Raise the Lord

“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”   Psalm 9:1

This Thanksgiving is bittersweet for our family because we are without our Mama, Mimi, Dump and Mi.  As we celebrate, we are thankful for all the memories that we have shared and will continue to share.

Our youngest grandson, Reese, played the part of the minister this week in the Thanksgiving play, and true to his personality, he gave the words, “praise the Lord” a new spin.  He proudly proclaimed, “Raise the Lord!” Pondering this twist, I decided that “raising the Lord” this Thanksgiving is exactly what we all need to do.  True to that proclamation, Randy is writing his Thanksgiving list for me as it wouldn’t be right without it!!

I’m thankful for this special time of year when we can reflect and take stock of God’s many blessings.
I’m thankful for the little things in life that make a difference like crisp mornings, autumn leaves, fresh coffee, rain, smiles, hugs, handshakes and kisses.  For “I love yous.”
I’m thankful for friends on the staff who remember and laugh.  Who, after years of accommodating my ‘quirks’ see me at church and ask, “have you adjusted the thermostats yet?”
I’m thankful for faithful fans and spirited rivalries, tail gating on the deck with great friends and fans!  For defeated Tigers who say, ‘It matters!’ For Gators who are kind in their victory – again.  For my Tech friend.
I’m thankful for God’s assurance that life continues even in the midst of death.  For glad reunions which regularly occur in the Father’s House.  For new life experienced in relationships that persevere together through grief.
I’m thankful for powerful tributes given by dear, respected friends.  For UGA caps coming down the center aisle.  For “Glory, Glory to Old Georgia” even in church!
I’m thankful for a crackling fire on a crisp morning watching steam rise off Lake Burton.  For Alaska cruises where propellers don’t break.  For the road trips through Colorado with old and new friends. For beautiful aspens.  For the river walks with my sidekick, the chick magnet.
I’m thankful for the finest, best looking truck ever built.  For anonymous friends.  For an over the top love offering, most undeserved, but most appreciated.  For my new orange tractor.
I’m thankful for the one place where we all gather as equals in God’s love – the altar.  For good reports at the doctor and at the altar .For opportunities to visit other churches and realize anew just how special Mt. Bethel really is!
I’m thankful for a family that loves like friends and for friends who are my family.  For the love of my life, her beautiful green eyes, soft kisses and cold feet.  For the pure joy God has provided through our love for each other – Rob, Ashley, Susie, Lee, Drew, Cooper, Mason and Reese!  Wow! My cup runneth over.

Randy, I am thankful for you!

God Bless you and yours this Thanksgiving!  Raise the Lord!