Family. This includes my family of origin, my immediate family, and my extended family - nephews, nieces, cous
ins, etc. My family of origin included my parents, Henry and Anna, and siblings Estella, Leland, Dorothy, Bernice, and Joanna. I
am the only one remaining from this family. (picture on left taken 1938) My immediate family is Wayne, Clara, Carol, Gordon, Ron, and Lynne. (picture on right taken in 2004) We also have eleven grandchildren, and four greatgrandsons, one of which we have never seen. I have some extended family living near here, some in Wichita, and others scattered from Michigan to Oregon. I am indeed grateful for the family with which God has blessed me.
ins, etc. My family of origin included my parents, Henry and Anna, and siblings Estella, Leland, Dorothy, Bernice, and Joanna. I am the only one remaining from this family. (picture on left taken 1938) My immediate family is Wayne, Clara, Carol, Gordon, Ron, and Lynne. (picture on right taken in 2004) We also have eleven grandchildren, and four greatgrandsons, one of which we have never seen. I have some extended family living near here, some in Wichita, and others scattered from Michigan to Oregon. I am indeed grateful for the family with which God has blessed me.Sunday School class. Yes, we still call it "Sunday School" class, but obviously it is no longer a "school." I was able this morning to attend our class for the first time in several months. It was a joy to be there and to share in our time together. This class is made up of some college professors, some retired professors, some retired preachers, and other professionals such as teachers, administrators, etc. At times I have felt uncomfortable in such a group, but no longer. These people are my friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, and people who truly care about one another. I'm certainly thankful for each of them.
Our church. We belong to, and attend Hesston Mennonite Church. This is the largest congregation we have ever been a part of. We were sort of "lost" in this church at first, but now we feel like we really belong. I was privileged to be chosen an elder only two years after coming here - I'm not quite sure how that happened, except that I was told my peers were responsible. I think it was our S. S. class. We now know many of the people who attend there, but there are more that we don't know. We are not alone in this as there are many people who attend our church who do not know a lot of folks also. I'm grateful for our church because it is a place where I can go to worship, fellowship with other believers, and hear good messages from God's Word. We heard such a message this morning as a visitor, Clarence Rempel, brought the message. It was just a very basic word to all of us, entitled "Essentials." His points were 1)Follow Hard After Jesus, 2)Commit Heartily to the Church, 3)Pursue Vigorously God's Mission. I'm thankful I can be a part of a church where the Word of God is preached.
While my thankful list dwindles as I cross items off each day, it also continues to grow as I think of more things I want to write about. I trust that you my readers are also thinking more about the things you are thankful for. Have you made a list, and do you thank the Lord daily for His goodness and love? I hope so.
Pilgrim on the way
1 comment:
I didn't know you were an Elder at Hesston. They made a good choice.
Your reaction was kind of like mine when they made me a deacon where we worship just a couple of years after we came here. I was told that several had submitted my name...I was humbled, yet kind of surprised at the same time.
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