Throughout the month of November, I have been encouraging the people of the church I pastor to take time to be truly thankful. Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day and I will not be posting until Monday (unless I get a wild hair to do so), I thought I would do what I have encouraged them to do and write down some things I am grateful for. This list is by no means exhaustive. It is a starting point, maybe a guide for you as well.
*For the God who loved me and continues to love me; sent His Son to die for me; gave His Spirit to live in me; promised the return of His Son; and for all He has given me, I give the highest praise of all. Words fail to adequately express my gratitude.
*For my wife of 50+ years who has stuck with me through all kinds of stuff. I don’t deserve her.Thank you for doing life with me.
*For my two adult daughters who call me “Dad,” the loftiest word in the English language. They continually bless my life with their love and presence.
*For Braden, my one and only grandson, who is forging his way in life, in sports, and in the world. May he always know how proud Grandpa is of him (even though as a 17 year old he now finds other things more important than sitting on Grandpa’s lap and watching Transformers movies). 🙂
*For the church family called Owen Valley Christian Fellowship (OVCF) I am honored to pastor. I started my 19th year this past Sunday. To say how truly blessed and grateful I am to be their pastor cannot be expressed. I pray the Gospel is preached; Jesus is Honored; Grace is offered; Lives are Changed; and Obedience is Encouraged. I truly hope that those who find their way to OVCF can say, “I’m home.”
*For you who read “Shadow.” Thanks. Blogging is not what it used to be in popularity or influence. Life changes. But each day I journal during my Encounter Time at my kitchen table before anyone stirs (maybe even the mice if there are any). 🙂 As I journal, I write my thoughts and musings which become my daily posts here at “Shadow.” Each day you get to read my heart and mind. How scary is that? 🙂 I do hope these devotions spark a desire in you to know Jesus deeper, and to face life in His strength. Selfishly, I wish more would read, but I’m thankful to you for reading. And, of course, it is all up to Him as to what happens with “Shadow.”
Have a grateful Thanksgiving my friends. May you truly find much to be grateful for.
Thank you, Bill, for daily sharing your thoughts. I may not always comment, but I always find your posts encouraging and challenging. Wishing you and Jo a blessed Thanksgiving!
Thank you Pam. It is encouraging to know you read. May you and Dick, family and friends have a grateful Thanksgiving.
Wonderful gratitude, Bill! I’m sure thankful for your presence here in Blogland, and for your God-given wisdom shared here. May Jo and you have a fabulous Thanksgiving!
Blessings!
Martha: out of all my readers, I am thankful for your longevity and your encouragement. I look forward to reading your blog and hearing your words there and here. Thank you. May you and Danny have a grateful Thanksgiving.
I am so late in reading this, but I save your posts in my inbox until I can give them due respect and attention. So, here I am this morning, trying to weed through my inbox and enjoying reading your posts, as I go. I loved your thanksgiving list and praise the Lord for all the many blessings in my own life, also. He has blessed me far beyond what I could ever deserve, and my heart is so full of gratitude to Him every single day. May He continue to shower His love and blessings into your life, Pastor Bill!
Like you, I am blessed beyond words. May you and your family know God’s richest blessings-not just through Thanksgiving-but through true thanksgiving. Thanks for finding the time to read Cheryl.