Thanksgiving X ~

 11-17 June:  During the past week, I was thankful that nights like the one before are not an everyday event - last looked at the time about 0500 hrs; I was thankful that retirement comes with the blessing of not having to clock-in at at 0700 hrs.; thankful for this promise: "Behold, He who keeps [His people] shall neither slumber nor sleep" Psalm 121:4; thankful to see the sunlight bouncing off dew-drops on the lawn below my window; thankful for the little road trip up north; thankful for the voice that can be heard as we pay attention to the world around us, for "God’s splendor is a tale that is told; His testament is written in the stars. Space itself speaks His story every day through the marvels of the heavens. His truth is on tour in the starry vault of the sky, showing His skill in creation’s craftsmanship. Each day gushes out its message to the next, night with night whispering its knowledge to all." (Psalm 19:1-2; The Passion Translation); I was especially thankful for the privilege of believers to present our praises and petitions before the Father's throne and expect (and receive) answers to our prayers; thankful for all the promises in God's Word that reveal His personal interest in all who call on Him; thankful to recall the words of the Savior, who said: "If imperfect parents know how to lovingly take care of their children and give them what they need, how much more will the perfect heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit’s fullness when His children ask Him.” (Luke 11:13; The Passion Translation); thankful for a sound nights sleep and the little furry creature that keeps me company when my D.D. is away; thankful for the angels "who excel in strength, who do His word" (Psalm 103:20) that our Father sends in response to our call for help - His ear is always open to our cries (2 Chronicles 7:15); thankful for this promise from Psalm 91:11 - "He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." (New King James Version); 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 . . . ."; (Amplified Bible, adapted); thankful to know the "good news" of the Creator's love for humanity - for all He's done to assure a place in His kingdom to all who desire to be there; thankful that one need not have attained perfection to be used in sharing this "good news" with others; thankful for these words from Psalm 66:16 that echo the words of my own heart: "Come! Listen, all you who are loyal to God! I will declare what He has done for me." (New English Translation); thankful for a beautiful Sabbath morning; thankful that D.D. and her hubby are able to join the group being blessed at the Upper Columbia Conference camp-meeting; and I was thankful for these words from the sacred scriptures which remind us: "Sing to God, sing praises to His name, cast up a highway for Him Who rides through the deserts—His name is the Lord—be in high spirits and glory before Him! A father of the fatherless and a judge and protector of the widows is God in His holy habitation." (Psalm 68:4-5; Amplified Bible, Classic Edition).