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 Happy Sabbath,

I had a great day at church, at my parents' home and am thankful for help throughout this week.  Today is my dad's 84th birthday and it was wonderful to be able to spend time and celebrate him today.  I am thankful that he takes the time to study God's word and makes the Lord the focus of his life (most of it anyway).  He is very set in his ways and we don't agree on some things, but I am thankful that he has a heart to seek the Lord and continues to do so every day.  There are many seniors I've encountered who are not Christians and if they say they are, they don't act in a way that even attempts to give honor and glory to our Creator. With all of his flaws, I hope that he doesn't give up following Christ.  When I meet with him, God is always the main topic of discussion.  I am thankful for my dad.  I am thankful for him being a great grandfather to my son.  I am thankful that he still has his faculties. He is becoming forgetful and my mother said showing signs of Alzheimers but he has not slowed down yet. He drives and takes 16 hr trips on the road. He does the shopping for the house, lawn care, fixes cars, and so much more.  I am thankful to have been present on this day, to be able to give him the gifts I could give, and to enjoy this time with my family while keeping the Lord one of the main topics of discussion.  

Thank you Lord for my earthly dad.  Take some time to thank the Lord for your parents, your guardians, your friends and other special people He has put in your life.  And take some time to thank the Lord for always being here for you, even if a parental figure is absent or not what you had hoped they would be.  God is good and may He continue to bless you and keep you all the days of your life.