Thanksgiving IV ~

23-29 July:  This week I have been thankful for "enough" - needs met, occasional "wants" supplied; thankful to know our Creator loves and cares for me day by day; and thankful for this message from Matthew 19:13,14 where we read: "Some people brought children to Jesus so that He would place his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded them. 'Allow the children to come to me,' Jesus said. 'Don’t forbid them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like these children.'” (CEB); thankful that the most recent (and lengthy) update from Windows is now installed and my screen is showing a photo much like the one I'd installed last; thankful that the dear Dandee has ceased his alarm re the robins working on the lawn; and thankful for the message from Psalm 112:4-6: "Sunrise breaks through the darkness for good people— God’s grace and mercy and justice! The good person is generous and lends lavishly; No shuffling or stumbling around for this one, but a sterling and solid and lasting reputation. Unfazed by rumor and gossip, heart ready, trusting in God, spirit firm, unperturbed, ever blessed, relaxed among enemies, they lavish gifts on the poor— a generosity that goes on, and on, and on. An honored life! A beautiful life!" (MSG); thankful for the inet updates on family's journeyings; thankful for early waking on a gorgeous summer morning; and thankful for the precious prayers found in the Bible, like this one from Psalm 116:12,13 where we read: " What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord." (KJV); thankful to know of the exceeding great love of the Creator for all His children here on planet Earth; thankful that all who know Him are entitled to share this good news in any way we know how; and thankful for this message from Hebrews 11:1,6 where the Word reads: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for [one] that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He [rewards those who] diligently seek Him." (KJV, my paraphrase); thankful for morning's fresh, cool breezes - so delightful in mid-summer!  Thankful for each day as it fills with blessings; and thankful for the counsel offered to us in Hebrews 12:1-3 where we read: "Surrounded then as we are by these . . . witnesses, let us strip off everything that hinders us, as well as the sin which dogs our feet, and let us run the race that we have to run with patience, our eyes fixed on Jesus the source and the goal of our faith.. . . .Think constantly of Him enduring all that sinful men could say against Him and you will not lose your purpose or your courage." (PHILLIPS);
very thankful for family's safe return from the road trip eastward and back home; thankful for the chance to ride along as their rental van is returned to Spokane (and visit D.S.'s new home in WA!); and thankful, too, for this reminder from Philippians 3:14 where we read: "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (KJV); thankful for a new Sabbath morning and the opportunity to share the blessing I've received from Hope Sabbath School; thankful to have seen D.S. in his new place in a little WA village; and thankful for a heart that echos these words from Psalm 119:93 where we read: "I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have revived me and given me life." (KJV).