Gratitude. Kindness. Gratefulness. Appreciation. These are just a few of the words we use to describe thankfulness as we gather with friends and family on this Thanksgiving day.  

The holiday brings to mind all the good things we hope for, especially as we join in community with others. On this special occasion, we set out our nicest tableware and prettiest decor, as we grace our tables with a plentiful assortment of favorite foods.       

Thanksgiving may only be once per year, but each day of the year should be a time of "Thanks-giving," too. 

Worth repeating as a reminder of how fortunate we are:  
"If you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep you are richer than 75 percent of the world. If you have money in the bank, your wallet, and some spare change, you are among 8 percent of the world's wealthy."   

Truly, we have much to be thankful for.

God's Blessings to you on this Thanksgiving Day, and may each day of your year be one of thanks-giving.    
​                                                                                                               #
2 Co​rinthians 9:11 - "You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."

​ 

."I'd never belong to a church with people like THAT!" the woman said to her husband. He'd turned to her with a nod of agreement. This took place many years ago at a church I once attended. I never forgot the cutting words.     

I did't know the couple, who they were talking about, or why they were upset. However, it bothered me that they'd judged others so harshly. Who were they to judge? But, then, who was I to judge them? 

We're human. It's hard not to judge.   

I couldn't help but imagine a scenario about the couple (I'll call them Mr. and Mrs. Homer). What if they knew the truth about the people they associated with on a regular basis? For example, what would they think if their handyman had a prison record? If their favorite waitress, a single mother, moonlighted as a stripper to make ends meet? If their medical doctor of many years was cheating on his wife? Or, if their neighbor, with whom they'd become friends, was gossiping about them?   

If we all had a sign pinned to our backs revealing our sins, we'd all look pretty bad, wouldn't we? And Mr. and Mrs. Homer would have a sign pinned to their backs, too. No one would be immune.  

Most everyone, at some time in their life, has provided a product or service that others need. Someone needs to grow the food, manufacture the goods, and provide the things we need to live and thrive. We need each other. No one can be truly self-sufficient. With talents, gifts, and abilities, we do the best job we can, but yet, we are still imperfect and subject to sin.        

So, everything that is not God-made in our world is "made by sinners." It sounds bad, but its true. However, we have a God who loves us, despite our imperfections. He patiently awaits our coming to Him with repentant hearts, seeking forgiveness.  

Scripture in Isaiah 1:18 exemplifies God's forgiveness: "Come, now, let us settle the matter," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlett, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red as crismon, they shall be as wool."    

"Made by sinners." Maybe so. But, "Forgiven by God." Definitely, yes. ​