To show our gratitude to the God of heaven, several from our church decided to spend Thanksgiving together at Faith Baptist Camp worshiping the one to whom we show thanks.  My wife and I have spent 11 of the last 12 Thanksgiving holidays at Bro. Allen's Camp, but it was good to have our church family there with us this year.

     After Jacob got dressed he came to my study to see me.  While putting shoes on Isaac's little feet, I thought on the 8 years the doctors told us we couldn't have any more children.  We now have two sons and another child on the way.  I know many who have been told they can never have children or who have have lost a loved one recently.  My heart goes out to them.  I realize that every day with our loved ones is precious and not to be taken for granted.   I am thankful for my family and for another day to spend with them.

   We put on our Sunday's best and headed out.  Just before we got to Spaghetti Junction, we passed a truck stranded on the side of the road and the driver was wearing a suit.  The Lord brought to my remembrance days when my family sat on the side of the road in a broken down car with no air conditioner and missing hubcaps.  It took us 20 minutes to maneuver our way through the maze of confusion to get back to the stranded vehicle.  By the time we got there the truck was already gone, but I wanted the Lord to know that I haven't forgotten where he has brought us from.  I am thankful for the material blessings of God as well.

     In route to the camp, my wife said that we'd received several text messages from preacher friends wishing us a Happy Thanksgiving.  I've never sent a text message in my life, but it sure did feel good to be remembered by my dear friends who are text-ologically advanced.  :^)  We got to see friends like Bro. Travis Clayton, Bro.  Fain Jordan, Bro.  David Parks, and many others who have been a great blessing to us over the years.  On Friday Bro. Tim Hughes and his family are coming to spend time with us in Athens.  Then on Saturday we'll travel to Warrenton, GA to visit my pastor's family and members of our sending church.  Finally on Sunday I will be baptizing two and then preaching a special meeting at another church.  I am thankful for the friends God has given us and for the ministry to which he has called us.

     We spent the day at the camp being reminded of the goodness of God and the great salvation He has given us.  We got to shout, cry, and lift holy hands to the One who made us.  Above any family I have, beyond any friends I've made, and more than any possessions we've acquired, I am thankful that on Septemeber 17, 1995, God saved me from my sin.

     After we left the camp, we received yet another text massage from a Marine in California.  He was stationed at the local Navy base for a few months and attended our church while he was here.  He was just wishing us a Happy Thanksgiving and letting us know he was praying for us.  This young soldier impacted my family so much that my son named his dog after him.  What higher honor can a 10 year old give? 

     I let Jacob call him briefly to tell him that we're praying for him and that we miss him.  After the phone call, we were talking about what a great day we've had.  I told my wife that the only thing that could have made the day better was to see my mom and sister and their families.  I gave Mom a call and told her of the day's events.  Though it was late, I also called my sister to chat.   I was reminded of the time when none of us knew God.   Now my brother-in-law and I both pastor Independent Baptist churches.  I am thankful to have saved family members to help us along this journey of the Christian life.

     Life is not without it heartaches and trials.  There are still burdens that weigh heavy on our shoulders daily.  Life is far from perfect.  In spite of life's ups and downs, I am reminded of the verse of song that says "When I look around and see the good things that he does for me, I know that I'm unworthy of them all.  But His blessings he freely gives, I owe my life to Him.  I've got so much to thank Him for."