Thankful Hearts Gather Here

"I created you first and foremost to glorify Me. 

Thanksgiving and praise put you in proper relationship with Me, 

opening the way for My riches to flow into you. 

As you thank Me for My Presence and Peace, 

you appropriate My richest gifts." 

(From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

Thanks-giving is not just a day; it is a way of life. Giving thanks all our days ...

On this Thanks-giving Week, and everyday:

Thank You ... for loving us so much that You gave even Your own Son

Thank You - the gift of Your Spirit to live within us, closer to us than any other 

Thank You - the sweetest, most patient, loving husband I could ever wish for

Thank You - our "empty nest" years, so blessed by this season of life together

Thank You - preserving my husband's life in the terrible accident 8 years ago

Thank You - priceless gifts You have given us, our six children, whom we love more than life

Thank You - four sweetest daughters ... two kindest sons

Thank You - many years with a houseful of family ... and a heart full of love, forever

Thank You - miraculous healing of a daughter ... leukemia, and bone marrow transplant

Thank You - for even more miraculous healing of a broken relationship within our family

Thank You - twelve years ago, a grown child come back to You from years away ... tears of joy

Thank You - for trials and pain ... they draw us to Your heart like nothing else

Thank You - four sons-in-law ... the greatest ever, and their love for our daughters

Thank You - for the nine sweetest grandchildren we could ever wish for

Thank You - your comfort in sorrow

Thank You - the amazing gift of adoption ... two little grandbaby boys

Thank You - blessings of living close by ... five children, five grandchildren

Thank You - other children and grandchildren, just a 12-hour drive away 

Thank You - for assurance of three parents, and two grandchildren in heaven with You

Thank You - for longings and heartaches that bring us to our knees before You

Thank You - for extended families, for brothers ... and sisters-in-law, like sisters to me

Thank You - for the gift of an updated kitchen and dining room a year ago

Thank You - worship with like-minded friends, speaking the language of our hearts

Thank You - great joy of being in full-time ministry together as a couple

Thank You - for financial partners in ministry, making it all possible

Thank You - for other staff and volunteers joining us, all part of a bigger team

Thank You - for being able to witness firsthand life-change in students

Thank You - Your unchangeable, powerful, trustworthy Words ... new every morning

Thank You - for purpose, for peace, and for life

Thank You - anticipation of 17 family around our table for Family Thanksgiving

"Therefore, let us offer through Jesus 

a continual sacrifice of praise to God, 

proclaiming our allegiance to His name." 

(Hebrews 13:15)

(One Thousand Gifts #31-60)