Thanksgiving Blog

Saturday morning I was walking through our cute little apartment (it was cold outside) smiling as I walked because everything in it gives me pleasure!  As I passed the 'fridge I noticed a sheet entitled, "Count Your Blessings."  I took it with me, thinking it would make a good Blog entry.  It has wonderful verses and would be good to share with you all.  But, wait!  Underneath it is one of my most favorite scriptures, found in Proverbs 30, verses 7 and 8.  In my Living Bible it reads, "O God, I beg two favors from you before I die.  First, help me never to tell a lie.  Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!  Give me just enough to satisfy my needs."  So, as I walked I considered what my needs are that must be satisfied in November of 2014.  I guess a new perm (old curls looking scraggly) might not be a  need, but soon it might be!  Same with our own Internet Connection, though Dan and Stacy have been gracious to share theirs with us.  New tires on the van to assure safe Winter travel?  Yes, that qualifies as a need.  I would sure love new shoes since the ones I walk in every day are torn and falling apart and don't give good support anymore - I think that is a need.  So far, our monthly Social Security check has paid our bills, but not much else.  I think I need that to continue, but most of our normal expenses are costing more next year.  All I can do is leave that in God's Hands, since a fixed income is just that - a fixed income and there is no lee-way.  

Okay, now let me tell you what I really WANT - see what you think.  I want my 3 kids and their spouses to all be healthy, cared for, serving Christ, and seeking to please God on a daily basis.  I want the same for all my grandkids and my great-grandkids.  I want my husband to be with me for as long as God leaves me on this Earth.  I want us both to be healthy enough to get around and interact with our friends and neighbors.  I want to be able to continue reading my Bible, because it gives me so much pleasure and draws me closer to the Saviour I love.  I want to be able to hear the conversations around me so I can laugh with my friends and join in the discussions in Sunday School.  I want to continue to be able to delight in the pictures of my loved ones and pray for each one as I pass their pictures on the walls of our apartment.  I want to be healthy enough to go to church on Sundays and sing my heart out and marvel at the gifts God has given our preacher-son, as we all worship together.  I want everyone in my family to be at peace with one another.  These are some of my wants that really pose as needs to me.  Does it sound as though I am not thankful for what I have?  Not so!  I am so blessed and I know it full well.  So, I guess I am asking God to give me clarity (that word is for Dan) this Thanksgiving so that I can see how He is satisfying my needs in every situation and so that I will really thank Him in word and deed.  I am thankful for all His provision and for the many answers to prayer this year.  Sometimes the joy overflows so much that it cannot be contained - and I wish the same for all of you!