Happy Thanksgiving! It’s actually a brisk 68° and overcast here in Umatilla, FL for this gracious holiday of gratitude. This is a bit unusual for our neck of the woods but somehow brings out memories and a sense of thankfulness for all the good things that God has done in our lives.
We are obviously thankful for the precious gift of Jesus and all that means to us as well as for each other and the Access-Life Ministry that God has entrusted to us to further spread his love and gospel. We are also thankful for the many family and friends that God has brought into our lives and the encouragement and support that has followed. The joy that our toy poodle Joy Hallelujah aka Lulu brings to our lives each day is also an enormous blessing from heaven.
Although things are not perfect nor will they be until we get to heaven, we always try to follow the Lord’s call to pray and work for more of heaven to come to earth each day. We also try to follow his admonition to focus our hearts and minds on him and the goodness that he pours out upon us each day.
We know many are struggling in such a variety of ways in these days and times but God’s light, love, purity, holiness and abundant Life can be seen and experienced every moment of our lives if we will but choose to be intentional about what we think, pray, say, do, see and hear. Listening for that still small voice and looking for those glimpses of heaven on earth can have a huge impact on our lives so that we can be truly grateful for something every day of the year.
Colossians 3:2 is such a great verse exemplifying the importance of our thoughts (set your minds on things about, not on earthly things.) and Deuteronomy 12:7 (there, in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your families shall eat and rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord your God has blessed you.) is such a beautiful picture of God’s hope and desire for us especially on this day of Thanksgiving. We hope you find these verses encouraging and enjoy the amateur artwork by Doug that is attached. 
Again, Happy Thanksgiving! We are so thankful for each of you and pray that the words of 3 John 1:2 (Beloved, I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers.) describing God’s desire for each of us blesses you by knowing God’s heart for you.