I know I should do this more often than today.
Ephesians 5:20: "Giving thanks always for all things unto God, even the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Thessalonians 5:18: "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
1 Chronicles 16:8 "Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples!"
God has given me so much to be thankful for, though I often fall short of doing something that should be so simple -- giving thanks as He provides for my every need.
Today we reflect on all our blessings, and No. 1 on my list has to be knowing my name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life, not because of any work I've done, but through Jesus' ultimate act of love on the cross.
God has blessed me with a wonderful family -- a great wife, five terrific kids, the absolute best parents and of course my awesome sisters and in-laws.
There is no shortage of love -- or chaos -- in the Brasfield home, which is hosting about 30 or so of my favorite people today for Thanksgiving dinner.
Thankfully, my wife has organized everything so it should go pretty smoothly. She has a talent, that I don't, for keeping things in order around the house, even organizing her three bookshelves full of books by author and type.
We'll need her skills today with so many coming to the house.
There will be an abundance of food, laughs and football, for sure.
As family gathers together, it seems every year at this time I realize just how much I take for granted.
I couldn't ask for a better job (or boss) that allows me to put food on the table and a roof over my kids' heads.
They've never missed a meal, although one wouldn't know when they walk through Grandma's door and talk her into a snack.
I'm thankful that I can flip a switch and the lights, television, central air/heat, etc., come on.
I'm thankful that when I turn the key, the car or van, aka the Brasfield bus, starts right up and takes us from Point A to Point B.
I'm thankful for all the gadgets like my iPhone, DVR and my wife's laptop that I use to write those early morning stories and keep up with friends and family on Facebook.
I'm thankful to go to a house of worship on Sunday morning without fear of losing my life.
There are so many blessings we all have that go unnoticed daily, and I tell myself every year at this time to do a better job recognizing them and giving thanks.
One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:11-13.
"11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
God has given me plenty of which to be content.
mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com