Thanksgiving X ~

19-25 March:  This past week I was thankful for another day of blue skies and bright sunlight; thankful for 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.'" (Worldwide English [New Testament]); thankful for the first day of this year's spring; thankful for the young woman who will soon arrive to help with some of the more complicated ADLs; thankful for this counsel from 1 Peter 2:2-3 where it is written: "Be like newborn babies, crying out for spiritual milk that will help you grow into salvation if you have tasted and found the Lord to be good." (VOICE); thankful for my Bible, God's Word to us - preserved through the centuries in spite of efforts to destroy it or discount its teachings; thankful for ancient documents proving it is still the same Scriptures from which Jesus taught so many years ago; thankful for this place where the four seasons are so evident and for the lessons about waiting, patience, and faithfulness that can be found in their ebb and flow through the year.  I was thankful of a morning to be in my room, warm and cozy INSIDE rather than chilly out-of-doors; thankful for all that the Lord has done - and IS doing - for me each and every day; thankful for these words from Ephesians 6:10-11: "Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and His powerful strength. Put on God’s armor so that you can make a stand against the tricks of the devil" (Common English Bible); thankful for another day of life and strength to meet its challenges; thankful for the "blessed hope" of a soon returning Savior; thankful for this message from James 1:12 where it is written: "Happy is the person who can hold up under the trials of life. At the right time, [she’ll] know God’s sweet approval and will be crowned with life. As God has promised, the crown awaits all who love Him." (VOICE); thankful for the books on my bedroom shelves - good friends for many years (some of them), others that are new acquaintances; thankful for the porridge waiting for my breakfast; thankful for this promise from Malachi 3:10: "The Lord All-Powerful says, “Try this test. Bring one-tenth of your things to me. Put them in the treasury. Bring food to my house. Test me! If you do these things, I will surely bless you. Good things will come to you like rain falling from the sky. You will have more than enough of everything" (Easy-to-Read Version); thankful as I anticipate meeting with other believers for worship and praise, study of God's Word; thankful to know that, according to Jesus - and to others through whom the Word of God was given - what happens when our physical body stops working is dreamless sleep from which all will awake to their eternal reward when Jesus returns (John 11:11-15; Daniel 12:2); and I was thankful for this message in 1 John 1:9 where it is written: "If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]." (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition).