I love the rumors started on this blog — such as the suggestion that now Walling is into dancing. I want to see that: Jeff Walling performing some liturgical dance. (See comment from yesterday’s “Wailing Into Dancing” post.) Also loved Zach’s comment yesterday that some people from our Freedom Fellowship ministry were wondering if their minister smokes pot.
Ok. It’s your turn.
This year, I’m thankful for . . . .
I’m thankful for spam filters that work most of the time. (Incidentally, one slipped through on your Baptism Pictures post and is showing up as a new comment this morning. It’s not very nice.)
I am thankful for living in the Pacific Northwest, where there is not a WalMart bag on every pine tree or barbed wire fence (if you can find one). No tumbleweeds, no heat, no humidity no bugs, lots o rain.
I’m thankful just to be here with all the blessings that encompasses; children, children’s children and their children, rest of the family; the blessing of friendships-fellow believers, the beautiful weather we’ve been experiencing, and in spite of mechanical problems, good health. But most of all, I’m thankful for God’s outpouring of blessings and promises, for my Savior and my church family. Too much to enumerate. God is so generous, so good to me!!! And I thank Him, worshiping Him in all His majesty. And,
Thanksgiving Day with Mary, Jody and the gathering of their family and friends!
Josh and Kayci, Steve and Chelsie, Steve and Jo
(not to make a name list, but these are those who are called to speak and to teach in Jesus’ name, and to minister to our church family)
Pigpens of life and Father’s open arms
a church that is trying to make a difference.
My husband. I’m so very proud of his accomplishments, and proud of the man he is and will continue to grow into. I’m also thankful for friends who have become family to my hopelessly broken heart, and helped me put it back together again.
I’m thankful for a church that serves its neighborhood as well as its membership. The names and faces here are written on my heart, and have taught me many lessons.
Mike Cope, I am thankful for you.
… daily mountain views (I had to put that one in here, Cope)
… my 10 year old’s laugh and innocence
… my 14 year old’s growth into a Godly young man and his sweet jump shot
… my 16 year old’s commitment to her own purity, advocating for the poor and fighting for justice
… my wife’s ongoing choice to commit to this man who is way beneath her…
… a place in God’s family to serve… to speak a word for Him…
Family of choice.
Got to share my favorite “I’m thankful” story. One night the elderly Bible commentator Matthew Henry was robbed. He later wrote in his journal these words. “Let me be thankful. First, because I was never robbed before. Second, because although they took my purse, they did not take my life. Third, because they took my all, it was not much. And fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.”
I’m thankful for a new sense of peace in my life. God is good, and I’m getting better at realizing it.
And on the subject of “Does he smoke pot?” — Are you SURE that was cilantro in the guacamole?
I am thankful…
that you were laughing Sunday.I always think of you and Diane at this time of year.
That we live in a country where we can debate things openly without fear of being arrested or physically hurt. (Wow! 228 comments! Is that a record?)
That my three kids, my husband and I are healthy. Sounds trite, but I really meant it.
That the Love of Jesus and the hope of Heaven is here for everyone, even on our darkest, most unjust, and unfair days on Earth.
And that peppermint mocha is back at Starbucks!
I’m thankful my preacher doesn’t dance or smoke pot.
I am thankful we get to be with family this Thanksgiving and we see our son-in-law graduate from boot camp. Because of this graduation, our whole family is together for the holiday.
I have so much to be grateful for. I am grateful that Jack’s radiologist said he saw no more brain tumor. I am grateful for my kind and generous children. I am thankful for my kind and generous husband. I am most thankful for Jesus, because He is always there in the good or bad, with the most perfect Word for me to rest in.
…friends like Leland, Aaron, and Adam.
…the ocean
…Mt. Baker
…beautiful wife and children
…Widmer
Relationships - it is in the intimate sharing of life together with people that I am transformed more fully into what God desire for me to be.
For the Tammy Marcelains of the world whose artistic eyes capture beauty for the rest of us. Hi Tammy, I am Spencer the breakdancing ring bearer from Rachel’s wedding’s Mom.
My 3 year old grandson
My 20 month old triplet grandbabies
My two great kids and their spouses
My wonderful husband
My Godly parents
and some of the best friends on the planet.
My husband’s new music director job - a huge blessing
My kids and their giggles
My small group friends who are like brothers and sisters to me
For increases in the family income
For Bible teachers who have a contagious love of the Word
That the seizure my brother had wasn’t serious
And for Joy
I am thankful I am alive, walk and preach the good news of Jesus Christ.
What a wonderful thanksgiving this is going to be for my family and I. 
I am thankful for my church, really. A small, loving church filled with people who have no idea who we really are in Christ.
I am thankful for my wife who supports me even on my bad days and practices lovingkindness.
I am thankful for my little daughter who is a constant source of joy!
I am thankful for my son-in-law graduating from ACU in December and they are moving back to Ohio before Christmas!!
Thanks Ben, I am humbled you or anyone would mention my name. It could not have come at a better time.
A letter I received today. The criticism I received yesterday. The family and friends that bring me back to earth.
I am thankful for a God who has taught me to breathe again at Thanksgiving and for my dear ones, whom I love.
I’m thankful to God
for his love and grace
for quality life
for my family - past and present
for God’s family - past and present and future
for grace-filled churches
for too many things to detail here (but you know I have to try)…
loving God who “fills me to the fullness of God” when I will only let Him.
precious husband — 15 years tomorrow — who went with me to the brink of hell to claim our marriage back.
gorgeous, healthy children — and laughter like I only dreamed about pre-children.
friends that go with me to the throne, or carry me there when I can’t make it on my own.
living in a land of ridiculous abundance such as ours.
I’m just thankful that Walling is not into dancing. I’m still trying to scrub that image out of my brain.
I am thankful for grace and for the fact that even though I am a sinner, I am saved. I am thankful for the gospel of second (and third and fourth) chances. I am thankful for preachers in our fellowship who are willing to stand up and take the heat for daring to tell the truth even though they know they will be attacked for going against our traditions. I am thankful for elders who feel the weight of their job and do not see it as a position of power and authority but rather, they serve with humility and gentleness. I am thankful that we as a fellowship are growing beyond the boundries of our traditions. Of course I am thankful for my family as well. May you all have a special time with friends and family during this holiday week.
Thankful for instant access to the Family of God and our kids and grandkids through the wonder of computers. No matter that we are in Africa. Thankful for the impact the body of Christ has made in our lives. Thankful to be able to see God in the eyes of the Zambians we serve in His name. A special thanksgiving for the joy that wells in my heart as I hear the music of Zoe and other Christians as they sing he words which lift me up into praise.
Thankful for a wife who loves me without conditions.
Thankful for a family who accepts me.
Thanksful for a church that I can challenge; a church which also loves to return the favor.
Thankful to work with young adults and college students who love and worship Jesus.
Thankful that the Pistons did not trade for Kobe Bryant.
Thankful for great friends and mentors.
TONY ROMO!
So you won’t think I am too shallow, I am also thankful that when I struggle with doubt the Holy Spirit keeps pulling be back to faith. That God loves me even when I struggle to believe that He love me. And I am thankful for Martina McBrides song “Anyway” that moves me everytime I hear it. Pray anyway.
I thank God for the cross.
I thank God for Tony Romo
And Brooks and Dunns “Believe” never fails to bring me to tears. Thank God for another year of blessings.
My wife and kids
Peach Pie
My wife, our daughters, and the friends that remind us to love each other.
i am thankful to have actually seen jeff walling attempt to dance.
I am thankful
*that i am studying in London with the HUE program
*for Gods grace
*for my family
*for my friends
*that i get to go home to a warmer, Louisiana climate soon and see the people i miss so much!
preacherman, given your health challenges, ‘thankful that I am alive’ takes on a whole new depth of meaning.
I have a memory of Walling doing some shaking, not dancing, but movement to music at the Mission Viejo youth rallies when I was in high school. Always a good show when he took the mic away from the bass singer of the whoever was performing on the final night. That was were the shaking took place.
Anyone and everyone who has forgiven my arrogance on this blog. Thanks for being the better person.