Happy Thanksgiving!!
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of year. I love looking back and remembering all that God has done. One of my favorite thing to do is to teach my kids to remember all the blessings that they have and the good things that have happened to them. I hope to instill a deep sense of gratitude that will help them weather the storms of life.
If you did a thankful box this month, pull it out after Thanksgiving dinner and read through all the slips of paper. This might even be the start of a new family tradition!!
A Psalm of Thanks
Psalm 100 (NIrV)
Shout to the Lord with joy, everyone on earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come to him with songs of joy.
I want you to realize that the Lord is God.
He made us, and we belong to him.
We are his people.
We are the sheep belonging to his flock.Give thanks as you enter the gates of his temple.
Give praise as you enter its courtyards.
Give thanks to him and praise his name.
The Lord is good. His faithful love continues forever
It will last for all time to come.
Do you believe that you are His? That you BELONG to Him? Do you know that God made you? He knew exactly what you were going to look like…what gifts and talents He was going to give you. He has a perfect plan for your life, and it is good. His love is everlasting. He is faithful and He is your provider.
Some of you might be in a tough season right now, but know that God sees you. (Genesis 16:13) He loves you! (Ephesians 3:14-19) He wants to give you the wisdom, comfort and support that you need to get through any season of life that you find yourself in. (James 1:5)
I am constantly learning that a heart and mind that is focused on gratitude and thanksgiving can turn your countenance and perspective towards the good. Your mind cannot think about bad, worried or fearful thoughts at the same time as good, helpful and hopeful thoughts. It is either one or the other. If you haven’t already, make a list of all the things that you are thankful for. It will remind you of all the things that you have to be grateful for in your life. Then when you focus on that, you are reminded that yes, God is faithful. Yes, God does provide. Yes, I will survive. It will give you the strength to keep fighting the good fight of faith.
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
What is praiseworthy in your life?? Give God the thanks that He deserves and watch Him encourage you in your faith!
If you didn’t get around to making a Thankful Box, don’t worry! It is okay! Start today! We encourage you to do this practice year round! I finally bought a thankful jar to put on our fireplace mantle. Now throughout the year when we think of something to be thankful for, we place a strip of paper in the jar. Join us in the journey of remembering.