Giving thanks...

It's that time of year when the kids start asking for Christmas presents, and we all start stressing about the Christmas shopping that we have yet to do.  I am trying to keep a thankful attitude, but it is difficult.  What's crazy is that Thanksgiving is next week!  Since when does the Christmas season begin the day after Halloween? 

Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday.  The food is wonderful, the weather in Texas is mild, and my family is all together.  As I get older, I notice that the season of giving thanks gets shorter and shorter.  I am determining to be thankful this evening, and to that end, I've made a list of  a few things that I am thankful for.  Perhaps you'll make your own.

I am thankful for:

Four healthy children.
A husband who loves me.
Friends.
A loving church.
My parents.
My brother and his family.
My home.
My dog (read "dawg").
Difficulties and challenges.
My country.
Most of all, I am thankful that God loved me so much that He sent His one and only Son to die on the Cross so that I might have everlasting life simply be believing in Him (John 3:16) and giving my life to Him.

What are you thankful for?

Blessings,

Jennifer

Fall Retreat and Declaring God's Word Fearlessly

I have been remiss in my posting lately. Chalk it up to my work on the upcoming fall retreat, I suppose.  I look forward to sharing the message of love and unity as declared by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians this upcoming weekend.  I have been studying Ephesians since late March/early April or so, and I feel a sense of expectation similar to the birth of a child.  I met with Pastor Mark today, and he had some words of encouragement and suggestion for me. I am really feeling the sense of elation that comes from hearing a good word from a person with authority, whom I also respect a great deal.

So, from the words of Paul in the mighty book of Ephesians, here is what I am asking you to pray:  "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,....Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."  Ephesians 6:19-20

May God's richest blessings flow over you,

Jennifer