Here we are in November, with Thanksgiving less than three weeks away. Family memories keep flooding through my thoughts reminding me of how blessed I have been to have been raised in the Thomas family. We were not wealthy as the world looks at it, but oh, how wealthy we were when it came to love of each other and love for the Lord!!!

Thank you, Lord, for Mama teaching us at a very young age that “You” were always near us and would never leave us. Matthew 28:20b “……Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”  And Hebrews 13:5b “……for He has said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”  This gave us children a “God-consciousness“ at a very early age.

Oh, how our world needs this today. To hear your parents and family instill in your heart that God is as near as your next breath, that there is nothing He cannot do, and all you have to do is call on the name of Jesus for He hears and sees all you have need of.

Thank you, Lord, for these truths that have transformed my life since I was a child.  

My baby brother Gene was talking to a friend about how even with all of us children you would have thought that there would have been a lot of bickering and fighting. But, Mama and Daddy had ground rules of what you were allowed to do in our home. One of them was “Respect”!!!  If Mama told us once, she told us a hundred times,

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Luke 6:31

Thank you, Lord, for giving us Mama and Daddy as parents!!!

Thank you that Your Holy Word was taught as a guideline to live by!!!

(Now, don’t get the idea that we were anywhere near perfect; there were the occasional scrimmages that every family has. But, one word from Mama or a look from Daddy, and you knew your life was in serious trouble if you didn’t correct your behavior. There was always a large stash of switches in various lengths in the corner by Mama’s chair to get your attention. Believe me, I have many memories of the stripes and pain of them.  Ha Ha!!!)

Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

We were taught the value of our family; you loved and looked out for them above all else. We didn’t mistreat each other and neither did anyone else.  It has always been neat to hear Peggy and another sister tell of some kid that picked on their little brother, Jerry.  After warning him several times to quit, they made him a believer one day after they got off the school bus to walk on home. Those girls beat this boy’s behinny, real good. We know without a doubt that we can count on each other. Worldly things were never important to us, for nothing could replace each other.

Thank you, Lord, for families that stick close together and love without measure!!!

Keep yourself in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.  Jude 21

Feeling very blessed,

Tricia Cook

https://youtu.be/lnnfCohSLGQ

(Thank You Lord For Your Blessings by Jeff and Sheri Easter)