Thankful in Everything...

 The holidays are fast approaching.  Are you feeling lonely at home - even amongst your family?  Do you wrestle with a sadness and disconnect during a time when commercials and advertisements portray unity and happiness?  Do you begin to fantasize about having what you perceive others have all around you?  What do you do with all those conflicting feelings and thoughts?

We all remember the classic Norman Rockwell painting of Thanksgiving Dinner.  It’s the quintessential portrait of the all American family gathered for a special meal and fellowship. Sometimes life doesn’t imitate art…

During this pandemic - life is not normal... at least not the way it used to be... 

There will most likely be hesitation to gather under one roof for a large sit-down dinner. We probably won't have multi-generational family time like we did in years past...

There are new protocols for sanitation, social distancing, food preparation and meal sharing guidelines.

One thing is certain -  nothing remains the same. It is for a season...

When you’re in an unequally yoked marriage, you will have days where you feel miserable and venerable.  There will always be drama. You may feel isolated and out-of-sorts. We all can recall times when we’ve just felt alone - but you don't need to let that dictate how you respond to others around you.

When I catch myself thinking thoughts that are not God honoring or when I wallow in self pity – I look up and acknowledge to God that I need help – fast!  What does He reveal to me in my moments of sorrow and helplessness?

•  He reminds me that I have a loving and devoted husband, even though he has not yet given his life to Christ.

• He reminds me that Hollywood and advertisers would have me believe that every day is to be filled with roses and smiles and dreams come true.

•  He reminds me that feelings last for a time, but commitment is everlasting.

•  He reminds me that I tend to look at other marriages through “rose-colored glasses”.

•  He reminds me that nothing affects His love for me – not even my doubt.

In Scripture, when David was ruthlessly pursued by King Saul, he found solace and peace in God. David wrote Psalm 27 during that time of anticipation, and verses 13-14 express his steadfast faith in God:  "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!"

Some of my favorite verses that express a spirit of thanksgiving are:

Psalm 107:1

Psalm 95:2-3

Colossians 3:16

Psalm 28:7

II Corinthians 2:14

Psalm 30:12

Psalm 75:1

Philippians 4:6

Psalm 100:4

Remember - true thanksgiving emits from a grateful heart. 

Even in turbulent times we can have a peace that surpasses understanding. 

As the storm rages above, there is a deep calm beneath the breaking waves...

Take a fresh inventory of your blessings and face the holidays with a renewed vigor and confidence, knowing that your Heavenly Father delights in you.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Thankful in Everything...

Thanksgiving Should Be Celebrated Every Day

Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada. Its origin is a matter of debate, but most likely it is based on the traditional “first Thanksgiving” harvest meal shared in 1621 at the Plymouth Colony Plantation by the Pilgrims and a group of native Americans. Thanksgiving is generally observed on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. It is often a day for watching football games, parades, and TV specials. It usually begins the Christmas shopping season (known as Black Friday) and ushers in the start of Christmas cards, tree trimming, gift wrapping, and family gatherings. This holiday provides a valuable opportunity for the strengthening of family bonds, expressions of gratitude, and a reminder of God’s rich blessings.

Wikipedia states, “The first Thanksgiving feast lasted three days providing enough food for 53 pilgrims and 90 Native Americans. The feast consisted of fowl, venison, fish, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin, and squash. William Bradford noted that, "besides waterfowl, there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many”, probably gave rise to the American tradition of eating turkey at Thanksgiving.”

It is also a tradition for US Presidents to issue a pardon to the White House Thanksgiving Turkeys. Since about 1947 the National Turkey Federation has presented the President of the United States with one (and in recent years - two) live turkey(s) in a ceremony known as the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation. The live turkeys are pardoned and live out the rest of their days on a farm or, since 2005, sent to either Disneyland in California or Walt Disney World in Florida, where they serve as the honorary grand marshals of Disney's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

As Christians, we acknowledge God’s goodness and provision in our expression of Thanksgiving. God’s Word implores us to give thanks to Him. Both Old and New Testament books of the Bible encourage us to have an attitude of gratitude. Psalm 50:14 tells us to, “Offer to God thanksgiving.” Psalm 95:2 says, “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving…” The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:6 declares, “…in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” We are to develop and display a grateful heart. 

One of my favorite psalms is 136.  It begins with verses 1-3 - thanking God for His Goodness.  "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever.  Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever."  So much we have to be thankful for!  Our families, our health, our jobs, our homes, and our ability to worship unhindered.

Thank Jesus for your salvation.  If we had nothing else to be thankful for, that would be sufficient.  Oh, how we thank Him for rescuing us from certain destruction and eternal doom.  In II Corinthians 9:15 Paul says this, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 

This Thanksgiving, make it a priority to focus on faith, family, and giving.  The blessing we receive from meeting the needs of someone else is huge.  Give to your local shelter, or volunteer your time.  Do something different as a family, and make a memory by serving others in your community.  Help distribute gift baskets at church to the needy, or invite a co-worker who doesn't have immediate family nearby for a home-cooked meal and fellowship.

It’s fun to start your own family traditions for the Thanksgiving holiday. Kids can make homemade decorations, and you can bake special pies and loaf cakes from the abundance of the fall fruits and vegetables. Watch the annual Macy’s Day Parade together. Head outside and take a nature walk, collecting leaves, pine cones, and other trinkets to display as a centerpiece on your table. Involve kids in the dinner menu selection and preparations. Say a family blessing and let each member shares what they are thankful for. There are so many wonderful ways to celebrate this special day.

What are some of your Thanksgiving Day traditions at your house?

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.   Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Thanksgiving Should Be Celebrated Every Day