And the award goes to…

Grammy's, VMA, Oscars and ESPY's are just a couple of the many awards shows you can find on TV throughout the year.

When someone goes up to get the award, they have a chance to speak.

Often you hear people they want to give thanks to usually they play music louder and louder until they have to stop.

Some might be family and friends, some might be co workers or directors, sometimes they thank God.

It's always so quick who they can thank in a short time.

It makes me think who are we thankful for?

We don't have a time limit, but we don't thank people that often when we see them.

Acknowledgement can go a long way.

Jesus tells us this in Luke 12:8-9…

"I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God."

Having faith is acknowledging what Christ did for us to other people.

This is the greatest acknowledgement, an acknowledgement for eternity.

I respect it when someone comes up on stage and gives thanks to God or acknowledges Christ in front of other people.

It takes a lot to acknowledge that.

I am grateful for what Christ has done in my life and the person he has made me today and the person he continues to try to mold.

I would be nothing without the love, faith, forgiveness and grace of Jesus.

So often acknowledgement is an afterthought.

Let's change this.

If you are thankful for people in your life and you are reading this, thank them.

First off, I am thankful for Christ, I am nothing without him.

I am thankful for…

My wife – God gave me someone who I love more and more every day. Hailee makes me smile and can make me laugh like no one else. We can have fun doing nothing and I always enjoy just hearing your voice every day. She gave me three wonderful kids. She is someone who listens to me and takes care of me when I am sick or hurting. She does so much for me and our family without enough credit. I am so thankful God put her in my life. Along with that my kids are amazing Ty, Connor and Nevaeh are great, but I will thank them in person.

My co-workers – I get the chance to go into work with people I enjoy seeing everyday (Not many people can say that). Grayless is awesome and has a great heart for people that I try to gain. He cares for people and lives his life like that. Linda is just an amazing person who makes us all look good. I could give her a project and she will get it done an hour quicker than it takes me. I also get a chance to talk with her almost every day about the Church, life and why the Cubs suck (But they will get better). She is a sweetheart and so so caring for all of us at work. Dr. Rev. Mark Willham, you are such an encouragement to me. You allow me to talk to you about anything that is on my mind and I love the times we get to spend together. You do an amazing job with the children at our Church and my kids love to see you and Lynda.

My youth staff – I get the joy of working with some amazing and talented people from our Church with our Youth. Eric, Carrie, Rob, Debbie, Mark V. and Don Smock. Eric and Carrie are two of the people who give up so much of their time to help with our youth. They sacrifice their time and help lead our teen life service that wouldn't have started without them. Rob puts in so much time and effort to be able to create event to help draw people to the Church for the first time. He has a passion for the youth and spends a lot of time in planning for it. Debbie is such a great listener and enjoys being around the teens. She is someone everyone looks up to and enjoys to be around. Mark V. buys out of his own pocket donuts and drink every week while putting together a great lesson for the teens. Don is called to do almost everything around the Church and spends his time while working full time and going to school to spend time with our youth. All these people have great servant hearts.

My small group – I love getting together with Brandi, Bobby, Hailee, Eric, Carrie, Chris, Pamela, Jonathan, Jayme and Aaron and everyone else who comes. We are able to share our hearts and thoughts with each other while lifting each other up. It's such a great atmosphere and a ton of fun.

My friends – There are so many friends who mean so much to me. Jason S. it seems like yesterday we walked back to my house when that squirrel almost jump on your head and our hatred for squirrels started. You have always been there for me and I love the fact no matter how far we are away we still can talk and when we get together it's like we have not missed a beat. We have a great time whether it's watching football and eating nachos at buddies, cannonballing some Hot N' Now or throwing some meat. Brian – I love the times we are able to get together and cherish the moments when we can hang out, you are a great listener and I know if I ever go through anything you are always there for me. Waugh – We don't get to see each other that often but you are a true friend who I enjoy hearing from while we could be hours away I love when I get to talk to you on the phone and we are able to share in our lifes and our struggles. Phil/Bella – It wouldn't be the same without being in TH without you man. It's not to often you can find friends that will be there in a drop of the hat and you are like that. Whether it's calling you up before you leave for a long trip to try and take out a squirrel in our chimney or to share about how are football teams played in the toilet bowl a couple of weeks back. You are there for me and my family when I need something and I really appreciate it.

Onna – Yes, you get your own category. We have been through so much together and I know if anything ever happens you are always there for me sis. I love ya and am so thankful through all we have been through I still have ya there for me.

Nathaniel – You are a one of a kind brother. You have been through so many trials in your life and come through standing. You have amazing potential and I look forward to seeing how you are doing and becoming better each day. You are very smart and can do anything you want to do.

The rest of my family – there are so many people that I have to thank with a separate note.

I am glad I have so many people that mean so much to me.

Have a great day.