My journey found me asking friends to share what they are thankful for this Sunday before Thanksgiving.
Ross King, president and owner of King Feed Co. Inc. and real estate broker: “I have so much to be thankful for as I was raised in an active and loving Christian family here in San Marcos. I became a follower of Jesus Christ at age 14. I am thankful and blessed with my beautiful wife, Martha, four beautiful daughters and their families, nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. All are believers in Christ. I am thankful for an abundance of friends, good health and a fulfilling retirement."
Linda Coker, community volunteer: “Of course, I am thankful for my remarkably amazing grandkids, husband and family. But right now, I am so thankful that I finally realize, without a doubt, that no matter what is happening, God, the light, universe, whatever you choose to call it, has my back and regardless of what is happening it truly is going to be OK.”
George Gilbert, Business owner and long-time Lions Club member: “What I am most thankful for? Having been born and raised in a Christian family with three brothers and three sisters, where I enjoyed excellent health with plenty of love and compassion. Living in a country where you could worship God whenever and wherever you pleased. For my 63 years of marriage with Bobbie and three wonderful kids — Gary, James and Gaye Lynn — plus five grandkids and four great-grandkids.”
Trini Rodriguez, licensed professional counselor and private therapist: “First, I am so thankful for my three children, who I realized this year have grown up and are wonderful people. They are my heroes! A quote from my book,' Trini My Life of Poems,' ‘For they turned on the color, Onto a black and white canvas. For I was painted on a wall, Without breath or meaning.’ Second, I am thankful for my new-found church, where I have found friends and songs that rekindle my faith. Sermons from Pastor Chad that direct and confirm my work. And my Bible study group that feeds my faith. I am so thankful.”
Ron Wilson, CPA: “As with others in the 80+ age group, I have seen many years of changes in our world, but I continue to value most the bedrocks of God and country upon which our nation was founded. My family, God’s word and grace, First Baptist Church, America, friends, health and work. These are the blessing for which I thank God every day.”
Phil Walker, artisan and church leader at Redwood Baptist Church: “I am thankful for God turning my life around and bringing me to Christ; now I just live for Christ. I am thankful for my family and my church family. I minister to homeless people at mealtime at Southside Community Center by giving them encouraging ‘God Bless Cards’ on which I handprint a scripture verse. It blesses me when a person says, ‘I was having a bad day, but I read the scripture on the card and it made my day.’ I am thankful for a wonderful Bible study on Wednesday and Thursday nights at Redwood church, so we can ‘be granted understanding of what we read.'”
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:18
“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20