Thanksgiving V ~

19-26 November:  This week, I was thankful to be filled with a spirit of gratitude for the blessings that surround me day by day; thankful for the friends who've continued with me on this "Thanksgiving ...." journey over the years - and those who share their own notes of thanks; and thankful for this counsel from the apostle, Paul, who wrote: " Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God." (Philippians 4:6; AMP); thankful for all the little daily blessings in my life - the things that work smoothly as buttons are pressed or switches activated; thankful for the big blessings of a roof over my head, the family that shares it with me, comestibles in the pantry and fridge, running water in the pipes - and SO much more; thankful for the words of Jesus telling us HOW believers lives are to develop, as found in John 17:17: "Make them holy—consecrated—with the truth; Your Word is consecrating truth" (MSG); thankful for the conviction that our prayers for others can be a blessing to them and their loved ones; thankful for many opportunities to be part of the "readin' up" for the big event coming up; thankful to share the assurance the psalmist expresses in Psalm 140:12,13 where it reads, ". . .I know the Lord will . . . give justice to the poor. Surely righteous people are praising Your name; the godly will live in Your presence"; thankful for this counsel from Psalm 105:1 where we read: "Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!".   He is a gentleman of His word - He keeps His promises to us.  He is dependable - He never changes.  He loves us with an everlasting love, and draws us to Himself  (Jeremiah 31:3) "We give thanks to God always for YOU all, making mention of you in our prayers," 1 Thessalonians 1:2; thankful for the extras in the house - a D.S. and two D.G.D.s ( one husband!) were here to share our Thanksgiving celebration;  thankful for the completion of another year with this "Thanksgiving ...." blog - plan to keep it up as long as my brain and my fingers will let me!  Thankful to know the message of this very old hymn, Psalm 100:4,5, which reminds us to "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and ... with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name! For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting, His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations." (AMPC); thankful to begin a fifth year of these posts with a heart full of gratitude for the bounteous blessings the Father continues to provide; thankful to have family here for the celebration (and wishing the rest of the kids and grands - from Boston to Sichuan - could join us!); thankful to share the words of Psalm 75:1 where we read: "We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near.  People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds." (NLT); thankful to enjoy another Sabbath, a rest our Father has provided for His people - what a blessing! and thankful for this message from Psalm 107:21-22 where we read: "Thank the Lord for His faithful love and for the amazing things He does for people. Offer sacrifices of thanks to Him. Sing with joy about all that He has done." (ERV).