Thanksgiving

Ephesians 5:20 tells us to always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In a few days we will be gathering around our tables giving thanks and this year my family will be welcoming some new friends to ours.  It has been a year of seasons, nothing has stayed the same for too very long, and change still lingers in the air, doors have closed and others have opened, I have had to say good bye to some cherished friends while welcoming new ones. This year I am grateful for all the lives that have intersected with mine and the circumstances that have brought me to the place where I stand today.   As I breathe in and take inventory of what the past year has brought I can’t help but be grateful not just for the times of joy but for the times of sorrow as well.  Some have a left permanent smile tattooed on my heart while other left a crimson stain, some have crossed my path but for a moment, while others lingered a little longer, but all of them have touched my life and changed it forever.  All of those things were orchestrated by the hand of God to shape and mold me into the person He intended for me to be and it is my testimony of His grace, mercy and love.  

I am grateful for the people who have been kind and loving towards me, even when I wasn’t so lovable.

I am grateful to Jesus for going to the cross so I don’t have to. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  So when the waters start to rise I remind myself of what He did for me, that I can have faith and trust in whatever storm comes my way He will be there to walk with me.

I am grateful for the simple pleasures.  The absolutely gorgeous summer we had here in Wisconsin and the extra time He gave me to enjoy it. To sit at His feet, among His creation and really dig my heels into the Word.  I have fallen head over heals in love with Jesus, I loved Him before, but this a whole new ball game.  I take Him everywhere I go, He is the best date I ever had.

I am grateful for my sisters in Christ who have walked this journey with me.  Who have propped me up when I was down, held my hand when I wept, help celebrate my victories and encouraged me when I didn’t think I could make it another day.

Be grateful, not just when times are good but when they are not so good, a grateful heart is a contented heart.  When the waves start to swell a grateful heart can get up on that surf board and glide right over em. It is how we choose to live our lives through and after those experiences that glorifies God. 

The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:12-13, I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Stop by Rachel Olsen's blog to read what others have written on gratitude.
http://www.rachelolsen.blogspot.com/

Happy Thanksgiving!

Last year when I went to Chris Tomlin Christmas concert, Audrey Assad sang her song Winter Song, it is beautiful, a link to the song is attached. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpHiAmL8-b0