Thanksgiving VI ~

15-21 September:  This past week, I have been thankful for those in the community who are willing to leave their breakfasts and come to the aid of another who has fallen; thankful to be able to CHOOSE to trust my Father's provision for all I need; thankful for the assurrance found in this passage: "We have come to know [by personal observation and experience], and have believed [with deep, consistent faith] the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides continually in him. In this [union and fellowship with Him], love is completed and perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him]; because as He is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4:16-17; AMP); thankful for medical assistance and care in our home and at the hospital only a few blocks away (a D.D. deals with multiple health issues); thankful for the ministries of Jesus as the Lamb and the Lion; thankful for this counsel from James 3:13 where it is written: "Who in your community is understanding and wise? Let [that] example, which is marked by wisdom and gentleness, blaze a trail for others." (VOICE); thankful for D.D.'s assistance in cleaning, her vinegar and lemon oil solution was just what was needed; thankful for the heart change that sees God' law as "good", filled with blessings for all who will follow; thankful for this thought from The Voice Bible - elaborating on the passage with this: "We come to God as sinners; but He wants to transform our habits, attitudes, and practices into the ways of Jesus: to live, forgive, and love as He did." followed with these words: "So imitate God. Follow Him like adored children," (Ephesians 5:1); thankful to the D.S.I.L. who drove to the city and purchased a new heater to replace the wall-heater in the bathroom that had died, then installed the same;  thankful for the break in the rain forecast that allowed a morning walk rather than a 'round and 'round indoors;  thankful for this counsel from Philippians 2:3-4 where it is written: "Don’t let selfishness and prideful agendas take over. Embrace true humility, and lift your heads to extend love to others. Get beyond yourselves and protecting your own interests; be sincere, and secure your neighbors’ interests first." (VOICE); thankful to feel rested in spite of little sleep through the night hours (AND thankful that situation is unexplicable and rare!); thankful for a heart that can trust God's providences; thankful for this counsel from Ephesians 4:29 where it is written: "Don’t let even one rotten word seep out of your mouths. Instead, offer only fresh words that build others up when they need it most. That way your good words will communicate grace to those who hear them." (VOICE); thankful for the sense of anticipation arising from the "Origens ...." seminar scheduled this evening at the Super 8 Motel in Grangeville - always enjoy the messages from that speaker; thankful for our Father's steadfast love, His marvelous grace, and His tender mercies; thankful to be in agreement with the words of the prophet, Isaiah,, who said: "Lord, You are my God; I will honor You and praise Your name. You have done amazing things; You have faithfully carried out the plans You made long ago." (Isaiah ;25:1; GNT); thankful that our scheduled speaker safely arrived at the place where the group was waiting (and praying!) - late, due to vagueries of highway construction and cell-phone service; thankful for the promise of Sabbath whether the skies are gray or sunny; and I was thankful for the messge in 2 Corinthians 13:3-4 where we read: "... You are demanding proof that Messiah is speaking through me. He is not weak toward you, but powerful among you. For He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives through the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we shall live with Him by God’s power toward you." (TLV).