BEING THANKFUL PART 1: FAMILY

      In the next four weeks, I would like to focus on what I am thankful for. It is in no particular order but is coming from the heart. In the past several years, I feel that the Thanksgiving Holiday has become "The Rodney Dangerfield of holidays." It gets absolutely no respect. This past week I was appalled when as I was watching television, a Christmas commercial came on. A young lady was brought outside with her eyes covered to discover someone bought her a brand new Lexus. Christmas music was playing during the commercial. Seriously? Why is it that as a country we ignore an amazing holiday like Thanksgiving and try so hard to push Christmas right after we go trick or treating? I worked retail in 2015 at Kohl’s and had to work Thanksgiving night. I was amazed how many people were there at the doors at 6 p.m. and came charging in like "The Running of the Bulls!" Trust me! Very soon you will see department stores opening the day before Thanksgiving and all day Thanksgiving day. It’s just my opinion!

      Okay, so now that I got that off my chest, let me share with you what I am thankful for in installment number one….MY FAMILY

      I am the lone family survivor still living in New York on Long Island. I drive on the Long Island "Disstressway" 6 days a week. I am here mainly because my children live here and hope to one day leave for greener pastures (unless of course the Lord opens a door for me at a church). My family all live in Pennsylvania. My Mom, My sister, brother in law and my 3 nephews. My brother, my sister in law and my nephew. Being on staff at SGT, I only really got to see my family during Thanksgiving and around Christmas time. Being a Pastor I work on Sundays obviously so getting off for holidays was always rough. Since I resigned at SGT, I have had more opportunities to see my PA family, although not as much as I would like to. So with all that I said, I want to share that I am very grateful for my family.

     My Mom: I am thankful for a godly Mom who prays for me and supports me through thick and thin. She told me if I ever need someone to talk to she is always there. Thank you Mom for your love, support and prayers. You’re the best!

     My brother Mike, sister in law Monica and nephew Jared: I am thankful for my brother who I will have to say has always been my best friend. He is also a huge help as he is a CPA and has helped me with taxes and the challenges of the IRS. I am thankful for his wife Monica who is a big support to Mike. Since I resigned at SGT I have been privileged to get to know my nephew Jared more. Not seeing him a whole lot I know he really didn’t know me but now when I walk into his house he gets excited when he sees me. That blesses my heart!

     My sister Paula, brother in law David and my nephews Josh, Seth and Zach: I am thankful for my sister who may not realize it but always says the right thing to me. So does her husband David. I know they pray for me and are always encouraging. I am also grateful that I have gotten to know my nephews and wish I could see them more. I know the three of them will do well in life!

     My two youngest children Tyler and Kassie: I am very proud of my kids and know they will go far in life. My youngest daughter Kassie wants desperately to be an actress and is praying for her next big break. She is amazing on stage and is presently in 3 plays! My son Tyler has come a long way as I know he struggled in school but he too loves the theater and does an amazing job. He also has a great sense of humor. My prayer for my two oldest children Jordan & Kaylee is for reconciliation. I am not giving up and I’m praying for a healing in our relationships.

     Well, that’s my installment for the week. Until next time!