Thankful Thursday

 I hope you visit Thankful Thursday I am thankful everyday for so much.  Currently, since we are falling deeper into a recession and possibility of war, I am thankful for those I love. Thankful for my faith and thankful for all those friends who support my faith.

Three of my friends are married to pastors. One of my great cousins is a pastor. These people are the most amazing examples of  faith and kindness that I know. Thankful for these bunch of kind hearts.

Then there is tiny Dr. T. She is a born and raised Buddhist. She will be the first to respect my faith  as I respect her faith. You have no idea in all the years I worked with her how we learned so much about the kind of phamily we each grew up in. We shared our thoughts on World War II as I am American and she is Japanese. I read the book  "Unbroken". I discussed it with her and each of us told stories were from our grandmothers and parents.  Do you know what we never heard? H AT E ! We may not have liked the idea of all those lives lost to war but we understood. We know government always has a different idea on war than the common people. Thankful for friendships that keep on giving.

My sweet pastor wives shared their views with me on some questions I asked them. One told me when you are hurt and disrespected by someone you care about, you must pray for them, forgive them in your heart and move on. Another one said no one has the right to put down your faith. They don't have to like it but they have no right to tell you not to share it. One wife told me, always keep Jesus and kindness in your heart. It will give you more than you ever thought possible and it will keep removing any unkindness's from your own heart  that tries to seep in.  Thankful for my own personal  peacekeepers. They are filled with joy not hate. It is a thankfulness I truly love.

Thirteen years ago I met a blogging friend who was smart and interesting but they had no faith in themselves or anything else.  Back than there was a group of us who became very close. I miss them because most of them stopped blogging. But we all still remain friends. This friend lost both parents and had  their own serious health issues  as well as some of their other phamily members. Our group of bloggers decided we would shower are smart and sweet friend with love and kindness. We would encourage them, pray for them, and love them unconditionally. A few years down the road this wonderful human being had a complete turnaround. It was just an amazing blessing and when I spoke with them last they reminded me that they would be praying for me. I remember the days of my childhood,  I was taught that God loves every single person on this earth. I thought that was the coolest thing ever.  I am thankful for that.

I am also thankful for love. It is the greatest gift we have. Use it generously.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

Beth posted this message at social media. She will get all those cards to her brother and will share photos too. They will be traveling to her brother's home in Tennessee. Praying for safe travels. Thanks to everyone who sent her brother a card. She said he is going to love all the kindness showering him.

Holy macaroni! Thank you so much for the "card party" for my brother's birthday!! These are from family, friends (old and new), friends of friends, co-workers, prayer groups, and are from all over the country (and Canada) because YOU ALL shared the post. His birthday is Wednesday. and we're hoping to leave Thursday to visit and deliver them. After we're home, I'll share more pictures. Thank you to the moon and back. XOXO   

Beth Derrington Russo

Thankful for all that participated and sent Bob a birthday greeting. A little kindness and love goes a long way. 

THANKFUL