HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!

I am thankful for:

• MY FAMILY.  I don't have a perfect family.  Some of my ancestors were not well known and some were known for their questionable actions, but they are still my family.  I am so blessed to have three wonderful children and seven fantastic grandchildren.  My family includes daughter-in-law and my two sons-in-law who are truly a great addition to our brood.  I am very thankful for my ex wife and her husband who are gracious and who have made invaluable contributions to our children and grandchildren.  I am thankful for the parents of my daughter-in-law and my sons-in-law who are truly family.  THANK YOU!  I LOVE YOU!
• MY FRIENDS:  I have many wonderful friends around the world.  Some I have met personally and some I have met online but not in person.  My friends listen to my rantings, read my thinking out loud postings, and always offer their helping hand.  THANK YOU!  I LOVE YOU!
• THOSE WHO INFLUENCE ME:  Justin Lee, Marcus Borg, Candance Challew-Hodge, Chris Glazer, Jacobus Arminius, my teachers in school, and my professors in college.  I am still growing and changing as I learn, contemplate, and dare to try something new or adopt a new way of thinking.
• FREE WILL, FREE GRACE, and FREE SALVATION that led me to OPEN DOORS, OPEN MINDS, and OPEN Hearts.  These theological concepts have pointed me into a deeper understanding of  THE RELATIONSHIPS I have with God, others, self, and the universe.
• THE GOOD, THE BAD, and UGLY that I have experienced.  I miss those who have passed away but I would not call them back.  I regret the bad decisions I made, but I have grown and learned from them.  I am so sorry for anyone that I hurt along the way but I am thankful for the forgiveness I have received the grace and love they have given.
• MUSIC that is truly the language of the heart.  Thank you Willie Nelson for "Hitting the Road Again" a the Judds for "Love Can Build a Bridge", Kirk Talley for "He is Here", Shawn Thomas for "The Sea Inside of Me".  The Trios, the Quartets, and the Soloists of the Southern Gospel, Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Dolly Parton, and so many others.  Your voices and your lyrics inspire and challenge me.