Date: 11/25/2008
<br>Author: Devin Pickard
<br>Title: Thanks
<br><br>“I'm thankful for....”  I bet there is a pretty good chance that you will utter these words over the next few days.  Fact of the matter is, more people will probably count their blessings this week than at any other time of the year.  On Thursday, some will give thanks for their blessings around a table fit for a king full of more food than some people will see in a year....while others will say a small prayer somewhere halfway around the world kneeling in hot sand and carrying a firearm.  No doubt, whatever our situation or circumstance, we are of all people most blessed.  Let me share with you some of mine.....<br><br><br>I am thankful to live in a country full of “Roger Rowe's”....men and women who are willing to pay the ultimate price for the freedom that I enjoy this very minute....and I am thankful for the Regina, Scott, Mart, Marty, and Shirley Rowe's of this country who are willing to let them go do it.  I pray that God extends special blessings on such families.  <br><br><br>I am thankful for Nancy Baker, Sue Smith, Fran Batts, Liz Spears and Lisa Truett.  I have no doubt in my mind that these 5 ladies have as many sleepless nights as the elders that they are married to do.  Talk about being behind the scenes....in my opinion, these women never get the credit they deserve for the sacrifices they and their families make for the Lord's Church here at Fairfield.....so for all of us, let me say, “Thank You”.        <br><br><br>I am thankful for Steve and Teresa Craft and Jerrie Wayne and Terri Barber.  One of the many blessings brought about this year to this church is a tremendous growth in the number of our youth group.  The Crafts and Barbers have a special heart and ministry for the young people in this church.  As a parent, I can't begin to describe the blessing it is to know that my children are in the company of such fine people who care so much for their souls.<br><br><br>I am thankful for Gary and Janet Basford, who tirelessly work week in and week out keeping this church building clean.  I was told recently by a visitor that the church building at Fairfield looked like it was almost brand new.  There is not hardly a night that you can drive by the building when you don't see the Basford's car out front, building lights on, with vacuum cleaners running....of course as long as the Vandy game is not on!<br><br><br>As I have said before, and it can't be said enough, I am so very thankful for Ms. Carolyn.  Not only is she the church secretary, but she is probably the best counselor anywhere around.  On any given day during the week, a number of folks from inside this church and out, can be found in her office sitting in the “hot seat”, as she calls it.....I must say that I have sat there a time or two myself.  Ms. Phillips is a blessing to this church beyond measure, doing things around here far too numerous to mention.   I am so glad to be able to call her my friend.<br><br><br>So much more could be said about this church that I am thankful for....suffice it to say that I am thankful for each and every person that walks through those doors....you all mean the world to me and my family.  Oh, and speaking of, last but certainly not least.....I am thankful for Ruby, Joe, Kaylee and Angie.  God has blessed me with a supportive and patient bunch to call my family.  I could not do what I do if it were not for them.  God does know best, doesn't he?   <br><br>  <center>HAPPY THANKSGIVING!</center><br><br>Go the extra mile - Devin<br><br>