Welcome! It’s Thanksgiving week, and, as I typically do, I’d like to encourage you, my faithful readers, to make a gratitude list on Thanksgiving morning, if you can find 15 minutes to yourself.
Pour a hot cup of tea or coffee, grab a notepad and pen, look out the window, and breathe deeply. Start thinking about what you can be thankful for this year.
None of us have experienced a year like 2020. But I guarantee you, you can come up with at least five things you count as blessings.
I’ve known three people in my life who have had long-term lung disorders. They can’t breathe easily. I can. So I’ll start with that. Thank you, Lord, that I can breathe. Thank you that I can take in a deep, chest-swelling breath, let it out, and feel instantly refreshed and a little more relaxed.
We’ve had more sunny days in the Atlantic community in 2020 than I can remember in my entire life. I took a brisk walk late afternoon last Wednesday, when it was 39 degrees. Most of the walk was shaded by bare trees, but the patches of sunlight warmed me. I don’t take sunshine for granted. I praise God for the sun.
I’ve only had three depressive episodes the entire year, and they all lasted fewer than 24 hours. I am so, so grateful to God for how healthy I am!
Chicory and dandelions may still be found along berms if you’re looking. I praise God for their beauty and the smiles they evoke.
I have people to love, and people who love me. That in itself makes me rich.
God helped me publish my first novel, “Freeing Colt,” a book my readers tell me has touched their hearts. That was my goal—demonstrating the hope and healing available in Jesus’ name to anyone who’s been abused or struggled with mental illness.
I’ve embarked on new careers as a novelist and audiobook narrator. My first audiobook, “Joy After Noon,” by Debra Coleman Jeter, should be available on Amazon, iTunes, and Audible in a few weeks. It’s been exciting to watch God opening doors for me!
God has sustained me during financial challenges, and will continue to provide.
I am free to own and read a Bible. I can pray without fear of discovery.
I have beautiful roads to walk on and good neighbors who look out for me.
I have the best water in the world. My hot water tank works wonderfully. There’s no excuse for ever being thirsty or dirty. All I have to do is turn a handle and clean, sweet water flows.
I am so blessed! And I hope you are, too.
Set a reminder on Thanksgiving morning to make a list of what you’re thankful for this year, despite the challenges of 2020. Start thinking of what some people in your life or around the world are not able to do that you are free, able, and privileged to do. And then thank God for this.
I wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving filled with gratitude and peace!
`` If you’re looking for a special way to give thanks, Adamsville Presbyterian Church is hosting a Thanksgiving Eve service on November 25, 2020, at 7 p.m. The service will also be livestreamed on Facebook. Food and monetary donations for the Jamestown Food Pantry will be accepted.
``Atlantic Community Church is having the Hanging of the Greens at 10 a.m. on November 28, 2020, and Naomi Hosek, a missionary serving in Turkey from The Evangelical Alliance Mission, will speak during worship service on November 29, 2020.
`` Have a wonderful week! Thanksgiving blessings to all!