Thanksgiving VI ~

17-23 March:  This week, I was thankful for the strength that allows me to complete my activities of daily living without assistance in this, my eightieth year - not all are so blest; thankful to see the avian friends busy at the feeders outside my window - the Dark-eyed Juncos are my favorites this time of year (I'm enjoying them for just a little longer, then they'll be off to more northern homes to raise new families); thankful for the message given us in Psalm 23:1-4 where it is written: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Comforted by "Thy rod and thy staff"? Yes, because the shepherd uses them to to protect and defend, not to punish and abuse!). (KJV); thankful for the privilege of service, service in even small opportunities; thankful that Jesus sees my little efforts for others as service for Him (Matthew 25:40); thankful as I pondered these words from Romans 15:13 where they are written: "May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in your faith, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook may be radiant with hope." (PHILLIPS);  thankful to have half of my six children here in this domicile - middle D.S. is here overnight to retrieve his canine buddy (and enjoy a slightly belated birthday dinner!); thankful for another fine day in the forecast, with warming temps - spring is almost upon us!  I was thankful as I read these words from Galatians 5:22-23, words that help me recognize my need of the Spirit's continuing work in my life: "... these are the things which the Spirit wants you to show: love, joy, peace, patience, being kind, being good, being true, being gentle, and keeping the body under control. There is no law that says, `These things are wrong.'" (WE); thankful for another day of bright sunshine - what a blessing after all the snowy days of February! I was thankful that the roads dear ones are traveling on are now free from ice and snow (which prob'ly won't return for a while!); thankful for this bit of wisdom from 1 Peter 2:2-3 where it is written: "Babies who have just been born want milk very much. In the same way, you should want God's word. That is like good milk. It will make you grow up so that you will then be fully saved. You should want God's word if you have already tasted and know that the Lord is good." (WE); thankful for the non-invasive technology that allows a physician to examine heart health - an echocardiogram is in store for me this morning; thankful to read the story of King Asa at the end of his life (2 Chronicles 16:12) and considering how it may apply in my life; thankful to read these words from Jeremiah 17:7-8 where they are written: "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit." (NRSV); thankful for the sunlight that is peeping through the big window in my room - sunshine really does make me happy!  I was thankful to have the preparation day in motion, with plans for the rest of the day; thankful for this counsel from Ephesians 6:10-11  where we read "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (along with this definition of the armor in verses 14-17): "Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (NRSV); thankful for God's own celebration of His completed work of creating our planet and that He's invited us to be part of that celebration week by week; thankful for my church family and the lay pastors who feed the flock on the alternate Sabbaths when our pastor is ministering in the two other churches where he serves; and I was thankful for this promise found in James 1:12 where it is written: "Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him." (NRSV).