Thanksgiving V ~

11-17 March:  This week, I was thankful for the "retired" status the allows me to arise on my schedule and not someone else's; thankful for all the timekeepers that automatically reset themselves - only the clock on my wall requires adjustment twice every year (and now-and-then replacement of its batteries); thankful to read this description of our God from Deuteronomy 7:8 where it is written: "... Remember that the Lord your God is the only God, and you can trust him! He keeps his agreement. He shows his love and kindness to all people who love him and obey his commands. He continues to show his love and kindness through a thousand generations." (ERV); thankful for a lifetime of experiencing a loving heavenly Father; for all the "I will . . . ." promises I find in God's Word - all the blessings He gives with assurances He will do exactly as He says (e.g. Ezekiel 36:25-27); thankful for another promise every parent should know, Isaiah 49:25 where it is written: "Indeed, this is what the Lord says, 'Even the captives of the mighty man will be taken away, And the tyrant’s spoils of war will be rescued; For I will contend with your opponent, And I will save your children'"; thankful for the fantasy colors in the sunrise - they may be tidings of precipitation later on, but a beautiful beginning for this day; thankful to live in this somewhat rural location where the seasons of agriculture are a very real part of our lives; thankful to know the truth of these words from Romans 8:28 where it is written: " ... We know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose." (AMP);  thankful that the sun - though obscured by clouds - is ever always shining; thankful for the snow and rain that water the thirsty earth; thankful for the apostle's counsel in 1 Peter 1:5- 8 where we read: "This is why you must make every effort to add moral excellence to your faith; and to moral excellence, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, endurance; and to endurance, godliness; and to godliness, affection for others; and to affection for others, love. If all these are yours and they are growing in you, they’ll keep you from becoming inactive and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (CEB); thankful for the ability to have almost instant communication with family and friends from places near and far via the internet; thankful for eyes that can see and appreciate the beauty that fills my world; thankful for this powerful reminder that comes from Acts 4:12 where it is written: " Salvation can be found in no one [but Jesus]. Throughout the whole world, no other name has been given among humans through which we must be saved.” (CEB); thankful for the D.S. whose birthday I am celebrating today - and will be, with him and other family members, tomorrow; thankful to be one day nearer to that glorious day when we will see our King coming in the clouds; thankful for the counsel to all believers from Colossians 3:11-13 where it is written: "In this new life it doesn’t matter if you are a Greek or a Jew .... It doesn’t matter if you are a slave or free. Christ is all that matters, and he is in all of you. God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you." (ERV); thankful to be anticipating Sabbath with a D.S. and his church family - all worshiping together on the Creator's day of rest; thankful that the weather outside is not frightful; and thankful for this promise from Jeremiah 3:15 where it is written: “Then I will give you shepherds who trust and know Me, wise teachers who will impart knowledge and understanding to you." (VOICE).