Thanksgiving II ~

4-10 January: Just discovered this didn't get to fb  - so here we go before it's time to post another!  This has been a week of gratitude  for Hope Sabbath School and its weekly interactive study of the Word (Saturday at 8 AM on the Hope Channel, 368 DirectTV and on request from archived programs at www.hopetv.org/hopess);for the ease of educating myself online in the use of fireplace dampers; for smiles while watching Dandee defending against his reflection in the glass of the french-doors leading to the patio; for rebroadcasts of Voice of Prophecy's Family Reunion series - what a delight!  Grateful, too, for my sister's generous spirit - the gift of oats and raisins is much appreciated; for smiles that came when Ruby (the neighbor's dog) followed Dandee's scent trail through the house; thankful to see again David Asscherick's presentation on power and law with his conclusion that it is God alone who possesses both power and humility - His law then can be seen as promises rather than power statements; to have laundry facilities in this house - no need to tote a load of dirty clothes to the laundromat or for quarters to feed the machines; for the easily restored warmth of the fireplace; for my sister finding - then coming here to share - images of the church our brother and other members are building in LasVegas, N.M., a street-view from Google Maps; for being part of a world-wide group that is uniting in prayer for a Pentecost-like pouring out of God's Holy Spirit promised in Joel 2:28,29; for all God's promises - but the promise of John 14:1-3 grows more and more precious as the years pass; for clear skies outside my door; for trips out-of-town with no flats, dents, or breakdowns; for the cheerful fire that is snap-crackle-popping (is this a copyright infringement?) in the fireplace; for the smiles, the little pleasures I'm given day-by-day; to find all the pieces for the food-processor to make the cabbage salad that has become a mainstay for me; for a growing understanding of just how I can "abide" in Jesus (John 15:4-7) that He has hidden nothing I need to know; for sunlight on the hilltops, promise of a fine morning; for strong bones - I tripped on the first of two porch steps coming into the house as I was going in but I had a good grip on my walking-stick and that eased my landing - my shoulder is sore but nothing is broken; for the promise of Jesus in Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me. . . I will give you rest" - so thankful for this weekly opportunity to rest in His love and care.