Last evening, we hosted our second annual Friendsgiving dinner. Not having family live within a realistic driving distance, last year we decided to begin hosting a Friendsgiving dinner primarily for those who do not have family in town. Here’s a picture of our crew from last evening.
I know that today is a day we set aside for giving thanks. However, the book of Hebrews provides a great reminder on this idea of giving thanks.
“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15 NASB
What a powerful reminder of the reality that Jesus is the One for whom we should contiually praise because of who He is and what He has done.
So on this Thanksgiving Day 2019, I wanted to take a moment and share nineteen things I am grateful for today.
- I am grateful for my wife who loves me and is a beautiful example of generosity. (I wrote about that here.)
- I am grateful for my daughter who loves Jesus and continues to be a joy to a daddy’s heart.
- I am grateful for my son-in-law who loves my daughter and models servanthood as he leads their family.
- I am grateful for our Salem Baptist Church family and the way they generously love people toward a growing relationship with Jesus.
- I am grateful for the West Bradenton Baptist Church family and the way they loved our family as we served together with them.
- I am grateful for the North River Church family and their commitment to start a new church to reach people in the Parrish, Florida, community.
- I am grateful for the incredible staff I have the joy of leading every day! We are an eclectic bunch who love Jesus and people.
- I am grateful for the dozens of men and women I have had the joy of serving on church staff with throughout my years of ministry. They have profoundly impacted my life and ministry.
- I am grateful for the pastors I served under in previous churches. God continues to use them to encourage and challenge me. Thank you Danny Sinquefiled, Bob Allen, Gary Crawford, and Kie Bowman!
- I am grateful for the men and women who serve our nation through the armed forces and protect the freedom I enjoy daily.
- I am grateful for many people (you know who you are) who have been incredibly generous to our family.
- I am grateful for an anonymous couple in our church who provide date nights for me and my wife almost monthly. Thank you “Date Night Gurus!”
- I am grateful for many who read my blog. I am humbled that anyone is interested in what I share.
- I am grateful for my parents who continue to love, teach, and model generosity and hard work daily.
- I am grateful for the dozens and dozens of couples I have had the joy of participating in their weddings throughout the years. I continue to be honored and thankful!
- I am grateful for the friendship I have with my brothers. I never take that for granted.
- I am grateful for my wife’s family and how they love and accept me as their own!
- I am grateful for a group of pastors in the Knoxville area who have become dear friends!
- I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. Without Him, I am nothing.
What are you grateful for today?