Thanksgiving II ~

12-18 April:  I give thanks for the slow and steady rain yesterday - just what our thirsty earth needed; for the passages in Scripture (such as Jeremiah 29:11) that clearly tell us our heavenly Father's purpose for our lives; and for the message at church yesterday about "heart" and what the phrase should mean for us in the 21st century; for the privilege of Bible study with other believers and the fresh insights gained as we discuss what we've read; for the assurance that one can experience a new start by being "born again" (I Peter 1:23; II Corinthians 5:17); for my sister, beginning a new trip around our star;  for sound sleep and rest - what a wonderful way to start ANY day! I am thankful for a disposition of gratitude which I see as a gift from my Creator, not a natural trait; I'm thankful to be part of this little mountain community with all it has to offer; for the "100 Days of Prayer" leading up to my church in its quinquennial session in July - I am being blessed by the every day readings and the suggestions for prayers provided; I'm thankful for the ministry of other believers in this community and around the world - surely a sweet fragrance before our Father's throne;        for each new day and all the blessing that will come with it; for the grace and mercy from God that are new EVERY morning (Lamentations 3:22,23); for the gradually increasing hours of morning daylight; for the labor-saving household "servants" that keep homemaking from being the toilsome task that it was 100 years ago (looking at the end-of-the-week chores on my list today); thankful to be anticipating the return of my glasses after I carelessly left them where the pup could find them (everything winds up in his mouth!); and thankful for the delightful trip to McCall and back, with good news for a D.D; for a beautiful beginning for the days our community celebrates each spring with fun on the river (and off!) - may there be safety and peace for all; for anticipating study, praise, and worship with our sisters and brothers as we meet together; and for the phone call from the D.D. in Colorado; and so thankful that the return of Jesus is closer today than it ever was before - Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!