"In many countries a special day is set aside each year for thanksgiving. But for the Christian every day can be a day of thanksgiving, as we are 'always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'.” (Ephesians 5:20, NIV) From an essay written by Dr. Billy Graham

Greetings to one and all on this special Thanksgiving Day celebration, here on this Thursday November 26, 2015. I am well aware of the historical context for this recognition in our nation and I'm very much clued into its meaning. However, this year I've done my best over the past number of days to express my thankfulness to God for all the spiritual blessings He has provided to me. I've tried to concentrate on what it means to have a thanks-living mentality. I know how easy it is to become fixated in our prayer life on the food, family, home, job, and health realities that we all must deal with. Yet, as one born again through the power of the Living Lord of the universe we have so much more to be thankful for. That spiritual aspect of all that He has provided becomes the foundation for a truly thankful heart. As for the day itself, we are so looking forward to those who are coming to be with us. As is our practice we will pause to once again express thankfulness as a family for all that God has done for us, for giving us the nation we have and the resources He has allowed us to enjoy, and most importantly for us being who we are in Christ. May all our thanks come from hearts that overflow with gratitude for His great love, mercy, and grace. Have a great day and may God help us all to be genuinely thankful. Amen. ....More later.