Count My/Your Blessings

A page from “Pumpkin & Spice” coloring book. Coloring makes me a better writer.

With Thanksgiving Day around the corner (11 days from today), it would be a personal blessing to count blessings we encounter every day. I’ll list and comment on some of mine and you can take time to count yours. I’d like you to send me your list, at least part of it, for we can’t count them all. God’s blessings are numerous and almost minute by moment.

Leaving the house one day in our Volvo, I thought of items for which I’m thankful. I’m grateful that Bill no longer resists buckling his seat belt. Our Volvo is a first-rate blessing, for our son John picked it out for us and we bought it two years ago on Memorial Day. The kids advised it was time for a trade-in. Grateful for their input.

As I drove by the front lawn, I’m not the only one who notices how Paul keeps up the yard work. People stop to tell him almost weekly how nice it looks. Next I started listing our many conveniences I too often take for granted: pure water and ice. a good set of washer and dryer for my Friday laundry day, and enough room in our apartment to feel comfortable and do my work at the computer. That is another luxury I depend upon when technology works well for my projects, such as getting Bill’s messages published and connecting with family and friends.

Yes, our family is a huge blessing. “Behold, children are a gift of the Lord.” And “The Lord has done great things for us” (Psalm 127:3; 126:3, NASB). Along with the gift of children are their spouses, our parents, siblings, cousins, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Have I missed anyone? I love connecting with them via tech devices.

Speaking of technology, I’m grateful for the publishing world and the expert staff who have helped me with Bill’s four books. Then there’s Bill’s blogpost, and that would not have started without Becky’s encouragement, saying people would love to hear her dad preach again (even if those sermons are from the past). Our team who make this possible are top-notch: Erik who does the scheduling and programming, Michael who mixes the components for each episode, and Dan who reads the intros and outros. What a big blessing! Listen to Words of Endearment with Bill Coker.

At the top of the list are spiritual and personal blessings from God my Father, Jesus my Savior, and the Holy Spirit who dwells within me. The Word of God is my foundation for growth and prayer is my connection, knowing that God hears and answers.

Each one of you who receives these blog posts and reads them is a blessing beyond compare. Thank you. Have a Happy Thanksgiving with family and friends. I send love and prayers, Ann