Showing posts with label thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thanksgiving. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Praise God!


The Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone, but I want to keep 
a grateful heart and honor God as we roll into the Christmas season.

His name is glorious. His love is exceptional. His name deserves praise!


 

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Give Thanks and Praise

For the Lord is good!

Thank you Lord, for your love and grace.
Thank you for your Son and for the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for the hope we have in heaven.

For the Lord is good!


 

Saturday, November 19, 2022

Grateful

1 John 4:9-10
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 

I thank God for the gift of His Son.

When I volunteered in Sara’s first grade class, she had the children write three things they were thankful for. In this process, they learned to write words and understand how to form sentences. At the same time, they thought about what they appreciated. Many of the children wrote family and pets. I had to chuckle when a couple of kids added Taco Bell to their list. One little guy even said he was grateful for George Washington. Through their sincerity, they expressed what they appreciated most.

If I were asked to write three things I’m thankful for, I’d certainly say family and my dog, but I’m not sure Taco Bell would make my list. I do appreciate George Washington and the early settlers of our country and the sacrifices they made for our freedom, but I have another sacrifice I appreciate more.

I am so thankful for Jesus. You see Jesus’ sacrifice of His life on the cross and His incredible resurrection give me hope, because when I leave this world I’ll have a home in heaven. His sacrifice also gives me freedom. Freedom from Satan and his cronies, freedom to worship and live my life in peace. Jesus’ sacrifice gives me joy and a peace that passes understanding. God fills my heart with love I can pour over my family, friends, and neighbors.

In this season of thanksgiving, I am beyond grateful for Jesus.

What are you thankful for?  

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Walking With God

James 4:7-10

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Have you ever walked away from God? 

There was a time, years ago, when I inched farther and farther away from God. Let me tell you—it was a dark and lonely place. I went through the motions—going to church, praying empty prayers, and smiling when I didn’t feel like it, then God pounded on the door of my heart and called me to come back home. He pursued me, and I answered. I grieved over the distance I’d placed between God and me, over the sins in my life, and the sorrow in my heart. You know what? God opened His great big, beautiful arms to me and welcomed me back to Him. Ever since that day, I’ve not stepped away again. Instead, I’ve found comfort, peace, strength, joy, and hope in the arms of the Lord, and He has blessed me with opportunities to share His great love.

The book of James holds many nuggets of wisdom and truth. “Come near to God and He will come near to you,” is a promise I can count on. I’ve experienced His closeness in my life, and I’m thankful for God’s constant presence. I’m also thankful for Jesus and His grace, for forgiveness and His unfailing love.

In this month of Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the Bible which gives me wisdom, God who holds me close, and Jesus who gave His life for my sins so I can someday meet Him in heaven.

This world is not an easy place, but with the Lord by our side, we will thrive.

Draw close to God and He will draw close to you.

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Hope from a Thankful Heart

Anxiety is so common in our society. 
I don't have the answers as to why,
 but I do know when I spend time
thanking God, my anxiety eases. 

The more I thank Him, the less I have to be anxious about.
The apostle Paul must have known this too.
His advice to present our requests,
to God gives us hope and much to be thankful for.


 

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Thankful for Communion

Mark 14:22-25

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

I remember getting into trouble as a child during communion.

When I was a little girl, before the establishment of junior church, I sat with my parents in the pew and listened to the sermon, sang the songs, and tried to behave. One Sunday, when the deacons passed the communion plates of little wafers of bread and tiny cups of juice, I got curious. I reached to take a piece and my mom let me know that was not the thing to do. If I remember correctly, she took me by the hand and took me outside to explain why. From that point on I didn’t touch the trays until I confessed my love for Jesus and was baptized.

From the day I became a believer, I’ve been enamored with the time of communion at church. That moment when I bow my head and consider the sacrifice Jesus gave for me and the grace He pours over me. He didn’t have to die. He could have lived on earth and just been a good guy. Instead, Jesus came and took on my sins and burdens. He called the weary, the poor, the hurting, the sinners, and the saints to Him. I’m beyond thankful that God created a way for people to come into a relationship with Him. I’m also thankful my mom taught me what communing with God meant. I’d be lost without my Jesus.

In this month of Thanksgiving, reflect on Jesus and the burden He carries for us.


Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Peaceful and Thankful

My daughter, Hannah and I visited a pumpkin farm in Kentucky, 
where they had the most beautiful chrysanthemums.
When I snapped photos of them, 
I knew I wanted to share their beauty on my blog.
What better time, than November-
the month we think about Thanksgiving.

In Colossians 3:15, the Apostle Paul reminded the church
to be at peace and to be thankful.

God still calls us to live a peaceful life, with Christ in our hearts, 
and to express our thankfulness for all of His amazing gifts.


 

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Anxiety and a Pair of Jeans

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Shopping for jeans raises my anxiety.

After a hot summer, I’m ready for the cool air of autumn. With the change in temperature comes the need for new jeans, part of my standard retirement uniform. I’ve worn out the ones I bought a few years ago, so I gathered my courage (because I need that to try on pants) and went to the store where I bought my last pair. The bins and racks oozed with denim, but every pair I looked at either had pre-ripped holes (I’m too old for those) or buttons instead of a zipper, again, too old. No classic jeans existed. As my anxiety rose and my frustration with it, my daughter, who came to the store separate from me, saw me and creeped up on me and scared the beejeebers out of me (of course we laughed about itlater.)

The whole shopping experience made my anxiety go through the ceiling. I vowed to wear my thread-bare jeans and forget shopping. Then Kohl’s dinged my inbox with a 40% off coupon. Could I try one more time? Yes, I did, and I came home with a pair of classic “mom” jeans and a cute Peanuts t-shirt. I’m thankful that despite my anxiety, I tried one more time.

I laugh now about the ridiculousness of trying to find a pair of jeans, but the anxiety I’ve dealt with throughout my life isn’t funny. The truth is, being anxious leaves me exhausted. I’m so thankful Paul addresses it in these verses. God understands. He reminds us to stop and pray, ponder on thankfulness, and He’ll pour peace into our hearts and minds. Without doubt, I know this to be true.

Full disclosure: I have a medical issue that causes anxiety and with the help of medicine, I am much better. But I also know that without God, I’d be in a heap of trouble. My go to is prayer, always. I’m so grateful I can talk to God about everything, including a frustrating shopping trip. Philippians 4:6-7 is one of the verses I cling toto get me through life.

Pray first, always.

Saturday, August 20, 2022

Second Chances

Ephesians 4:22-24
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

God gives second chances.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude every day because I have a God who gives grace and forgiveness. Growing up in church I learned a lot about the rules. Do this, don't do that. In the midst of those teachings, I heard of God's love for me, but being a shy, quiet, rule follower, my focus stayed on right and wrong. I thought if I did everything right, I'd earn my way to heaven. Boy was I wrong. As a human, I didn't have the capability to live a perfect life.

As I grew older, I experienced life. Some good, some bad. The more I learned about Jesus, the more I realized I couldn't go through life focusing on rules. At times Satan tried to push me away from the whole "religion" thing, but God brought me to my knees. Not to punish me, but to remind me of his beautiful, perfect grace.

You see, He loves me unconditionally. Regardless of poor choices, doubts, or frustration, He continues to wrap His arms around me and show His mercy. Once I turned my life, my decisions, my actions, my everything over to Him, I understood. Granted I need to be obedient, I must seek His will, and I have to stop and listen. I'm not in this alone, I'm in this life with the One who created me. And guess what? God wants me to succeed. He has plans for me and a future.

I'm forgiven. Do I still mess up? Yep. But I hit my knees and ask for grace. I praise God with thanksgiving for his Son who took my place and for the Holy Spirit who guides me. I'm thankful for this precious second chance.

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Roll into Christmas

Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
   come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
   It is he who made us, and we are his;
   we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
   and his courts with praise;
   give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
   his faithfulness continues through all generations.

We've celebrated Thanksgiving, and Christmas is coming.

Another holiday season has rolled around. Thanksgiving Day we were blessed to spend time with some of our family, something we didn't get to do last year. Nieces and nephews have grown by leaps and bounds, as have our grandchildren. As usual on this holiday, too much food went into my mouth, but my goodness it was yummy.

As I looked around the room and visited with folks, I thanked God for the opportunity to spend time together. Something I'd taken for granted before the pandemic. I also loved meeting my niece's puppies and seeing my mom cuddle with one. The day satisfied in so many ways.

I know the holidays, along with joy, can bring stress and busyness.

As I prepare my heart for the Christmas season, I want nothing more than to focus on the reason we celebrate. Yes, I love the decorations, the music, the movies, and the food, but more than anything, I love Jesus and the reason He came.

Jesus fulfilled the prophets' words in the Old Testament by being born of a virgin, in a manger. That sweet babe grew into the man who gave His life for our freedom from sin. He's the reason we celebrate.

As you decorate the tree, thank God for the beauty He createdas you sing a carol, praise the Lord for his love and mercyas you shop for gifts, pray for the recipient and every day, recognize the grace we have because of Jesus. Let's roll from the Thanksgiving season into Christmas with a grateful heart.

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Happy Thanksgiving!

The past few weeks I've received many encouraging notes about my writing.
I'm so thankful for the folks who take the time to read the blog and 
to God for providing the opportunity and words.

Without readers, my words are meaningless.
Thank you for taking the time to read.

Blessings for a joy filled Thanksgiving!



 

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

The Blessing of Giving

The other day, Tim surprised me with this beautiful leaf.
Why would Tim pick a leaf up and carry it to me?

Simple answer--because Tim knows my heart.
He understands and embraces my love of nature.

Over the years, he has listened and cares about what I care about.

Tim's gift blessed my heart.

As I prepare my heart for Thanksgiving and Christmas;
I consider what Jesus gave--his life for my sins.

I thank God for His grace and love.




 

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Interrupt Anxiety

My friend posted these words on Facebook. 

What a concept!

I have so much to be thankful for, 
I shouldn't have any problem 
interrupting anxiety with gratitude.

Ann Voscamp's November Joy Challenge, 
to name three things I'm thankful for every day this month, 
has helped me get my days into perspective.


 

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Entering the Season of Thanks

Four-hundred years ago, the the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans prepared and sat together for the first Thanksgiving meal.
Eighty years ago, the fourth Thursday in November was declared
the national holiday Americans call Thanksgiving.

My word for 2021 has been gratitude. I've tried to keep my focus on what I'm thankful for and the love God pours over me. Even though I've grieved over loss and celebrated with joy, I know whatever my circumstance,
God calls me to be thankful.

As I prepare to enter the month of November, and the season of thanksgiving, I appreciate the example the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoogs set for us.

Let's sit down together in peace and celebrate what we have.


 

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Sit Quietly and Be Thankful

As I sit in my chair

I'm thankful for God, who loves me no matter what,
for Jesus, who covers me with grace,
for the new life of spring,
and for you.

May God bless your day with peace.

 

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

A Quiet Joy

As we approach Thanksgiving,
think back on 2020 and capture the good moments.
Find those times of quiet thankfulness.

Let go of the sorrow, frustration, and grief
and hold onto the peace and joy.



 

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving brings joy to many hearts. A time for family, food and gratefulness. 
Every November, I see posts that declare appreciation for many things. 
Today, I'm thankful for all God provides. 
Jesus' grace, loving family, faithful friends. 

May everyone finds something to be thankful for. 

Many folks struggle this time of year. 
Take time to find those who need a helping hand and pour your blessings over them. 


Saturday, November 23, 2019

It's Okay to Rest

Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

On our drive to South Carolina to visit Hannah, we admired the autumn leaves. Many had fallen yet the colors that remained held a soft hue. God's beautiful artistry surrounded us. Among the trees with foliage stood many bare limbed giants. Their arms reached for the cerulean blue sky. To me they appeared as lovely as the fall flora. The sun shined on them as they rested from their summer job of shade and growth. I felt a peace as I admired their beauty.

Jesus knew we'd wear ourselves out. He understood we'd push through and exhaust our bodies and spirits to the point we'd need rest. Our spiritual health is as important as our physical health. Jesus took breaks. He'd find a place to be alone and pray. The bare trees reminded me, I need to take time to stop and rest, stop and pray, and stop and give thanks. 
Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:15-16
The holidays bring busyness, stress and exhaustion. Make a mindful effort to rest and renew your spirit in Him.