Thanksgiving IX ~

12-18 June:  Through the past week, I have been thankful for telephone (and on-line!) connections with family and friends; thankful for hugs from an in-person friend; thankful for these words of praise for the beauties of the night sky from Psalm 19:1-2 where this is written: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge." (New King James Version); thankful for all the helpers in my life - family, friends, and the others who assist in so many ways; thankful for their interest in hearing the Word as I share from it in answer to questions about life; thankful for this thought, as expressed in Luke 11:13 where it is written: "If you, then, being evil [that is, sinful by nature], know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!” (Amplified Bible); thankful for a warm room at shower-time; thankful to see the numbers on my digital scale diminish a little bit; thankful and rejoicing as I affirm this message from Philippians 3:20 where it is written: "... Our place-of-citizenship is in the heavens, from where also we are eagerly-awaiting the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Disciples Literal New Testament); thankful for the privilege of living as a daughter of the King (and recognizing others as His children as well!); thankful to see that "summer" is only a week away - on the calendar, at least!  I was thankful as I perused this message from Proverbs 23:24-25 where it is written: "The parents of the right-living will celebrate; yes, parents of children who make wise choices are happy. So make your parents happy; ...." (VOICE); thankful for the EMTs who are willing to come for "lift help" when this old lady finds herself on the floor and unable to get back on her feet without assistance (kudos to the crew here in this community!); thankful for the young people I see helping with yard work outside; thankful as I consider this thought from Psalm 103:13 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." (VOICE); thankful that yesterday's tumble caused naught but a red face and a bit of humiliation - no fractures or even bruises; I was thankful for the sunlight of the morning; thankful to echo the praise from Psalm 68:4 where it is written: "Sing songs of praise to the name that belongs to the True God! Let your voices ring out in songs of praise to Him, the One who rides through the deserted places. His name is the Eternal; celebrate in His glorious presence." (VOICE); thankful for the message Pastor Steve shared with the church family (and with us here via the internet connection!) - may my life be one that will hasten the Savior's return! I was thankful for hearts that are able to forgive when I forget to act in loving ways; and I was thankful for this counsel from Ephesians 4:32 where it is written: "... Become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you." (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition).