Happy Thanksgiving!
Hello friends,
Thanksgiving Day reminds us to choose gratitude again, and not just on the 4th Thursday of November, but all year round. I just read Colossians 3:15, which concludes very simply, "And be thankful."
So, it's my turn to say what I am thankful for.
First, I am thankful for each one of you reading this note; for your prayers, encouragement, and partnership in the life and ministry of River Community Church. Angie and I were pleasantly surprised a few Sundays ago with a beautiful book full of personal notes from members of our church family. As we have read over each of those notes a few times since, we're reminded of God's goodness in our lives, especially through the words and actions of the people we have the privilege of calling "friends". Thank you for your kindness.
Second, I am thankful for the Body of Christ coming together to send gift-filled shoeboxes around the world through Operation Christmas Child. Hundreds of thousands of children will receive a Christmas gift, hear the good news of the love of Jesus, and receive receive the blessing of evangelism, discipleship, and multiplication for their families and communities all year round. Between the people of Sonrise Church and River Community Church, we filled a collective 665 shoeboxes. YAY! God is good. You can continue to support the journey of delivering a shoebox by giving on our website through our shoebox fund or directly through Operation Christmas Child. Thank you for your generosity.
Finally, I am thankful for God's gift of salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life found in believing, following and knowing Jesus Christ. Of all the things I am as a person, the one thing that matters most is being a child of God. Think of it: The Creator of the Universe, perfect in every way, wants a relationship with us as Father and Child, and broke through every barrier with His love and grace demonstrated through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. To quote Maximus Decimus Meridius of Gladiator, "what we do in life echoes in eternity." And nothing echoes in eternity as loud and clear as what Jesus has done for each one of us. I pray you will simply believe, follow and know Jesus. It is always worth it and always something to be thankful for!
Okay, I've got two briskets, two turkeys and a ham to attend to. In a few hours, all 7 of our children, 4 spouses, and 7 grandchildren will be here. It will be noisy, chaotic, funny and full of love. My prayer for all of us today, whether loud or quiet, that we will "Be Thankful" for all the good that God has given to us.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Love ya!
Grace & Peace,
Keith... and Angie too!
PS: We're having a Service of Gratitude for the whole family, this Sunday, December 1 at 10am. If you're planning to be there, bring an easy brunchy snack food to share. There'll be donuts, cookies, and who knows what other goodness. We'd love to see you there!
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