“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.” Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. (Psalms 107:1- 2. NLT)

My wife and I were born in Maine and Illinois respectively. Even though we would not meet for 18 years, we found that we had much in common. Raised in rural America by wonderful Christian parents, we attended church regularly, and our parents entertained friends, neighbors, and the needy in our homes.

We were not wealthy, yet we each had all we needed. Our families taught us to be thankful for the many blessings in our lives. In childhood and throughout our 58 years of marriage, we have continued to be very thankful. I believe our four children, 12 grandchildren, and soon-to-be 12 great-grandchildren are either thankful or learning to be thankful for all the Lord has done for us.

Mavis and I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has redeemed us by His grace, through His blood, and we want to speak it out as the above verse says. As great as the Thanksgiving holiday can be, we hope you will join us in giving thanks every day as Psalms 107:21-22 suggests.

“Let them praise the Lord for His great love and for the wonderful things He has done for them. Let them offer sacrifices of Thanksgiving and sing joyfully about His glorious acts.” NLT

Ken Lawrence is pastor at River of Life Fellowship in Sandpoint. He can be reached at sandpointriver@gmail.com.