Jimbo's Jots

“Go through his open gates with great thanksgiving; enter his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. For the Lord is always good. He is always loving and kind, and his faithfulness goes on and on to each succeeding generation.” (Psalm 100:4-5, The Living Bible)

In keeping with the spirit of Thanksgiving and tremendous gratitude for who I am, where I am and how blessed I try to live each day, I want to take this opportunity to offer what I am thankful for:

• My parents, Bob and Patsy – although neither is with us any longer, they still have an influence on my life and thoughts. They raised us to love God first, and love others second. They taught us to do good and be good people.
• My siblings, Janet, Kay, Susie, Marilyn, Stephanie and Osro – there were moments growing up that we didn’t get along and argued. But if my memory serves me correctly, those moments were so few and far between. We’ve encouraged each other along our paths that have taken us far away. To Janet and Susie, you both left us too soon for our wants, but know that you are still loved and remembered each day.
• My extended family, Tom, Rick, Kathy, Anne, Andy, Adrienne, Korrie – You all were kind of thrown into the chaos known as the family of Bob and Patsy. You embraced the chaos and even celebrated it with us.
• My wife, Lori – you said, “Yes.” once when I asked you out on a date. Then a couple of years later, you said, “YES!” when we got married. For the past 32 years, you have been my best friend, confidant, and travel partner. Most of all you are the love of my life.
• My kids, Alyssa, Makenna and Amelia – You girls are my pride and joy! I’m so proud of who you are in Christ. I get excited seeing you grow in your faith and life.
• My extended family part 2, Kevin, Adalyn, and Avery – What a blessing you all are to me! I love that you are sharing life with our family.
• My church family – There was a time long ago when the leadership of the Plymouth Church of Christ took a chance on a “slightly older than what normal youth ministers are” guy and said, “we want you to come to Plymouth and work with our church family.” What a tremendous blessing it has been and continues to be. I cannot thank enough all of the teens, families, elders and ministers that I have been able to minister to and that have ministered to me.
• For me – I am grateful that I am a child of God. As a product of God’s creation, I am thankful for a personality that offers care, concern, and patience. I am thankful for talents like the gift of song and a small sometimes sarcastic sense of humor.
• God – above all and for everything, You are my all in all and for that I am grateful. You have directed my paths and continue to show me plans that you have in store. Words do not adequately express my tremendous gratitude for blessing me with all that has already been mentioned. Thank you God!

So as you offer thanksgiving during this time of the year, be blessed and be a blessing to others along the way.