These words can be found on the sign board outside the church. And it made me stop to think. Am I Grateful, Thankful or feeling blessed about my life? I don't see why I should not be. Despite the fact that life is uncertain and comes with its share of anxiety, I still have much to be grateful, thankful and blessed about.
I am grateful and thankful that God has blessed me with my ministry. I am thankful to my husband who shoulders the responsibilities at home so I may concentrate on my ministry. I am thankful to my son who makes me laugh and causes me to pause and look at the responsible young man he has become. And I am thankful to my family and friends who lift me up when needed.
My song of thanksgiving is to my God for He has heard my cry.
Below is one of Sue Russell's Sharing Thoughts. And she reminded me that happiness has very little to do with money, power or fame.
Enjoy Sue's thoughts and remember them as you start your Christmas preparations. Focus on what is important to you and your family. Focus on the reason for the Season - Jesus Christ.
Sharing Thoughts by Susan Russell
I sometimes wonder what factors enter in to make us the unique creatures that we are. I know God has made each of us individuals – like snowflakes – but there are times when thoughts come to mind about experiences that certainly shaped our view of the world and our relationship to others.
I know that we all have memories that are ours alone and I think that many times the simple things in life have had a great effect on who we are when we are older. Perhaps that is why “old people” want to talk about when they were young. There is much we can learn from these conversations if we really listen. Many times, these memories are ordinary ones, not about fame and fortune, but about everyday things. Most of the time these are memories about what our family did when we were young. Many of us have more family members in heaven than here on earth once we reach a certain age. But, the memories of these people stay about the same – the little things they did, the conversations we had, the laughs we shared – and the tears.
I find that the times that are precious to me are catching fireflies in the summer, playing in the creek, going to the barn to take care of the horse with my sister, eating ice-cream on a summer night at my Grandmother’s, sitting in the backyard with my parents on a summer evening with the dog and cats joining us and listening to the good-night song of the birds, walking to work when I got my first summer jobs. There are many memories of my early married days and the children growing up, but these early ones are those that shaped my life – at least I think they did.
I notice that none of these occurrences had to do with money, power, fame, or any of the things that seem to be so important in the media and magazines. In the end, we are truly blessed if we have these small everyday things to look back on – and even more if there is someone we can say “remember when” to. Susan Russell
Enjoy The Gaithers' rendition of "Give thanks."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgyXJ6WORck
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! Ps. 65:2
Be Grateful, Be thankful, Be Blessed!
A Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to you all!