Thanksgiving III ~

21-27 February:  This week I have been thankful to see sunlight on frost - everything has a diamondy sparkle as I look out my window; for the Father's steadfast love and mercy; and for these words from Ecclesiastes 3:11: "It is beautiful how God has done everything at the right time. He has put a sense of eternity in people’s minds. Yet, mortals still can’t grasp what God is doing from the beginning to the end of time" (God's Word); for another day of life in this beautiful world our Creator has given; for enough of all I need that He provides every day using all the means at His disposal; and for the promise from Luke 12;29-31: "You must not set your heart on what you eat or drink, nor must you live in a state of anxiety. The whole heathen world is busy about getting food and drink, and your Father knows well enough that you need such things. No, set your heart on his kingdom, and your food and drink will come as a matter of course.” (Philipps); for less swollen feet - an occasional issue in my life, always nice as it goes away; to have found the source of the "beep" that was annoying D.D. and I yesterday; and I'm thankful for these words from Psalm 94:18,19: "If I should say, “My foot has slipped,Your lovingkindness, O Lord, will hold me up. When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul" (NASB); for the phone call from a far-away son - I guess a mother never stops being a mother - there's a strong desire to "help" but I am thankful I've learned the lesson (offered by MY mom) to stay out of the marital issues of others; thankful for the space the Father gives us as we learn to lean on Him; and for these words from 1 Peter 5:6-8: "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" (KJV);  for the Bible studies provided here in Cottonwood by Pastor Steve every Wednesday evening; thankful, too, for those who are willing to provide transportation - D.D. and friends old and new; and for this counsel from Matthew 22:37-39: ". . . 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself." (CEB); thankful to have the D.S.I.L. home again after his visit to family in Arizona; for the ability to revise a recipe after the fact (hoping to lessen the baby-food texture); and for these words from 1 John 4:9: "This is how the love of God is revealed to us: God has sent his only Son into the world so that we can live through him." (CEB); for another Sabbath in which to celebrate the marvelous works of the Creator; for clearing skies after rain in the night; and for this blessing from Genesis 17:7: "I will set up my covenant with you and your descendants after you in every generation as an enduring covenant. I will be your God and [their] God after you" (CEB) According to Paul, I too am one of Abraham's descendants (Galatians 3:7).  He 's promised to be MY God and the God of every believer!