More Prayers From Readers

She touched my heart, she invaded my soul, deep brown eyes full of life, expression and hope. She taught me to be thankful for every day that we are given, thankful for the simplicity of a child.

Thankful for caring doctors, friends, schools and family. Thankful for learning more about a disease that is an epidemic among our young people. I am thankful that the arms of this little girl have reached up to me and let me be a part of her short life.

I am thankful I know an Angel in Kara Claypool.

Happy Thanksgiving Kara!

- Brusan Wells

Spokane

My prayers of thanks go to my congregation, members and friends of Emmanuel Metropolitan Community Church.

This past year, which was my first year as their pastor, they stood by me when I underwent emergency surgery, through the death of my father and celebrated with me by sending me to see a daughter I hadn’t seen for 33 years.

It has been a hard year for a church with the loss of some of its founding members and friends, but they are a loving family and a spiritual community that is rich in its willingness to love one another and me! I believe I have been blessed by these people, and thank God for each and every one of them.

- The Rev. Linda J. Laster

Spokane

I am thankful I don’t have to cook the turkey. Last time, I forgot to remove white-paper bag!

Thankful all the TV trials are over, except they let one “turkey” go!

Thankful I’ll still have money after this dinner for Christmas shopping.

Most important, my children, grandchildren, were raised in Spokane, the friendly city.

Also thankful for my newspaper I receive no later than 5 a.m. and laugh myself silly over Milt Priggee, even if I don’t always agree with him - keeps this old body in tune.

- Betty Von Heydrich

Spokane

Grateful for my daughter

Lord, I was brought back to you through my daughter. Oh, how I thank you, God, for a loving smile and life-giving words.

“It’ll be okay Mom - Let’s talk with Jesus!”

Far from your voice, I heard you through my now grown-up child:

“Jesus loves you … let’s ask his forgiveness and to fill you with his life - it’s joyful!”

Your word came through my daughter who surely has been the “testimony of you, Jesus,” to me.

Blessed beyond deserving? Yes, Lord, I am. But that’s how you’ve always been to those who will talk with you. Amen.

- Lorna Fink

Spokane

Lord God, it somehow seems to me that we should ever thankful be for the many things that you’ve given us. Please forgive that we continue to whine and fuss.

Thanks for the sun so warm and bright that nourishes our little seeds so light; the rain that makes those same seeds sprout and gives us many a bountiful crop.

Thanks for all the mountains and hills, our waterfalls and streams and their murmuring rills, berries, fruits, veggies, fresh and new or on the wane, the oceans, lakes and fruitful plains.

But most of all, Lord, thanks for people, from the vibrant young to the old and feeble; for babies’ giggles and laughing eyes, for birthdays filled with pleasant surprise.

Thanks for friends that really care, and the occasional one with time to spare. But, our heart swells full, Lord, all others above, when we give thanks for those with unselfish love.

- Robert D. Spies

Spokane

For an endless parade of flowers and trees in a rainbow of colors, for fall bounty of berries, apples, cherries, squash and tomatoes.

For visits from friends and kinfolk, children and grandchildren. For health and strength enough for each day and good medical care. For enthusiastic, godly, honest pastors and a growing church. For opportunities to serve community to be a part of the action.

We give you abundant thanks, dear Lord; we give you praise.

- Steve and Jean Arkin

Post Falls

Thanks for memories made this year. In days yet to come I’ll gaze at their strokes on life’s canvas. My grandson’s birth added a splash of color that delights my eyes.

My loving husband is in the gentle undertones giving the picture depth and meaning. My daughter adds angles for structure. Others combine unique lines creating a true original.

The dark areas? Shadows looming like haphazard brush marks; yet from the right light they compliment the painting. For the dark and bright strokes of a lifetime against the background of your loving design, dear Lord, thank you.

- Judy Barnes

Rathdrum, Idaho

I thank God he gave me the opportunity to experience social and economical struggles because today I get pleasure in helping others who experience these struggles. No kindly act is performed that it does not come back to bless. I am thankful that although my mother had a stroke that left her speechless and physically handicapped, he allowed me to feel her love.

I am thankful for positive reinforcements my husband, daughter, grandchildren, brother and sisters exert in my life.

I am thankful for my church, which assists me down the road of faith, installing in me joy, peace, patience and understanding.

- May Messenger

Spokane

This Thanksgiving I thank God for my precious family.

First, I am so thankful for my wonderful, supportive husband; our relationship grows stronger each day and the past six years of marriage have been very special. I also feel overwhelmed with thanksgiving for our son, who was born in September.

Thank you, Lord, for his life and his health; he is truly our miracle baby.

- Donelle Osborne

Spokane

Almighty One! Who has fed me with bread and milk and honey; with love and kindness through the people of this land, I thank you.

For forgiving me my ingratitude, I thank you.

For overlooking my thoughtless words and deeds, I thank you. Dear God, I thank you. Amen.

- The Rev. J. P. Stalter

Moscow, Idaho

Lord, thank you for your abiding presence in my life, for the good times of daily fellowship and for your faithful guiding hand.

Thank you for the family and friends divinely hand-picked for my growth … All provided to teach me to minister with your unconditional love.

Lord, I am grateful for my health and for the warmth and material comfort you’ve graciously allowed at this time in my life.

But foremost, I remember again my thankfulness for your presence in my life. For the companionship in the wee hours of sleeplessness; for the assurance of your guidance and wisdom when no other counsel has been enough.

Thank you for the hope given by your spirit who has comforted and assured me that, with the mind of Christ, all things are possible to those who believe.

Thank you, Jesus, that in your name I can claim forgiveness today, but only because you willingly sacrificed your life for my freedom.

Though I can never repay you for the grace extended to me, may I walk in such a way as to reflect your glory to those who share my path.

- Nancy Cron

Libby, Mont.

We are all “textbook.” You have to hit “there” to get over “here,” this point where things can be what you idealized as a young person.

I am thankful we are clear-eyed and clear-minded. That we are an example to our children; that mistakes are forgivable and relationships, all of them, educate us and can improve and affect other ones as a positive example.

I pray for the generation before us that learned pride means holding onto a grudge. Allow experience to change you, let anger go. We are. Teach something wonderful to your grandchildren.

- Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey T. Williams

Spokane

Oh Lord we gather round this table

Your presence ever near

We count the blessings you have given

And all that we hold dear.

We remember all the times gone by

Special memories we share

And all our loved ones gone before

We trust are in your care.

We’re thankful for our friends and family

Gathered all around us

Those so near and those afar

Are in our prayers of fondness.

We see the bounty spread before us

Now bow our heads and pray

Look down on us and share your love

On this Thanksgiving Day.

- Barbara Schmedding

Spokane

We end, stabbed and drained as withered yesterdays, made threadbare by the passing time.

Faded and colorless, a forgotten rainbow hue.

But you bestow a graceful loveliness … threads of golden memories; the beginning still there when we end. We end simply, stitched in your presence.

- Luan Gordon

Spokane

I give thanks for my mother-in-law, Dorothy Miller. A patient, caring and giving person. She has been a perfect example of how a mother should be. She has been supportive of our family through many trials and never ceases to let us know in her own way how much she loves us. As the years have gone by, it is apparent to me that the love she has shown our family on a continual basis is second only to the love that Jesus has for each of us. She truly is a blessing to be thankful for.

- Peggy Miller

Spokane

I am thankful for:

So many things to be grateful for, so little Space

Eyes to see with, ears to hear with.

Beautiful Spokane trees, Pumpkins orange and the garden.

Pure water from the earth. Warm home. Good friends and family - Telephones to keep in touch with them.

Animals and birds, great medical facilities and personnel. Firemen who respond willingly, dependable transportation, time to be with those I love.

Church to worship in, books to read at home and at library, tapes to listen to, Family History Center, personal computers, music and painting.

Freedom in America the beautiful.

- Bonnie Beazer

Colbert

My special prayer of thanks. I became ill last June with what was considered the flu, but what, in reality, was diagnosed cancer.

My family soon rallied and became a tremendous support system.

Petty things became “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Children, now grown, bonded together in a new way. My terrific husband has always been there with tender loving care.

My pastor and Christian family are also always prayerfully there. I am very thankful for Jesus, my healer, who continually prays for me - has never left me nor forsaken me. I am improving daily and, thankfully, enjoying my wonderful family.

- Donna Cochran

Garfield, Wash.

Dear God,

My heart is full of joy and thanksgiving because of the many ways you have blessed me this year. First, I thank you for your son, Jesus Christ, who has given my life meaning and hope for the future. Next, I thank you for my beautiful wife, Shelise. The love we share is a gift from you! I thank you for healing my back and for providing money in unexpected ways to help pay our bills. Thank you for giving me a loving family, warm friends, a caring church family, a job I enjoy and an opportunity to continue my college education.

With love and thanksgiving,

- Dwayne Smithgall

Spokane

With the recent death of my father, I wish to give thanks to him for giving me a wonderful value of life in all his unrelentless giving, caring and love for his family. He dedicated his life to his family, friends in giving, caring and hard work. This Thanksgiving is so very special as my thoughts, memories and prayers are with him and all who know him as a cornerstone in our lives. As my daughter said in comfort to me, “Mom, Grandpa is with the angels, still with us,” a legacy my father would be so very proud of. In thanks,

- Carolyn Flanigan Skeen

Spokane

O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good. For his mercy endureth forever. Psalm 136:1

God’s word has helped me live a life of victory for over 80 years.

There have been gloomy times with frustrations I didn’t know existed.

Life is a learning process. Trials come to make us strong.

Starting the day giving thanks is like putting gasoline in your car to keep it moving.

Yes, our bodies wear out but we are promised a new one.

I give thanks to Jesus, to my dear family and faithful friends for being my encourager. Thank you! Thank you …

- Burl A. Christman

Spokane

I’m grateful for Spokane’s change of seasons, friends who “do” lunch, my library card, prayer, a 3-year-old grandson who thinks I know everything, daughters who listen to my opinions and occasionally agree, a son who taught me how to program our VCR, Priggee, and the “correct” key on the typewriter.

- Colleen Kelley

Spokane

You are my Heavenly Father and LORD.

In anguish I cried out for your help and strength. You heard and delivered me from my enemy.

You have answered my every prayer of import. You give me wisdom when I feel lacking. You strengthen me when I feel weakness. You teach me patience when I feel urgency. You bless me with peace when I feel turmoil and unrest. You wipe away each tear, make me brave when I fear, Calm me with gentleness when I am frustrated or angry.

May my song always show your love. May it bring your strength, wisdom and peace to anyone who will listen. May my life reflect your great passion for each living person.

I will serve you with joy and enthusiasm! I will find ways to share your love with others by using the talents you have given me. Let everything I make with my hands, create with my thoughts, speak with my tongue and sing with my voice bring glory to YOU, my strength, my friend and my redeemer!

Joyful, happy and free are those who love my LORD!

- Peggy L. Stanley

Spokane

How does one begin to thank God for the presence of a new baby? Our hearts - and lives - are being transformed by her presence in our family.

Seeing her first-thing-in-the-morning gleeful smile of greeting for our initial snuggle of the day reminds us that this world is a wonderful place.

The Daddy’s-Little-Angel charm she turns on by stopping everything to flirt and giggle with Dad as he enters the room brings a smile to our faces.

With squeaks and wiggles and myriad facial expressions she explores forms of communication and melts hearts along the way.

The miracle of creation and the mystery of life continue to be revealed and pondered as we watch her take in new sights, sounds, tastes and textures.

For you Jadrian, we give thanks. You are teaching us deep lessons in perspective, priorities, stewardship and joy.

Indeed we are fully blessed.

- Maureen O’Shaughnessy-Ross

Spokane

MEMO: Six sidebars appeared with the story: 1. I give thanks for all gifts given this last year, but particularly for creation’s beauty and forgiveness in grace; for wisdom challenging us to grow in greater actions of loving generosity to those most in need; for vision that stirs us to appreciate God’s playful diversity created in this world and teaches us to defend such diversity among all people as God’s creative desire. Mostly, though, I am thankful for the love of my life-partner, Elizabeth Lynn, and the vitality, generosity and kindness lived out in the Christian faith community of Creston, Wash. Amen. - Rev. Warren Lynn Creston, Wash.

2. I am thankful my two children and I are alive, healthy and that Jesus died on the cross for us. We moved to Spokane 15 months ago with people I thought were my friends. It didn’t work out and we moved to Anna Ogden Hall where I met some people I came to respect and love. After 10 months, I am on my own again. Thanks be to God, we have a house to live in and my children have a yard to play in. Thank you God, my savior, Kathy Allen, Marg Williams, Deborah Richey, Dawn Chavez, John and Karen Dean and SHA. - Annette Cada, 27 Spokane

3. Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you so much for my husband, Karl. He is the most wonderful man I’ve ever known. I never dreamed I could love someone as much as I love him. The past year and a half has been the most precious time of my life and it just keeps getting better. Please forgive me for doubting that you would send such a loving, Christian man to care for me and my four little boys. He is such a terrific dad. Thank you, also, Father, for our little baby that I’m carrying. You are awesome, Lord. - Katie Youngren Spokane

4. A Special Person In My Life: Agnes Norris Sitting at my mother’s wonderful old desk, which found a new corner in my living room, I am reminded of the many things I have to be thankful for. The last two years have been so hard. The three I was closest to have all died: my mother, my father and my dear Aunt Ruth. As I get older, it seems I find an inner strength to get me through things that a few years ago seemed insurmountable. I am so thankful for my mother. This remarkable woman, who lost most of her voice to a stroke more than 10 years ago, was one of my best friends. When my dad died and she moved to a smaller apartment, I would visit her often. On days when I was tired or discouraged, a visit to her would always cheer me up. We laughed together, shed tears together and, sometimes, just sat quietly and watched TV. Then I would leave, always glancing back to catch her wave. Little did I know after my last visit, she would die quietly in her sleep. I am so thankful for knowing this woman, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother. Thanks, Mom. - Elaine Morris Zickler Spokane

5. ‘Happy New Year” was what everyone was saying. Was it? For our family it was yet to be known. On Jan. 2, 1995, our eldest son, Brian Jr., 18, was in a very serious ski accident at Silver Mountain Ski Resort. Brian hit a huge tree and ended up wrapped around a smaller tree. He suffered multiple fractures. His dad watched the whole thing and held his son in his arms while the ski patrol worked on him frantically, wondering if he would die in his arms. His heart was in his throat. Our son had to be airlifted by helicopter to Sacred Heart Medical Center. We were told it could be fatal. It was a long night, but he made it. We praise God with all our hearts and wish to thank the wonderful care the ski patrol at Silver Mountain gave our son. We would especially like to thank Lois, one of the ski patrol members, who was right there. Medstar Helicopter Service was great. Last, but definitely not least, we would like to thank Dr. Arnold Peterson for all the wonderful concern and care he has given Brian. We’re very aware we could be spending this Thanksgiving without our son. Yes, how grateful we are. Thanks goes to all those who have supported us in various ways this year, and as Brian still recovers and has more surgery. A “Happy New Year” indeed. Praise God. - Brian and Connie Blackorby Spokane

6. In my cell next to where you lay your head someone had written, “I prayed and got out.” I also prayed and got out. I asked Jesus into my heart, and although it took a few years until recently, I had never seriously turned my life over to him and tried to keep God’s commandments. Well, it was worth the wait, because now I can offer this prayer to him everyday, with joy in my heart. Thank you Jesus for coming into my life, for saving me from my sin, and thank you for another day on your beautiful earth, praise your name forever. Amen. - Jacob E. Fines Spokane