Friends,
When we had a chance to stand up in church Sunday to say what we are thankful for, I thought, and actually feared, for a moment that I would look around the sanctuary into the eyes of so many of you and be compelled by God to express what you have meant to my life. Mercifully God’s wisdom prevailed. Although I seemingly make a living by talking into a microphone, I am woefully incapable of standing before even the people I love dearly and speaking with clarity, much less without blubbering.
I tossed and turned Sunday night, but for once that was a good thing. The names of people in our church family kept running through my mind and with each one I thought of how I have been blessed by them. At one point I thought of climbing out of bed and writing my thoughts down, but then I hesitated and doubted.
The next morning I remembered the Bible story from our class Sunday of how Peter had stepped out of the boat and started to walk to Jesus, but then hesitated and doubted and sank.
I fear this is going to be rather lengthy, but I’m going to step out of the boat now.
I am thankful for Ben Chappell
Ben has shown me how an honest faith can work wonders within ourselves, within our families, and within the world at large. Ben has taught me patience, and reminded me that it’s a virtue, not a given. Ben has proven to me that the most effective witness for Christ, is a true Christian “walking the walk.”
I am thankful for Roy and Helen Briggs who have shown me that love grows stronger over time. They have blessed me with their openness. I have watched Helen break down barriers by simply asking to cradle a baby. They have shown me true love, like God’s love, prevails…and heals.
I am thankful for Luke and Lee Ellen Speckman. They are no longer members of our church, but their quiet, generous devotion stands out everyday in our sanctuary, the land it’s built on, and in my life.
I am thankful for Heather Ambrose.
Heather’s calm nature and steadfast love for Covenant, reminds me of God’s unwavering love for us.
I am blessed to know Gordon and Kelley Self. They have helped me cut through the sometimes daunting façade of piety with an honest and forthright faith. Their sharing and loving nature reminds me of the pure joy in knowing God. I’ve built many walls around me, any member of the Self family can knock them down with a simple grin.
I am so appreciative that John and Lexie McJilton are part of our church family. Their hearts are joyful and little Kevin reminds me every time I see him that the world is filled with God’s wonderment. We should all look at the world wide eyed.
I am thankful for Lyle and Cathy Clark.
Cathy has proven to me that God gives us many gifts, some we can display and proclaim, some we quietly hold close. Cathy has shown me that both gifts can be shared with amazing results. Lyle demonstrates to me great faith in God can give us great faith in ourselves. Cathy and Lyle have proven to me that perseverance builds character and that God is good.
I am so blessed by JoAnn Chappell.
JoAnn has taught me the power of God’s tranquility. She has shown me it can not be harnessed and must be shared. Her giving spirit exudes God’s heart in all she does.
Lord, thank you for bringing Bill and Terri Mosedale into our lives. They shine as a testament to caring and commitment.
I am thankful for George Swisher.
George taught me that I can ask hard questions of God. George showed me the sometimes difficult path to the gracious acceptance of God’s will. It’s a lesson I pray I will never forget.
I am thankful for new friends, like Charles and Barbara Shields whose sturdy values we need and who have comforted me personally by sharing stories of struggles and endurance..
I thank God for Mark and Marlena Jones. Their music fills my heart on Sundays. Their collective wit strengthens me. Mark is a man of great insight, but I recognized him as a true man of wisdom when he quietly came into a hospital waiting room and sat beside me as Amy underwent surgery. We didn’t talk about the lofty nature of God, Mark knew I needed the comforting reassurance of familiarity. Mark was a friend reminding me that God was there with us too..
Judy Scott has been a blessing to me Lord. She has wrestled with the demands of the world and her covenant with God. Haven’t we all? Still she silently serves in ways unknown to many.
Thank you God for bringing back to
us Sharon, Steven and Heather Taft. Sharon and I were baptized on the
same night. Each time I see the Taft family I am thankful that just
like that night when I officially came back to you God, the Taft
family has found their way back to Covenant.
I am thankful for the Raley family who have shown me that it’s not always easy, but God provides. They have proven to me that true faith produces true blessings. Misty and Kristy have taught me not to let youth blind me to wisdom. Their youth, not mine. Their wisdom too.
I am thankful for Paula Smith. Paula is an example of the Armor of God to me. You may not know the many ways Paula has served our church, but she has marched undaunted, and oftentimes alone, into places I wouldn’t go without a shotgun and a flashlight. She always returns, unscathed and unbowed. .
I am blessed to have worshipped God with John and Debbie Kasper. Their story in our church history has shown me how easy it would be to overlook someone looking for Christ.
I am grateful to you Lord for Abe and Sarah Valdez. The smiles of this family can soften hearts.
Lord, I thank you for Adrian, Cynthia and Ariane Huddleston. She may not remember it, but it was Ariane who “convicted” me one night at Rolling Oaks Christian Church and said, quite bluntly, “You should be a Deacon”. Ariane reminded me that God sees more in me than I do. That same wise knowledge is what Cynthia whispered in my ear as I sat trembling before the church being ordained a Deacon. I am also so thankful that Cynthia showed me that the awesome responsibility of teaching God’s word can be fun…and it can be a two way street. I am blessed to know Adrian, for he has revealed to me that there are many ways to be a minister for Christ, if you only look for the opportunities.
I am thankful for Jim, Suzanne, Danielle, and Jeff Reily. They have shown me a great deal in a short amount of time, not the least of which is the strength of true family and the righteousness of fortitude. I have been reminded that church can be a wonderful place if done right, in part because of the undeserved scars this family carries quietly.
I am blessed by Erin Webb. Erin has shown me that God breaks down walls between worlds…with a whisper.
I am thankful for Sam and Janelle Hall. Sam reminds me that a humble spirit is a powerful foundation in life. Janelle serves as God’s example to me that a giving and caring nature is contagious.
What a privilege it has been to share God’s house with Glenn and Sarah Holmes. God’s time…God’s time.
Chris, Ellen, Jenny and Jill Chappell give me such joy. I rest easier at night knowing our world includes these four young, yet wise, individuals..
I am grateful for Gordon and Taketha Wise, Tim and Fran Awbry, and Brad and Kim Pohl. What strength I see in this extended family. Now they are strengthening our church family too.
Lord I am blessed by Chloe. I try hard to mimic her unquestioning acceptance of everyone who walks into our church, because I know Lord that’s how you want us all to be.
I am thankful for Scott, and Sylvia Munn. Scott’s work ethic combined with Sylvia’s infectious loving nature have shown me that God sees and uses the best of us. What a powerful testimony to God little Sarah will be.
I am thankful for Claud and Judy McHorse. Claud and Judy have blessed me with the lesson that a generous spirit need not be a boisterous one. Yet in contrast Claud has taught me to proudly proclaim the generosity of God
I am thankful for Jerry and Jennifer McGovern. Soon they will bless our church family with a little girl to cherish. The McGovern’s give me hope.
The blessings bestowed upon me by Gordon and Jeanene Atkinson are more than I could ever express in a line or two. Gordon and Jeanene exude grace. They are my friends foremost, but they are bright and shining guideposts along my journey of faith. I only hope they realize the expansive light of God I have recognized through them, and their children.
I could not end this (yes, it’s going to end I promise) without repeating how thankful I am that God allowed Amy to come into my life. She has held my often unsteady hand, and changed my heart. She also led me to all of you.
They say count your blessings. These are but a few.
God Bless you all,
Michael