thanks for sticking with me during this month long experiment of Thanks and Giving. I hope it reminded you of some things we may take for granted. Every good and perfect gift comes from above, for which I truely am thankful.
