“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:15
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11/1/13 – So, 30 days of Thanksgiving starts today. I am thankful that I have a personal relationship with my God and savior, Jesus Christ. Without Him I am nothing.
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11/2/13 – Day 2 of Thankfulness. I am thankful that Martin Luther fought for every man and woman to have a copy of the Bible. We can all see the struggles and triumphs of those throughout time – giving us courage to run on.
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11/3/13 – Day 3 of Thankfulness – I am thankful that when I, or someone I love, or even a complete stranger, has a need – large or small – I can go into prayer and the very Savior I worship intercedes with me to ABBA Father. In that moment miracles happen, some visible, some spiritual, some emotional – all touched by the hand of God. Thank you Jesus.
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11/4/13 – I am thankful that when I am overwhelmed or in a crisis, I have the saints and the prayer warriors to intercede, encourage and support my need. They are there to lift my hands when I no longer have the strength, and they can do it from a thousand miles away with a short and simple prayer.
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11/5/13 – Day 5 of Thankfulness – I am thankful to Pastor Lee Pace who saw something in me and gave me the job of studying scripture, front to back and researching subjects to create sermon materials and Christian college curriculum. It imprinted the Word and works of God deep within me.
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11/6/13 – Day 6 of Thankfulness – I am thankful to Pastor Joseph Kern for working with Bethany Bible University to help create an distance learning program so that I could complete my BA in Theological Studies. Without his care, encouragement and diligence I would not have been able to take these 2 years of studies. Those studies have opened my eyes to the complications over the last 2000 Plus years in the Christian struggles and the struggles between the religions. Priceless.
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11/7/13 –Day 7 of Thankfulness – I am thankful to Pastor Bryan Pace who allowed me to be a part of the incredible River Of Life Choir for many, many years. Who taught me how to enter into free worship and singing in the spirit and touch the face of God.
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11/8/13 – Day 8 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for Pastor Bruce Montroy who encourages my writing and interpretive thoughts. For inviting me into his ministry and allowing me to work alongside his group to minister to the homeless in Prescott, AZ. There is a special feeling when you give to someone who cannot give back – except through the eyes of thankfulness.
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11/9/13 – Day 9 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for Pastor Ronda Ehlert who allowed me to be a part of the Word of Life Assembly (WOLA) worship team and honor God through my voice and guitar. An old lady in such a young worship team. Delightful.
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11/10/13 – Day 10 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for Pastor Todd League who always encouraged me and trusted me to be a part of the intense Feed The Community Thanksgiving Dinner team. For continuing to supply meals to the Women’s Shelter that our ministry had started after we had to move away from Chino Valley. And for being a strong foundation for the youth and congregation of Chino Valley. You touched my life.
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11/11/13 – Day 11 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for Minister Eddie James who writes music so pure and anointed that it breaks your heart for God. For the life he chose in touching the lives of young people all over the world, including my own children. And for living an open life of faith and humility, something so very rare.
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11/12/13 – Day 12 of Thankfulness – I am thankful that when I’m having a “down” day God brings me little reminders of His love. Today I found a small pansy growing in a wagon out front. It survived the hard freeze 2 days ago and bloomed yesterday. Then God reconnected me in a phone call with someone I haven’t seen or spoken to in about 15 years. Little things that mean so much.
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11/13/13 – Day 13 of Thanksgiving – I am thankful for Pastor (Reverend?) Billy Graham, Pastor Chuck Swindoll and Pastor Marilyn Hickey. After I gave my heart to serving Jesus I was so hungry to learn everything I could about the Bible and the history of the church and those who made the church what it was – but I was way past broke. Billy’ s ministry sent me books every month and I absorbed them all. Chuck’s ministry sent me Bible Study guides that went along with the series he was preaching on every day on the radio. Marilyn’s ministry sent out Bible Study guides that went along with what she was preaching every day on TV. I moved my work schedule around so I could attend all of the studies, plus any studies available around town. I was putting magazines together for an arson investigators association and it made my hours flexible. I wonder if they ever thought tat those materials were going out to someone who would become an ordained pastor with a BA in Theology.
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11/14/13 – Day 14 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for my job. I am thankful that they gave me a chance, even in my golden years. I’m thankful that God placed me in a division with wonderful people who care about each other and enjoy working together. AND I’m thankful that I don’t have to dress up every day and compete for style – I’m in an area where sweatshirts, jeans and boots are the norm, along with a ballcap topper. Only disadvantage is that computers and servers have to stay cold, I prefer warm – but they blessed me with a space heater to keep me toasty.
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11/15/13 – Day 15 of Thankfulness – I am thankful that even though I haven’t found a church to attend locally, that there are services on the Internet and in PodCasts that I can watch and listen to and still be taught and built up in God’s Word. I get to watch 2-3 services on Sunday morning from my computer (in my jammies!!) and listen to 3 different ministries on my kindle through PodCasts. It isn’t the same as being with a body of saints where there is immediate interface of prayer and encouragement and fellowship – but I can still hear the Word of God through the interpretation of several different pastors. Makes you think and study more. Wonderful.
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11/16/13 – Day 16 of Thankfulness – I am thankful to have a roof over my head and walls all around – there are so many who do not. Even though this old rental is drafty, cold and damp in the winter and hot and humid in the summer, it keeps me safe and provides a place for our family to gather and enjoy a wonderful meal together. Soon I will have to leave here – but until I do, I will thank the Lord that he provided me shelter when I had to leave my previous home quickly to move across the state for work. He ALWAYS provides for me. Thank You Jesus!
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11/17/13 – Day 17 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for Facebook, eMail, Texting and Messaging that allows me to stay connected to family and friends many miles away. It allows me to share the joys and the sorrows of daily life. It allows me to watch children grow, adults age, share Holiday pictures and watch / participate in milestones. No longer do I have to wait weeks for a letter to arrive. No longer do I have to wait years to see a loving face. I can open a photo and be right there, the moment it is posted. It isn’t the same as being there, for sure – but it is awfully close.
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11/18/13 – Day 18 of Thankfulness – I am thankful that, even though I have some pretty serious health issues, through diet and herbs I have been able to keep it under control and I have a pretty healthy life. God has blessed me with people who have the knowledge to help me with herbs to heal, when they know I’m unable to take most all prescriptions. God gave us everything we need to take care of the body He gave us. So thankful.
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11/19/13 – Day 19 of Thankfulness – I am so thankful for the little critters that God has blessed me with. 27 chickens, 2 ducks. 4 dogs and 4 cats. They bring a smile in the morning. They greet me multiple times during the day. 3 dogs and one cat climb into bed with me at night and keep me warm when it’s cold out – and, unfortunately, when it’s way too warm. They warn me when strangers approach, and when things are out of sorts. And Quackers the duck has become quite an effective alarm clock. Blessed.
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11/20/13 – Day 20 of Thankfulness – I wanted to wait until this time of the month to talk about my family; closer to Thanksgiving day. I have a very big family. God has put so many people into my life that have become brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. People who encourage me, pray for me, teach me, treat me and spoil me rotten. I have been so blessed with these relationships. I would not be the same person without their love and influence – all of them. I think I may be the richest person in the world because of them, for the love they share with me is priceless.
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11/21/13 – Day 21 of Thankfulness – I can’t even explain how thankful I am for my children; the one I gave birth to, the two I adopted and the dozens that entered our lives and stayed. To feel so loved is indescribable. No matter where we are, I get hugs. Every day I hear “I love you” multiple times. How much more blessed could a person be? What an honor to be called “Mama” – Priceless.
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11/22/13 – Day 22 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for my son Paul, who came into this world 29 years ago after a very difficult birth. He has brought me such joy and purpose. He was born with a very tender heart and displays a heart of compassion. He walked with me through many difficult years and his encouragement helped keep my spirits up. He knows the power of laying hands on a refrigerator …and praying for food, because we lived it. He knows that he is unconditionally loved – and so do I. He is always there for me, every day. He is now a strong and wonderful young man preparing to be a husband and father – something he has dreamed of all his life. I am so proud of him – and thankful that God trusted me to be his mom.
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11/23/13 – Day 23 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for my son Eli. I didn’t give birth to Eli, but was granted the honor of being his mom. Eli is our dare-devil and athlete, with a heart filled with compassion for people. His desire is to make a difference in the lives of others, that’s really awesome. He went into the Army to defend our country, and came back and worked hard to earn his Firefighter I and II certifications, his Wildland Fire certification, his EMS certification and is going back into the service. I am so proud of Eli and the tenderness God has put inside of him. I’m thankful for the gift of being his Mom.
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11/24/13 – Day 24 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for my son Jon. I didn’t give birth to Jon, but was granted the honor of being his mom. Jon is the one who brings silliness to our lives. Dancing crazy dances, singing silly songs, dancing on a roof in a leprechaun costume or running around a track in a fat lady suit to promote donations for cancer; he always keeps us laughing. Jon has wanted to be President of the United States since he was about 4, but his career dreams change every 24 hours, or less; it’s hard to keep up! Jon has a heart for youth and the struggles young people go through. He has been involved in leadership in youth ministry for at least 6 years; probably more. He has followed my lead in studying Theatre Arts and Theology. I’m very proud of Jon. If he ever stops dreaming and begins to implement all of the ideas he has formulated, he will do truly amazing things. I am thankful that God gave me the honor of being his mom.
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11/25/13 – Day 25 of Thankfulness – Although this may sound like an odd thing to be thankful for, I will explain. I am thankful for broken relationships. I am sad to say that I have been married twice and I’m single now. But I am thankful for 2 major events – one in each relationship. I am thankful for my first relationship because my son Paul was born in that relationship. And in the 2nd relationship, I was able to adopt my other 2 sons, Eli and Jon. For every difficult path we walk, there is some fragment of goodness. In both of those difficult time, and most of you walked through much of it with me – there was a great goodness – my children. Thankful.
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11-26-13 – Day 26 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for my 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis with only ½ a paint job and an incredible run history. I bought it about 7 years ago with just over 50,000 miles on it and have shared the road with it over 100,000 miles since. The A/C and Heater don’t really work, but the defroster does and that’s all that really matters. It starts every time I turn the key and that is what’s most important to me. I figure I have at least another 100,000 miles left on her – and I’m looking forward to the places we will go. Blessed.
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11/27/13 – Day 27 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for Paul’s beautiful lady, Heather Beeson. Heather has brought so much joy to our home, by just being her. She is caring and compassionate and makes my son incredibly happy. A mom couldn’t ask for more. And, bonus prize, she brings along with her little 4 year old Joey to capture everyone’s hearts. Thank you Heather, for coming into our lives.
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11/28/13 – Day 28 of Thankfulness – Thanksgiving Day! I am thankful for my life – for ALL it brought, for ALL it will bring. I’m thankful for the difficult trials, for it taught me compassion. I’m thankful for the poverty, for it taught me ingenuity. I’m thankful for my children, for they bring me love. I’m thankful for my animals, for they bring me joy. I’m thankful for my Savior, for He brought / brings me Hope. I’m thankful for my church(es), for they taught me praise and worship. I’m thankful for my friends, for they share their wisdom. I’m thankful for my jobs, for they bring me provision. I’m thankful for the pains of life, for it taught me prayer. I’m thankful for all of you, for I will never feel alone. God Bless You this Thanksgiving Day.
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11/29/13 -Day 29 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for days of rest. Days when the chore board is overflowing and you determine that tomorrow would be a better bet. When you spend time reconnecting with old friends and lend a listening ear. When you go grab a big fluffy blanket and snuggle up for a nap. A day of reflection and prayer. A day of leftovers and holiday movies next to a warm fire. I don’t get them often, but when I do, I’m so thankful.
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11/30/13 – Day 30 of Thankfulness – I am thankful to be able to be thankful. I’m thankful to live in a country where I have the freedom to go to church without persecution. I’m thankful that I live where there is running water and bathrooms – something I didn’t always have when I was growing up. I’m thankful that I can go to a grocery store and buy food, or a farmer’s market, or my own back yard. I’m thankful that I don’t live in fear of soldiers breaking down my door and killing my family. I’m thankful that I don’t have to be afraid to drive downtown, for fear of riots or car bombs. We live in a very blessed country and I fear that we take it for granted. Pray for the freedom we have, the security we have, the rights we have, so that God will protect it when the foolishness of man tries to steal it away. Be thankful that we are in a position to be thankful – so much of the world has lost hope.
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Linda J. Humes 