Tag: Thanksgiving

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Happy Thanksgiving

Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving

Preparing to share the holiday with family and friends, or perhaps participate in a community service activity?  During these activities,  celebrate the knowledge that you are neither barren nor unfruitful. Our Lord and Savior blessed you with power, and purpose.  The purpose for which you were created is being fulfilled, and the time spent in learning who are you, and whose you are is producing fruit which can be shared to encourage, and assist others who are on the path as well.

As one of those on the receiving end, I want to take this time to express my appreciation.  You are a blessing to me, to your community and families, and to the body of Christ.  May this Thanksgiving be a time filled with the wonder of Christ’s love, and the knowledge that you matter .

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Doers of the Word-A Gentle thought

In the book of James, chapter 1, verse 25, “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

This day be a doer of the Divine Word of God.  Let the light of Christ fill each movement, thought, and action.  Breathe in our Lord this day.  Let your heart be willing and stirred to do the work set before you with dignity, and a grateful heart.  Do all to the glory of God.  Let your works be a testimony to His love.

Dear friends, look into the glorious light of love that is Christ, and experience His blessings and grace which are new every morning.  Shalom

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Thanksgiving

 “Earth should be a temple filled with the songs of grateful saints, and every day should be a smoking censor with the sweet incense of thanksgiving.”  C.H. Spurgeon

As you prepare for feasting and fellowship with family and friends, let us not forget those whose sacred circles have been disrupted.  Those columns of home, health, safety, and family which anchor our hearts and minds, for some have been blown apart by nature, poor decisions, or the insensitivity of man.    Pray for those who are feeling lost, abandoned, rejected, alone.  Ask God to strengthen their hearts and minds, and out of His endless supply of love grant them hope, peace and blessed assurance He knows all, see all, and is still there.   Then offer up songs of praise, and thanksgiving to our Great God for His amazing love, His mercy and His grace.   God has done so much for us.  We owe it to ourselves to spend some time in His garden of grace expressing our appreciation for His mercy and great love.

May the God of all mercy and grace be with you and your family this holiday.

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Making A Difference

Last evening I watched several clips from NBC’s Making A Difference segment.  Story after story about various individuals who step out of their comfort zones to help others.  From a town who gave a wounded soldier and his bride a fairy tale wedding ,to a group that holds monthly potluck dinners to send funds to women in developing nations. Amazing tales of sacrifices to make life a little better for those in need.

What struck me the most was each person said, “I had to do it”, as if their very life depended upon these acts of generosity. There were no regrets or thoughts about what if I can’t do it, or should I do it? It was just a solid resignation that it had to be done.  No matter what the cost, they felt compelled to act.  As a result, not only were the recipients changed, but the givers were also transformed.

Isn’t that how Jesus felt in the garden that fateful night when he said “not my will be done”?  Although he wrestled, and drops of blood fell upon his brow he gave up himself to give the ultimate gift to the world.  And because of it he made the biggest difference in our lives.

It was a pleasure watching each story.  I was moved, and deeply touched by the outpouring of love and generosity, even by those who faced major ordeals.  Be encouraged to make a difference in the lives of others. The benefits far outweight risks. You will be transformed, and so will those around you.

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A.C.T.S. of Gratitude

Gratitude and appreciation are elusive things.  The busyness of our lives creates barriers to them.  We rush from one activity to the next, from one person to the next, from one situation to the next. Even technology robs us from hitting the pause button with its endless tweets, dings, bells, whistles, ringtones.  Before we can complete a sentence, or a thought some new piece of information, or news flash breaks in our consciousness and leads us off down the road.   Or even worst, a memory of some mistake, sin, forgotten assignment, misplaced word or a gregarious act steals our peace, and before you know it you’re drifting away.   However, when we do pause from the tyranny of things, or the focus of what should not have happened, and turn our attention to those layers upon layers of blessings, gratitude comes in.  Our heartspace opens,  and joy drives up with peace, love, and the entire fruit of the Spirit. [Galatians 5:22-23].  It is a beautiful thing.

Clipper Creative Art Service

Gratitude makes us truly appreciate the:A=actions made by Our Lord, and others on behalf of us,

C=challenges of life with faith and blessed assurance that all things work together for those who are the called, according to His purposes,

T=triumphs of the journey because of Christ’s gift of salvation,

S=sacrifices Christ made on Calvary because of His great love for us.

Our A.C.T.S. of gratitude causes us to respond in a grateful manner which demonstrates our deep appreciation for this life, and for the life to come.

 

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A Soul’s Rest

This morning the skyline was gleaming with purple light, the whole world seems to be rising quietly, softly with the dawn. I began the day with Psalm 69: 6-36, but paused on verses 30-32[KJV].

“I will praise the name of God with a song, and magnify Him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bull. The humble shall see this and be glad; And you who seek God, your hearts shall live.”

I arose with the dawn, and a song of praise upon my lips for the blessing of my Savior.  His wonderful gift at Calvary has restored me, and given me a new life.  My soul is at rest-secure in this knowledge.

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