"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all..." (Romans 1:8a)

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift"  ( I Cor. 9:15)

A few weeks after that memorable Thanksgiving around our dining room table the mail brought something wonderful from one of Cory's brothers. Another grandson Tevin, who was ten, shared his heart with his grandparents.
 
When my husband and I received it in the mail, it was as if the Light of God was shining through the envelope. It was a sweet reminder that Jesus told us about the glory of children: "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them for of such is the kingdom of God."   (Mark:10:14b)

Tevin wrote: "Dear Memama and Granddaddy. I wanted to write a prayer for you. I love you. Dear God, I just want you to put your hands on my Memama and Granddaddy. I  want you to bless them with the Holy Spirit. I want you to protect them. I just want you to let them know that I will love them no matter what happens. Amen."

We knew the presence and peace of our healing Lord was at work. God leads us through all experiences whether painful or joyous. Out of them He "works for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

As we sing our praises this Thanksgiving we will include a song. In England, the poet Helen Taylor wrote these words in 1927. A friend from Australia, May Morgan Brahe, wrote the music. It is most often heard during Thanksgiving but in our lives it is a year round favorite. We are thankful for this melodious message of prayer:

"Bless this house, O Lord, we pray
Make it safe by night and day.
Bless these walls so firm and stout
Keeping want and trouble out."

The following two verses speak of chimneys, doors, windows , hearths and Gods' blessings. It is the last verse that makes the tears flow down my cheeks for the joy of a beloved husband, four children, fourteen grandchildren and one great grandchild:

"Bless the people here within,
Keep them pure and free from sin.
Bless us all that we may be,
Fit O Lord, to dwell with thee."

Lucy Neeley Adams has always loved music. She began telling the story of hymns on Christian radio WWGM in Nashville, TN, in the '80s. She then wrote a newspaper column titled "Song Stories" for five years. During that time Lucy's book, 52 Hymn Story Devotions, was published by Abingdon Press in Nashville. Each of the 52 stories contained in the book is written in a devotional format, with the words of the hymn concluding each devotion. Visit her at www.52hymns.com.