Tag Archive for: Thanksgiving

Grateful

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I’m trying my best to be GRATEFUL. After all, yesterday was the day of THANKSgiving—all about the season of thankfulness; being grateful. We hosted a small gathering of four. Our daughter picked up my mother-in-law so we could be together. Plenty of food filled our table. There was no shortage of talk, laughter, and a good time. We tried not to focus on those who weren’t around our table. Note to self: sometimes when there’s so many people involved, it’s tough to make individual, meaningful conversation.

Just a few days before, I’d received a call from the Assisted Living Facility where my Dad has been for the last two and a half years. He tested positive for COVID.

What will the outcome be? I have no clue. But You do. Give our family the strength and wisdom to do/say/be according to Your will. Is it Dad’s time to join Mom? Is it time to leave this isolated, confused, angry planet? For our sakes, I hope not! But for his sake—Thy will be done.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever…The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies – Psalm 118:1, 6-7

I’m thinking now about these words triumph on my enemies. What enemies could he possibly mean? I thought of a few: Discontent, anger, comparison, fear, anxiety, doubt. All those enemies creep into in my thinking.

The Lord is my Shepherd I have all that I need. This is true. The foundation of God’s throne is:

  • Righteousness (vs. dishonesty)
  • Justice (vs. unfair, unjust)
  • Love (vs. unloving, hate, scorn)
  • Faithfulness (vs. unfaithfulness, selfishness)

I’m thankful of the reminder that I need to focus on being GRATEFUL. We have so much. He is a good, good God. The Lord is with me. With us through it all.

P.S. Oh, and I forgot to add. We played a game. Yes, a GAME!! Now those of you who know our family know that my hubby, Steve, is not a gamer! Well, the four of us played our mandatory Thanksgiving Day game. Guess who won???  Steve’s Mom!  Plus, it was a game she’d never played before. Yay – way to go!!

Today’s prompt for the #Five Minute Friday group of writers is: Grateful.

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Pot of Gold

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Recently I had the opportunity to sit at a book signing table with another talented writer, Kerry McAvoy and a dear friend, Vicki. Just like in past signings, I am amazed at the similarity of people who cross our paths (or stop at our table). We received words of affirmation, shared stories, and even received hugs from total strangers. Connectedness.   Womens Expo Book SigningRelational. Each of us has a story to tell; some put the words down on paper, others tell their story with just the words from their mouth. Either way, the story deserves to be told. Told to the current generation and then the next generation will become a part of the original whole.

In conferences I’ve heard that if you intend to go into the writing business to make tons of money, you’d better chose a different vocation because that probably won’t happen. But then again, maybe those people weren’t counting new friendships, words of thanks and praise. Today my gifts equaled much more than money can buy. Like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Thank you all for the vital part you play in shaping my world which causes me to thank my Creator. The one who gifted me with insight, courage, and the talent and motivation to write my story.

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And be thankful …

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“Forever is composed of nows,” Emily Dickinson.

My forever (and yours too) is composed of the nows. Exactly what I’m writing about in my new devotional/meditation book. Living in the present. Enjoying the moment right here and now. Even if it hard to accomplish.

When I first began writing about living in the now was during a personal health crisis. A neurologist discovered I had an operable tumor growing on the left temporal side of my brain. The tumor needed to be removed surgically and the sooner the better. All other life was pretty much put on hold. Daily details focused on an upcoming hospital stay and subsequent rehabilitation.

I’m writing this post seven years later. God chose to spare me; for which I’ll be eternally grateful. Life is pretty much back to normal. Except I hope and pray lessons learned never vanish.

  • Life is Good. Regardless of circumstances in my life, I’ve got it pretty darn good. I have a roof over my head, food on the table (I don’t go to bed hungry), modern conveniences such as electric, heat, indoor plumbing, and access to the finest educational opportunities. Not to mention ALL the freedoms I enjoy thanks to my ancestors and those serving now: freedom of worship, speech, etc…,

Through my health scare times, I realized we are not guaranteed tomorrow (not even tonight). Making the best of my situation right now promotes longer life and joy today. Isn’t that what each of us strive for? Being content and happy in our current situation. We are past Thanksgiving and entering the Christmas season. Many around you will exude happiness; some do not feel like rejoicing for whatever reason. Even those who place a smile upon their face probably face troubles and may be masking their inner feelings. Be aware that many fight tough battles. This time of year amplifies unrest.

Let’s strive together and rehearse our thankful lists. What’s on your thankful list?

“Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].”  (Colossians 3:15/AMP)

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Focus on what you do have

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When you focus on what you don’t have or on situations that displease you, your mind also becomes darkened – #JesusCalling.

Rather, offer “the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the name of the Lord” –
Psalm 116:17 (NKJV).   Focus on what I do have (Copy)

 

 

Trouble with anger issues?

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Last evening in our writer’s group, we discussed many things. One issue that continued to pop up involved emotions in the media and in people groups in general. It seemed to us that many people harbored anger. Some were angry about the way a recent election turned out. Stories abound about robberies, bullying, abuse, suicide and homicides. Anger often stems from depression and negative thinking patterns.

The apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4 to, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.”

Personally, I know I do not always follow this thinking pattern. I know I should pray to God about everything. Unfortunately, I don’t always pray first. Seems it’s much easier to worry and be in a complaining mode. It takes a conscious effort to think positively. Nothing is too difficult for him.

Accordingly to this verse, the rewards are huge. My heart and mind will be guarded in Christ Jesus. And peace will reign. Peace — the opposite of depression and anger. I can’t think of a more worthy or sought after reward, can you?

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What makes you happy? – Part II

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I find joy and pleasure in the inexpensive and accessible. These things lift my countenance and keeps my cup half full (vs. half empty).  

 For instance, yesterday my husband and I took a drive in the country. We stopped at an apple farm market. There I found great pleasure in:

     *  Talking to a wise, elderly farmer about a variety of apples (he chose just the right mix of apples for making applesauce and pies)

     *  Smell of freshly baked pumpkin spice donuts

     *  Took pictures of goats — I even was brave enough to allow one to eat from my hand and his/her tongue even touched my hand!

     *  A cup of hot apple cider. I felt healing begin as the hot cider trickled down my scratchy throat!

Look for the positives in everyday life — some days the task is more difficult than others. Good gifts are all around us if we take the time to be still and look for them. God sightings…that’s what I call those gems. Life is fragile, good, and precious!

 “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving,” – Psalm 69:30.

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God-gifts

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I’m thoroughly enjoying a book,  One Thousand Gifts-A dare to live fully right where you are,” my friend Kathy gave me. Ann Voskamp, the author, encourages the reader to be thankful. She claims the “real problem of life is never a lack of time. The real problem of life—in my life—is lack of thanksgiving. Thanksgiving creates abundance; and the miracle of multiplying happens when I give thanks—and He miraculously makes it more than enough.”

The author suggests creating a list of naming God-gifts. This list helps me reflect on the tiniest of good gifts God bestows. When I focus on daily good gifts, it steers me away from dwelling on what I do not have and causes me to be more thankful for what I do have.

I’m up to number 30 today:  

30)  Good night’s sleep rocked by gentle waves

31)  Leisurely morning wake-up

32)  Breakfast eaten out doors

33)  Full sun warms my brow and head

34)  First sail of the spring season, crisp winds—oh, so good to be out in God’s creation!

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Happy Thanksgiving to all!

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!” (Psalm 107:1-2)

My husband and I are so thankful to be with our son, wife and 2 grandbabies in their warm cozy abode…even if we are in frigid tundra (aka Minnesota) and it’s only 4 degrees Fahrenheit.

In our country, we have so much to give thanks to God for…miracles and answers to prayer too numerous to count.

  • Family & Friends: children, 2 precious grandchildren (and one on the way), sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, moms and dads
  • Warm, safe environment to work, play, and worship as we please
  • Plenty of food and drink to fill our bellies
  • Freedom to worship our God who is worthy of all our praise!

What can you give thanks for today?

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Thanksgiving musing

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“Tremble before him, all the earth!

The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved!

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;

Let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”

Let the sea resound, and all that is in it,

Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!

Then the trees of the forest will sing,

They will sing for joy before the Lord,

For he comes to judge the earth.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

His love endures forever!”  (1 Chronicles 16:30-34)

            Just two more days until Thanksgiving Day. As I think of this Thanksgiving and then on to Christmas, my prayer is that we (myself included) don’t get crazy-busy (like I usually do) during the days leading up to Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. It’s so easy to plow through each day without a thought as to why we do what we do. Food and gifts shouldn’t be the primary focus of the season. Remember the saying from long ago, “Jesus is the reason for the season” —this is the thought I desire my heart to ponder upon.

            The season isn’t about me, my family and friends, but about what I can give back to the God who chose me personally, who willingly sent His only Son to die on a rugged cross for my past, present and future sins. What an awesome and loving God He is! Doesn’t He deserve my honor and praise?

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