By Jeff Huffman

It is with great thankfulness and awareness that I praise God this Thanksgiving for being a God that is a redeemer, a counselor, and a healer.

Nineteen years ago, a wonderful young lady named Renee said “I do” and made me her husband. This was marriage number two for both of us. The trials of a blended family and bringing “baggage” into the marriage took it's toll. Our marriage was a roller coaster ride. Our good times were great, our bad times were BAD. We sought counseling at church and counseling outside of church. Both were productive, neither healed our issues.

Jeff and Renee

Approximately three years ago, after agonizing grief and heartache, I was ready to sit down with Renee and throw in the towel. The “dreaded” conversation was to take place Sunday night. But GOD had other plans.

Through a song on the radio Friday night (Sanctus Real's “Lead Me”), through Pastor Rob's message that Sunday morning, and then during Sunday school class, God didn't just reveal himself. HE hit me over the head with a baseball bat. Literally. And HIS message was very clear: “You have tried to solve your marital issues your way, now let's do it my way.”

In that moment, I was filled with shame, humbleness and humility. It was abundantly clear that I needed to LEAD my wife, LEAD my family, and be LEAD by my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. That Sunday night, Renee and I had our “talk.” It was the best conversation of my life and, no doubt, saved our marriage.

Talk is cheap, but it has now been the three BEST years of my life. Our marriage is not perfect but pretty close! I would like to publicly thank GOD for being the Greatest counselor and healer. Without HIM, we would be lost!

Other responses to the question in the last edition of Connections: As you reflect on this Thanksgiving holiday, what are you thankful for? What is your Thanksgiving story?

Marge Morrison wrote:

1.Being born into a Christian home
2.Salvation and forgiveness from my Saviour
3.Experiencing His daily longsuffering on my behalf
4.Knowing I will spend eternity in Heaven
5.Guidance and inspiration from the Word
6.Being taught by godly teachers in college
7.Our pastor who uncompromisingly preaches the Word
8.Skillful Sunday school and Bible class teachers
9.A caring church family and leadership
10.Ministry and mentoring opportunities throughout the years
11.Providential care and provision of physical needs
12.A Godly, caring husband, beloved and respected
13.Loving children and grandchildren
14.Living in America founded on Christian principles
15.Incredible peace following the suicide of our daughter
16.Contentment in God’s will for my husband’s homegoing
17.Knowing God is in control of this world and Satan
18.Placing my future in His loving hands