Thanksgiving Blessings

Thanksgiving time reminds us to stop and give thanks for what the Lord has done in our lives - a time to recount our blessings and "name them one by one!" As I was looking up this phrase in my Bible I realized it was not a verse but from a hymn. Of course it is a Biblical concept of remembering what God has done in our lives.

As we think about the good things God has done, it begins to make us happy and to bring joy - "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Phil 4:8)." It changes our attitudes and makes us more enjoyable to be around when we focus on blessings with a thankful heart.

Even though my life is not what I expected - my daughter dying at a young age and then this year having to have a hysterectomy meaning that I can no longer bear children - yet I am still alive and God loves me! I can either focus on the negatives and what I wanted, or praise God for what he is doing in my life and enjoying the creation around me! May the Lord reveal His grace in your lives as well!

"...Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another inpsalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (Eph 18-21)."