HAVE YOU EVER THANKED GOD FOR....

A good, warm bed?

What about just a bed? Many in the world don't have one, you know.

A hot shower?

What about just running water IN your house? Our ancestors didn't have it and there are millions around the globe who still don't.

An ice cold COKE?

Many would thank God just for a clean drink of water.

The home you live in...whether 1000 square feet or 5,000.

Many tonight are living under a bridge, in a ditch or under a tree. They have no place to actually call home. Many more are in shelters or missions because of a lost job and financial ruin due to the economy. Others are living in their car with their children. Where are YOUR children sleeping tonight? Do you live in a safe neighborhood or do you constantly flinch at the sound of gunfire? Are your children able to play in your backyard or are you afraid they may be shot if you let them out the door?

For someone to hug and who hugs you back?

There are many who NEVER receive a hug from anyone...day in and day out. They never are touched in any way of affection. They never hear the words "I love you". And no one ever utters their name in prayer.

For your food?

No, seriously. Even if you say the "blessing" every day, do you ever really stop and realize what it would be like to not have ANY? Worse yet, can you imagine what it would feel like to not be able to feed your kids?!! We will throw away more food tomorrow left on plates than many people eat in a week.

For the USA?

Our freedoms are precious and we better be careful to thank God for them for many of them are hanging in the balance. Our freedom to worship God, to speak of Him, to proclaim His word is a gift many in other parts of the world would give anything to have. Instead, they must meet secretly to worship, and hope that they do not get caught, for if they do, they will be imprisoned and tortured unless they renounce the name of Christ. There are more people martyred today for their faith around the world than at any other time in history!

Your children and grandchildren?

Yes, that seems like an easy one, but sometimes the most obvious things go unmentioned. Thank Him for the sweet, cuddly babies that are impossible NOT to love. Thank Him for the busy toddler who is wearing you out. Thank Him for the rebellious teen who is trying to figure out who she is. Thank Him for the adult child who has made you proud. Thank Him for the prodigal who keeps you on your knees. Thank Him for the precious grandchildren who bring you so much joy and mean that you have lived long enough to acquire them. Verbally thank Him for each one. There are some tonight whose arms ache for theirs because death has snatched them away this year or because they are far away or estranged. Cherish every moment you have with them!!!

So much to be thankful for. God daily loads us with benefits. Today take time to stop and really think about how blessed you are. Take time to thank Him the One from whom all blessings flow.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!

A GIFT FOR ALL SEASONS

"God gives us richly, all things to enjoy" I Timothy 6:17


There are some denominations that believe we should not be happy, enjoy anything or have any pleasure in this life. To do so is sin. But scripture contradicts that. The above verse plainly tells us that God RICHLY gives us things to enjoy.

Matthew 7:11 says "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

We are made in the image of God. God enjoys giving good gifts to us just as we enjoy giving good gifts to our children. What parent does not enjoy giving things to their kids?! I would much rather buy for my children and grandchildren that have anything for myself. It is my joy to give to them.

But the Lord gives many good gifts to us that do not come wrapped in pretty paper and lavish bows, tucked beneath our tree on CHRISTmas morning.

Maybe this year, you are unable to spend as you have in the past due to the economic conditions that our country is now facing. The future is very questionable for many today as every day we hear of more companies downsizing or closing altogether. Jobs hang in the balance, so spending this CHRISTmas has been pared down significantly in many homes.

Still, God has given us many good gifts to enjoy. Look around today and see what good gifts He has given to YOU and your family. Here are just a few He has given me:


* My wonderful husband

* My two precious children and my children-in-love

* Two beautiful, adorable, precious, delightful granddaughters

* My mother

* My mother in law....94 and still going strong!

* Our beautiful home

* A wonderful church family

* God's Word

* Prayer

* Time to be still...to sit with only the CHRISTmas lights on, soft CHRISTmas music playing, a cup of cider and just drinking in the wonder and blessings of the season

* Watching my 2 year old granddaughter at play, listening to the funny things she says, seeing the look of new discovery in her eyes

* Watching my newest granddaughter as she sleeps peacefully in my arms, catching a tiny smile as she dreams

* Seeing the look on my son's face when he looked into his new baby daughter's face

* Watching my daughter an d son-in-love kneel in prayer together each Sunday

* Watching it snow

* Being with friends every month who have been such a blessing to my life and enjoying that special bond in Christ that we have together

* Scrapbooking with my daughter at Scrapbook Weekend

* Sitting on the porch at our farm, listening to the wind in the trees

* Walking through the woods in the fall, drinking in the beauty of God's wonderful creation

* Never ceasing to be amazed at how good God is!!!!!!!


These are just a few of the "good gifts" God has blessed ME with. I urge you today to stop and make a list of all the "good gifts" He has bestowed on you. You will discover quickly just how rich you are !!!