Thanksgiving III ~

3 - 10 July:  This week I have been thankful for precious time with friends, old and new, at an after-services gathering up on Crow Bench Road; for miles of travel through ripening fields and verdant forests as we went out and returned; and for these words from Isaiah 43:10: “You are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me" (NIV); thankful to be anticipating a visit with a rarely seen but dearly loved friend from Ely days as D.S. has volunteered a drive over to Darby, MT; thankful for this day to celebrate the freedom yet remaining in this land where the "red, white, and blue" still waves; and thankful for this message from John 8:36: ". . . if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed"; for traveling mercies - no bumps, car-troubles, or flats as we journeyed to Darby and returned; for a delightful stay with these dear friends; and for these words from Proverbs 18:24: "There are persons for companionship, but then there are friends who [can be] more loyal than family" (CEB); thankful for the blessing of a meet-up with dear friends from our Paradise church family who came down from Kettle Falls to see the missionary/pastor that was our pastor in Las Vegas during many of our years there - just a short visit, but such a delight; so thankful for the chauffeuring service provided by the D.S.; and I'm thankful for this reminder from Psalm 18:30: "God! His way is perfect; the Lord’s word is tried and true. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him" (CEB); thankful for this "catch-up" day after days of "running to and fro"; for the days of"perfect" weather we've enjoyed; and the assurances of our Father's steadfast love for us;  to be awaiting arrival of dear ones returning from their Alaska vacation; for D.S.'s thoughtful assist in the housekeeping department (and the delicious enchilada he brought home from Lewiston for D.D. and I to share!); and for the words of praise from Psalm 138:2: "I will bow down . . . . and I will thank you for your love and loyalty. You have made Your name and Your word greater than anything" (ICB); and so thankful for this new Sabbath on which to celebrate the Creator's marvelous work and rejoice in its beauty, its diversity; thankful to be meeting with with the family of God on this day that Jesus claims as His own (Exodus 20:10; Matthew 12:8; Mark 2:28; Luke 6:5); and thankful for the promise in these words from Ephesians 3:20,21: "Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen" (AMP).