Giving Thanks

The Thanksgiving holiday, which is Nov. 27 this year, is often a time for offering gratitude for your blessings, loved ones, possessions and more.

For what are you thankful this year?

Feel free to share your thoughts and comments below.

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Courier editorial, 11/26/08, "Giving Thanks":

It's been a difficult year, with a few floods, elections that at times were nasty and divisive, and of course, the ongoing financial crisis. It's a good time, therefore, to take a few moments to reflect upon our blessings. [READ MORE]

Comments

[Mark]

I am thankful to had the opportunity to help American Corporations master production so we can share our good paying jobs with China, Mexico or whoever else is willing to work for a few bucks a day so our CEO’s can make a lot of money and screw the American workers.

[stephenie miles]

Hi my name is Stephenie Miles. I am so thankful this year for my family. John and I have just gotten married and we are one big happy family. I am thankful that God has stood by us in these tough times that we are having. John has been recently diagnosed with acute renal failure and has began dialysis. He has had two surgeries since August of 2008 trying to get his fistula working for dialysis. We had to get a central line put in and now three days before Christmas we once again have to go to Toledo Hospital to have yet another surgery in the upper part of his arm to try one last time for a fistula. Hopefully this one will work. We then have to get signed up on the transplant list at Cleveland Clinic and get the ball rolling for that. I am greatful everyday that I get to spend with him. He is my heart and soul. I pray to God everyday for guidance for John and I to get through this. I have two healthy teenage boys whom I love dearly. So this Thanksgiving I have alot to be thankful for. Mostly that everyone is alive and the family will be getting together for a big dinner. And most of all, say a prayer everyday that I get to spend another day with my husband. It is all in God's hands. And for this I am thankful.

[D]

Well my sister was recently murdered and my
husband has terminal cancer, but I can still be thankful for all the friends and family who stand by
me each day!!!

[Virginia Long]

After removing my husband's kidney, the next
test showed some cancer is his bladder, after 3 treatments,a biopsy came back with
the words NO CANCER!!!!! We just praise the Lord for healing, and we pray it will not come back.
I pray for anyone who has had cancer, just
remember to Thank the LOrd for ALL THINGS.

[Mindy]

I am very thankful for all the blessings God has bestowed upon my family and myself. I missed 2 Thanksgivings when I lived in England and didn't get to share them with my family, so I am so happy we will all be together under one roof to share this event. Family is the most generous blessing we can ever receive and I would not trade mine for a billion dollars."I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13

[Kristen]

When I stop to think about everything God has blessed me with in my life, I can't even begin to list it all.

That, in itself, is something to be thankful for.

[Barbara Rice]

I am thankful for LIFE in general. I have been fortunate to have jobs that I have enjoyed. Most have not paid much,, but somehow, there has always been ENOUGH. I am thankful that I have always been healthy, and that God has provided me with three healthy children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I am thankful for my relationship with Jesus Christ. The Scripture tells me that "in all things, I should give thanks" There have been times in my life, that I thought, "Really, God! You have to be kidding!" But when I continued thinking about "it", I would discover that nothing happens in life that couldn't be worse. Many times, there is a purpose behind that incident, and you come thru it a little wiser, and realize your faith has grown. And I am thankful for that. We are told in the Scripture to "pray for those that have authority over us". That is necessary . Perhaps the one in office is not the one you wanted. But, he or she is there, and they do need our prayers to help them fulfill their duties to the best of their ability. And I am thankful that it is THEM and not ME. I sm thankful that with God in control of my life, that living is more peaceful and satisfying, because He is with me. I wouldn't change the relationship that I have with Him for anything in this world. I have little in money or possessions, but I have all I have need of. I am thankful for my friends and my Christian family. I am so blessed in so many ways that are simply awesome. And I sincerely give God the glory for it. And the neat thing is, the relationship I have with God is free for every one, just by asking Him. Leave it to God to come up with a great plan for living!

[Wondering]

Why do the political blogs on the courier fill up so quickly but the one where we can give thanks has 2 entries?

[Kyle]

I am thankful that we live in a free country...a country where we elect our new leader vote by vote. I am thankful that no matter who got voted into office, it was the country's choice as a whole. I am thankful that - though sometimes our elected officals do things that bother us - we did, in fact, elect them. I am thankful that we can express our feelings openly without being persecuted. I am thankful for my wonderful family, and I am so thankful that I have learned to never take them for granted, and that they never take me for granted. I am thankful that - though our educational system may seem flawed and inadequate at times - we have a public education system. I am thankful that - though college costs are through the roof - so many Americans including myself have the opportunity to go to college. I am so thankful that - though unemployment is rising and jobs are hard to come by - that we have a system to give families at least a small amount of income when they cannot find steady employment. I am thankful for the things I have - my health, my family, and my continuous opportunities, and I am also thankful that God has granted me the ability and willpower to help those who may not have as many opportunities. Thank God that we have that opportunity.

[Norman Wolfrom]

Obama's naming of Janet Napolitono, Gov. of AZ to head homeland security is indeed a joke. First, when she took over the state, it was in the black; now it's deeply in debt. As for "security" she did everything she could to stop any legislation that would curb the illegal invasion and was a real enemy of Sheriff Apario, the butt-kicker feared by all illegals.an brewster

Napolitono going to DC is something of a blessing. It gives AZ back to the GOP. And keep your eye on Jan Brewster, now AZ A.G. who will be governor. From that position she will fast become a real force in the GOP. She's far stronger & more qualified that Sarah Palen & has the looks to go with it.
Jan Brewster will make the political scene across the country within months. She has 26 years on the state political scene and draws a high percentage of voters from each party, an she is a great speaker and a good looking lady with a forceful voice.
Napolitono leaves the state in deep RED INK---while taking over in ten feet of black ink. She has fought every immigration bill to control the illegals and Has fought Sheriff Joe for enforcing the state and federal laws ---that he can . She has fought the county attorney at every bend in the court room on illegal immigration.
Most will be glad to see her go ---except Sen. Juan McPain---she a him will make a good couple in Arizona

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