Chapter 7

Thanks for Giving

            For Thanksgiving the church had a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner.  It was another potluck, but with all the trimmings.  The church provided the turkeys and Brother Paul Tucker and a small crew had helped him cook them.  He had made the Turkey stuffing three different ways.  One was made with raisins, apples and walnuts. Another one was made with cornbread and sausage and the third was regular turkey stuffing with juices from the turkey, celery, onion, salt, pepper and sage.

            Philip had to try all three and piled his plate with everything else from mashed potatoes, corn, yams, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.  And then to top it off he went back for seconds and dessert.  Grabbing another plate he chose Janie’s homemade apple pie, pecan pie and some pumpkin pie with whipped cream on top. “This was so good,” Philip said patting his full stomach.  Janie laughed, “You look like you’re going to burst.  Philip chucked, “I think so too; I guess I better go walk some of this off.” “I’ll go with you,” said Janie. “I couldn’t help it; I had to try all three of brother Paul’s stuffing too. “Boy, this church sure knows how to make a great meal.

            All the ladies are such good cooks and Brother Paul out did himself this time didn’t he?” said Janie. “They sure do,” said Philip. “Let’s take that walk.” After a nice walk Janie and Philip rejoined the others. “Remember, Janie, what I told you the first time you had potluck with us?” said Joe Hanson. “We wouldn’t be Baptist if we didn’t like to eat.” “That’s right,” Joe’s wife Joyce, said tapping him on the shoulder and nodding her head in agreement.

            While everyone was still eating, Pastor Scott asked if anyone would like to give a testimony of thanksgiving.  Philip was the first one to stand. “I am so thankful for my salvation, this church and my new friend Janie,” Philip said as he patted Janie’s shoulder lovingly.  “Amen to that.” everyone said. Janie had to stand next “You all know I wasn’t looking for a church until my sister Tricia told me about yours.                                                                                                                                     I am so glad God sent me to you.  You all have been an inspiration in my life and I am very thankful.” Janie looked down at Philip smiled and said,” I am glad God put my new friend Philip in my life too. It is so nice to know real people who love the Lord and love to serve him.”

            Joe and Joyce got up next and praised God for the healing in their lives and how God was so good.   Many more gave thanks and praised the Lord.

            Then it was time to go home. The night had been such a blessing that nobody wanted to leave as they chatted and slowly went to their cars. “Have a good day tomorrow Philip!” Janie said calling from her car. “I will and you too,” smiled Philip as he stepped up on the step of his truck. “I will be having family over tomorrow.” “Me too,” Janie smiled back “I’m having dinner with my sister Tricia and my Brother Tom’s family. Good night.” “Good night,” Philip said as he started his trucks engine.