THANKS GIVING 2019: Happy Thanksgiving!

Good Morning Friends!

Gobble, gobble, gobble – 

These words resonate in my ears every Thanksgiving

It is what my Auntie Barb always says every Thanksgiving Day

And she always sounds SO CUTE & joy bubbling out of her ... like it always does

ME –

I am up early and have not slept most of the evening;

Cooking, cooking, cooking!

But, I absolutely LOVE to cook so it is a pleasure

I am also up praying that your day is off to a great start –

That this Thanksgiving Day 2019 will be a joy-filled one;

And that if you are traveling this Thanksgiving Holiday – that you will be safe

THANKSGIVING is such a special day

HOWEVER – 

This is not where our giving of thanks begins … or where it should end

I hope during this series, that we have discovered –

WE HAVE SO MANY REASONS TO BE THANKFUL

EVERY DAY – there is something which should cause us to GIVE THANKS;

EVERY SEASON – should be a time for THANKSGIVING

COUNTLESS REASONS – abound, reminding us WE ARE BLESSED & SHOULD BE GRATEFUL

Let us not allow our heart of gratitude be relegated to a season or a day

Let us GIVE THANKS every day!

I am so thankful for you this morning!

Praying you have a tremendously blessed day –

Happy Thanksgiving & Much Love in Christ!

‘Rejoice always, pray continually,

                Give thanks in all circumstances –

for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.’ I Thessalonians 5:16-18

THANKS GIVING 2019: IDENTITY

Good Evening Friends!

I pray you had a great day –

It is COLD AND RAINY here in Virginia Beach

AND –

Days like this … they get me in a reflective mood

I do not know the precise reason

Perhaps it is because there is not much more you want to do when the weather is YUCKY

In any event – it got me thinking about one of my favorite children’s movies: MOANA

It is a Disney film about a young girl named Moana who has been chosen to help her people. Their island is dying. And, as part of this mission, she has to engage the assistance of a demi-god named Maui

That part aside, it is an interesting little film –

                It is one of those movies that I stop and watch every time I see it

AND – there is one part in particular which resonates with me for some reason

Facing challenges in their quest and dealing with Maui wanting to abandon the mission and literally jump ship [or raft/canoe], Moana reminds Maui ‘We’re only here because you stole the heart [of Te Fiti] in the first place’ – to which Maui responds, ‘No we’re here because the ocean told you, you were special and you believed it.’

THEN –  sounding every bit like she is attempting to convince herself and Maui, Moana declares:

“The ocean chose me!"

AND THEN – Maui, offering one last quip before he leaves, states, ‘The ocean chose wrong.’

NOW –

I will not go through the entire movie because that scene right there is what got me thinking tonight.

AND –

I started thinking about myself – 

And then I started thinking about all the other people out in this great big world tonight.

So what does this have to do with thanks giving and the subject of identity?

IDENTITY IS CRUCIAL – AND SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR

‘If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone; behold, the new has come!’ II Cor. 5:17

Yet, people will always attempt to flip the script on you –

to even blame you for things they have done;

or to project their issues upon you.

Earlier on in that movie, Maui tells Moana that he was not born a demi-god; that he was tossed into the water [discarded like unwanted garbage] by his human parents – and that he was plucked from the ocean. However, rather than focusing on the fact that he was rescued from a certain death-sentence, he continued to struggle with his own identity – and projected his issues upon Moana.

This is what happens to men and women everyday

BUT – DO NOT EVER allow someone else’s tainted self-image define who you are

Who you are with does not define who you are

What your enemies, family friends & associates say does not define who you are

Where you have been does not define who you are

Where you are presently does not define who you are

Where you are going does not even define who you are

NONE OF THAT DEFINES WHO YOU ARE

WHO THE LORD IS DEFINES WHO YOU ARE

THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY – 

                and your relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, 

                empowered by His Holy Spirit – THIS IS WHAT DEFINES YOU

BE CAREFUL who you allow to speak into your life and who you listen to –

                They are likely struggling with their own demons

Choose to listen instead to the voice of the LORD –

Which lovingly speaks to each and every one of us, reminding us:

‘Before I formed you in your mother’s womb – I knew you;

before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you ….’ Jeremiah 1:5

In that verse, the LORD is speaking to Jeremiah and reminding him that He chose him and appointed him a prophet. Now, we are not all destined or appointed to be prophets. However, we are all chosen and appointed.

UNDERSTAND – that the area or subject that gets you fired up and causes a righteous indignation to arise within your heart … is likely the precise area where you have been ANOINTED AND APPOINTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Your battle to maintain your identity has a MUCH BROADER IMPACT BEYOND YOUR LIFE.

There are people who have experienced victory – BECAUSE OF YOU

There are people who find strength for another day – BECAUSE YOU ARE ALIVE

There are people you have not even met yet,

who will be IMPACTED FOR ETERNITY – ALL BECAUSE OF YOU

If you have to tell yourself [and your audience] everyday who you are – 

YOU DO JUST THAT

BUT –

DON’T YOU EVER GIVE UP, DON’T GIVE IN & DO NOT FORGET WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST!

Praying you have an incredibly blessed evening –

Stay warm … and dry … 

FULLY AWARE OF WHO YOU ARE & THANKFUL FOR THAT IDENTITY

Blessings & Much Love in Christ!

THANKS GIVING 2019: WEEKENDS

Good Evening Friends!

I pray you had a great day –

I have to say I am thoroughly enjoying our THANKS GIVING series

AND TODAY?

Well, it has been one of those weeks –

SO TODAY – I am TRULY THANKFUL for …. THE WEEKEND!

This may be one of the shortest posts I have ever written …

YUP – that truly is all I have for today!

I am praying that you have a blessed evening and a FABULOUS WEEKEND!

 God Bless!

‘There is a time for everything,

                and a season for  every activity under the heavens’ … Ecclesiastes 3:1

THANKS GIVING 2019: TIME

Good Evening Friends!

I pray your day went well

 Mine?

It was busy – but productive – so I’ll take it!

Some days it feels like there is simply not enough TIME

Not enough hours in the day  … but that was not the case today

I am actually reclined in my bed writing this post.

The older I get – the more I am learning

To appreciate quiet moments of solitude like this moment right here.

Time is a precious commodity.

It is one of the few things you can NEVER get back once it is used 

I guess that is why I have always been so thankful –

for family, friends and mentors who have made time for me

They have given the most precious gift one human being can grant to another

Therefore, I always do my level best to ensure it is an investment of time and not just an expenditure 

I also make it a point - within my power and as often as possible - to PAY IT FORWARD 

This is easy to do with people you absolutely adore. However, it requires a bit more effort to extend the same courtesy to those who may not be at the top of your ‘My Favorite People’ list. It is harder still for those who do not appreciate your time or who take it for granted.

HOWEVER –

I cannot recall a single time I have regretted [truly regretted] being kind to someone 

I will not say it does not cost you anything 

IT DOES COST A GREAT DEAL

But it is usually worth it.

You never know the difference you make in another person’s life - with just the simplest gesture 

I thank God for the time He grants me daily - to keep positively impacting my tiny little sphere of influence 

IT IS SUCH A BLESSING!

Praying that you will make the most of the time you have ... and,

Praying that you will have a truly blessed evening!

God Bless!

THANKS GIVING 2019: THE TRUTH

Good Afternoon Friends!

I pray your day is well –

That you are making time to celebrate all the things which make you THANKFUL

I am definitely benefiting from focusing on THANKS GIVING

AND TODAY?

TODAY – I am exceptionally thankful for THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD

You see, there are time when I am uncertain of everyone and everything around me 

But I know His nature and I know His Word to be true

Therefore, if ever there is a time when I find myself doubting –

which happens more than I care to admit

If ever there is a time when I start think He just does not care or –

that I must have made Him angry

His Holy Spirit assures me there is something amiss in my reasoning.

He reminds me - that is not the God I serve.

He gently [and sometimes forcefully] prods me to GAIN A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING,

to EMBRACE A BROADER PERSPECTIVE.

It is in those moments, often mixed with tears (like it was last night) –

that I am reminded how very blessed I am,

how much I truly have to be thankful for.

I talked a couple of days ago about how THANKS NEEDS TO BE INTENTIONAL at times 

I mean, life is not always sunshine and roses 

Indeed in the Word we are forewarned:

‘In the world you will have trouble ...’ John 16:33

It does not say you could, not that you might, not even a maybe ... it is a certainty 

But we also admonished to ...

     'take courage [be of good cheer] for I have overcome the world.’

Even the most painful experiences can provide value –

     They can usher in understanding and hope,

     if we will submit to the idea of them being our teachers and not our adversaries

GOD is still in control –

He does still sit enthroned 

And He cares for every single matter which matters to us

That is indeed something to be thankful for! 

No matter what kind of day you have had –

Irrespective of the type of week, the manner of month

I pray the truth of His Word will meet you where you are

AND

If you are filled with joy – that His truth would embolden you further

If you are filled with sadness – that His truth would be the spark of joy & light of hope you need

If you are filled with uncertainty – that His Word would be the peace, direction, comfort and assurance which you long for

I thank God for you in my prayers ....

Praying You Have a Blessed Evening!

THANKS GIVING 2019: INTENTIONAL THANKS

Good Evening Friends …

     Happy Monday!

I pray your week is off to a good start

Today was a decent day – until I went to my doctor’s office

NOW – I could let it ruin my entire evening

HOWEVER – I choose instead to focus on something positive

It is my INTENTION 

     To keep my eyes fixed on what is good and lovely and praiseworthy

     Like spending some time here with all of you

So – what is the focus for TODAY’S THANKS GIVING?

INTENTIONAL THANKS

Webster’s define intentional as: done on purpose; deliberate

Sometimes, that has to be the nature of our attitude –

WE HAVE TO MAKE A CONCERTED EFFORT TO NOT JUST FEEL THANKFUL

     BUT TO EXPRESS THAT FEELING OF THANKFULNESS

THANKS IS AN EVERY DAY THING

This is a card which I had purchased for someone I consider very dear

Unfortunately, though, despite my best intention to deliver it –

It is still in my possession … A FULL YEAR LATER

And while this particular greeting did not make it to its intended recipient,

It holds a timeless message which is applicable every day of the year –

     And NOT JUST AT THANKSGIVING

Wishing you JOY

A day for GRATITUDE

A day for SHARING

A day for REMEMBERING THE SPECIAL PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES

You may not get a second chance to express the thanks you feel today

I know this, not intellectually but experientially.

SO WHY NOT EXPRESS YOUR GRATITUDE TODAY?!

The inside of that card?

It says: Thanksgiving wishes, for a day that’s filled with happiness, thankfulness, friendship, and fun.

YET – this is my prayer every day for the people I love

And I make it a point to EXPRESS GRATITUDE –

As frequently as I feel it, as often and as quickly as possible

I am sure you have a couple of special people in your life as well:

• People who make you smile every time you think about them;
• People who give you a reason to thank God that He created them
• People who make your heart warm at the thought of how blessed you are to know them

SO – carve out some time to tell them

BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT IT!

Don’t hold back, thinking that there is always time,

that there will always be another opportunity.

There is not always another chance to do what you might have done today –

to say what you might have said today.

And, you just might be the bright, shining light to someone’s dark and challenging day –

And that is something to be thankful for.

Praying You Have a Blessed Evening!

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things” Philippians 4:8

THANKS GIVING 2019: SIMPLE PLEASURES

Good Morning Friends

IT IS SATURDAY!!!

AND – I am starting the day early

LOTS TO DO TODAY – BUT FUN STUFF!

A couple of days ago, I noted how I got to experience –

What I affectionately refer to as a GOD MOMENT

And vertical relationship with God is important

But it is also important for us to make time to enjoy our horizontal relationships –

It is important to enjoy time with friends and family

WELL – Yesterday was a FAMILY MOMENT

It was one of those SIMPLE PLEASURES that, when they come, it is a TRUE JOY

It was one of those moments that should not be a rarity.

However, with our schedules, we are more like roommates.

I can actually go a couple of days without seeing my sons

BUT – Last night we all happened to be home at the same time

AND – we had ….. DINNER TOGETHER!!

I KNOW – it is not  big deal … it should not be a big deal.

But it was really nice having everyone at the dinner table

                Eating, laughing, conversing and just enjoying one another’s company

It was SO enjoyable and something for which I am INCREDIBLY THANKFUL

I pray you will be able to enjoy some simple pleasures this weekend

And remember ...

“The ordinary becomes extraordinary

when done with the people we love!”

Have a Blessed Day!

THANKS GIVING 2019: GOD MOMENTS

Good Evening Friends

I pray your day was a great one

It is still QUITE COLD here!!!!

Today was an interesting day for me –

I got to experience what I affectionately refer to as a GOD MOMENT

These are times – THESE GOD MOMENTS – when the LORD shows up in such a personal way

They are not regular occurrences.

HOWEVER –

Each time it has happened, it leave me feeling pretty amazing … it lets me know

• I AM LOVED
• I AM REMEMBERED
• I AM PROTECTED & DEFENDED
• I AM CHERISHED

AND – most of all, it leaves me feeling INCREDIBLY THANKFUL

NOW – if you have spent any time here on this page, you are well aware of MY LOVE OF MUSIC

WELL – today was pretty great

I was listening to music at work – like I always do

However, my music frequently times out when I am listening on YouTube

Here is the screen shot of what it looked like today

Now, when this happens, my music stops abruptly until I tap the ‘Yes' to continue listening

TODAY THE MUSIC KEPT PLAYING

AND THE SONG THAT PLAYED WAS ONE I HAD NOT HEARD BEFORE

CECIE’S LULLABY by Steffany Gretzinger

Now, that might not be much of  God Moment to most people – but it was to me

Because of the lyrics, I knew something special was happening;

Something so special that it brought a tear to my eye

THE LYRICS?

Call My name
And I will answer
All you need
It's here inside My arms
Just breathe
And you'll be safe and sound with Me

No one knows you better than Me
No one's been a better Friend

So rock-a-bye baby
Come and rest
You've been tired lately
Lay your head down
Don't you think, baby
I know best
I've been a Father
For a long time

That is not the complete song –

But it is the part of the song that GRABBED MY ATTENTION

It is the part of the song that GRABBED HOLD OF MY HEART

It is the part of the song that let me know, 

IN THAT PRECISE MOMENT – THAT GOD MOMENT,

THAT GOD WAS THINKING OF ME – 

EVERY BIT AS MUCH AS I’VE BEEN THINKING OF HIM … AND MORE!

Moments like the one that happened today are so precious

And I am so thankful every time they occur

It reminds me of my Father’s promises:

• ‘You are chosen…’ I Peter 2:9
• ‘I have inscribed you on the palm of My hands’ Isaiah 49:16
• ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love’ Jeremiah 31:3

AND THAT IS CERTAINLY SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR!

Have a Blessed Evening!

THANKS GIVING 2019: IN EVERY SEASON

Good Evening Friends!

I pray all is well with you

I must say I am thoroughly enjoying this series of focusing on GIVING THANKS

I keep thinking about the instruction given in I Thessalonians 5:18

It is not a suggestion, not a recommendation but an actual directive:

‘Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’

HOW POWERFUL IS THAT!

I know so many who spend their whole lives trying to find out God’s will for their lives

I know I have done it

YET – It could not be any clearer

‘GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES’

In every situation, in every instance, IN EVERY SEASON – GIVE THANKS

NOW – this time of year, thoughts go toward autumn leaves and gatherings with family and friends

HOWEVER – tonight, here in Virginia Beach, it is feeling more like a wintry mix – SO COLD!

YET – THERE ARE STILL REASONS TO BE THANKFUL

Thankful for shelter

    There is no place like home

Thankful for eyes to see and a body to feel –

    Even if it is seeing the rain and feeling the cold

Thankful for friends and family

     I know I am thankful for my sons and my good friends

Thankful for employment

     Even when it is challenging

Thankful for peace-filled moment

   SO THANKFUL FOR PEACE!!!

The list could continue and continue ...

BUT – enough about what I am thankful for

Why don’t you take some time to count all things you are thankful for?

SO MANY REASONS TO GIVE THANKS

                IN EVERY SEASON GIVE THANKS

I am thankful for you & praying you have blessed, restful and WARM evening

God Bless!