As we approach Thanksgiving day, there are many things that I am thankful for; but this year I am especially thankful for family and friends who have blessed me in so many ways.  I was especially reminded of this as I prepared my message for last Sunday based on a text from 1 Thessalonians, 3:7-13.  In this passage Paul begins by asking the question:  "How can we thank God enough? (vs. 9).  He then expounds on his thanksgiving by describing his relationship with the Thessalonians in light of four important qualities:  joy, faith, love, and strength.  These are four quality, I believe, that my family and friends have imparted to me over the years.  It is these qualities, and the way my friends have shared them with me, that have made our relationships meaningful and deep.  I am so thankful for the people who have shared these gifts with me...

I recently "connected" with Debra Laaser on linkedin.  In doing so I learned that she and her late husband, Mark, had worked together, for over thirty years, developing the Faithful and True ministries which provides services especially for those struggling with sexual addiction.  (You can read more about their ministry at:  www.faithfulandtrue.com.).  Their services include:  counseling, workshops, articles, podcasts, blog posts, and books.  They have a wonderful team of professionals dedicated to assisting  individuals and couples in their struggle with sexual addiction.  I believe most are aware that the need for these kind of professional services  is rapidly growing...

Last week I received a call from my wife.  While driving at night she had run into a curb and ruined her driver-side front tire and rim.  Fortunately neither she, nor my daughter who was with her, were injured in the accident.  I was only about two miles away from where the accident occurred so I went there immediately to assist her.  Unfortunately, it was already dark, and since I had never changed a tire on her Toyota Camry, I was "in the dark" about the spare, tire tool, jack, etc.  After a bit of searching I found the needed tools and proceeded to get down on the ground to try to figure out where, underneath the car, the jack needed to be placed.  I then proceeded to try to "jack up" the car using a flimsy tire tool that looked like something one would get out of a crackerjacks box.  My anxiety began to grow as I realized that this may be a difficult task for me.   It was right about then that a 'good samaritan, showed up...

Long election lines are being reported across our country today.  This was certainly true of my polling place as I went to vote early this morning.  It took a while to finally vote and I really didn't enjoy standing outside in the cold.  But, this is a good thing because it shows that many, throughout our land, are exercising and enjoying this wonderful privilege that comes with citizenship.  Sometimes I think we need to be reminded of the tremendous blessing that is ours through our right to vote...