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Thanksgiving
As we go through the
Thanksgiving season, it is natural to consider those things for
which we are most thankful.
- As a parent,
I am thankful for my two wonderful children and the opportunity to
be their father. I cherish bedtime stories, baths, morning hugs,
playtime, quizzes about life's mysteries, and evening prayers.
- As a husband,
I am thankful for my loving and beautiful wife. Sandra is my
constant support and confidant. She loves me when I am unlovable
and encourages me when I am discouraged. I never realized I could
love her more than when I said "I do," but my love for her has
grown even faster than my waistline.
- As a son and
grandson, I am thankful for my parents and grandparents. My "Mamabear"
has always been a special source of God's love. My Dad has always
been teacher, mentor, and example. Mom mom has nursed me through
colds and broken hearts, taught me how to dance, and coached me on
how to ask Sandra out.
- As a hunter,
I am thankful for the outdoors and the "open season" for turkeys,
deer, and now raccoons! God has blessed Alabama with beautiful
hardwoods, river bottoms, and plantations. I love outdoors as much
as my family and the gospel!
- As a reader, I am
thankful for the classics, especially Dostoevksy's "Crime and
Punishment" and Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird."
- As a friend,
I am thankful for Robert, Drew, Ken, Pat, Margaret, Christ, Trey,
Randal, Eric, Steve, all three Paul's, Patrick, Stacey Sam, Jeni,
Nolan, Charlie, Jack, Cindy, Brian, Donnie, Jason, Philip, Tim,
Cherie, and those to come. They have been there when I needed
them. I hope I can respond when it is my turn.
- As an art
lover, I am grateful for masterpieces and favorites. I have
been awed by Rembrand'ts Return of the Prodigal, fascinated
by Millais' Christ in the House of His Parents, captured by
Bates' Preys the Lord, and soothed by Michelangelo's
Pieta.
- As a sinner,
I am grateful for Jesus the Christ. He "sought me and He bought me
with His redeeming blood." He has redeemed me and give me hope to
face tomorrow.
- As a pastor,
I am thankful for a wonderful, Holy Spirit let, inspired, healthy
church. As the people of Hartford First United Methodist Church,
you have blessed me with your warmth, your commitment, and your
sacrifice. You have inspired me with your prayers. You have
affirmed me with your words. You have loved me with your hugs and
encouragement. You have opened you homes and hearts to me and my
family. I am proud to be your pastor and I thank God for your
willingness to be the body of Christ for Hartford and the world.
What are you
thankful for this Thanksgiving season? Why not let them know? Let us
give thanks to God for the blessing of life, friends, and the
gospel.
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