At this time of year it is our custom and privilege as free Americans to come together and give thanks for the many things God has blessed us with.

The older I get the quicker the years flash by. It seems like only yesterday that we were enrolling my son in his first school here in Arizona and my daughter into preschool. Now West is a 25 year old young man and Gracie is a Senior in high school. They bless us every day and "WOW" is the only suitable word for the life we have been blessed to enjoy.

Today we gave thanks before a special meal, as we should at every meal. However, I am often challenged to remember to give thanks before the football game for sight and hearing, and thanks before opening the book for intellect and understanding, and thanks before walking, running, going for groceries, and embracing a loved one.

Things so easily overlooked each day like the ability to hear someone say “I Love You” then to respond “I Love You” - to listen to my children gives thanks and say grace – to feel the hand of my loved ones as we all gather together - to taste the wonderful meals we enjoy not just on Thanksgiving but every day - all incredible miracles in their own right.

The blessing to be an American and be free to work and worship as we choose should be remembered. 

We are all blessed and should never take it for granted.

This world seems at times to be working overtime to steal our joy for living and our ability to see the wonder and blessing all around us. For me counting my blessings with a thankful heart seems to bring it all back into the proper perspective.

For us the blessings we count at this time of year always include the people we have come to know, “You” - our friends and those we have been blessed to work with. We are so grateful that we have been blessed to know you and it is our sincere hope that the coming holiday season will bring each of you joy, happiness, laughter and every good thing that God has for you and your family.

We have been here in Arizona for 14 years now, this is home and I cannot imagine life anywhere else. The southwest has been a wonderful place to live and raise our family.

Take care and have a blessed and joy-filled Thanksgiving holiday!!

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV