So, a year has past since my dear friend, Elizabeth, introduced me to the idea of "Thanksvember" (taking the whole month to express thanks). I think it's such a grand idea that I'll attempt to be thankful daily again this year. Join me if you like.

This year, I thought I'd start on the spiritual side and be thankful for the most important part of my life on the very first day. That's right, I'm thankful for Jesus. I remain daily thankful because God gave us His Son. I'm thankful that that Son lived a sinless life and then proceeded to pay the death penalty for my sin. That's right, the death penalty. Not just any death penalty, though. Ultimate death. This was much worse than the physical passage that we know here on earth, but the complete separation from the Life that is found in the presence of God Almighty. (Henry Blackaby refers to this as "deeper death", see Experiencing the Cross chapter 5, especially page 46.)

The great news about this, though, is that in living a sinless life and tasting death for my sake, Jesus conquered sin and death itself. I know this because He rose from the dead and then defeated the Grave! I could say that because He did this for me (actually for anyone and everyone who would believe) and that because I have believed it receiving the everlasting life promised in the New Testament is the reason that I or anyone else might even have the hope of being thankful at all.

So, I am thankful for Jesus. And I can be even more thankful for Him every time I hear that someone new has believed and received, and therefore been made thankful.

Parents, Here's a photo of your kid tonight:

Many of you know that the Blushing Bride and I have entered into the arduous process called International Adoption. Each step brings us closer to bringing home a terrific special needs child who wants and needs a forever family to love him. One of the things we are discovering while we wade through the mountains of paperwork involved, is that money flows out of the pockets with every turn. So we're asking for support. Here's how you can help:

1. Put our family (including the new one we will be able to introduce later) at the top of your prayer list--pray for patience, sanity, and wisdom as we continue down this road.
2. Check out (and follow) our journey blog--posting is intermittent at best, but will take you through the steps with us.
3. Jump over to our GoFundMe page and click the "Donate" button--it's easy and painless.
4. Join us for garage sales if your in the Mulberry Grove area.
5. Buy some of my books that are up for sale. Many of the books will be collectors' items which I've accumulated over the years. Some are signed by the author. Most will be from the mystery/suspense section of your favorite bookstore. I'm listing the first installment below. If you like mysteries, or know someone who does, contact me, we can work out almost any deal--just remember this is a fundraising effort, not a give-away.

So, "AAARRRR"

And now, for something completely different:

[Warning: this post might gross some of my readers of a more delicate composure out. Read at your own risk.]

This is not about the "shiny" moment that has someone yell "deer!" or "snake!" or "squirrel!" when you're driving down the road (although that can be a fun game). No, this is all about breakfast. Having been left to the care of the children while the Blushing Bride meets her sister with their grandma so that the sister and grandma can have a week's worth of road trip (scary! could be lots of squirrel sightings on this one) to Texas, I decided to make everyone's favorite breakfast food - cinnamon rolls!

To begin with, we were out of pecans, so I had to substitute the sliced almonds that I found (satisfactory substitution). Then I remembered the Bride saying just yesterday morning that we were out of powdered sugar. That means no icing (and while good, these cinnamon rolls need icing or they are dry!). By the time that the rolls were done I figured our local market would be open so I could get some powdered sugar to make the glaze for them. As we left the house, this is what Little Bit saw:

I read today where another of my professor/mentors has entered into the presence of the One he loved most on this Earth. Sadly, we say good-bye to Dr. Fish--one of the most authentic witnesses I have had the pleasure to know. (Read the story here.)

If evangelism is a passion, Roy Fish knew this passion well.

Learned the news that another of one who I consider to be a mentor has reached his final reward. You can read the announcement at his website.

As for me, I'll keep reading, and keep the memories of the couple of times I met Calvin Miller in person--He never ceased to exude the aroma of Jesus to all who met him.

It is time now to say good-bye to one of the best, most endearing of the "Sweat Hogs"

It's National Cheesecake Day. Yes, I said "cheese" cake, not "beef" cake. So the question remains -- did you have a slice of heaven today?

Fans of "Keeping Up Appearances" will be sad to learn that Geoffrey Hughes past away. We are now short one more guffaw.

Click on the graphic below--it will take you to the home of Lulu.com, then follow the instructions on the code to buy my books (if you search for my name, you know--Benjamin Potter, you'll get a listing of all my books). Don't forget to use your code, or you won't get the discount:

Well, now that Goober has said, "Hey" in that final journey, Andy has reached his final reward so that he can say his last, "Hey to Goober!" Rest well Andy, Matlock, and all your Griffithness.

http://todayentertainment.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/03/12543460-report-americas-sheriff-andy-griffith-dead-at-86?ocid=ansmsnbc11

A dear friend of the faith and a dear friend all around.

Have a happy Mother's Day! You deserve it.

And to all the rest of us out there . . .

She's your mother--honor, love and respect her

Especially today, and also every day.

May is a month chock-full of holidays (real or perceived), so I thought I'd just wish 'em all at once and get it over with:

Happy May Day! If you enjoy this Spring festival then dance and sing.

Happy Prayer Day! This Thursday people will gather all over the United States for the National Day of Prayer (find a moment to add your prayers for our nation if you desire)

Happy Mother's Day! This year it falls on May 13--so you still have time to do something special for your Mom (or in memory of her).

Happy Memorial Day! On the 28th remember all those who have made it possible to live in the freedom that we have in the USA by giving their lives for our freedom.

Since we're getting a jump start, for all my friends of Mexican extract: Happy Uno de Mayo! (daily you can add a number until we get to Cinco).

Have a happy holiday on whatever holiday you celebrate.