In a society where our economy is more unstable than it has been in 75 years or so, being thankful might come a little harder for many this year; especially ones who might have lost a job, a home, or perhaps just taken major pay cuts because of the Dow going up and down like a yo-yo. Looking at it from a broader perspective, it's hard not to recognize how we've taken for granted the great abundance we've enjoyed in this great nation for so long. Our worst economic situation is still so much better than the majority of the world, but because we've gotten so spoiled, it's hard to see it that way. What's more, is that the entire basis for the birth of this incredible nation, was the freedom to worship the one and only God who created us all. Yet as a society, many have spent every ounce of their energy pushing God out of government, schools, and any other public forum. Then we ask, “Where is God”, when we're hit with storm catastrophes, school shootings, divisions among the people, war, etc.
 
For those of us who believe, none of this should come as a surprise. It should make us even more thankful that the truth has been revealed to us. It should make us feel encouraged that His Word is proven accurate more by the day. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, and we will thank the Lord at all times; if, for no other reason, because we have each other. What a gift!
 
The truth is; the economic crunch has hit all areas, including music. We're no different than the rest of the world. It's a bit of a struggle, compared to the norm, for us all. This is simply an opportunity for God to be revealed through us all. As believers we are all in ministry, whether you're a musician, you sit at a desk every day, you fight fires, or maybe you're unemployed right now, etc. Being genuinely grateful and thankful for all we've been blessed with is a gateway to something so much bigger than we can even fathom. When we can display our thanks to God, even when in direst of straights, we can not help but winning!
 
Shane Bowers
Julian Drive

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