November 1, 2001 HERE'S MY HEART... For most Americans, the month of November directs our attention to the observance of our national holiday of Thanksgiving. And, while, over the years, it has largely become a day for "feasting and football", it remains a day on our calendar when we are asked to pause and reflect on the bountiful blessings God has bestowed on this nation. And, God has been good to us....very good to us. It seems particularly noteworthy to pause THIS YEAR to reflect on where we are as a nation. So much about us changed on the morning of September 11, 2001. Our security as a nation was shattered. Our vulnerability was exposed to the world. We realized, many of us for the first time, that there are people in this world who hate us, JUST BECAUSE OF WHO WE ARE. It was troubling, disturbing, and eye-opening. Yet, we have so much to be thankful for this year. We remain "the land of the free, and the home of the brave". We have received a clarion call to return to our claim of being "one nation under God", and many have answered that call. We have realized that the true source of our strength and position in this world is in the hands of the Almighty God. We are called upon to acknowledge that, and be thankful. So today, I am calling upon all of those who will read these words, to set aside a specific time and place this Thanksgiving season, to express TRUE thanksgiving to God for His grace, His mercy, His kindness, His patience, His longsuffering, and His bountiful goodness to us as a people. May we no longer take these gifts for granted, but as we acknowledge the gifts, let us acknowledge the Giver, as well. "Thank you, Father, for 'privileging' me to live in the United States of America. Thank You for my family, my church family, and my friends. Thank You for the daily provisions You give, and the blessings You have so richly, fully bestowed on me. May I be more mindful of those around me who are not as blessed as I. And, may I never, ever take for granted that, in Your wisdom, You have blessed me to live in this great land. Keep my eyes fixed on You, my heart turned toward You, and my ears attentive to Your voice. In Jesus' Name. Amen." God bless you. And, from the Clayton house, at 430 Hilltop Drive, "HAPPY THANKSGIVING", and God Bless America! Jim Clayton, Pastor