Invitations of Wisdom and Folly

With this post this morning, I will be sharing some scripture about the invitations of wisdom and folly. It's eye opening reading about the invitations of each. 

Wisdom: the quality of having experience, knowledge, and a good judgment. 

Folly: lack of good sense; foolishness. 

I think that the best way to dig in to this is to divide all of Proverbs 9 into sections: 

Proverbs 9:1-6: 

Wisdom has built her house; 

she has set its seven pillars.

She has prepared her meat and mixed wine;

she has also set her table.

She has sent our her servants, and she calls

from the highest point of the city,

"Let all who are simple come to my house!"

To those who have no sense she says,

"Come, eat my food

and drink the wine I have mixed.

Leave your simple ways and you will live;

walk in the way of insight.

In these couple verses, wisdom is making herself super attractive and appealing. The image that is portrayed about wisdom is quite something. Wisdom has it's seven pillars and is built at the highest point of the city. I don't know about you but that is where I want to be. She invites those who are simple to come to her house and to those who have no sense she tells them to leave their smile way and that they will live.

Proverbs 9:7-9:

Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;

whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. 

Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;

rebuke the wise and they will love you.

Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;

teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

Personally I love this so much. There is so much truth in this. Seriously think about it! If you ever try to rebuke or correct a mocker what happens, they snap right back at you! On the other hand, when you rebuke someone who is wise, how to they react? They accept the rebuke and take it as something that they can learn from. The wise love it. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still. Never fear rebuking someone who is wise. There are benefits for both the wise and the person who rebuked the wise. 

Proverbs 9:10-12:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

For through wisdom your days will be many,

and years will be added to your life.

If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;

if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. 

One of the easiest things for me to often forget about is fearing the Lord. That's sad because the fear of the Lord is the beginning go wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. What is fear of the Lord? I believe that it is the respect that we should show Him. The one who gave us everything in our life also has the power to take everything away from us in the blink of an eye. The end of those verses talk about how wisdom adds years to your life. Which again, blows my mind. The years might not be physical years, rather maturity. I'm sure we all know that person who acts way more mature than their age, maybe that is just wisdom. I am not sure though! I don't have all the answers. But, it does say that years will be added so that is encouraging! 

Proverbs 9:13-18:

Folly is an unruly woman;

she is simple and knows nothing.

She sits at the door of her house,

on a seat at the highest point of the city,

calling out to those who pass by,

who will go straight on their way,

"Let all who are simple come to my house!"

To those who have no sense she says,

"Stolen water is sweet;

food eaten in secret is delicious!"

But little do they know that the dead are there,

that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead. 

A foolish unknowing woman who is simple and knowns nothing is so unattractive. Folly tries to do a lot of the same things as wisdom but is so foolish in all her ways! To anyone who has no sense she tries to tell them that stolen water is sweet and that food eaten in secret is delicious. All the dead are with folly...

I know today's post was long but I hope that you were able to read it all and I hope that there was something that you could take away from it. I believe one of the most important things you could take away is the part about rebuking those who are wise. I cannot stress how important that is. 

I hope that you all have a great day today and that you can have an impact on someones life today 

~ you are loved ~

Illusion of Independence

"No man is an island" is the famous line written by the poet John Donne. Contrary to that well-known statement is our human tendency to draw inward, to do life by ourselves, especially when you're going through something painful or hard. We like to say things like "I don't need anyone" or "I can get through this on my own."

The illusion of independence is a topic that I cannot wait to talk about. Some of the ideas I am sharing come from Tim Tebow's book "Shaken."

I think most of us have said these words, or something along those lines, at some point in our lives. I know I have been guilty of saying those before too. I think back to last basketball season when I was struggling with coming back from knee surgery nearly the entire season. There were times that I would get so frustrated that I just wanted to keep a lot of things to myself, especially when dealing with the game of basketball. I also think of times where it was to tough to trust friends. Some people you get very close to and all of a sudden they betray you, so it is tough to open up to people again. Fortunately that hasn't happened that much in my life. We do these things for many reasons. We were betrayed by someone close to us and don't want to get close to another. We think that we should be able to handle pressure, tough times, or trials by ourselves. We don't want to bother anyone. We don't think anyone could help or that they'd even want too. That is where I struggle. When I was struggling last season, I didn't want to be a burden to anyone and I didn't want to have a pity party. The last thing I wanted was to have my teammates or coaches feel bad for me.

When you self-isolate yourself, that is when things go down hill. You think that you can tackle life and the situations that you are going through alone. You tell yourself, I'm going to be strong, push through, and fight my pain." Problem is, the loneliness that you struggle with will only grow deeper. Then what happens is that you forget to realize something. You have to lean into a loving and supportive community, even if it's just a few people, and stop believing that you can survive on your own. If you have been stuck in this situation before and find someone you know you can talk to about it with, it is one of the greatest things. You feel so much better when you can really rely and trust on someone to be there for you.

"Now, I'm not saying we need to shout our every thought, worry, or fear to the world, hoping someone will listen. I'm also not saying we need to air our dirty laundry to a random person to get it off our chest. I'm saying it would do us a world of good to connect with like-minded people who believe in us, who love us, and who are willing to walk with us. Especially during a tough time.

Professional adventurer Bear Grylls said: "A man's pride can be his downfall, and he needs to learn when to turn to others for support and guidance." Amen to that. Am I right? It's super hard for guys to admit to each other or other people if they are struggling with something. I recently had a friend who went to China with me this summer who texted me last night and he asked for help. This is what he said to me. "I need your help bro! I have been struggling getting into the word lately. I'm looking for a good place to pick back up and get better at that. What would you recommend a good place to pick up reading again?" I could not be any more proud of my friend for reaching out to me. Not for my personal glory but because he reached out to me because he was struggling with something. Him reaching out to me meant the world to me. I haven't seen this friend since May and he reached out to me when it's nearly December. Imagine a world where people set their pride aside and seek guidance and support from their friends or mentors.

"Friends can encourage us. Motivate us. Inspire us. Celebrate us. Mourn with us. Listen to us. Make us laugh. Offer a new perspective. Hold us accountable. The benefits of friendship are endless." If you are going through a tough time, it's important to lean into others for support, for love, for wisdom  and encouragement. This is something that I have often had to do and I am grateful for my support system and all of the very close friends that I have. In this process, I've also found that every person in my life has unique innate gifts and characteristics. I have a lot of friends who have different roles in our friendships.

"True friendship is about trust, being vulnerable and sharing, not shutting down because of pride. It's about enduring with them. Believing with them. Loving them. And encouraging them."

Never think that you are an island. God has put so many wonderful people into each and every one of your lives. Embrace relationships and your support systems.

~ you are loved ~

***Fundraising***

If you know me or my family very well, you might know that we really love to go on mission trips. My mom, brother and myself have all been very blessed with opportunities to go on trips the past couple of years.

This post will be brief, and will be about a fundraiser that the three of us are doing. Next summer, my mom and brother plan on going to Africa, and I plan on going back to China for the second consecutive summer. In order to do that we would like to raise as much money as possible.

I am not sure if you have heard of "MyIntent" bracelets, but that's what we will be selling. MyIntent sells a kit where you can make your own bracelets to fundraise for events or trips like these. So, what is the purpose of the MyIntent bracelets? They believe there is purpose inside each of us and they want our efforts to encourage people to share more truth and inspiration with each other. They are not a jewelry company - they are a service project.

MyIntent offers a build is yourself it. So, you can put whatever word you want on your bracelets. You can choose whether you want nickel or brass and the possible bracelet colors are: black, red, royal blue, purple, and cream. You can use up to 14 characters on each bracelet. They will cost $20 and each bracelet will be handmade and shipped by my mom. Shipping will cost $2.50.

I have one of these bracelets and I love it. I hope that you consider purchasing one, they're for a great cause, they also look cool too. If not, we could use your prayers more than anything. Thanks for looking at this and feel free to share it with as many friends as possible.

If you are interested in purchasing one, feel free to message me on whatever social media website you saw this one. 

FB: Luke Fisher
Instagram: @fishball4life or @31reasonsblog
Twitter: @XXXI_savage
Cell: 419-388-3547
Email: luke.fisher23@gmail.com

~Mark 16:15: He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."~

Two topics

Happy Tuesday morning. This morning after spending some time in the world I really couldn't figure out what I thought the Spirit wanted me to blog about. I am pretty sure though that the Spirit put on my heart the idea to touch on two topics. These two topics don't relate, and I am not trying to make them relate either. I just think that each topic is important for you to know about.

1. Accept 

Acts 10:34-35: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accept from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right."

Right when I read this verse I could not stop thinking about it. I think that Christians label so many people based on their background, race, or even where they came from. That is so wrong. God doesn't show any favoritism. He loves us all equally and just as much. We cannot think that we are superior to anyone because of your demographics. We are all equal and God accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right too. We must do that too! There are so many people out there from other nations or even places that we aren't used to who accept Jesus, fear God and do what is right and we don't show love to them for that very reason! I think that is so sad. Imagine a world where everyone who fears Him and does what is right, loves one another! I feel like there are a lot of groups of people all around the world who fear him and do what is right but so many of those groups are all separated because of worldly reasons. I encourage you to love everyone. We are all equal and we were all made perfect by God. We are all the same, sure we might look different but when has what you look like on the outside meant more than who you are on the inside? It happens a little too much because of the ways of the world.

2. 6 Things the Lord Hates

Proverbs 6:16-19: There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush to evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

Why was this put on my hear to share? I am not entirely sure with you to be honest. I think some of the reason is that these things are't really known about. Before I read over this, I couldn't tell you what the Lord hates besides breaking his commandments. Seeing these 6 things though is eye opening. Not because I have a problem with them because it's an important thing to know. I wanted you to know these so that next time you might do one of those six things, you'll remember this, and get the feeling that..."I probably shouldn't be doing this."

There you have it! Two totally different topic but two very important things to think about every single day. I encourage you to make the most of every second of every day.

~ you are loved ~

Let your eyes look straight ahead

Proverbs 4:25-27: Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil.

Why did I start with those verses this evening? The last part really stuck out to me. "Do not turn to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil." If you are not turning from the left or to the right than what other way it there to turn? There is nowhere else to turn, it is as simple as that. Then only way to look if you aren't turning is to look straight ahead. Sounds a little funny, but makes sense. Seriously though think about that. There is so much packed into that verse. In life I am sure that most of you have goals, I know that I do. To reach those goals, there are things that I have to do. There is a process, that you have to trust in. When I set out to accomplish my goals I am going straight after it. I can't turn to the left or to the right, that is where I get distracted. There is no way that I am going to look back because that would be just foolish. In order to accomplish something that you really want you have to let your eyes look straight ahead.

That is how wisdom is. If you are the person that desires wisdom, than you must fix your gaze directly before you.

Reading through Proverbs has me feeling all sorts of ways. There are some amazing things in this book. Did you know that if you keep God's commands in your heart, that they will prolong your life for many years and bring you peace and prosperity?  (Proverbs 3:1-2)

Did you know that if you never ever let love and faithfulness leave you that you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man? Doesn't that motivate you to love others and be faithful?! (Proverbs 3:3-4)

Oh heres another one, I am sure you have heard this before too. Did yo know that if you trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding and submit to him in all your ways that he will make your path straight?! (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Here is another one that just blows my mind. Did you know that if you fear the Lord and shun evil that it will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones? If that's what you have to do for good health than I am right there doing it with everything that I have to give. (Proverbs 3:7-8)

Proverbs 3:13-18: Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. (Mic drop)

Do not let wisdom and understanding get out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you. (Proverbs 3:21) 

Friends, let you eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Keep on looking straight ahead and wisdom will be there. I hope that this post really encouraged you tonight in some type of way. I hope that you take away just as much as I did, if not more. I pray that the Holy Spirit does that for you!

~ you are loved ~

Wisdom's Rebuke

Proverbs is a book that is all about wisdom, it touches on how to be wise and what wisdom actually is. It's a book that is like an instructional manual for wisdom. The last two Sundays, the sermon series at church has been about wisdom and the book of Proverbs. I recently finished Job and didn't know where to start next. After gaining a lot of 'wisdom' about the book of Proverbs I figured it would be a great book to read through again. 

There will definitely be more posts that have to do with the book of Proverbs in the upcoming days. 

Before I get into wisdom's rebuke, I want to share two verses that are very eye opening to me. 

Proverbs: 2:4-5: and if you look for it as silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. 

I think those verses are a perfect way to start this out. Wisdom is such an amazing thing, a lot of people don't search for wisdom in the bible, rather they think they have their own earthy wisdom. I'll tell you one thing, I am searching for wisdom like it is a hidden treasure because that is exactly what it is. I search for it because I want to find the knowledge of God! I don't know about you but thinking about the knowledge of God gives me the chills. It's a hidden treasure that can lead to so much prosperity. 

Wisdom's Rebuke: Proverbs 1:20-33

20 Out in the open wisdom calls aloud,
    she raises her voice in the public square;
21 on top of the wall[d] she cries out,
    at the city gate she makes her speech:

22 “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways?
    How long will mockers delight in mockery
    and fools hate knowledge?
23 Repent at my rebuke!
    Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
    I will make known to you my teachings.
24 But since you refuse to listen when I call
    and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand,
25 since you disregard all my advice
    and do not accept my rebuke,
26 I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you;
    I will mock when calamity overtakes you—
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
    when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind,
    when distress and trouble overwhelm you.

²⁸ “Then they will call to me but I will not answer;
    they will look for me but will not find me,
²⁹ since they hated knowledge
    and did not choose to fear the Lord.
³⁰ Since they would not accept my advice
    and spurned my rebuke,
³¹ they will eat the fruit of their ways
    and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
³² For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
    and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
³³ but whoever listens to me will live in safety
    and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

Reading through all of those verses is really so sad. Wisdom is calling aloud and raising her voice for us to hear. Wisdom is calling everyone out for loving their simple ways. Wisdom is waiting to pour all of her thoughts to you. But...we refuse to listen. Wisdom talks about turning her back to us, so that when disaster or tragedy strikes, she will not be there. The waywardness of the simple kill them, and the complacency of the fools will destroy them; but whoever listen to wisdom will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. 

- Wisdom isn't a person or anything, in this context wisdom is referred to as her or she. 

So what are we going to do? Search for wisdom like it's a hidden treasure? Or continue to be wayward and simple. Wisdom has eternal roots, find it! How amazing is it though, a hidden treasure like wisdom is just waiting for us. The whole purpose of wisdom is that so we may fear and understand the knowledge of God. What are you going to do about it. 

~ you are loved ~ 

God is for us

“If God is for us, than who can be against us?”

I am pretty sure they most of you have probably heard that verse before but have you ever really thought about what that means?

Let’s think about it now. Simply: God is for you. God will always be for you, always rooting for you, and always want you to lead and show his love to as many people as possible. There is nobody more powerful than God. Everything about God is indescribable compared to what we think we know. I’m thankful for that too! What kind of God would he be if we knew everything about him. I know that at the end of the book of John, Paul talks about how there are so many things that Jesus did that wasn’t even recorded! How amazing is that! No one stands a chance against God.

Since no one stands a chance against him there is no one who stands against us. I encourage you to remember that! Think about it, get that engraved in your minds. When you have Jesus you have everything.

~ you are loved ~

Stories of thankfulness

Happy thanksgiving! There are so many things to be thankful for today. I reached out to a lot of my closest friends and asked them to send me a couple sentences or a small paragraph about some of the things that they are thankful for.

I am thankful for so many things. What I am most thankful for is my relationship with Jesus Christ. Without a relationship with Him I don’t know where I would be right now. My relationship with Christ allows me to experience fulfillment. There is no better feeling than spiritual fulfillment. My relationship with Christ has also led me to starting this blog. I am so thankful for it and how the Spirit has used it to encourage other people. I am also thankful for my family. The support they’ve given me my entire life has been so great. I am so luckily that they are able to make it to nearly all of my basketball games. I am also super thankful for my brother and everything that God has done in his life. It is such a blessing that my brother also goes to Bethel so that I can see him everyday. I am also thankful for my grandparents. They have always been there for me. I am also thankful for my friends. Being at Bethel I have found some of my best friends. Every single day I get to spend with them is such a blessing. They’re always there for me when I need them. Finally I am thankful for my coaches and teammates at Bethel too. There is no other group of men that I would rather go to battle with nearly every day for 7-8 months. There are so many things that I am thankful for and those are some of the most important to me.

I’m thankful for so many things! I’m most grateful for the saving grace from Jesus Christ. I’m so grateful for my husband who is an incredible life partner, who works hard to support our family, and always brings laughter to our days. My heart is thankful each and every day for 2 sons who love Jesus and are just genuinely kind people. I’m thankful both my parents are in good health and that they are so close to my kids. I’m thankful to have had an education that allows me to work in a career I love. I’m thankful to live in a country where we have freedom to worship God and speak His name freely. And after serving in third world countries, I’m so thankful to have access to clean, drinkable water anytime we want it, access to great healthcare.
But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done! Psalm 75:9
- Rosemary Fisher (my Mom)

I am thankful for the family I grew up and the support they gave unconditionally. It means so much to know that they always support and encourage you in all you do. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my family.
- Jack Fisher (my brother)

I think I'm mostly thankful for opportunities. Bad ones to grow and improve and good ones to celebrate.
- Paul Forman

I️ am thankful for all of my friends, family and teammates. I am thankful for my health, to be blessed with the things i have that some others may not have. I am thankful for the opportunities i am given and I️ am also thankful for this great country which I call home.
- Grant Gayler

Thankful for friends (you), family, and good health.
- Austin Adams

Wow. Personally, I know there are days when I forget how thankful i should be. There are SOO many things to be thankful for. In this season of life, I just want to give a shoutout to my dad. He is my best friend, #1 encourager and provider. I am just so thankful for all of my family members and friends that God has blessed me with. Luke Fisher, I am so thankful for you! What a wonderful thing you are doing by showing so much wisdom and encouragement through your writing. God has something amazing in store for you! Finally, I am so thankful for this life and to have the ability to wake up and grow in a new way each day.
- Brooke Conrady

I’m thankful for my family, my team, and my friends.
I am thankful for the opportunities I get living in America.
I’m also thankful for God’s loving pursuit. A pursuit that has proven to me that no matter how dark it may seem, how alone I may feel, how far away I might feel from Him, He is always right there with me. Have a great thanksgiving!
- Ryan Lutz

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year. Yes, every year the food is consistently amazing and the family traditions are always fun but it goes far deeper than that. This year, the season of Thanksgiving has been a time of reflection for me. Looking over the past year of my life Im filled with both joy and sorrow, thankfulness and regret; but most predominantly- lessons learned. I made some decisions this past year that will ultimately change the trajectory of my life. Thats not always a bad thing either. When i decided to transfer colleges I knew that it would potentially affect the job I receive out of college, the mate I end up with, and the experience of the last half of my college years. This was a scary thing at first, but for the first time in my life I had to truly learn to trust in my relationship with God. Looking back on this decision I made I have learned so much about life, myself and God. I am thankful that no matter where you go in life, if you have a relationship with Jesus, He always goes with you. My relationship with Christ has been my constant throughout the past year of “change” and it has helped me to grow and appreciate both where Im at; and what Ive been through.
- Grant Zawadzki

First and foremost i am thankful to serve a King who loves me despite me. No matter, what I have done in my life his grace still applies to me and that allows me to live freely. I could not be more thankful of that. I am thankful for my teammates from Cedarville who allow me to grow without judgement and also hold me to a high standard. I am especially thankful for my family. Being an African-American male in today’s world, I understand the importance of family and having a father in the house (something that is easily taken for granted). To have a father figure in my life who has taught me how to pursue a relationship with Christ, in my eyes, makes me extremely blessed. To have a mother who raised me with discipline, allowed me to grow up to be the person I am today. And to have my siblings as a constant support system is the icing on the cake to a very blessed life. This I thank God for every day and not just in November!
- Patrick Bain

There’s a lot of things that I could mention here that I am absolutely thankful for but I’ll keep it short and sweet.  First and foremost I am mostly grateful for my personal relationship with Jesus Christ, although sometimes I may fail, I know that he loves me through the really great times and the really bad. There is no greater love than the love we receive from him. Secondly I am grateful for my wonderful family and friends. I love all the laughter we share and even sometimes the tears we cry together. I’m thankful that God has blessed me with many opportunities to travel, which is something that I love to do. Last but not least.. I am thankful for the many relationships at Bethel that I have built. I want to leave you with one of my favorite verses that just so happens to go with today.
Psalm 106:1
“Praise the LORD Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
- Jennifer Cromartie

 I'm thankful for time spent with family, celebrating holidays, hot chocolate on cold days, the ability to play sports and exercise, roommates, the ability to learn and go to college, and the freedom to worship God.
- Hannah Chamberlin

I️ am thankful for the upbringing that I️ have had, and also for my family! I️ am thankful for a loving and gracious God too!
- Eli Miller

I said I am thankful for a healthy body. I am thankful for an amazing family! I am also thankful for my amazing girl friend and how God has stretched us this past year.
- Tyler Baker

I am thankful for a family that supports me in everything that I do. I am thankful for my friends that I do life with up on B3. I am thankful for my friends back home in Columbia City/Leo that are intentional with each other.
- Seth Kissinger

Happy Thanksgiving my man! First off, congrats on y’alls first conference win. That’s big time. Second, me and Taylor have a lot to be thankful for since we are experiencing some things that most Americans don’t get to experience. We are thankful for our family, for our faith in Jesus Christ, and for the freedom we have in America. And of course, we are thankful for the beautiful game of basketball. Love you man! Hope this helps!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
- Caleb Oetjen

 Happy thanksgiving! I’m thankful for my family, friends and God’s never ending love for me! I️ could go on and on.
- Lauren Kennard

There are so many things to be thankful for I don’t even know where to start. I’m thankful that God has provided me with such incredible, supportive, and loving friends and family who have encouraged me in so many ways. I’m also thankful to have such a comforting place like Bethel to go to. But most of all, I’m ultimately thankful for God’s abundant grace. He saved me from such a destructive path that I was headed towards, words can’t describe my thankfulness. I’ve been given such peace in knowing that I’ve been forgiven and that I’m loved regardless of my mistakes.
- Macie LaBombard

I am thankful that God's word is written on my heart. And as I respond correctly to his wisdom I get to live a life of peace, joy and thankfulness at all times and in every situation. You're the man and I am so thankful to know you. It encourages me to know there are a few good men still standing.
- Red

I’m thankful for the adversity that has helped shape me into the man I’m meant to be. Also, thankful for the game of basketball and the platform it provides to reach people and places.
- Zach Baker


I’m extremely thankful for my family! Even though I can’t be with them they’re always in my heart and I’m extremely thankful for their support. I’m also thankful I get to spend thanksgiving with my spartan family! Happy thanksgiving to you and God Bless!
- Kyle Ahrens

It’s hard to count your blessings in a day. From friends. To family. From health battles. To security and freedoms. The older I’ve gotten the more I’ve realized I have a greater appreciation for the blessings in my life. One of the things I’ve came to appreciate outside of the cliche answers you get in a time like this is: delayed gratification. I’m thankful that things take time to mature. Like a farmer and his crops. It times time before you can harvest. Good times. And Bad times. God put a phrase in my life about 7 years ago that I’ll never forget “Develop me before you deliver me.”I’m thankful for that promise he has placed in my life - but more thankful about the process he chooses to develop me through. Where I work. What I do. And who I do life with. My life is full of things to be thankful for. But this certain year I’m thankful for the delayed gratification that’s formed the thoughts and habits I live with the other 364 days.
- Ryne Lightfoot

I am thankful for family, love, exciting basketball games, warm chocolate chip cookies and guacamole and chips! But I  am also thankful for the overwhelmingly peace God gives in situations that have no answers. Learning to be content when an answer is nowhere to be found and may not ever come, is a gift. To live in wonder, faith and hope that the Creator of the Universe has a plan is not naive, but actually provides a complete release from “having it altogether”.
- Justine Lightfoot

I’m thankful for my family and how much they support me! I’m thankful for my teammates who I call my brothers and the relationships we all have! I’m the most thankful for God and all the blessings he provides me with!
- Tanner Shepherd

I️m thankful for the opportunity to have come to the USA to play soccer and get a degree. I️m thankful for the people I’ve met along the journey that have become some of my closest friends and family.
- Luke Kavennaugh

Every year since as early as I can remember my parents have bought a pumpkin around thanksgiving time and set it on our kitchen table. We write everything that we are thankful for on it whenever it pops into our heads. I got home for thanksgiving on Tuesday night and the first thing I saw when I walked into my house was that pumpkin with writing on it. My mind automatically started to think about all the things I have been blessed with. All the cliche things like family, friends, a house, food, etc. went through my head but the first thing I wrote on the pumpkin was "prayer". I am so thankful that I have a God that allows me to communicate with him whenever and however I want. Prayer is what gets me through this life. I find myself praying in my head all the time. About small things like a basketball game and then large things like the death of my grandpa and asking for comfort and
 healing. Prayer is a blessing and the thing that I am most thankful for. I am so grateful I serve a God that listens and cares about my smallest and biggest things in life.
- EJ Andrews

My man! I am thankful and blessed for another day of life. My friends and family are the most important things in my life and impact me every second of everyday. But most importantly I am thankful for Jesus Christ who is and always has been the ultimate sacrifice dying on the cross for ALL of us! “Thanks be to God for his incredible gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15) without God there would be nothing to be thankful for.
- Jeff Sparks

Happy thanksgiving! I’m thankful for the adversity that has helped shape me into the man I’m meant to be. Also, thankful for the game of basketball and the platform it provides to reach people and places.
- Ronnie Drinnon

There’s so much to be thankful for. A couple things would be my family and friends. God has placed amazing people in my life and I am so lucky with who I am surrounded with and everything those people have ever done for me and mean to me. I am also thankful for the doctors that have helped my dad and for his continuous recovery now and over the past few years. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
- Logan Hogrefe

First off I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope the Turkey is good and the pie is even better!

When I’m asked what I’m thankful for on Thanksgiving these things come to mind:
1.) I’m thankful for my friends and family
2.) I’m thankful for my home in Indiana and Illinois
3.) I’m thankful for my opportunities
4.) I’m thankful that I’m financially stable to go to the school of my dreams

I wanted to go deeper then that, and it took some time to think about. I finally came up with some things that I’m thankful for as a believer in Christ.

1.) I’m thankful that I have been saved. Knowing that I’ll be in heaven one day for eternity is amazing
2.) I’m thankful during prayer, I can have direct access to the Creator of heaven and earth
3.) I’m thankful that I’m filled with the power of the Holy Spirit that allows me to let others know Him.
4.) I’m thankful for the word and the promises of God
5.) Lastly, I’m thankful that God chose us to love and to save as his beloved children.

It’s important to count your blessings on days like today and every other day after that!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING
- Allie Piatt