Thanksgiving 2009

"Thankfulness is a conscious response that comes from looking beyond our blessings to their source." Experiencing God Day by Day ( (c) 1998, 2006 by Henry & Richard Blackaby, published by Nashville B&H Publishing Group, page 338). I am thankful for the following blessings and wish to recognize those who have brought or now bring those blessings into my life.
For giving birth to me, encouraging me to love reading by taking me to the Bookmobile and getting me a library card, instilling in me a desire to learn and for lovingly sacrificing for me in so many ways as I was growing up: my mother, Joyce Moore. The children's checkout hut at The Library Center is dedicated in her honor.
For taking me along to work with him as a young boy through early adulthood and teaching me the value of physical labor and work in general: my dad, Bill Moore.
For accepting me as their son-in-law, being there for me when needed and modeling for me the generosity and graciousness of followers of Jesus: Bill and Mary Little.
For feeding my desire for knowledge, loving me and treating me as a person of value with unlimited potential: all my teachers at Westport Elementary, Study Junior High, Central High School and Southwest Baptist University.
For loving me, helping me as a child and teenager to find my way and grow spiritually: all the Sunday School teachers, members and the Reverend Glen Ensor of Golden Avenue Baptist Church (many of whom are now in the presence of the Living God).
For the opportunity of serving as the chief minister of justice, the satisfaction and joy that brings in contributing to public safety and the quality of life of this area: the Honorable Tom Mountjoy for hiring me (twice) as an assistant prosecutor and the people of this county who have three times entrusted this tremendous responsibility to me.
For allowing me to work with them in efforts to improve the quality of life of this community by providing hope through prevention and intervention programs for the hungry, homeless, substance addicted, children, youth, families and individuals: the many volunteers, employees and donors of the Salvation Army and Community Partnership of the Ozarks (and its sub-organization's including Ozarks Fighting Back and the Underage Drinking Task Force).
For those who serve with me in faithfully and passionately pursuing justice each day: the men and women of the Greene County Prosecutor's Office.
For patiently praying for me, helping to spiritually nurture our two children, grieving with us and sustaining us in the loss of a child, loving my wife as she ministers to them through the use of her musical gifts, and showing and teaching me the attributes of spiritual maturity over the past twenty-seven years: the congregation and pastoral staff of First Baptist Church.
For loving me, praying for me, holding me accountable and sharing the good and bad times in our lives: my friends Scott Watson and Mark Cook.
For bringing into our lives great joy, love, and parental pride in watching them mature into beautiful (internally and externally) young women: our daughters, Brittany and Hayley.
For being my best friend, wife of twenty-nine years, great mother of our children, supporting me in my public service, forgiving me when I have needed forgiveness, and loving me in good times and bad: my wife, Blye.
For loving me so deeply, providing the means of reconciliation with Him through His Son Jesus, for correcting me then picking me up when I fall short of His will and cry out for His forgiveness and help, for His wonderful mercy and grace in providing me an abundant life: the Living God.
Please take time this Thanksgiving to remember those who have added value and meaning to your life. Write a note or call those who are still living. Finally, give thanks to the ultimate source of all blessings: Almighty God.