Thanksgiving V ~

15-21 July:  This week, I was thankful for another day of life and for the strength promised for its duties; thankful for the visit of a dear friend from Las Vegas days after church yesterday; thankful, too, as I remembered these words from James1:20-22 where it is written: "[Our] anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires]. So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls. But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]."(AMPC); thankful for the recognition of my position as a daughter of the King of all creation - what a blessing!  I was thankful for strength to manage the stairs several times yesterday playing med nurse for D.D.; thankful for the affirmation in Colossians 2:9-10 where we read: "... The entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, and you have been filled by Him, who is the head over every ruler and authority." (HCSB); thankful to view photos of the happy faces of a D.D. in the company of Las Vegas cousins and an uncle enjoying a mini-reunion; thankful to see another indication that following the WW plan does bring results!  Thankful, too, for the message in Paul's words to the Roman believers in Romans 1:15-17 where it is written: "... I can’t wait to get to you in Rome, preaching this wonderful good news of God. It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: 'The person in right standing before God by trusting Him really lives.'” (MSG); thankful as I watched the morning begin with the summer sun peaking over the hill and rising into the clear blue sky - summers on the prairie are a gladsome thing!  I was thankful for all the affirmations, the beautiful "I will ...." promises to be found in God's Word, and thankful as my heart echoes these words from Psalm 119:7 where it is written: "I will praise You with a sincere heart when I learn Your righteous judgments." (HCSB); thankful for the warmth of the sunlight as it begins to reach my window - don't need to hide from the summer sun up here on the prairie; I was thankful for the improving health of my eldest D.D.who's been having some challenges; thankful as I re-read this promise, daily claimed for myself and others, from Isaiah 41:10 where it is written: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand." (HCSB);  I - actually we (Dandee and I) - are thankfully anticipating my D.D.'s return from her business trip; thankful for the preparations already completed for the weekend - not ALL, but getting there; thankful for the assurance of these words from 1 John 1:7 where it is written: "... If we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." (HCSB); thankful for another celebration of the Creator's rest from His work, a reminder that I have rest in His work for me; thankful to know I am loved and cared for by the Creator of all things; and I am thankful to join the psalmist in these words from Psalm 119:29 where it is written: "Keep me far from every wrong; help me, undeserving as I am, to obey your laws, for I have chosen to do right." (TLB).