Stuffing our schedules like a Thanksgiving turkey

Do you agree that sometimes we stuff our schedules like a Thanksgiving turkey … to appeal to our appetites for anything new, different and wonderful? We move on to the next bite of excitement too quickly … not savoring the wonder we just tasted …

The internet can tell you all sorts of reasons why your mom was right when she said, “chew your food” (avoid indigestion, burn calories) or how many times to chew (up to 30!). The Bible can tell you all sort of reasons you will benefit by not just gulping down the blessings that come your way (When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies. Ps. 119:59)

How about this . . . While chewing on that turkey this Thanksgiving, reflect a bit by going around the table and letting people identify some things they are thankful for in each person (but too easily take for granted). You might even do that for some missing family members as well. Then, if you want to take it to a more advanced level, ask if anybody would like to name something distasteful in their own lives that God, in his grace, has redeemed and somehow made them the better for it. Be ready to start that one off with your own personal reflection (like the apostle Paul did with his thorn in the flesh 2 Cor. 12:7-10).

Reflecting on our lives and thanking God for his blessings is a key to living a more satisfied life. God told his people through the prophet Haggai that the reason they found life so unfulfilling (and the “bag” they put their wages in always seemed to have a hole in it) was because they had neglected the place of worship in their lives (Haggai 1:4f).
Well, that is something Nancy and I will be chewing on this Thanksgiving … and reflecting on how thankful we are for each of you!

Quick Hits:
~We are reminding you of Giving Tuesday, November 28^th, but for us every day is a giving day … because of your generous and faithful support.
~Our August visit to Chicago was a rich time of fellowship with so many of you.
~After a very busy summer, September was a “catch up” month, and in October very exciting board meetings resulting in welcoming three new board members.
~Appreciate Muriel Elmer’s endorsement (above) after assessing one of our weeklong training modules.
~Please pray for this next week – several colleagues are coming to town to pray and to plan. Each day packed with prayer and strategic planning for Entrust teams … Asia briefing, executive team, communications team, Women-to-Women Ministry leadership team. 

This announcement from our daughter Jessica and her husband Joey says it well! So many of you have been praying with us for this miracle.

Our whole family echoes Hannah’s sense of gratitude and wonder. 

November 28 is Giving Tuesday, a day to encourage giving back by supporting charities. This is the fifth year Entrust is participating. Each dollar received on Nov. 28, toward our support or any Entrust project, online as well as funds sent by check (postmarked by Nov. 28 and marked for Giving Tuesday), will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to at least $21,000, thanks to the blessing of a matching grant. Each matching dollar will support the overall work of Entrust.

This year we are praying for $100,000 in total income for Entrust on Giving Tuesday. Last year God did so much more than we could imagine, with gifts that day (including the matching grant of $51,232) of just under $165,000! Thirty-four staff members and seven projects were blessed! You can choose from specific projects at varying donation levels. Full details are listed at www.entrust4.org/GivingTuesday.

Please mail gifts to:
Entrust
PO Box 25520
Colorado Springs, CO 80936-5520
Enclose a note: "For David & Nancy Goodman, M125"
Thank you for partnering with us in ministry and for your prayers!