Giving Thanks

Sunday that old song “Count Your Blessings, Name them One by
One,” came to me. As I begin to count my
blessings, it has a way of lifting my spirit.
God really is a good God.

Years ago I heard someone say that depression and expression
are the same root words, but they are totally opposites. You cannot have depression and expression at
the same time. I believe that is one of
the reasons the scriptures continually remind us to express praise and
thanksgiving. Giving thanks refocuses
our attention on the blessing that God is giving us. When we do we discover the song was right,
“it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”

I’m rejoicing at the privilege God has given me to be an
ambassador for Jesus. Just this week,
I’ve had the privilege of talking with a boy and his family as he was exploring
faith. After sharing the basics of the
Gospel, I asked him if he was ready to invite Jesus into his heart. He said he was. So I lead him in a prayer. I can still see the tears of joy in his
father’s eyes as we finished that prayer.
There is no experience like having a part in a person coming to faith in
Jesus Christ.

That same day I was meeting with a couple who are planning
on getting married. In the conversation
we talked about faith and he shared that he had not confessed his sin to
God. I had the privilege of leading him
in a prayer of confession and forgiveness.

As I left the office that night, I remembered that the
scriptures say there is rejoicing in heaven when a lost sheep is found. That made Thanksgiving for me.

We have discovered that many did not receive your letter
with a Commitment Card for
2012. They went out a couple of weeks
ago, but apparently some sections of our parish area never received their
cards. If you have not made your
commitment to the 2012 ministries of the church, a card is attached.

Have you finished your Christmas Shopping? This Sunday you will have a unique
opportunity to do some Christmas Shopping as our United Methodist Women and
Emerge Young Adult Ministries host a Holiday Bazaar. Sojourns, a local Fair Trade retailer, will
be here with a variety of Fair Trade items.
By purchasing gifts through this means, you not only can get your gifts
at a good price, but you are providing fair wages and labor. Items on sale will range from Coffee and
Chocolate, to soaps, accessories and jewelry, along with some great children’s
gifts from all across the globe. The
Bazaar will be in the Fellowship Hall.

This Sunday night, our Hanging of the Green service will
take place in the sanctuary at 6:30 PM.
It is a learning time, a refocusing time and a worshipful time. It is a great way to set our sights on the
reason for the season.


As always, your responses to these
Reflections are welcome. You can
email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.