I like words.

Today I've spent a good deal of time on my computer.  I've read everything from comics for our Worship Ministry newsletter to emails from my colleagues at BVBC.  I've edited devotionals for Advent, studied scripture passages and sermon manuscripts and have even written numerous compositions of varying sorts... All in all it's been a good day because, as I mentioned, I like words.

However, in the menagerie of words through which I've waded today, I just stumbled, almost by accident, onto a challenge that I think I will undertake.  One that involves words of gratitude.  You see, one of the Advent devotionals I read last year sent a courtesy note this morning about this year's coming series, and at the end of the note the writer told how her church had asked their congregation to post each day in November to their Twitter or Facebook profiles one thing for which they are grateful and to tag it #PraiseGod.

I'm not really a "joiner."  I don't just arbitrarily do things that other people do... maybe because I'm so busy... or maybe because I'm secretly lazy!  But this challenge resonated with me in a special way.  It seems so simple; to use the month that contains our American Thanksgiving holiday as a season to honor God. That was, after all, the reason for the first Thanksgiving all those years ago.  And so today I will begin my posts.  I'll list it on facebook and twitter, and I'll even pop a quick note into my BVBC blog page, though likely there will be no commentary.  I'm not sure where the journey will lead, but I am sure I will be a more grateful follower of Jesus by pausing to thank him for just a few of the countless ways he blesses me.  

Please note: I won't be making a predetermined list of thirty things... It's my intention to post one thing per day... one thing that is close to my heart... one thing that reflects the moment where I am.  I might even encourage my family to do the same, and then use it as the focus of our Thanksgiving dinner on the 24th. 

I hope you'll follow along and perhaps even join me in expressing thanks to God for his goodness to you.  If you do, please let me know so I can join in your journey!

jph