Saints Notes     November 26, 2011

Did you have a nice Thanksgiving?

I did, although there wasn't much traditional about it - starting with heading to Broad Ripple for the 9th Annual Drumstick Dash to benefit the Wheeler Misison.   Although it was a touch chilly on  cloudy day, it was a fun and flat 4.5 mile course around Broad Ripple.  My wife and I had a great time starting the holiday with 16,000 new friends.

Of course, football is a tradition on Thanksgiving - and with the Packers playing - it was required viewing at my home.  Go, Pack! 

Since I was very young, part of every Thanksgiving was watching at least some football during the day, and when I was younger, heading outside to play a little of it as well.

After the game, my family met up with my parents for a Thanksgiving meal.  A very nice and relaxing way to spend the end of the holiday.

During all of this - there was time to think about the many blessings I receive every day and the opportunities the Lord provides for me, my family, and all of us.

What are you thankful for this year?   (Isn't that a better question than 'What is on your Christmas wish list?')

I'm thankful for:

• for the salvation earned for me by Jesus Christ when I certainly never deserved it
• the opportunity to serve Him at Lutheran High School
• the blessings we receive at the high school from many who pray for students and faculty daily and share their God-given blessings with us
• living in Indianapolis - it's been a wonderful place to be these past six years and has helped our youngest son get an excellent and life-changing high school education and get a wonderful opportunity to attend Ball State University
• our Association congregations who not only support the high school and our students - but help build up the Body of Christ and train up more servants for Him
• volunteers who bring energy and excitment to the many acitvities we do at Lutheran High
• the Lutheran High faculty and staff who serve students and their Lord each day - giving more of their time and energy than most will ever know
• family
• friends
• good health
• technology that makes it so easy and inexpensive to stay in touch (just this weekend, I heard from a friend from high school - an interntaional student from Malayasia who attended for one year and said hello from the other side of the world)
• my parents, who still enjoy good health and have always provided their love and a great example to me
• and the many, many, many things that I simply take for granted - but know I would not be able to enjoy except for our Lord's bounteous goodness.

Have a great week!