Thanksgiving week and being thankful -

Col 2:7 –

Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving f or all he has done.

Have you ever searched the Bible for various forms of the word “thanks”? If you haven’t I encourage you to do so. It might surprise you how often words of gratitude are included.

During the week of Thanksgiving many families count their blessings and give thanks, but what about the rest of the year? Even during these tough economic times our country has so many things to be thankful for. Here are just a few of the ones I’m giving thanks for this morning.

* Men and women who are serving their country and the loved ones they leave at home. I can’t say “thank you” enough for the sacrifice these families are making.

* Missionaries and ministers and their families. The personal sacrifices they make humble me.

* Charitable organizations and the good folks that make it all happen. Yes, I know there are charities who spend too much on administration and not enough on helping others, but for those that do things right and get the job done, Thank You!

* Ordinary folks who do extrordinary things. Teachers who love their students so much that they pray for them daily. Doctors and nurses who take the time to be kind and gentle with the elderly and patient with the young. Police officers and firefighters who look danger in the eye every day and give of themselves to the community on weekends and days off through Toys for Tots and other charitable organizations.

*Last but not least my wonderful husband of almost 30 years, my brother and his family and our parents (who I miss every single day), my children and their friends and spouses, and my precious granddaughter.

I am blessed beyond measure. Thank you Lord and praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Kindred casa to yours!