Date: 11/24/2009
<br>Author: Devin
<br>Title: For these I am thankful
<br><br>This past Sunday I mentioned a book written by Barbara Ann Kipfer entitled “14,000 Things To Be Happy About”.  Essentially, this compilation sprouted out of Mrs. Kipfer's desire to be more thankful in her life.  She realized that she had been allowing the focus of her days to fall on those things that were negative rather than on those things that were good, those things that were from God, those things that “made her happy”.  Now, there is nothing in this world that can “make” us happy .....  happiness is a choice made by the individual who experiences it.  The apostle Paul would say that you can even find reason to rejoice in trials and tribulations, for it is through those circumstances that you are drawn into a more deep, dependent relationship with God.  So whether good experiences or bad ..... whether life-altering happenings or seemingly-insignificant radar blips, happiness can be had by us all.  We just have to make that choice.<br><br><br>If  most of us were to begin to build a list of the things we were thankful for, if given the chance over the course of time, we too could probably come up with a truck-load-full as well ..... maybe even more than 14,000.  If you will, allow me a moment to share with you a few of the thankful things that are on my heart .....<br><br><br>This past week has been unprecedented in my 23 year experience as a minister.  Over the last 7 days I have been privileged to baptize 6 people into Christ ..... Terry Duncan, Donna Mathis, Katie Armstrong, Katie Qualls, Kelsey Wright, and Shelby George.  And guess what, I have no doubt there are more to soon follow.  May our prayers of encouragement be with these 6 on a daily basis.  Let's pray for them by name as they begin their walk with the Lord.  Let's pray that they will provide the same good example to others as those that were provided to them. For these 6, I am thankful.<br><br>God has blessed the Fairfield Church of Christ with 5 good men to lead her.  I am so thankful for Wallace Smith, Mike Batts, Wayne Baker, Marvin Truett and Lafayette Spears.  These men lead with concern, direction and purpose.  They love the Lord and the Church he gave His life for ..... and it shows.  For these 5, I am thankful.<br><br>God has blessed my life beyond compare with 4 people who I could never do without.  Angie, Kaylee, Jordan and Ruby all make great sacrifices in the name of the ministry of the Lord. They are my rock and I love them more than life itself.  For these 4, I am thankful.<br><br>Tommy, Debbie and Bart Pickard were great folks to grow up with.  Bart and I grew up in “Leave it to Beaver Land” in many ways.  God blessed me and Bart immensely with parents who loved the Lord and shared that love with us.  For these 3, I am thankful.<br><br>Joe Bates and Ray Roder were probably two of the most instrumental people in my life as I grew up to become a Christian and later a minister.  Joe baptized me at the age of 13 in 1982 and Ray has quietly encouraged me in the years following as much as any other.  I know I have not told you enough, but guys ..... Thank You.   For these 2, I am thankful.<br><br>I am a chief among sinners and yet I will spend eternity with the saved of all the ages.  I love you Jesus.  For this 1, I am thankful.                                            <br>       <br><br>*HAPPY  THANKSGIVING*<br><br>                                                                                                                                                      <br>   Go the extra mile - Devin<br>     <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>