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11-21-2007, 09:39 AM
"Count your blessings, name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done."
God's giving deserves our thanksgiving. Thanking the Lord in adversity changes burdens into blessings.
Like a babe born to a family, or bud on a stem, God brought me forth into His family. Thank You, Lord, for choosing me, for drawing me irresistibly, to be Your child. --Paul E. Murrell
No matter where we work, we can serve God and others with joy.
Jesus is a friend who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.
"Happiness is the realization of God in the heart. Happiness is the result of praise and thanksgiving, of faith, of acceptance; a quiet tranquil realization of the love of God."
"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving." --W. T. Purkiser
"He who thanks but with the lips Thanks but in part; The full, the true Thanksgiving Comes from the heart."
"When thou has truly thanked the Lord for every blessing sent, But little time will then remain for murmur or lament."
--Hannah Moore
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FAITH IS:
Forsaking
all
I
Trust
HIM
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Improving Your Family Get-Togethers
Family clashes come out more strongly during the holidays than at other times. Here's how to make the most of the season.
As a psychologist who helps people deal with their more difficult relatives, I've found that at holiday time these stresses and personality clashes with certain family members come out more strongly than at other times of the year. To make sure your family gatherings are more harmonious this year than in the past, there are specific--and spiritual--things you can do.
1. Say a silent prayer or meditate silently right at the moment when your family is acting up. The prayer can be, "Please God (or Spirit), give me strength to be patient with the difficult members of my family and open me up to the possibility that I will have a few sacred moments of connection with those family I love and whom I don't get to see often enough." Or, humorously, it can be, "Thank you God (or Spirit) that I don't have to see these people 24/7."
2. Choose to bless your most troubled or difficult family member rather than cursing this person. In most spiritual traditions there are blessings you can say to regain your peace of mind and your ability to speak respectfully to even the most unpleasant individuals. For example, if you silently say to yourself, "May God bless and keep this person," it gives you an extra 10 seconds of impulse control so that you can negotiate calmly with this difficult individual rather than erupting in anger or insults. Instead of provoking a war with this person, you can silently bless him or her and then say respectfully out loud, "Let's work together to figure out how to improve the way we interact at these holiday gatherings. You go first, and I'll listen to your ideas. Then I'll go second, and I hope you'll listen to my ideas, too."
3. Look for the wounded soul that is often hidden deeply under this person's toxic comments and personality traits. You may need to do some informal research ahead of the next visit to find out from aunts, uncles, cousins, or others when and how this difficult family member changed from being a kind soul into an angry or self-absorbed individual. That doesn't mean you need to whitewash or minimize the hurtful things he or she does, but rather it will give you the compassion and perspective to realize this person's woundedness is old and deep, having nothing to do with you.
4. Experience gratitude for each small grain of progress. Rather than hoping your difficult relative will become perfect or stress-free, you can seek to notice each small moment of connection or decency that occurs between you. If last year you could only stand this person for 5 minutes and this year you successfully enjoyed 10 quality minutes with this troubled individual, that is a huge improvement.
5. Recognize the growth that this person stirs up in you. In the 23rd Psalm, there is a mysterious statement that "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." Some spiritual teachers suggest that just as an oyster needs sand to irritate, polish and create a fine pearl, so does life give us difficult relatives who force us to grow and learn more about patience, compassion, kindness, limit-setting, strength, and the release of expectations. If it weren't for your difficult relatives, would you have ever been forced to work so hard at becoming the kind of person you are today? If it weren't for the unpleasant ways you were treated by certain members of your family, would you have known to be so careful so as not to mistreat your spouse, your kids, your friends, or your co-workers? Rather than dreading your encounters with your toughest or most insensitive relatives, you can view each current and future interaction as another chance to be tested and see how far you have come on your personal journey. You don't need to be perfect, but you can remind yourself to stay open to what each stressful situation with your family is trying to teach you.
6. When you're feeling trapped, call a "lifeline." You can regain your sense of humor and your inner strength by phoning a supportive friend and saying, "Could you please remind me if I'm a worthwhile human being...I'm with my relatives right now and I've completely forgotten." Just that one sentence of ironic humor can snap you out of the feelings of victimization and aloneness that could cause you to shut down, overeat, or drink too much at family gatherings. --Leonard Felder, Ph.D.
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Thankful For The Thorns
Sandra felt as low as the heels of her Birkenstocks when she pulled open the florist shop door, against a November gust of wind. Her life had been as sweet as a spring breeze and then, in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a "minor" automobile accident stole her joy. This was Thanksgiving week and the time she should have delivered their infant son. She grieved over their loss. Troubles had multiplied. Her husband's company "threatened" to transfer his job to a new location.
Her sister had called to say that she could not come for her long awaited holiday visit. What's worse, Sandra's friend suggested that Sandra's grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer. "She has no idea what I'm feeling," thought Sandra with a shudder. "Thanksgiving? Thankful for what?" she wondered. "For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life, but took her child's?"
"Good afternoon, can I help you?" Sandra was startled by the approach of the shop clerk.
"I.... I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra.
"For Thanksgiving? Do you want the beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the 'Thanksgiving Special'? I'm convinced that flowers tell stories," she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this Thanksgiving?"
"Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong." Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."
Then the bell on the door rang, and the clerk greeted the new customer, "Hi, Barbara...let me get your order.&quo t; She excused herself and walked back to a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and what appeared to be long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped: there were no flowers.
"Do you want these in a box?" asked the clerk. Sandra watched for the customer's response. Was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed. "Yes, please," Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again." She said, as she gently tapped her chest.
Sandra stammered, "Ah, that lady just left with, uh.... she left with no flowers!"
"That's right, said the clerk. "I cut off the flowers. That's the 'Special'. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet."
"Oh, come on! You can't tell me someone is willing to pay for that!" exclaimed Sandra.
"Barbara came into the shop three years ago, feeling much as you do, today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had just lost her father to cancer; the family business was failing; her son had gotten into drugs; and she was facing major surgery."
"That same year I had lost my husband," continued the clerk. "For the first time in my life, I had to spend the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too much debt to allow any travel."
"So what did you do?" asked Sandra.
"I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for the good things in my life and I NEVER questioned Him why those GOOD things happened to me, but when the bad stuff hit, I cried out, "WHY? WHY Me?!" It took time for me to learn th at the dark times are important to our faith! I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of my life, but it took the thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort! You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."
Sandra sucked in her breath, as she thought about the thought that her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is, I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God."
Just then someone else walked in the shop. "Hey, Phil!" the clerk greeted the balding, rotund man. "My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement... twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.
"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind telling me why she wants a bouquet that looks like that?"
"No... I'm glad you asked," Phil replied. "Four years ago, my wife and I nearly divorced. After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we trudged through problem after problem. The Lord rescued our marriage. Jenny, here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she had learned from "thorny" times. That was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks for what that problem taught us." As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!"
"I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life." Sandra said to the clerk. "It's all too... fresh."
"Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that the thorns make the roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember that it was a crow n of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns."
Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on her resentment. "I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out.
"I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute."
"Thank you. What do I owe you?"
"Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me." The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."
It read: My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."
Praise Him for the roses; thank Him for the thorns. --David Langerfeld
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A "EVERYDAY THANKSGIVING" REFLECTION
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, thank you Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, and tempers are short, my children are so loud, thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.
Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous, thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.
Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord, for life itself. --Author Unknown
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Counting Blessings
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
THE week before Thanksgiving, my family participates in a tradition we started several years ago. My husband, two young daughters, and I find times during the week to write on slips of paper some of the things we're thankful for. We put the papers in a jar, and on Thanksgiving morning we read them.
"I'm thankful for my friends and my sister," writes my nine-year-old. "Thank you for my cat," says my five-year-old. My husband writes, "I'm thankful for my church family." "I'm thankful for our family's health" is one of the messages I write. We read about more and more of our blessings: good food, books, living in a free country, football, missionaries, a warm home.
The Bible tells us to be joyful and thankful at all times and in all circumstances. We can be especially thankful for God's greatest blessing: the amazing grace we see in Jesus Christ. Any time of the year is a perfect time to express our thanks for Christ.
--Cheryl Sloan Wray
Dear God, thank you for all the blessings you have given us. Amen.
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What Has God Done?
I want to borrow one sentence from David’s 66th Psalm, “Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me” (vs. 16).
He has shown me that dreams do come true and prayers are answered.
He has shown me that there is always hope, even in the most hopeless situations.
He has shown me that there is joy in being at home with my family.
He has shown me that people are longing for a living relationship with Jesus Christ.
He has shown me that whether your team wins or loses life goes on and life is good.
He has shown me that beauty is found in my wife, in my children, in my friends, and in the ordinary events of a day.
He has shown me that interruptions often lead to the most rewarding events of the day.
He has shown me that days filled with sunshine, warm air, and blue skies are gifts from the Lord.
He has shown me that days filled with dark clouds, cold air and rain are gifts from the Lord.
He has shown me that marriage is proof that God was thinking of me when He created the World.
He has shown me that children are sometimes the wisest people on earth.
He has shown me that words can encourage or words can discourage, and that words that encourage are better.
He has shown me that the change of the season’s remind us of life is always changing and God is always active.
He has shown me that the ocean can soothe the soul and refresh a weary spirit.
He has shown me that mountains are a place of reflection, meditation, and renewal.
He has shown me that He wants to have a relationship with me, and that He wants my life to full and abundant.
He has shown me that a full and abundant life is possible when I spend time reflecting on the things that God has shown me.
What has God done for you? --Tom
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BE THANKFUL
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.
--Author unknown
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Recount Your Blessings--with Your ABCs!
Now, if YOU are the Thanksgiving chef, I know you have alot more to do today than sit here and practice your recounting and reciting skills...but let's all pause for a moment and thank God for the bountiful blessings. It's not about houses and lands, money and material things--it's about the treasures of heaven that money can't buy. So get out your calculator and your old alphabet book (and don't forget the 2000 election memories!)...and let's RECOUNT our blessings and our ABCs!
Let us be thankful for:
Assurance of salvation
Blessed Hope of the Church
Christian faith
Divine providence of God
Everlasting life
Family of God
God's Word
Holy Spirit
Intercessory prayer
Jesus
Knowing Christ personally
Love of God
Mercy
New life in Christ
Overwhelming Evidence of God in Creation
Peace of God
Quiet stillness of God's presence
Redemption
Salvation
Trustworthiness of God
Undivided attention God gives His children
Victory in Jesus
Word of God
'Xtravagant grace of God!
Zzzzzzzzzzzzz--and we can sleep in heavenly peace because God is watching over us all!
Now wake up--and consider doing this devotional activity with your family. Before--or after--everyone gets STUFFED with turkey and all the trimmings, gather your family around for a recount/recite time of God's blessings. Begin with the letter "A" and go around the family circle, each one reciting a "thankful point." Conclude with a great family "Zzzzzzzz" silly snore--and a thankful prayer for God's goodness and grace in your family this year.
Option: Preschoolers who love to "make and do" can have fun using WASHABLE markers to draw and decorate each letter on posterboard. Use blunt-ended scissors to cut out each letter. Play a game of hide-and-seek: hide the letters all over the house; place the "T" inside the COLD oven, for fun!
Now, turn ON the oven (take OUT the fake TURKEY first!), go get that REAL turkey stuffed and place it therein--the fowl, please, not your favorite spouse or kid--grin--Happy Thanksgiving to all!
--Peggie Bohanon
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Recipe for a Grateful Heart
My ability in writing books is not matched by my ability to read a cookbook. My wife and three daughters will attest to that. Except for popping corn and blending chocolate milkshakes, most of my efforts in the kitchen taste like mistakes.
But, don't be too quick to label me as a liability when it comes to preparing for the family Thanksgiving feast. In the five decades of life in which I've had the opportunity to digest my share of what the Lord has served up in my life, I've discovered a fail-proof recipe for a grateful heart.
First, crush a bunch of sour grapes for all the times you've felt someone else got credit for something you deserved. Drizzle in a drop of spilled milk for every remembrance you have of something you wish you could undo (no need to cry over it). Even though you may be tempted to, refrain from adding the "whine" you keep in the cellar for those pity parties you occasionally throw for yourself.
To this rather unattractive concoction, sift in some flavorful thoughts that come to mind of times when God was kind and bailed you out. You know the times I mean: when you were in real hot water and had real doubts if you could stand up to the heat.
Then, while this mixture is sitting at room temperature, take some "thyme" alone and thoroughly measure out your blessings. Make sure you add in the plain vanilla ones (like health, shelter, employment, family, enough to eat and a good night's sleep).
Don't forget to spoon up some sweet remembrances of happy days gone by. With your honey at your side, go to a quiet part of the house and pour out what's on your mind. If necessary, ask for forgiveness.
While bringing the ingredients to a boil, combine a cup full of contentment, all the while skimming off any envy or greed that surfaces. Blend well.
Let the aforementioned batter rise until it occupies a place of prominence in your thinking. Preheat your heart to the point where it takes on a pliable consistency. While your will is warming to the idea of thanking God (instead of blaming him) for where you are at this time in your life, sprinkle the mixture in question with a dash of determination to do whatever it takes to honor God with your attitude.
Then bake the combined ingredients until they are well done. While it is still warm, serve yourself the "peace" you've anticipated, all the while chewing on God's goodness while swallowing your pride.
Well, there you have it. Even though you haven't seen this recipe demonstrated on the Food Network, it's a keeper. A grateful heart is guaranteed.
You don't need to be a Galloping Gourmet in order to serve up an aroma that will be pleasing to the Lord. All that is required is that you dismount from your high horse of self-centeredness and sit in the presence of the One from whom all blessings flow. As Israel's greatest king is credited with having said, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." (Psalm 34:8) --Greg Asimakoupoulos, November 28, 2002
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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
Beloved, there are many things hidden that have not come to light. I tell you that these things are like seeds planted in the soil. They are putting down roots, but have not yet broken ground. From your vantage point it may look like there is no life, but not being able to see the manifestation of the planted seed does not mean it does not exist. The life is in the seed that you've planted, and soon you will see first the blade, then the head and after that the full grain in the head (Mark 4:28). You will not only see the days of harvest of these hidden things, but you will partake of their fullness and enjoy the multiplied blessing of this seed, says the Lord.
Isaiah 37:30-31-30 This shall be a sign to you: You shall eat this year such as grows of itself, and the second year what springs from the same; also in the third year sow and reap, plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward.
Doors of opportunity are opening before you, but if you cannot see them you will not go through them. It is important that you quiet your soul and look through spiritual eyes to see the possibilities. Listen carefully for the leading of My Spirit, for I will open your eyes to see and your ears to hear. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures to accomplish all that is set before you in this season. I have called you for such a time as this, I have equipped you, and I will send you. And, you will not suffer lack, says the Lord.
Psalms 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.
Don't give up; you're almost there. To stop short of your goal is to not see My goodness. The truth is that NO weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that rises up against you in judgment is condemned. I tell you that breakthrough is absolutely imminent. Refuse to waver in your hope, but rather hold fast the beginning of your hope steadfast until the end. I have made a way through this winding path that leads ever upward to your destiny. Follow My leading, says the Lord.
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
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I AM THANKFUL FOR ...
the partner who hogs the covers every night,
because he is not out with someone else.
the child who is not cleaning his room, but is watching tv,
because that means he is at home and not on the streets.
for the taxes that i pay,
because it means that i am employed.
for the mess to clean after a party,
because it means that i have been surrounded by friends.
for the clothes that fit a little too snug,
because it means i have enough to eat.
for my shadow that watches me work,
because it means i am in the sunshine.
for a lawn that needs mowing,
windows that need cleaning,
and gutters that need fixing,
because it means i have a home.
for all the complaints i hear about the government,
because it means that we have freedom of speech.
for the parking spot i find at the far end of the parking lot,
because it means i am capable of walking and that i have been blessed with transportation.
for my huge heating bill,
because it means i am warm.
for the lady behind me in church that sings off key,
because it means that i can hear.
for the pile of laundry and ironing,
because it means i have clothes to wear.
for weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day,
because it means i have been capable of working hard.
for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours,
because it means that i am alive.
and finally.......
for too much e-mail,
because it means i have friends who are thinking of me.
--Author unknown
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Give Thanks
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now, Let the weak say "I am strong"
Let the poor say "I am rich"
Because of what the Lord has done for us
Give thanks.
--Author Unkown
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"Thank You, O Lord"
Thank You, O Lord
For Your tender mercies You have graced me
For Your gentle kindness You have shown me
For Your unconditional love You have embraced me
O Lord, as I bow on bended knee
My heart so full of gratitude
I make only one request from You
That You reveal to me Your will for me
That is my one desire, Lord
That I may live each day for You
To give praise and thanks to You
For the many blessings and gifts you have graced me with
Only asking that You reveal to me
How I may use these blessings and gifts to be of service to You
Thank You, O Lord
For loving me
For never giving up on me
For my life that You have given me today
For the hope and promise of eternal life
Thank You, O Lord
I love You
Written By: Tammy B. 6/28/02
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A psalm. For giving thanks.
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100
"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord." Psalm 92:1
Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced. . . 1 Chronicles 16:8-12
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28-29
Praise be to the LORD forever! Amen and Amen. Psalm 89:52
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A Thankful Child!
It's Thanksgiving time again, and time to thank the best Father of all for His love to us. Forget the grocery list for next week, and let's list our blessings from the ONE who really fills our life with good things!
I'm accepted!
Thank You, Father, for accepting me--just the way I am. Some days I'm not very nice; some days I'm rather impatient, unkind, ungrateful--and just plain selfish. And yet You love me--You constantly show me in so many ways that it's ok to be me. Now You don't tolerate my sin - I know that - but You help me grow--You make me BETTER. And all the while, You let me know deep within my heart that I am "accepted in the beloved." Thank You, Heavenly Father!
I'm approved!
Thank You, Father, for approving me--for whatever service I do for You. You've given me gifts and talents; I've given them back to You. You use them--and You overwhelm me with Your divine blessings. You let me know, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Lord, I need that, especially on the days when I feel unappreciated, overworked, or just plain "weary in well doing." I need that approval when I make mistakes and when I fail. You never scowl nor scorn me--You love me. Your smile of approval is warm and welcoming, however I feel and whatever I do--when I've done it for You. Thank You, Heavenly Father!
I'm amazed!
Thank You, Father, for overwhelming me with Your wondrous joy, Your unfailing love, Your amazing grace! You shower me with goodness and glory--You love me in such a unique, individual way--and what is so amazing is that You love everyone else in the whole world the same way! Your plans for my life are beyond my comprehension--I look back in wonder, I stand in awe, I look forward with a secure heart--for You plan nothing but the best for my life. Sometimes it's pain, and I grow. Sometimes it's pleasure, and I delight! But it's always the best. YOU'RE the best, Lord, and I love You. Thank You, Heavenly Father!
Our Almighty, all-wise, all-loving Father knows that a child needs acceptance and approval. Sometimes earthly fathers fail, and kids never receive the important qualities of security they need in early childhood. They spend a lifetime looking for them--in all the wrong places. If that's you, then receive God's amazing grace today--and know His acceptance and approval, as no earthly father can give. If you've been fortunate enough to know the love of a wonderful earthly dad, thank God for that blessing. But remember Your Heavenly Father IS the best--and He gives the best to His kids. It's yours--reach out and receive all the acceptance, approval and love you need today--there's enough for us ALL!
His Healing Words
"...Behold , what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God...(1 John 3:1 KJV)."
"Lord, I come to You as a child, needing Your acceptance, Your approval and Your love. Help me to know and to feel the true, unfailing love of my Heavenly Father this week. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
--Peggy Bohanon
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We thank you, Lord, for all you give;
The food we eat, the lives we live;
And to our loved ones far away,
Please send your blessings, Lord, we pray.
And help us all to live our days
With thankful hearts and loving ways.
Amen.
Thank you for the blessings that you give to us each day;
For friends and family we hold dear, for all you send our way.
We ask that you will guide us well, in everything we do,
And pray we never will forget these blessings came from you.
Amen.
God bless the food we eat this day.
We thank you for it; and we pray
For all our loved ones, far and near,
And every person gathered here.
We ask your blessings on each one,
And claim them by your holy Son.
Amen.
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Read Through The Bible
Exodus 7
1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. 2 You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country. 3 But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, 4 he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites. 5 And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it." 6 Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD commanded them. 7 Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.
Aaron's Staff Becomes a Snake
8 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 9 "When Pharaoh says to you, 'Perform a miracle,' then say to Aaron, 'Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,' and it will become a snake." 10 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. 11 Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: 12 Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron's staff swallowed up their staffs. 13 Yet Pharaoh's heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
The Plague of Blood
14 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Pharaoh's heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go. 15 Go to Pharaoh in the morning as he goes out to the water. Wait on the bank of the Nile to meet him, and take in your hand the staff that was changed into a snake. 16 Then say to him, 'The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to say to you: Let my people go, so that they may worship me in the desert. But until now you have not listened. 17 This is what the LORD says: By this you will know that I am the LORD : With the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into blood. 18 The fish in the Nile will die, and the river will stink; the Egyptians will not be able to drink its water.' " 19 The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over the streams and canals, over the ponds and all the reservoirs'-and they will turn to blood. Blood will be everywhere in Egypt, even in the wooden buckets and stone jars." 20 Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded. He raised his staff in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was changed into blood. 21 The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. Blood was everywhere in Egypt. 22 But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh's heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said. 23 Instead, he turned and went into his palace, and did not take even this to heart. 24 And all the Egyptians dug along the Nile to get drinking water, because they could not drink the water of the river.
The Plague of Frogs
25 Seven days passed after the LORD struck the Nile.
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Praising God at Mealtime
Be present at our table, Lord,
Be here and everywhere adored.
Thy creatures bless, and grant that we
May feast in paradise with thee.
--John Wesley
Blessing for Mealtime
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us! Lord, cleanse us from our sins! Master, pardon our transgressions! Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name's sake.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy! (3 times)
O Christ God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for Thou art holy, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
--Traditional
Child's Grace
God is great and God is good,
And we thank him for our food;
By his hand we must be fed,
Give us Lord, our daily bread. Amen.
--Traditional
Child's Prayer of Thanks
Thank you for the world so sweet. Thank you for the things we eat. Thank you for the birds that sing. Thank you, God, for everything.
Child's Grace
O Lord my God, I bless thy holy name for this mercy, which I have now received from thy bounty and goodness. Feed now my soul with thy grace, that I may make it my meat and drink to do thy gracious will, through Jesus Christ my Saviour. Amen.
John Wesley
An Evening Family Prayer
Lord, behold our family here assembled.
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
for the love that unites us,
for the peace accorded to us this day,
for the hope with which we expect the morrow;
for the health, the work, the food and the bright skies
that make our lives delightful;
for our friends in all parts of the earth. Amen.
Robert Louis Stevenson
Grace Before Meals
Lord bless this food to our use and us to Thy service, and make us ever mindful of the needs of others. Amen.
Blessing for Mealtime
O Christ God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for Thou art holy, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
--Traditional
Table Blessing
Bless us O Lord, and these thy gifts,
Which we are about to receive, from thy bounty,
Through Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.
--Traditional
Table Blessing
God is great! God is good!
Let us thank Him for our food.
Amen.
Gratitude for Happy Hearts
We thank Thee Lord, for happy hearts,
For rain and sunny weather.
We thank Thee, Lord, for this our food,
And that we are together.
Wherever you are in life, whatever you've done, you can begin again. If you do not have Jesus in your life and wish to ask Jesus into your life please go to this link now to do so: http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=95 . Jesus is calling you to live a life that matters.
God's giving deserves our thanksgiving. Thanking the Lord in adversity changes burdens into blessings.
Like a babe born to a family, or bud on a stem, God brought me forth into His family. Thank You, Lord, for choosing me, for drawing me irresistibly, to be Your child. --Paul E. Murrell
No matter where we work, we can serve God and others with joy.
Jesus is a friend who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.
"Happiness is the realization of God in the heart. Happiness is the result of praise and thanksgiving, of faith, of acceptance; a quiet tranquil realization of the love of God."
"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving." --W. T. Purkiser
"He who thanks but with the lips Thanks but in part; The full, the true Thanksgiving Comes from the heart."
"When thou has truly thanked the Lord for every blessing sent, But little time will then remain for murmur or lament."
--Hannah Moore
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FAITH IS:
Forsaking
all
I
Trust
HIM
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Improving Your Family Get-Togethers
Family clashes come out more strongly during the holidays than at other times. Here's how to make the most of the season.
As a psychologist who helps people deal with their more difficult relatives, I've found that at holiday time these stresses and personality clashes with certain family members come out more strongly than at other times of the year. To make sure your family gatherings are more harmonious this year than in the past, there are specific--and spiritual--things you can do.
1. Say a silent prayer or meditate silently right at the moment when your family is acting up. The prayer can be, "Please God (or Spirit), give me strength to be patient with the difficult members of my family and open me up to the possibility that I will have a few sacred moments of connection with those family I love and whom I don't get to see often enough." Or, humorously, it can be, "Thank you God (or Spirit) that I don't have to see these people 24/7."
2. Choose to bless your most troubled or difficult family member rather than cursing this person. In most spiritual traditions there are blessings you can say to regain your peace of mind and your ability to speak respectfully to even the most unpleasant individuals. For example, if you silently say to yourself, "May God bless and keep this person," it gives you an extra 10 seconds of impulse control so that you can negotiate calmly with this difficult individual rather than erupting in anger or insults. Instead of provoking a war with this person, you can silently bless him or her and then say respectfully out loud, "Let's work together to figure out how to improve the way we interact at these holiday gatherings. You go first, and I'll listen to your ideas. Then I'll go second, and I hope you'll listen to my ideas, too."
3. Look for the wounded soul that is often hidden deeply under this person's toxic comments and personality traits. You may need to do some informal research ahead of the next visit to find out from aunts, uncles, cousins, or others when and how this difficult family member changed from being a kind soul into an angry or self-absorbed individual. That doesn't mean you need to whitewash or minimize the hurtful things he or she does, but rather it will give you the compassion and perspective to realize this person's woundedness is old and deep, having nothing to do with you.
4. Experience gratitude for each small grain of progress. Rather than hoping your difficult relative will become perfect or stress-free, you can seek to notice each small moment of connection or decency that occurs between you. If last year you could only stand this person for 5 minutes and this year you successfully enjoyed 10 quality minutes with this troubled individual, that is a huge improvement.
5. Recognize the growth that this person stirs up in you. In the 23rd Psalm, there is a mysterious statement that "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." Some spiritual teachers suggest that just as an oyster needs sand to irritate, polish and create a fine pearl, so does life give us difficult relatives who force us to grow and learn more about patience, compassion, kindness, limit-setting, strength, and the release of expectations. If it weren't for your difficult relatives, would you have ever been forced to work so hard at becoming the kind of person you are today? If it weren't for the unpleasant ways you were treated by certain members of your family, would you have known to be so careful so as not to mistreat your spouse, your kids, your friends, or your co-workers? Rather than dreading your encounters with your toughest or most insensitive relatives, you can view each current and future interaction as another chance to be tested and see how far you have come on your personal journey. You don't need to be perfect, but you can remind yourself to stay open to what each stressful situation with your family is trying to teach you.
6. When you're feeling trapped, call a "lifeline." You can regain your sense of humor and your inner strength by phoning a supportive friend and saying, "Could you please remind me if I'm a worthwhile human being...I'm with my relatives right now and I've completely forgotten." Just that one sentence of ironic humor can snap you out of the feelings of victimization and aloneness that could cause you to shut down, overeat, or drink too much at family gatherings. --Leonard Felder, Ph.D.
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Thankful For The Thorns
Sandra felt as low as the heels of her Birkenstocks when she pulled open the florist shop door, against a November gust of wind. Her life had been as sweet as a spring breeze and then, in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a "minor" automobile accident stole her joy. This was Thanksgiving week and the time she should have delivered their infant son. She grieved over their loss. Troubles had multiplied. Her husband's company "threatened" to transfer his job to a new location.
Her sister had called to say that she could not come for her long awaited holiday visit. What's worse, Sandra's friend suggested that Sandra's grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer. "She has no idea what I'm feeling," thought Sandra with a shudder. "Thanksgiving? Thankful for what?" she wondered. "For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life, but took her child's?"
"Good afternoon, can I help you?" Sandra was startled by the approach of the shop clerk.
"I.... I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra.
"For Thanksgiving? Do you want the beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the 'Thanksgiving Special'? I'm convinced that flowers tell stories," she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this Thanksgiving?"
"Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong." Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."
Then the bell on the door rang, and the clerk greeted the new customer, "Hi, Barbara...let me get your order.&quo t; She excused herself and walked back to a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and what appeared to be long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped: there were no flowers.
"Do you want these in a box?" asked the clerk. Sandra watched for the customer's response. Was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed. "Yes, please," Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again." She said, as she gently tapped her chest.
Sandra stammered, "Ah, that lady just left with, uh.... she left with no flowers!"
"That's right, said the clerk. "I cut off the flowers. That's the 'Special'. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet."
"Oh, come on! You can't tell me someone is willing to pay for that!" exclaimed Sandra.
"Barbara came into the shop three years ago, feeling much as you do, today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had just lost her father to cancer; the family business was failing; her son had gotten into drugs; and she was facing major surgery."
"That same year I had lost my husband," continued the clerk. "For the first time in my life, I had to spend the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too much debt to allow any travel."
"So what did you do?" asked Sandra.
"I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for the good things in my life and I NEVER questioned Him why those GOOD things happened to me, but when the bad stuff hit, I cried out, "WHY? WHY Me?!" It took time for me to learn th at the dark times are important to our faith! I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of my life, but it took the thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort! You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."
Sandra sucked in her breath, as she thought about the thought that her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is, I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God."
Just then someone else walked in the shop. "Hey, Phil!" the clerk greeted the balding, rotund man. "My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement... twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.
"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind telling me why she wants a bouquet that looks like that?"
"No... I'm glad you asked," Phil replied. "Four years ago, my wife and I nearly divorced. After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we trudged through problem after problem. The Lord rescued our marriage. Jenny, here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she had learned from "thorny" times. That was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks for what that problem taught us." As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!"
"I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life." Sandra said to the clerk. "It's all too... fresh."
"Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that the thorns make the roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember that it was a crow n of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns."
Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on her resentment. "I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out.
"I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute."
"Thank you. What do I owe you?"
"Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me." The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."
It read: My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."
Praise Him for the roses; thank Him for the thorns. --David Langerfeld
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A "EVERYDAY THANKSGIVING" REFLECTION
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, thank you Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, and tempers are short, my children are so loud, thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.
Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous, thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.
Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord, for life itself. --Author Unknown
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Counting Blessings
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
THE week before Thanksgiving, my family participates in a tradition we started several years ago. My husband, two young daughters, and I find times during the week to write on slips of paper some of the things we're thankful for. We put the papers in a jar, and on Thanksgiving morning we read them.
"I'm thankful for my friends and my sister," writes my nine-year-old. "Thank you for my cat," says my five-year-old. My husband writes, "I'm thankful for my church family." "I'm thankful for our family's health" is one of the messages I write. We read about more and more of our blessings: good food, books, living in a free country, football, missionaries, a warm home.
The Bible tells us to be joyful and thankful at all times and in all circumstances. We can be especially thankful for God's greatest blessing: the amazing grace we see in Jesus Christ. Any time of the year is a perfect time to express our thanks for Christ.
--Cheryl Sloan Wray
Dear God, thank you for all the blessings you have given us. Amen.
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What Has God Done?
I want to borrow one sentence from David’s 66th Psalm, “Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me” (vs. 16).
He has shown me that dreams do come true and prayers are answered.
He has shown me that there is always hope, even in the most hopeless situations.
He has shown me that there is joy in being at home with my family.
He has shown me that people are longing for a living relationship with Jesus Christ.
He has shown me that whether your team wins or loses life goes on and life is good.
He has shown me that beauty is found in my wife, in my children, in my friends, and in the ordinary events of a day.
He has shown me that interruptions often lead to the most rewarding events of the day.
He has shown me that days filled with sunshine, warm air, and blue skies are gifts from the Lord.
He has shown me that days filled with dark clouds, cold air and rain are gifts from the Lord.
He has shown me that marriage is proof that God was thinking of me when He created the World.
He has shown me that children are sometimes the wisest people on earth.
He has shown me that words can encourage or words can discourage, and that words that encourage are better.
He has shown me that the change of the season’s remind us of life is always changing and God is always active.
He has shown me that the ocean can soothe the soul and refresh a weary spirit.
He has shown me that mountains are a place of reflection, meditation, and renewal.
He has shown me that He wants to have a relationship with me, and that He wants my life to full and abundant.
He has shown me that a full and abundant life is possible when I spend time reflecting on the things that God has shown me.
What has God done for you? --Tom
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BE THANKFUL
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.
--Author unknown
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Recount Your Blessings--with Your ABCs!
Now, if YOU are the Thanksgiving chef, I know you have alot more to do today than sit here and practice your recounting and reciting skills...but let's all pause for a moment and thank God for the bountiful blessings. It's not about houses and lands, money and material things--it's about the treasures of heaven that money can't buy. So get out your calculator and your old alphabet book (and don't forget the 2000 election memories!)...and let's RECOUNT our blessings and our ABCs!
Let us be thankful for:
Assurance of salvation
Blessed Hope of the Church
Christian faith
Divine providence of God
Everlasting life
Family of God
God's Word
Holy Spirit
Intercessory prayer
Jesus
Knowing Christ personally
Love of God
Mercy
New life in Christ
Overwhelming Evidence of God in Creation
Peace of God
Quiet stillness of God's presence
Redemption
Salvation
Trustworthiness of God
Undivided attention God gives His children
Victory in Jesus
Word of God
'Xtravagant grace of God!
Zzzzzzzzzzzzz--and we can sleep in heavenly peace because God is watching over us all!
Now wake up--and consider doing this devotional activity with your family. Before--or after--everyone gets STUFFED with turkey and all the trimmings, gather your family around for a recount/recite time of God's blessings. Begin with the letter "A" and go around the family circle, each one reciting a "thankful point." Conclude with a great family "Zzzzzzzz" silly snore--and a thankful prayer for God's goodness and grace in your family this year.
Option: Preschoolers who love to "make and do" can have fun using WASHABLE markers to draw and decorate each letter on posterboard. Use blunt-ended scissors to cut out each letter. Play a game of hide-and-seek: hide the letters all over the house; place the "T" inside the COLD oven, for fun!
Now, turn ON the oven (take OUT the fake TURKEY first!), go get that REAL turkey stuffed and place it therein--the fowl, please, not your favorite spouse or kid--grin--Happy Thanksgiving to all!
--Peggie Bohanon
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Recipe for a Grateful Heart
My ability in writing books is not matched by my ability to read a cookbook. My wife and three daughters will attest to that. Except for popping corn and blending chocolate milkshakes, most of my efforts in the kitchen taste like mistakes.
But, don't be too quick to label me as a liability when it comes to preparing for the family Thanksgiving feast. In the five decades of life in which I've had the opportunity to digest my share of what the Lord has served up in my life, I've discovered a fail-proof recipe for a grateful heart.
First, crush a bunch of sour grapes for all the times you've felt someone else got credit for something you deserved. Drizzle in a drop of spilled milk for every remembrance you have of something you wish you could undo (no need to cry over it). Even though you may be tempted to, refrain from adding the "whine" you keep in the cellar for those pity parties you occasionally throw for yourself.
To this rather unattractive concoction, sift in some flavorful thoughts that come to mind of times when God was kind and bailed you out. You know the times I mean: when you were in real hot water and had real doubts if you could stand up to the heat.
Then, while this mixture is sitting at room temperature, take some "thyme" alone and thoroughly measure out your blessings. Make sure you add in the plain vanilla ones (like health, shelter, employment, family, enough to eat and a good night's sleep).
Don't forget to spoon up some sweet remembrances of happy days gone by. With your honey at your side, go to a quiet part of the house and pour out what's on your mind. If necessary, ask for forgiveness.
While bringing the ingredients to a boil, combine a cup full of contentment, all the while skimming off any envy or greed that surfaces. Blend well.
Let the aforementioned batter rise until it occupies a place of prominence in your thinking. Preheat your heart to the point where it takes on a pliable consistency. While your will is warming to the idea of thanking God (instead of blaming him) for where you are at this time in your life, sprinkle the mixture in question with a dash of determination to do whatever it takes to honor God with your attitude.
Then bake the combined ingredients until they are well done. While it is still warm, serve yourself the "peace" you've anticipated, all the while chewing on God's goodness while swallowing your pride.
Well, there you have it. Even though you haven't seen this recipe demonstrated on the Food Network, it's a keeper. A grateful heart is guaranteed.
You don't need to be a Galloping Gourmet in order to serve up an aroma that will be pleasing to the Lord. All that is required is that you dismount from your high horse of self-centeredness and sit in the presence of the One from whom all blessings flow. As Israel's greatest king is credited with having said, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." (Psalm 34:8) --Greg Asimakoupoulos, November 28, 2002
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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
Beloved, there are many things hidden that have not come to light. I tell you that these things are like seeds planted in the soil. They are putting down roots, but have not yet broken ground. From your vantage point it may look like there is no life, but not being able to see the manifestation of the planted seed does not mean it does not exist. The life is in the seed that you've planted, and soon you will see first the blade, then the head and after that the full grain in the head (Mark 4:28). You will not only see the days of harvest of these hidden things, but you will partake of their fullness and enjoy the multiplied blessing of this seed, says the Lord.
Isaiah 37:30-31-30 This shall be a sign to you: You shall eat this year such as grows of itself, and the second year what springs from the same; also in the third year sow and reap, plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward.
Doors of opportunity are opening before you, but if you cannot see them you will not go through them. It is important that you quiet your soul and look through spiritual eyes to see the possibilities. Listen carefully for the leading of My Spirit, for I will open your eyes to see and your ears to hear. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures to accomplish all that is set before you in this season. I have called you for such a time as this, I have equipped you, and I will send you. And, you will not suffer lack, says the Lord.
Psalms 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.
Don't give up; you're almost there. To stop short of your goal is to not see My goodness. The truth is that NO weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that rises up against you in judgment is condemned. I tell you that breakthrough is absolutely imminent. Refuse to waver in your hope, but rather hold fast the beginning of your hope steadfast until the end. I have made a way through this winding path that leads ever upward to your destiny. Follow My leading, says the Lord.
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
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I AM THANKFUL FOR ...
the partner who hogs the covers every night,
because he is not out with someone else.
the child who is not cleaning his room, but is watching tv,
because that means he is at home and not on the streets.
for the taxes that i pay,
because it means that i am employed.
for the mess to clean after a party,
because it means that i have been surrounded by friends.
for the clothes that fit a little too snug,
because it means i have enough to eat.
for my shadow that watches me work,
because it means i am in the sunshine.
for a lawn that needs mowing,
windows that need cleaning,
and gutters that need fixing,
because it means i have a home.
for all the complaints i hear about the government,
because it means that we have freedom of speech.
for the parking spot i find at the far end of the parking lot,
because it means i am capable of walking and that i have been blessed with transportation.
for my huge heating bill,
because it means i am warm.
for the lady behind me in church that sings off key,
because it means that i can hear.
for the pile of laundry and ironing,
because it means i have clothes to wear.
for weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day,
because it means i have been capable of working hard.
for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours,
because it means that i am alive.
and finally.......
for too much e-mail,
because it means i have friends who are thinking of me.
--Author unknown
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Give Thanks
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now, Let the weak say "I am strong"
Let the poor say "I am rich"
Because of what the Lord has done for us
Give thanks.
--Author Unkown
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"Thank You, O Lord"
Thank You, O Lord
For Your tender mercies You have graced me
For Your gentle kindness You have shown me
For Your unconditional love You have embraced me
O Lord, as I bow on bended knee
My heart so full of gratitude
I make only one request from You
That You reveal to me Your will for me
That is my one desire, Lord
That I may live each day for You
To give praise and thanks to You
For the many blessings and gifts you have graced me with
Only asking that You reveal to me
How I may use these blessings and gifts to be of service to You
Thank You, O Lord
For loving me
For never giving up on me
For my life that You have given me today
For the hope and promise of eternal life
Thank You, O Lord
I love You
Written By: Tammy B. 6/28/02
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A psalm. For giving thanks.
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100
"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord." Psalm 92:1
Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced. . . 1 Chronicles 16:8-12
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28-29
Praise be to the LORD forever! Amen and Amen. Psalm 89:52
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A Thankful Child!
It's Thanksgiving time again, and time to thank the best Father of all for His love to us. Forget the grocery list for next week, and let's list our blessings from the ONE who really fills our life with good things!
I'm accepted!
Thank You, Father, for accepting me--just the way I am. Some days I'm not very nice; some days I'm rather impatient, unkind, ungrateful--and just plain selfish. And yet You love me--You constantly show me in so many ways that it's ok to be me. Now You don't tolerate my sin - I know that - but You help me grow--You make me BETTER. And all the while, You let me know deep within my heart that I am "accepted in the beloved." Thank You, Heavenly Father!
I'm approved!
Thank You, Father, for approving me--for whatever service I do for You. You've given me gifts and talents; I've given them back to You. You use them--and You overwhelm me with Your divine blessings. You let me know, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Lord, I need that, especially on the days when I feel unappreciated, overworked, or just plain "weary in well doing." I need that approval when I make mistakes and when I fail. You never scowl nor scorn me--You love me. Your smile of approval is warm and welcoming, however I feel and whatever I do--when I've done it for You. Thank You, Heavenly Father!
I'm amazed!
Thank You, Father, for overwhelming me with Your wondrous joy, Your unfailing love, Your amazing grace! You shower me with goodness and glory--You love me in such a unique, individual way--and what is so amazing is that You love everyone else in the whole world the same way! Your plans for my life are beyond my comprehension--I look back in wonder, I stand in awe, I look forward with a secure heart--for You plan nothing but the best for my life. Sometimes it's pain, and I grow. Sometimes it's pleasure, and I delight! But it's always the best. YOU'RE the best, Lord, and I love You. Thank You, Heavenly Father!
Our Almighty, all-wise, all-loving Father knows that a child needs acceptance and approval. Sometimes earthly fathers fail, and kids never receive the important qualities of security they need in early childhood. They spend a lifetime looking for them--in all the wrong places. If that's you, then receive God's amazing grace today--and know His acceptance and approval, as no earthly father can give. If you've been fortunate enough to know the love of a wonderful earthly dad, thank God for that blessing. But remember Your Heavenly Father IS the best--and He gives the best to His kids. It's yours--reach out and receive all the acceptance, approval and love you need today--there's enough for us ALL!
His Healing Words
"...Behold , what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God...(1 John 3:1 KJV)."
"Lord, I come to You as a child, needing Your acceptance, Your approval and Your love. Help me to know and to feel the true, unfailing love of my Heavenly Father this week. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
--Peggy Bohanon
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We thank you, Lord, for all you give;
The food we eat, the lives we live;
And to our loved ones far away,
Please send your blessings, Lord, we pray.
And help us all to live our days
With thankful hearts and loving ways.
Amen.
Thank you for the blessings that you give to us each day;
For friends and family we hold dear, for all you send our way.
We ask that you will guide us well, in everything we do,
And pray we never will forget these blessings came from you.
Amen.
God bless the food we eat this day.
We thank you for it; and we pray
For all our loved ones, far and near,
And every person gathered here.
We ask your blessings on each one,
And claim them by your holy Son.
Amen.
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Read Through The Bible
Exodus 7
1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. 2 You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country. 3 But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, 4 he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites. 5 And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it." 6 Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD commanded them. 7 Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.
Aaron's Staff Becomes a Snake
8 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 9 "When Pharaoh says to you, 'Perform a miracle,' then say to Aaron, 'Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,' and it will become a snake." 10 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. 11 Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: 12 Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron's staff swallowed up their staffs. 13 Yet Pharaoh's heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
The Plague of Blood
14 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Pharaoh's heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go. 15 Go to Pharaoh in the morning as he goes out to the water. Wait on the bank of the Nile to meet him, and take in your hand the staff that was changed into a snake. 16 Then say to him, 'The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to say to you: Let my people go, so that they may worship me in the desert. But until now you have not listened. 17 This is what the LORD says: By this you will know that I am the LORD : With the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into blood. 18 The fish in the Nile will die, and the river will stink; the Egyptians will not be able to drink its water.' " 19 The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over the streams and canals, over the ponds and all the reservoirs'-and they will turn to blood. Blood will be everywhere in Egypt, even in the wooden buckets and stone jars." 20 Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded. He raised his staff in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was changed into blood. 21 The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. Blood was everywhere in Egypt. 22 But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh's heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said. 23 Instead, he turned and went into his palace, and did not take even this to heart. 24 And all the Egyptians dug along the Nile to get drinking water, because they could not drink the water of the river.
The Plague of Frogs
25 Seven days passed after the LORD struck the Nile.
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Praising God at Mealtime
Be present at our table, Lord,
Be here and everywhere adored.
Thy creatures bless, and grant that we
May feast in paradise with thee.
--John Wesley
Blessing for Mealtime
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us! Lord, cleanse us from our sins! Master, pardon our transgressions! Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name's sake.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy! (3 times)
O Christ God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for Thou art holy, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
--Traditional
Child's Grace
God is great and God is good,
And we thank him for our food;
By his hand we must be fed,
Give us Lord, our daily bread. Amen.
--Traditional
Child's Prayer of Thanks
Thank you for the world so sweet. Thank you for the things we eat. Thank you for the birds that sing. Thank you, God, for everything.
Child's Grace
O Lord my God, I bless thy holy name for this mercy, which I have now received from thy bounty and goodness. Feed now my soul with thy grace, that I may make it my meat and drink to do thy gracious will, through Jesus Christ my Saviour. Amen.
John Wesley
An Evening Family Prayer
Lord, behold our family here assembled.
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
for the love that unites us,
for the peace accorded to us this day,
for the hope with which we expect the morrow;
for the health, the work, the food and the bright skies
that make our lives delightful;
for our friends in all parts of the earth. Amen.
Robert Louis Stevenson
Grace Before Meals
Lord bless this food to our use and us to Thy service, and make us ever mindful of the needs of others. Amen.
Blessing for Mealtime
O Christ God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for Thou art holy, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
--Traditional
Table Blessing
Bless us O Lord, and these thy gifts,
Which we are about to receive, from thy bounty,
Through Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.
--Traditional
Table Blessing
God is great! God is good!
Let us thank Him for our food.
Amen.
Gratitude for Happy Hearts
We thank Thee Lord, for happy hearts,
For rain and sunny weather.
We thank Thee, Lord, for this our food,
And that we are together.
Wherever you are in life, whatever you've done, you can begin again. If you do not have Jesus in your life and wish to ask Jesus into your life please go to this link now to do so: http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=95 . Jesus is calling you to live a life that matters.