November, 2005 Here's My Heart... This month I have some "Thoughts On Thanksgiving", sent to me my a dear member of our family. -If you awoke this morning with more health than sickness, you were more blessed than the million who won't survive this day. -If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 20 million people around the world. -If you attend church without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than 3 billion people in the world. -If you have food in your pantry, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world's population. -If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's "wealthy" people. -If your parents are alive and still married, you are very rare, especially in the United States. -If you can hold someone's hand, hug them, or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch. -If you hold up your head, with a smile on your face, and are truly thankful, you are truly blessed, because many can, but most don't. -If you can read this, you are more blessed than over 2 billion people in the world who cannot read anything at all. Puts everything in perspective, doesn't it? We REALLY are blessed. Anita and I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving! God bless you. - Jim Clayton, Senior Pastor