With A Thankful Heart

God's provisions are so amazing. Today I was blessed by the opportunity to serve a small portion of the physical needs in Laguna Beach. When I woke up this morning I felt great. Well rested, I showered and got ready for my day which began with breakfast at my best friends house, my second family. After breakfast I was overflowing with joy and ready to serve our Lord through serving food to the needy in downtown Laguna Beach. I was given a small tray of left overs from breakfast to share with those I would encounter. When I arrived at the location I found many helping hands. Outside, waiting patiently in the courtyard were about three families and a few individuals. We we able to offer breakfast, through the given leftovers, to all the people in the courtyard. Some declined but all those that were interested were given a portion of the breakfast to tide them over until the meal was served. Praise God! Then a friend and I greeted those who came to join in the celebration of thanksgiving. Once the meal was served we asked a man who seemed to be sitting alone if we could join him for a few minutes, and he obliged. His name is Fred and he lives at The Friendship Shelter just a few blocks from our celebration. In our short conversation we learned of some of the wonderful people he has come to know at the shelter and also some specific ways that we could pray for him. When asked Fred said that he would specifically like to receive prayer regarding a permanent housing facility and a job opportunity. In our brief time spent with this man and through my obedience to the Lord in serving others I was truly struck with a heart of thanksgiving. I am so abundantly blessed in this life and God's mercy and love are overwhelming. In the last year I have abandoned my homosexual lifestyle, shared my burden, been humbled at the foot of the Cross, welcomed God's forgiveness of sin, and found rest in the arms of our faithful and loving God. I pray that this attitude of thanksgiving will not flee with the dread and distractions of Black Friday around the corner and the busyness of Christmas less than one month away. My hope is that my heart would continually be reminded of God's grace, love, and ultimate sacrifice through Christ. That even if all worldly blessings were stripped from my life on earth the truest blessing would remain.... Salvation in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! May we give thanks always for the life eternal extended to us through his death and resurrection! May I continue to bless others in remembrance of my blessings and lift up the needs of Fred and so many like him to our Father who loves us and pours out his blessings upon his children. All the glory be to God!