Thanksgiving Blessings

         

         The news across the world is not only dappled in unpleasantness, it wreaks of it.  There are horror stories of shootings, weather related strife and political unrest. Yet here we are getting ready to celebrate another Thanksgiving Holiday.  So, we cook our meals, prepare lots of yummy desserts and invite friends and family to share a meal while we blot out all that is going on around us.

            So, this post is going to be a reminder—a tribute, if you will, that regardless of the many things “wrong” with our world, we can indeed look on the bright side and focus on what is “right” in our lives! Will it be balanced?  Only each reader can determine that, but I’d like to believe, regardless of the depth of despair we encounter, when we have God in our lives, we can (and must) be thankful!

            That said, first and foremost, I am thankful for God, the Giver of all things who created the universe and cares about each creation, large and small across the globe, and especially His creation of humanity.  He also offers mercy, grace and forgiveness, and as a human who is forever making mistakes, I have another reason to be thankful!

            My family is also at the top of my list.  When I consider the wealth of love I have through my husband, children and grandchildren, how can I not feel blessed?  We have a home, adequate food, clean water to drink, clothes to wear and shoes for our feet.  We have an education, enabling us to follow our dreams to become whatever it is we desire. We have the means of transportation to take us wherever we choose to travel.  And we have the comfort of pets who want nothing more than to be fed and loved.

            Along with my God and family I have friends that surround my life all across America--and even across the ocean.  I have several church families since we have the opportunity to travel.  Each of these special people embrace us even as weeks and sometimes months pass between visits.  This is the kind of friendship that lasts a lifetime, and for that I am extremely grateful!

            As Americans, we live in a country where freedoms are still protected, while every day we see history changing as technology continues to radicalize the way we think and see our ever changing world.  Additionally, I am grateful to the men and women across the centuries who have served in the military to protect those freedoms, even as there is the constant threat from those who want to see our country crushed.

            Additionally I am thankful for you!  I am grateful that each of you are willing to take a few moments of your very busy days, and read the thoughts I put on paper (or computer!).  And

I am delighted when someone takes the time to share their thoughts on a given blog. 

            So, I wonder if you would share one or more things for which you are grateful.  God is so good and even when we have bad days, weeks, months or even years, it’s so good to know He is in control.  For that I am also grateful!  So share your heart……and thank you!  Thank you for being YOU!

           

Giving Up Our "Isaac's"

            I was talking with a friend this week about how life seems to want to wrangle us to the ground, leaving us breathless with frustration and wringing our hands, while trying to figure out what in the world to do!

            One of my favorite movies, “Facing The Giants,” has one scene where the wife is faced with the frustration of being unable to get pregnant.  Her husband asks her if God doesn’t give them children, would she love Him [God] anyway?  She didn’t immediately answer, because the void left her broken.  

           Later after another visit with the doctor that said she was not pregnant, she looked up toward the heavens and said, “I will love you, anyway!  I will love you!”  That scene brings me to tears every time I see it.  She, gave up her “Isaac.”  She gave to God that which she clung to, because of the pain of not having children seemed too great to bear. 

            Another friend recently shared how she had to give up something she loved.  She said it wasn’t something she really wanted to do, but God had his own plans, and her life had turned in such an expected way, the only way to deal, was to give up this particular “love!”  Following much prayer and discussion with her husband, she made the hard choice.  She will tell you in a heartbeat, God blessed her and her husband’s decision.  God opened doors in areas she didn’t even realize needed opening.   

            In my own life, I have been faced with similar situations.  There are changes which rattle my core, and I have prayed for direction.  There was a time this week, when I heard that “voice within me” ask, “If……(this) …..doesn’t take place, will you love ME anyway?” 

            It made me remember the scene in the movie, “Facing the Giants.”  I had to look hard at myself and weigh my choices and recognize who is in control.   I looked to the Lord and said, “Yes, I will love you anyway! I will!”  In the movie, the couple had children, even though the doctor said they wouldn’t.  How will my situation turn out?  I haven’t a clue.  But I have to trust that if God chooses to change MY plans, then HE has something better!

            We’ve become a world where those things we believe we need (and particularly that which we can buy), is a done deal!  With credit easily available, to almost anyone ---  even though there may be a horrific interest fee to pay ---  we can buy those items we feel necessary, even if they aren’t a “necessity” at all.

            For those items we cannot purchase, even with cold hard cash, it’s a little more complicated, but people will still go to great lengths to attain their ideals from their “bucket list” or human desires, even if it costs them dearly, because of bad choices.

Once Adam and Eve were ejected from the Garden of Eden, we’ve been a people who were promised a life of trial and tribulation.  It’s in this format we are taught to trust in a God who knows all things.  Life’s not easy.  It’s not supposed to be.  Sometimes, when we are faced with not getting what we want, it may not be that God is saying, “No.”  Instead it may be “It’s not the right time,” or “I’ve got something better in mind.” 

Giving up your “Isaac” may be the hardest --- and best --- thing you could ever do.  It may be just what you need to strengthen your faith and build your trust.

Our Christian Support Group

            There are many ways people choose to worship.  Many find they are close to God when alone in a boat on the water.   Others feel close to God in the mountains or other natural settings.  Some find communion with God in the silence of their own home.

            This communion with God is necessary each day of our lives.  It’s vital, also, to interact with other Believers for the encouragement gleaned from each other.  Other Christians are, in essence, “our support group.”

            How long do clubs remain functioning if no one attends meetings?  Whether it’s VFW, Weight Watchers or a civic organization; when people stop coming to meetings, interest falls, goals are left unmet, and the organization will fold.  People are what hold the “club” together.

            Church meetings are even more vital when looked upon from this perspective.  How long will churches last if no one comes?  How long will our interest hold and faith and strength remain, if we don’t stay involved, even with the best intentions?

            The Bible is specific on this subject.  Go to meetings for encouragement, and to encourage.  This is when our souls are fed and nourished, for the upcoming days in the week, when we may not have any other human contact.  It’s the tie that binds us to our Christian family.

            Recent surveys show statistically people in the South tend to be “church-goers” more than those in the North. Another article further describes the various kinds of churches available.  Congregations include mega churches that enjoys up to 2,000 or more as a weekly congregation.  There are also the smaller, lively and vivacious urban churches, that prefers intimacy over quantity, and finally there are others who do not claim affiliation with any specific denomination, yet do remarkably well in regular attendance.

            I admit, I gravitate toward a medium sized church, where most people know each other, that initiates community, yet still has energy overflowing in Christian love. There’s something really special about walking into God’s house and being welcomed by hugs from many of the members.  I’ve been to small churches, and even enjoy them; but I prefer a bit more activity.  On the mega church level, I tend to shy away, because I feel lost in something so large.  Regardless where I find myself on Sunday morning, I know I must attend church.

            Once in college, a professor asked the students in our class, “What one thing do you need from week to week to keep your routine in check?”  My answer: “Church attendance.”  She countered with, “Why?”  I explained, “When I miss church service, my entire week is thrown off.  My time in fellowship with other Believers on Sunday sets the tone for the rest of the week.  Listening to the sermon, prayers and singing the hymns, feeds my mind and soul all week long.”

            I encourage you to attend worship service regularly.  It’s the best way on earth to feed your mind, soul and spirit.