Thanksgiving III ~

30 October-5 November:  This week I have been thankful for the good news that comes to me via fb - the stories of unselfish actions to help and encourage others; I'm thankful, too, for those who take time to encourage me, showing me ways to be an encourager for others; and I am thankful for this "good news" from Ephesians 2:8;9: " For by grace you are saved through faith. And this is not from you. It is the gift of God— not of works, in order that no one may boast" (DLNT); for a new opportunity to learn, to be of service with a group of believers; thankful for the brief - but lasting - connection with a woman I admire greatly; and I'm thankful for this admonition from 1 Peter 5:8,9: "Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone] (AMP); for adequate bank balances - no over-drafts in the two accounts for which I'm responsible - in spite of a change in policy that caused me to lose a student account that had been very helpful; I am thankful to know the One who has provided all my needs for all my life; and I'm thankful for this message, found in Ephesians 1:18,19: "I [pray] that your minds may be opened to see His light, so that you will know what is the hope to which He has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings He promises His people, and how very great is His power at work in us who believe. . . ." (GNT); for the love that surrounds me - at home, from family far and near, and from the "family" of friends that make my life so rich - thank you! I'm thankful for knowledge of God as a loving heavenly Father, one who cares for, who keeps working on me 'til His work is done; and I'm thankful for the message of John 3:16,17: "For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son so that anyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it" (TLB); for tasty, simple things to eat - fresh fruit, cereal without added sugar, and legumes I cooked to add to my salad for the mid-day meal; I'm thankful, too, for the equipment that makes preparing food fast and easy; and I am thankful to read this message from Romans13:1 - a potent reminder to us in these days of turmoil in the political scene - "Obey the government, for God is the one who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power" (TLB); for the ladies that come to clean and polish every other week - things that have never been my forte but are much appreciated; I am thankful for week of weather with much of the blue skies I missed last month appearing in the forecast; and thankful, too, for this promise from Malachi 3:17 which reads: "'On the day that I am preparing,' says the Lord of heavenly forces, 'they will be my special possession. I will spare them just as parents spare a child who serves them'" (CEB); I am so thankful for another Sabbath, and for all the on-line activities available for us who observe the Sabbath at home or in the inter-net community; I'm thankful for the clear skies promising a fine autumn day; and thankful to read this invitation from the God of our salvation in Zechariah 1:3: ". . . You must tell the people what the Lord All-Powerful says, 'Come back to me,' says the Lord All-Powerful, 'and I will come back to you.' This is what the Lord All-Powerful said" (ERV).