Thanksgiving VIII ~

 13-19 June:  This past week, I have been thankful to have heard an inspiring message shared by a brother-in-Christ at our worship service - the Creator's law is the believers' standard whether the one written on stone or the one He has written in my heart! (Only the location has changed); I was thankful to see the rainbow refractions dancing in my room from the little bone-and-bead ornaments a friend provided and reminding me of the rainbows 'round God's throne; thankful for this affirmation, this promise found in Luke 11:12-13 where it is written: "Which one of you would give your child a scorpion if the child asked for an egg? As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give the Holy Spirit to anyone who asks." (CEV); thankful for the persistent, wooing call of our Savior, Jesus; thankful for the ministry He's doing in the TRUE tabernacle "not built with hands"(Hebrews 9:24); thankful for this affirmation from Philippians 3:20-21 where it is written: "... There’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like His own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which He is putting everything as it should be, under and around Him." (MSG); thankful 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 the message of 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 to know D.D.'s "other-mother" is recovering from a bad fall followed by a syncopal episode - no broken bones, what a precious blessing! I was thankful for the furry friends that keep me company and provide a few giggles during the day; thankful for this Fathers' Day thought from Psalm 103:13-14 where it is written: "An earthly father expresses love for his children; it is no different with our heavenly Father; the Eternal shows His love for those who revere Him. For He knows what we are made of; He knows our frame is frail, and He remembers we came from dust." (VOICE); thankful to know the reason for D.D.'s very late arrival in the night - a successful rescue of a Sharpie (a Sharp-shinned Hawk) now in professional care; I was thankful to know our heavenly Father sees each falling sparrow (and other birds, too! Matthew 10:29); thankful as I consider these words from Psalm 84:3-4 where we read: "Birds find nooks and crannies in your house, sparrows and swallows make nests there. They lay their eggs and raise their young, singing their songs in the place where we worship. God-of-the-Angel-Armies! King! God! How blessed they are to live and sing there!" (MSG); thankful for another Preparation Day, the only day other than Sabbath that the Bible mentions by name; thankful for pleasant weather in which to do activities out-of-doors; thankful for this admonition from Hebrews 12:6-10 where it is written: "... Have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as His children? My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but don’t be crushed by it either. It’s the child He loves that He disciplines; the child He embraces, He also corrects. God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best." (MSG); thankful that God has given us His Holy Spirit to help, teach, comfort, and guide through 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; and 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!).