Thanksgiving Eve, Weds., Nov. 25, 2009~

Bruce Bilkey writing.  Thought I would write on this day before Thanksgiving and share my blessings with y'all.

I am thankful for my beautiful wife, Toni, and our children:  Bruce, Jr., Brooklyn, Rachel, Josiah, Hezekial, Canaan, Tirpe', and Tzipporah, who grace us with love, laughter, and the joy of parenting.

I am thankful for a dedicated body of believers who make up a wonderful church.  I have been a pastor at Christ Community of God for ten years now.  My life has been blessed tenfold; I can't even begin to describe all that God has bestowed upon me.  I am indeed grateful for His love, even when I don't feel I deserve it.

I may be a little man, but God is a great big God.  If He cares for the sparrows in the field, how much more does He care for me?  One of His own?

I am thankful for my staff, who are hardworking, on fire for the Lord, and willing to give up their weekends, just so they can ensure that our services go smoothly.  Even when they don't, they are in there, pitching and giving it their all.

I am thankful for friends like Gabe Rodowsky, C.V.  Addington, Wesley Baker, Bill Sandusky, Fred Reichart, and countless others who can tell great fishing stories or be counted on to be there whenever I am struggling with things in my life.

I am thankful for my health, and even the health of my children; I am thankful for dedicated doctors and nurses who are there for them when they have surgery, or injured, or fall ill; if it were not for them, some of my children wouldn't be here today (as in the case of Tzippie or Tirpe').

I am thankful for the gifts of preaching, prophesying, generosity, and compassion, gifts I can share with anyone I happen to meet.  I am thankful for those who have made the life-altering decision to serve Christ, and to live their lives for Him. 

I am grateful for turkey, stuffing, cranberries, and pumpkin pie.  I am grateful for elastic waistbands for my pants whenever I eat a full Thanksgiving buffet at Golden Corral.  I am grateful for restaurants who choose to stay open on holidays and/or Christmas, to serve those who are in no mood to cook or have no other place to go. 

I am grateful for our Veterans who give their all (or even their lives) to protect our nation and keep us safe.  I am grateful to their families who serve right along with them.  I pray nothing but God's provision and protection upon them and their lives.

I am grateful for so many things:  I am in awe at how God's played a big part of getitng me through the valleys of life and celebrating with me as we praise the miracles or blessings He's bestowed upon me and the people I meet.

So many people don't have it nearly as good as I do; this is why I must do the job I do:  minister to the sick, dying, or hurting, to give them a sense of hope and reach them with the gospels of Jesus Christ. 

On that note, let me and my family be among the first to wish each and every one of y'all the happiest of Thanksgivings ever, and may it be full of God's blessings and miracles!  Never forget to count your blessings; that's why we celebrate a holiday like Thanksgiving!  It is a lot more than parades, food, or football!

~In His Service,

Your friend, Pastor Bruce Bilkey, Christ Community Assembly of God Church, Nashville, Tennessee.