Rita and I want to wish each of you a delightful Thanksgiving full of praise to our Lord and Savior as well as all the traditional "stuff" that comes with the holiday. Do remind your children of the history behind this marvelous occasion as most children in our public schools do not hear "the rest of the story" (as Paul Harvey would say). Many of you are traveling and we are praying for your safe passage to and from your destination. Some of you are traveling a long way out of state so be careful out there as too many choose to lubricate their holiday with liquid refreshment in great abundance or are driving on too little sleep. If you're flying, take a peek in the cockpit and make sure the pilots don't have a laptop with them. I wouldn't want you to overfly your destination. We look forward to your return and fellowship.

In response to the Word this past Sunday, I want to make sure in my own life that each day is punctuated with a thankful heart and thus an attitude of gratitude to the Lord for all of His many benefits and blessings. I know that this year has been difficult for many in our body but there are always reasons to lift one's heart in praise because all of us have been given far more than we deserve. In fact, if you want to get right down to it, the only thing we truly "deserve" is God's judgment for our sin and rebellion but what we've received from His hand is grace upon grace. No matter how difficult life becomes in this fallen world there's always room for thanksgiving which lifts the soul heavenward and lightens even a heavy heart. May we be filled with His Holy Spirit as we "sing and make melody in our heart, giving thanks" for the Father's unspeakable gift in His Son.

May the Lord richly bless your time with family and may you have opportunities to speak of Him to those loved ones who have not yet been gripped by the gospel of grace.

A Blessed Thanksgiving to One and All,