Here is a picture (Yes! I was the photographer.) of our new digs in Haslett, Michigan. God is really gracious toward his children.

Yesterday morning, around 10:20, Tonia and I began signing a 2 inch stack of papers to close on our new house in Haslett,  Michigan. By 11:30, we had carpal tunnel (At least it felt like it), a bunch of brand new keys, a few gifts from the realtor, a lot of handshakes and congratulations, utilities transferred over to my name, and a stack of signed papers reminding us of our long term relationship with the bank (we will certainly try to shorten that relationship through some wise stewardship practices). We are humbled that God would provide for us the way he has. We thank him for his gracious provision to us and all those who journeyed with us in prayer and encouragement through this long and sometimes frustrating process.

PRAISALLEUIA! The commute is almost over! (I had to throw that in there).

The big move date is scheduled for Monday June 28th. Why on a Monday? Tonia looked at our schedule – kids at Spring Hill Camp, Tonia starting class, me doing everything under the sun – and determined that was one of the only free days for us to get it done. Plus, we want to get our tenant into the house as quickly as possible. Tonia has been right so many times in the past. So, I trust her judgment. I will forward more details of the move in the next few days.

Rejoice with us as God has proven once again that he is faithful. Again, thanks for your prayers, encouragement and support.

Popularity: 15% [?]

Today, as you gather with family and friends, I pray you will:

Focus on thanksgiving as the second word and not the first.

The Greek word thanksgiving is actually built on another very important Greek word – “charis.” The word “charis” means grace and is at the very center of the word thanksgiving. Therefore, grace is at the very center of every thank you, and is therefore the first word.

Grace is God’s undeserved favor or blessing. God gives us something that we don’t deserve so he can get the desired response, which is praise, worship and thanksgiving. Today, let’s go through the intentional discovery of finding the grace/favor of God in every aspect of our lives – life, health, strength, family, friends, jobs, a good church, subscribers to your blog (all of you who read my blog regularly, are a wonderful grace to me), and most of all a relationship with Jesus.

The word thanksgiving is always directed toward God, and connected with how God transforms our lives through Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving today, remember to focus on grace as the first word and thanksgiving as the second word.

When are you tempted to be most ungrateful? For what graces are you most thankful to God? Spend some time today counting your blessings from God.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Popularity: 5% [?]