17 November 2001

Subject: Thanks "Giving"

Dear Ones,

 

It's the Saturday before Thanksgiving and I would like to wish you and yours a most Happy Thanksgiving holiday.

 

Thanksgiving is the time we set aside to give thanks to a most merciful God for all the many blessings He has bestowed upon us. God has blessed us beyond belief, and, in fact, He gave us the greatest gift on earth and in heaven. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."

 

This gift of salvation cannot be earned by good works nor bought by all the money in the world. It is God's gift through grace to the world.... to those who believe.

 

Besides giving thanks to the Almighty this Thanksgiving, there are many other things that one can give. Just think of all you have and then look around you to see the needs of others. It might be that they need food, shelter, or financial help. On the other hand, they may only need a smile, a kind word, some encouragement, a pat on the back, or a hug. "Others, Lord, yes others, let this my motto be. Help me to live for others, that I may live like Thee."

 

Since childhood, we all have heard the saying, "It is more blessed to give than receive." I agree with that, but I also believe that "you only keep what you give away". If you're not sure about that latter statement, just try giving a little happiness to someone else.

 

Let Me Give

I do not know how long I'll live
But while I live, Lord, let me give
Some comfort to someone in need
By smile or nod, kind word or deed.

And let me do what ever I can
To ease things for my fellow man
I want naught but to do my part
To "lift" a tired or weary heart.

To change folks' frowns to smiles again
Then I will not have lived in vain
And I'll not care how long I'll live
If I can give . . . and give . . . and give.

 

Have a blessed Saturday and a wonderful Thanksgiving. Pause to give thanks to the Holy One and then go right on living.... and giving.

 

Don