Thanksgiving2

                        Thanksgiving

A stick, a stone, a piece of glass, a river, air, totem pole, a statue, etc. These and
many more are the gods of the heathen (the Egyptians, Canaanites, and
Mesopotamians). They knew nothing of the One True God of the ancient Hebrews.

The Hebrews called God by many names…Yahweh, Jehovah Jireh (God will
provide), Jehovah Shalom (God is Peace), El Shaddi (God Almighty), Jehovah Nissi
(Battle Fighter), Jehovah Rophe (Healer), Jehovah Shammah (Ever Present One)
and more. They bowed in Holy Reverence and Obedience to this One who had led
them and provided for them in their endeavors.

Then, Jesus came and showed us the Father. He said, “If you have seen me, you
have seen the Father.” As Creator, God knew that we needed a “picture”, a visual
image of Himself, an example to follow. So He sent His Very Best representation
of Himself! Is this not a wonderful gift to a trusting child? To have a Father’s most
loving attention to provide guidance for life.

                                  For What Am I Most Thankful?

He is the Architect of my life…the Initiator of my faith. Walking each day with Him
is not a duty, but a Privilege and an Honor. Listening and talking with Him is a
refreshing, renewing experience. He has a perennial heart of Faithfulness. His
Mercy is unlimited and unstrained. I do not have to wander aimlessly seeking
contentment, for His Peace quiets my wild, gypsy heart. His Love knows no
circumference…no perimeters.

I vividly recall walking back on our farm at sunset and seeing the “Great Ball of
Flaming Glory” on the western horizon just before its daily “goodbye”. At dusk, I
marveled at His superb handiwork as I gazed up into the ebony, velvet, star-
studded bejeweled sky. It is any wonder that He utilized this canopy to advertise
the arrival of His Greatest Gift? Creator of ALL…The God of galaxies and sparrows!
(Psalms 8)

                                                      AND

I have found that He never slumbers nor sleeps. When I cannot rest, I quietly
leave my bed and converse with Him. When I arise each morning, He is available
to hear my Praise and Petitions. After all, He is faithful to His promise that
resounds in my heart, “I will never leave you or forsake you”.

                                                      AND

Behind any correction or discipline from Him, there is a heart of love for me. He
over sees each and every trial that I must journey through to ensure that His plan
and purposes are served. In His great love for me, He will not allow circumstances
to steal His predetermined outcome for our blessing. He vigilantly stands watch
over the steaming caldron and the chiseling process of our lives. He always sees
my potential.

                                                      AND

I recognize that He is the Promise Maker and the Promise Keeper! What He has
promised, He will fulfill! He does not set His clock by my time-table, but what He
has promised shall come to pass.

Because He is my Highest Priority, He has blessed me with bountiful blessings!
                                  For these I am Most Thankful!

                                 Maxine Tolbert Trigleth
                              Jan Trigleth