Holiday Season

Here we are again at the beginning of another Holiday Season. Have you ever thought about what we put ourselves through during the holidays? We start off with Thanksgiving when we stuff ourselves with turkey and pumpkin pie. Then we turn our focus to buying Christmas gifts where we torture ourselves with the dilemma will this person like that or that person always spends more money, so I should too. At the close of the season we have a big party to bring in the New Year where we make resolutions to lose the weight we put on while stuffing ourselves, to cut back on our spending because we over spent our budget trying to impress our friends and family with great gifts.
This may not be true for everyone, but I am sure something about it resonates with most of us.
The best gift you can give someone this Christmas is the gift of yourself. Remember, we only have one life to live and only what's done for Christ will last.

So what are you really thankful for?
The obvious things we are thankful for always include children, spouse, family, friends and love. Those are great things to be thankful for, but life is not that simple. Especially the past couple years I have learned to appreciate the things most of us take for granted. I am thankful for the strength God grants me every day, physical and emotional, as that very day is a gift from God. I am thankful that I have been blessed to realize these things and so many others are gifts, not to be taken for granted. I am thankful that no matter how long or short this life may be, God blessed me by allowing me the opportunity to experience his love in ways I never thought were possible.

Wishing you all joy, love, happiness and peace for this holiday season.

Thanksgiving

Well here it is November already and Thanksgiving day is fast approaching. I am reminded once again that we have so much to be thankful for. Living here in the US we don't realize how blessed we are compared to some other countries around the globe. There is so much that we take for granted and yet we complain about things we don't have or think we deserve. Here is a list of things I am thankful for this holiday season. I'm sure I'll think of more reasons to be thankful after I post this but here are some of the things that come to mind at the moment.

Some things I'm thankful for,

My caring wife Emy, Chad, Clint, and soon to be daughter-in-law Tonya

My family and friends

Everyone who helped with modifications to our house such as painting, drywall work, minor repairs, installation of new shower, etc.

My Tuesday night buddies who give up their evening to spend time with me.

Gap Community Church for all the support they provide. (fundraisers, meals, prayers)

God's gift of salvation through Jesus Christ

God's promise of heaven for those that remain faithful

God's amazing grace

11/07/08

After a week of dreary weather the sun is shining brightly this morning. The leaves are falling and very colorful. Fall is a beautiful time of year and soon the winter months will be here and I will be longing for spring.

Our new shower is completed and Buck is here painting the bathroom. I am so thankful for every ones help no matter what it is. It is quite humbling to have to rely on others to do the things I used to be able to do for myself. But I thank God for those who give of there time so generously and so willingly. We certainly couldn't do it alone. Thank you all!

In spite of life's challenges, God promises to never leave or forsake us. We can trust him with our lives and know we are in his plan and purpose no matter what comes our way. Praise God!
This life is just a stepping stone to our eternal home for those who remain faithful.

Well, enough of my ramblings. I pray God's blessing in your lives as you continue to serve him.