Dear Church Family,

This month we celebrate Thanksgiving. Many of us have family traditions with large gatherings, great quantities of food, and some sort of after-meal activity that may involve firearms, football, or frozen treats. Others are a little more laid-back with smaller, quieter meals and the only activity afterwards involves a book and a nap. Still others may be working on Thanksgiving and it’s almost “just another day” for you.

Whatever you find yourself doing, let’s not forget what it is: Thanksgiving! This is a time to be intentionally thankful! In 2017 in the November newsletter, I wrote about some things for which I’m thankful. I thought I would share those things with you again and encourage you to write your own list; write it and then post it on your fridge as a reminder this season of all God has done for you.

  1. I am thankful for a God who loves us and has paved the way for us to have a relationship with Him.
  2. I am thankful for assurance of salvation.
  3. I am thankful for a beautiful wife and four great kids. Rachel is truly a helpmeet, and my kids make me proud.
  4. I am thankful for how God moves. It is amazing how He brought my family and Grace together and I love it!
  5. I am thankful for a church family that loves my family. We have not always experienced this in previous ministries and it is wonderful to have it here.
  6. I am thankful my church has become my “family.” I was telling my dad how we would rather stay here over Thanksgiving & Christmas because you are our “family!”
  7. I am thankful for the deep friendships God has given me.
  8. I am thankful for bacon.
  9. I am thankful for laughter. A good laugh always makes the day go better, no matter what is happening. I am glad God gave us that gift.
  10. Finally, I am thankful for what God is doing at Grace Baptist Church. Our church has grown this past year and God has given us some huge blessings such as new heating and colling equipment. I know God is not done yet and I’m excited to see what is coming next.

Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Who can utter the mighty deeds of the LORD, or declare all his praise?  Psalm 106:1-2

It is impossible to declare all His praise, but I think we should at least declare some of it. Together, let’s make this month a true month of Thanksgiving!

I love you all!

Pastor Daniel