Walking Thankfully

Well, Thanksgiving day is here and I want to take a moment to reflect on God's goodness over the last year. I know that I will not think of everything, therefore I will forget someone/something, but I will make mention of many of those for which I am indeed thankful.

• God, Himself

When I think of all that God has done for me and for my family, I can do nothing but marvel. He has been so incredibly wonderful and He continues to be so. I often reflect that He is the God that provides and protects -- we have seen His provision in marvelous ways this year. His will is not always easy to discern, but He always is present to guide through His Word and His Spirit.

• God's forgiveness

There are so many wonderful attributes of our God, but the one that has been on the forefront of my mind recently is His willingness and readiness to forgive. I guess it was as I was reading in I John that it once again struck me that He wants to forgive.

• Jesus Christ

If it were not for the gift of eternal life that was made possible through His death on Calvary, what, really, would we have to be thankful for? His great love that was demonstrated on the cross should indeed cause us to live a life that reflects Him to those around us.

• Family
• Mom and Dad

I am so grateful for the parents that God has given me. Their willingness to provide not only the necessities of life, but also the lessons that needed to be learned. They were generous and caring. They were deeply involved in ministry, though both were busy with life beyond the church. They gave and served, setting a wonderful example of a Christianity in action.

• Siblings

I do not get to see them often these days, but I am very thankful for my brother and sisters. We had a lot of fun times growing up and now, should I need something and they be able, I know I could turn to them for help. They make a wonderful family.

• Spouse

I am so blessed by the wife that God gave me. When I am asked how we met, I answer, "I am from Michigan, Bec is from Iowa; I went to college in Florida, she went to school in Wisconsin, and we met in Tennessee." There is really no explanation other than that God planned it out. Life (God) has thrown numerous curves into our road over the years. but through it all, Bec has been there faithfully managing the family. She is truly a blessing from God.

• Children

God has blessed our family with three wonderful children. For many years, the family was complete with Justin and Brianna, but this past summer God added Josie to the flock.

• Justin is finishing his first semester at Bob Jones University where he is studying Information Technology (IT). He is learning responsibility as well as academics. He is a great kid for whom I have great admiration. He is learning how to manage himself, his schedule, and various responsibilities.
• Brianna is just a whirlwind of activity. She is busy with school and its associated activities. She is involved in sports when possible. Changes is school enrollment have affected her class size and her athletic teams, but she has maintained a good spirit and seeks to make the most of her situation.
• Josie is just Josie -- what do you expect from a 4 month old. She is growing, almost sitting up straight, almost rolling over, almost driving. Well, maybe not driving. She is a special blessing from God that helps us see more clearly the provision of God.
• Family by Marriage
• I have been doubly blessed, not only with a wonderful family by birth, but also with a great family by marriage. I sometime hear of family struggles with in-laws and I think of how blessed I have been. God has definitely been very good to me and given me wonderful family.
• Ministries

I have been blessed to serve in two wonderful ministries. Both Faith and Emmanuel have been ministries that were focused on God and sought to serve people. Each is made of folks who have a love for God and seek to please Him. Two different geographic regions and two different groups of people, but one mission to serve God.

• People I've served with

In each ministry I had the privilege to serve alongside some wonderful individuals. I am always amazed at how God put different people together to make one unified staff. I have served with some of the best, folks completely dedicated to God. Pastor and teachers, secretaries and custodians; I have been wonderfully blessed. I think especially of Pastor Apple, Pastor Harris, and Pastor Crews; I count it an honor to have been a part of those staffs.

• People I've served

I have served some wonderful students and their families. As I think back and occasionally hear of their successes, I am grateful  of the privilege that I have had to invest my life into theirs lives. Some are in ministry, others in business. Many are currently in college, studying in preparation for the next phase of their lives. The families represented by those students have been great to serve. Some of my fondest memories are interaction with student and parents.

• People who have served me

At each stop along the road of life, God has had people to serve me and my family. Sometimes, those people do not even know the impact of their involvement. They are simply going about life as they feel led, but they are serving on behalf of the Almighty and being a blessing to me. Even as I have sought to be a blessing to others, God has used many folks to bless us. I could honestly name dozens of individuals here. Those people that helped to meet needs or were just there to talk. They made the busyness of ministry so much more enjoyable as they served my family through friendship and sacrifice.

Thanksgiving is a great day, a day that is set apart for reflection and gratitude. I am indeed thankful to all that have aided as I/we have journeyed to this point. May God richly bless each of them as they have been used to be a blessing to me and my family. For each of them I am thankful.