Thanksgiving

The weather has definitely taken a turn to cooler nights, with sunny days between the rainy cloudy ones. Good sleeping weather. It is beautiful to see the harvest being gathered in, a rich token of God's mercy to us. There is so much to be thankful for. We are debtors to God for His lovingkindnesses. 'O for a thousand tongues to sing our great Redeemers praise.'

We enjoy freedom to worship and we have ready access to the Bible, good books, inspirational sacred music, Christian magazines, and technology that facilitates the use of all these beneficial resources (internet, SermonAudio, church telephone, etc.) God is still gathering in His Church, it is still the day of grace. We are accountable to God for how we make use (or neglect) these blessings.

How great it is to belong to a church and godly family where so much love, support and encouragement is given from the Word of God. I don't know how people can face a terminal illness like ALS without God and the support of his people.

One of our family traditions on Thanksgiving Day is after our church service to have the traditional dinner together with the entire family. At the beginning of the meal I ask everyone to come up with one thing, and only one thing, we are thankful for. Then during dessert we go around the table and each person shares their heart conviction - from oldest to youngest. You will be surprised what you hear.

The fall season is so full of wonderful colour: Orange pumpkins and gourds, red apples and maple leaves, yellow corn and squash, green beans and brussel sprouts, purple cabbage and pickled beets, white mashed potatoes and cauliflower, brown gravy and golden brown turkey, etc. A bountiful rainbow of colours, smells, and flavours. God is so good to us, and patient with us, despite our sins and shortcomings.

Above all, we thank Him for His only begotten Son, Who died and rose again as our Saviour. Blessed Thanksgiving to you and your family.

This week I traded in my power wheelchair for a manual one because my hands and arms have become too weak to operate the controls. This development further reduces my freedom and increases my dependence on Lena and others to push me around. I am still weight bearing when making transfers, but my knees are beginning to weaken and buckle at times. It is all part of the gradual but progressive loss of nerve control to my muscles. God is helping me to cope with these losses one day at a time, step by step. I am thankful that He gives me grace sufficient hour by hour, and day by day. (2 Cor. 12:9) He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me as the Good Shepherd. (Psalm 27:9)

Jack.