This week most of us will be with family and friends celebrating a wonderful American holiday. It is not one directed by Scripture, but one that is supported by more than 100 Scripture passages-it is all about being thankful.

I want to tell you some things and people I am most thankful for in the ninth year of this new millennium. With apologies to David Letterman, I will use his "Top Ten" format to share with you the folks and situations that have blessed me this year.

10.A country that still enjoys more freedoms and comforts than anywhere else in the world. Most of us do not go to bed hungry and do go to sleep with a roof over our heads-and there are those who aren't in need who can provide for those who are hungry and homeless (1 Chr. 16:34, NIV).

9.My church, your church and all the other churches boldly preaching the name and salvation of Christ, Sunday after Sunday. I never leave my Sunday school class without feeling loved and included, and I never leave my church service without feeling challenged, blessed and having worshiped the God who provided eternal life for me (2 Chr. 7:3).

8. Steve and Joy Strang. With vision and courage, they stepped forward to not only support but also encourage church bookstores. For five years now they have supported The Church Bookstore magazine, The Gathering event and the Church Bookstore Network. They have encouraged me and have never stepped back from their commitment (Ps. 35:18).

7. Andy Butcher. I am convinced editors are the most unsung heroes in the publishing world. He tolerates my lateness, and takes my incoherent thoughts and makes them readable. And he does this as he edits and puts together the three finest magazines in this industry (1 Thess. 5:11).

6. The vendors in this industry who have seen the importance and viability of church bookstores and supported them by being willing to change some methods that made it difficult for us to do business with them. And the vendor reps who have spent hours with the managers of church stores teaching them how they can better run their businesses so that the ministry of their stores is stronger (Ps. 97:11-12).

5. Regional and local Church Bookstore Network directors who have gone above and beyond in order to teach and encourage others in our part of this industry. They visit stores, make phone calls, solve problems and plan meetings, all with little more than gratitude from those of us who have asked them to do this and thanks from those who benefit from what they do (1 Thess. 5:11).

4.Dave Condiff. I am not sure that any of this-the magazine, The Gathering, the network-would ever have happened had it not been for his vision and his willingness to give sacrificially of his time and talents. As publisher of Christian Retailing and The Church Bookstore, he has done much of what has been done with a minimum of support personnel and done it with grace, humility and excellence (Ps. 1:1-3).

3. My family-my son, my daughter-in-law and my precious grandchildren-who have been willing for me to be away at some important times, who have called to encourage and congratulate me, and who have prayed for me in those tough and sometimes stressful times (Eph. 5:25; Ps. 118:29).

2.My husband, David. Of all people on this earth, I am most grateful for him. He told me early on in our marriage that it was his job to see that I bloomed and flowered into all that God would have me be. He has allowed me to travel, to work long hours and pushed me to do things I had no idea I could do. And I am sure his prayer life stays very "current" because of me (Jer. 29:11; Ps. 100).

1. My triune God and the activity of the Trinity in my life. This has been a year of change and re-evaluation, and God has shown Himself faithful every step of the way. God has shown me the why, Jesus has shown me how to walk through these days, and the Holy Spirit has shown me, day by day, where to walk (1 Cor. 1:9).

And so this Thanksgiving my heart is full of gratitude. And if your name was not recognized here, you are there in all of them, and my heart is filled with gratitude for you (Eph. 1:16-17).