St. Paul's Lutheran Church: Hawley, PA

Another weekend has arrived. If you are like me, they all seem to be the same right now. One way to change that is to purposely go out and do one act of kindness. And that is today's Gratitude Challenge word. Kindness. It can be so simple to do. I am always thankful when I can brighten someone's day even through a simple phone call, a Facebook message to let someone know you are thinking about them, a smile to a stranger, paying it forward at McDonald's, buying some extra groceries and sharing with a neighbor. The opportunities are endless. Thank You Lord that you have taught me about acts of kindness through your example in Jesus my Savior. Help me to be kind and loving in my words and actions this day and every day of my life. Amen.

On Thankful Thursday our word to ponder today is "Dreams". What are your hopes and dreams for yourself, your family and friends, your church, your community, the world? If you are like me, the immediate response is an end to this COVID pandemic so that our lives can get back to a bit more normal routine. I dream about the day I can travel to visit family again. I dream our church family can all return to in person worship and church activities. I dream about peace in our... nation and in the world. But for now let's dream about how God is working through all of us in new ways to "be" the church. Let us dream of ways we can reach out in love and care. Share your hopes and dreams with God through prayer asking for His help and guidance as together we make a difference in people's lives each and every day. Heavenly Father, Our hopes and dreams for the future of our church and the world can not happen without your guidance. May we feel your love always. May the Holy Spirit help us to dream grand dreams for ways to be your church even while we are under protocols and staying healthy. Grant us an extra measure of peace in our lives as we stop, breathe deeply, and rely on You to see us through. Bless all who are reading this today. Fill them with hope and dreams for the future of their lives knowing you walk with them each step of this journey on earth strengthening their faith in the You as their Lord and Savior. Amen.

Happy Veterans Day as we all honor those who have served in our Armed Forces. Thank you for your service to our country. And today's Gratitude word is "Creativity". What are some creative ways you can honor our Veterans today? I thank God for the creative ability to share my thoughts and prayers with all of you each day. Today I am seeing lots of pictures of Veterans for whom we give thanks. This is one creative way to honor them. Stores are being creative to offering ...discounts especially today for our Veterans. Being able to shop on line is creative. Thank you, God for the creative ways you provide to us the ability to serve you and our neighbors. Especially today, Lord, help us to find creative ways to reach out to our Veterans who gave up parts of their lives to serve our country. Thank you Lord for keeping them safe. So many lost their lives and we do remember them as well. As our Veterans return to civilian life help them to transition in ways that serve You our God and Lord. Amen.

Today's Gratitude word is "Music". Music can be comforting. Music can be upbeat. I love listening to upbeat music while I clean the house. It makes me feel energetic. I love listening to church hymns and Christian music in my car. There are so many musical instruments providing a variety of sound. Since we can't sing in the church building right now I make sure I sing at home. Thank you Lord for music. Through church hymns I feel closer to You as I listen and sing the words to those hymns. Thank you for the sound of music provided by piano, organ, bands, orchestras, even whistling. As I listen to all sorts of music thank you for the gift of hearing which allows me to absorb and react to that music. Lord, as we approach the Advent/Christmas season thank you for all the hymns and carols that remind me of your birth. Amen.

Here is another example of friendship shared by the ELCA.

Happy Monday! Yes, we can be happy on a Monday. God brought us to a new week to spread his love. Today's Gratitude word is Friendship. I am so grateful for friends who call to check on me. I am grateful to be a friend to others. I am grateful that God is my best friend. As the hymn says: What a friend we have in Jesus. Thank you Lord for friendship. Thank you for being my best friend. I know that I can turn to you in prayer no matter how I am feeling and you will listen. Thank you for the people you have brought into my life who also share true friendship with me. May I be a caring, compassionate friend to others. Amen