Gratitude

The last couple of weeks at church, our pastor, Pike, has been talking about generous living.  His message recently: “Choose Gratitude.”

Pike says that we have to choose/learn to be grateful  it isn’t our first instinct as human beings, or even Christians, to be grateful.  Gratitude is not automatic, it is a choice.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 The Message (MSG)

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.

As I sit here on the eve of Thanksgiving, I am overwhelmed by all the blessings God has bestowed on us.  Not because things have always gone our way, or been easy, or because we have always made the best decisions, or because there have never been struggles, but because, according to Romans 8:28, “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

We need to count our blessings.  How? 

Colossians 3:1-3  English Standard Version (ESV)

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Thank you God for all your blessings, thank you for your Word that shows us your will  and direction for us, and thank you most of all for never giving up on us. 

I am looking forward to counting my blessings tomorrow as we celebrate Thanksgiving.

Celebration of Life

The original Jasper Five made a quick trip up to Kentucky this weekend to celebrate the life of our nephew/cousin, Jimmy Jasper.  Jimmy was only 39 years old when he lost his battle with a lung disease, leaving behind family and friends that will miss him dearly.  He is with Jesus now, so this weekend was truly a celebration that he is in heaven, able to breathe perfectly, for the first time in many years.

James “Jimmy” Brent Jasper

DFW…headed to Kentucky…

The Jasper/Carter clan met at Bucca di Pepo in Florence, KY for a family dinner…

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After a huge dinner, we shared a couple of desserts (and had a little fun)…

And then went back to the hotel for a family “meeting” where Uncle Richard and Aunt Brenda (Jimmy’s parents), Kevin (Jimmy’s brother) and others in the family shared special memories about Jimmy with one another.

After sharing, Uncle Richard did one of the things he does best, he read a children’s story to us all.  One that made him think of Jimmy during this trial, “The Fall of Freddie the Leaf.”  What a beautiful and emotional time we spent together remembering Jimmy and all the wonderful times we had together.

The next day we celebrated Jimmy with a larger group of family and friends, including Pop, who drove himself all the way from Paris (he is almost 94 years old).

Some of Jimmy’s own notes…

Family…

First cousins, first friends…

The cemetery…

Heading back to Texas after a quick trip, long day, but well worth it to be with our family during this difficult time.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again, but under much better circumstances.  Love you all.