Thanksgiving VII ~

14-20 June:  During the past week, I was thankful to see the rainbow shadows the sun-catchers were casting on the floor in front of my chair; thankful to have the Sun of Righteousness looking down on me from above; thankful for this thought from Philippians 3:20-21 where it is written: "... We are citizens of heaven, exiles on earth waiting eagerly for a Liberator, our Lord Jesus the Anointed, to come and transform these humble, earthly bodies into the form of His glorious body by the same power that brings all things under His control." (VOICE); thankful every morning for limbs and digits that move as directed - growing older isn't always a lot of fun (with prayers for those who've lost some of these abilities); thankful for all who call (and TREAT) me as a friend - you are much appreciated; thankful for this message from Isaiah 27:3,5: “I, the Lord, am [your] Keeper; I [care for you] every moment. so that no one will harm [you]; I guard [you] night and day. . . . cling to My strength and rely on My protection [My stronghold], . . . make peace with Me . . . ."; (AMP, adapted); thankful for ALL the messages from our heavenly Father found in His Word, the Bible; thankful that Word stands firm through the centuries, though it has been chained, banned, and burnt - it has been the anvil on which many hammers have been worn away; thankful for this warning from Malachi 3:5 where it is written: '“I will come to you in judgment, and I will be ready to witness against sorcerers and adulterers; against those who swear falsely; against those who oppress the hired worker, the widow, and the fatherless; and against those who deny justice to the resident alien. They do not fear me,' says the Lord of Armies." (CSB); thankful for life and a reasonable measure of good health -  always; thankful that there is sunlight in my heart even though it may not really be sunny out-of-doors; thankful for these words from Psalm 103:10-12 where we read: "He has not dealt with us after our sins nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (AMPC); thankful for a new day, tho' the sun was curtained by clouds; thankful that camp-meeting was being live-streamed and recorded for us - Pastor Venden's message promised blessings for the series - all have been archived on the UCC website; thankful to share this thought from Ephesians 6:4 where we read: "Parents, don’t be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord." (CEV); thankful that God has given us His Holy Spirit to help, teach, comfort, and guide through these difficult days as we wait for the promise of Jesus' return to take His people home to the Father; thankful to see all the shades of green in the foliage around me - so restful; thankful for the assurance found in Zechariah 1:3 where it is written: "... You must say to the people, 'The Lord of heavenly forces proclaims: "Return to Me," says the Lord of heavenly forces, "and I will return to you", says the Lord of heavenly forces.'" (CEB), (... and thankful to see that in God's Word, repetition increases emphasis - in the same way we, today, use italics, all caps, or underlining - this message is REALLY God's message to His people!); thankful for another Sabbath and opportunity to gather (in appropriate social distancing!) with my church family for study, praise, and worship of our Creator; thankful for the big tree outside my window that provides shade from the heat in the warmer weather; and thankful for the message of Jesus' words from Mark 8:35-37: ". . . 'Anyone who intends to come with Me has to let Me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow Me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, My way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?'" (MSG).