Thanks

Thanksgiving is next week, so we thought it fitting to reflect on the importance of giving thanks.

First we revisited our Compliment Challenge from last week. Everyone mentioned one compliment that they gave during the week and how they reacted. Amy complimented...everyone...and their clothes... Good job everyone. And Amy...nice shoes.

Kate handed out slips of paper to everyone with specific instructions. a Grand Prize winner was announced. Matt! (and the people rejoiced! hurray.) He was given a treasure box filled with candy. Others had instructions to go ask for a piece, one at a time, until all the "treasure" was taken. Only one person said "thanks".

We discussed the situation. How everyone felt.

There is a story in the Bible in Luke (who was a doctor) that described how, as Jesus was traveling from Samaria to Galilee, ten lepers called out to Jesus for mercy and healing. Jesus heard their desperate cries, had compassion, and told them to go show themselves to the priest. All headed for the temple, and on the way realized they had been completely healed. Only one man turned around to thank Jesus. Jesus asked rhetorically, "Where are the other nine?"

We discussed the situation. How everyone felt.

We are all lepers needing the healing of God. Christ has the power to save us from certain death. We just have to ask. Cry out to Jesus for mercy and healing. And He will.

We now can live life completely, not isolated but fully restored. How grateful we should be to the God of the universe for saving us from death. Thankfulness should flow from us like a fountain. Every moment in every situation.

Here's our verse;

"In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

We then created a "WE ARE THANKFUL" banner upon which everyone jotted down some things we are thankful for. Hung it up in the sanctuary.

Then Kate had everyone write a thank you note to someone. Then she handed out a personalized thank you note to everyone. And then there were hugs...and it was good.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Alicia! And THANKS to Alicia for bringing in cupcakes, cookies and pop for everyone. You are truly a joy, young lady.

We had three guests tonight, Alicia invited Stephanie. The DeBoer's invited Rebecca, and Ashley.

we ended the night with some games; Egg, Chicken, Dino... and leave the room scenarios.

that's all folks. Happy Thanksgiving!!!!