Thank You No. 13
Today, I’m thankful for you.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the community that has developed through this blog. I’m grateful for your readership, your comments, and your sharing. And I’m especially thankful for your friendship and encouragement. I started this blog as a place to process my stretch marks and stretch experiences. I write for me, but I also write for you – The Stretched Community.
Thank you!
Why are you thankful today?
Have you ever stopped to think about what heaven might be like?
Come on. I know you have thought about it. Are the streets paved with gold? Is there endless singing? Do we sleep in heaven? Do we eat in heaven?
Something happened at our house the other night that got me thinking about heaven.
Here’s a peek into our post-dinner conversation a couple of nights ago.
Hannah was getting Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups out of her Halloween stash in the pantry. Leanne and Isaac were joining in on the fun. And I was feeling left out. Chocolate has not been one of my friends since I learned that caffeine was causing my migraine headaches.
And so I declared, “When I get to heaven, I’m eating some chocolate!”
And Leanne quickly responded, “When I get to heaven, I’m having a glass of wine!”
You see, Leanne cannot have alcohol. This isn’t generally a problem in our house; however, there are times when Leanne would like to enjoy a glass of wine with family or friends.
Will there be chocolate and wine in heaven?
I don’t know for certain. But I am pretty certain that heaven will be way better than we could ever imagine. In fact, we’re told in Revelation that all the pain and suffering of this world will be swept away when we get to heaven:
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4
I long for the day when things will be new – when the junk we deal with here will pass away.
What do you think heaven will be like? Just for fun, what do you hope will be in heaven (like chocolate or wine or baseball)?
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Today, I’m thankful for traditions.
The fall is marked by several family traditions in our house. We carve pumpkins for Halloween. We decorate for Christmas on my birthday (Dec. 8th). We make Korv and Swedish Meatballs for Christmas week, and we eat rice pudding on Christmas morning. Thanksgiving has become a favorite for our family. On Thanksgiving Day, we put a special tablecloth on the table. Before we set the table, we each trace our hand onto the table cloth. Then we write five things for which we are thankful – one for each finger. We use the same tablecloth each year which means we also get to reflect on thanksgiving from years past. What a blessing!
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Why are you thankful today?
When you think of perseverance, what or who comes to mind?
I think of a marathon runner who trains for months suffering through weather and injury and then runs 26.2 miles to the finish of a race. This takes perseverance.
I think of a doctor who studies for years and years learning everything possible for the opportunity to treat people medically. This takes lots of perseverance.
I think of a couple who want to be parents but struggle through the pains of infertility – maybe using in vitro fertilization or maybe adopting. They pour all their energy, time, and money into becoming parents. This takes perseverance.
I think of a cancer patient who deals with the ups and downs of chemotherapy and radiation meanwhile hanging onto a thread of hope for another year, another month, another day. This takes perseverance.
In each of these cases, perseverance is only achieved when someone decides to endure the trial they face. They may consider giving in, but there is something that keeps them pushing – something causes them to fight – something reminds them to persist. They keep going even when it’s hard, when hope seems dim, and when many would rather give up.
I don’t know what kind of trial you are going through. I don’t know what trial you have yet to endure. But there’s something we each need to know about the trials we face. In the first chapter of his letter found in the New Testament, James talks about the importance of trials in bringing us to completeness and maturity.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
Did you catch that? James says we should consider it pure joy when we face trials. I don’t know about you, but this is tough for me. I remember going through a pretty challenging time a few years ago. I was facing a very tough challenge at work; meanwhile, my wife was struggling through significant health issues. It was not a time of joy for me. I was lonely. I was distraught. And I was hanging onto a thin thread of hope as it felt like the world was collapsing in around me. It’s funny now. I honestly didn’t even think about this passage from James which I had read many times before. Yet I was supposed to find joy in the midst of trials.
I can look back now and see God’s hand in my life despite the challenges I faced. I can see how God used these trials to produce perseverance in my life. And I can see how these trials led to a deeper maturity. God is good.
James goes on to share how blessing follows those who persevere through trials.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
Like I said before, I don’t know what trials you may be going through. But I would encourage you to hang in there. Look to God for your strength and hope. And know that God can work through the junk you are dealing with today.
How has God blessed you through trials? What keeps you going when life gets you down?
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Today, I’m thankful for our veterans.
Many have served to protect our freedom and to gain freedom for others. My grandfathers, my cousin, and my wife’s uncle are four family members who come to mind. I work with several vets, and I have several friends who have served or who are currently serving. Thank you.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Why are you thankful today?
November has been designated as the month for thanksgiving due to the holiday that falls towards the end of the month. While I’d love to see thanksgiving be better represented the rest of the year, I can also tell you that our family probably concentrates more on giving thanks during this month than other months in the year. You probably noticed that I have also added a separate post each day so far this month to express my thanks for someone or something.
Today, I want to give you some ideas for enhancing your Thanksgiving experience this year. Don’t wait until the last minute to implement these ideas. Start today to make your Thanksgiving extra special this year!
This is a start! What other ideas can you add to the list? How do you celebrate Thanksgiving? How can do you plan to transform your holiday?
Today, I’m thankful for my church.
Our family has been part of our church for over 12 years. I’ve been challenged by our church. I’ve grown as part of our church. I feel welcome by my church. It’s not just about a building or a get together on Sunday. Our church is a community and a difference maker in our area and around the world. It’s not perfect, but it’s doing its best to help people far from God to become fully devoted followers of Christ.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47
Why are you thankful today?
Today, I’m thankful for geocaching.
I had the chance to go geocaching this afternoon with Isaac, Steve Young, and his son (Carter). We found four caches in nearby Hunsberger Woods in Collegeville, PA. Our last two were definitely favorites of mine. Geocaching has become of fun hobby which has given me wonderful time with my family and friends.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
Why are you thankful today?
Today, I’m thankful for weekends.
I like my job (see Thank You – #1), but I also like the weekends. It’s a great opportunity to spend time with family, to spend time at church, and to spend time around the house. This weekend, I’m looking forward to Scouting for Food with Isaac, a hayride with our 4H Puppy Club, church on Sunday, and time at home.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 65:5-8
Why are you thankful today?
