Giving Thanks!

Father, this week is the "set" time for everyone to say what they're thankful for as we head into the Thanksgiving holidays. I want it to be so much more than that. Help my heart explode with thankfulness as I remember what was accomplished on my behalf on the cross. I want this to be the flavor of my life the other 51 weeks of the year too!!! How can thankfulness be a part of who I am ALL the time? Yes, when we have to start making another car payment-thankfulness; when the kids argue for the thousandth time in one hour-thankfulness; when i have to stay up an extra 30 minutes for one more load of laundry or school lunch to prepare-thankfulness; when it's freezing outside and I'm unloading groceries-thankfulness; when there's only sandwiches for dinner-thankfulness; when I feel left out of a conversation-thankfulness; when the alarm goes off again for a new day-thankfulness; when there's more whining about my motherly answer-thankfulness; when a conflict has to be resolved-thankfulness; when I've been misunderstood-thankfulness. Oh that my heart would sing of thanksgiving for Your blood shed for me, in my place, on my behalf!! JESUS, You are my thanksgiving! You are constant; You are forever; You are glorious; You are everything; and You are my thanksgiving!!! It all comes back to You, Your Work, and Your Glory!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: REJOICE! 

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, 

present your requests to God. 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:4-7

God, You are the source of all joy!! Regardless if I attribute every little detail of my day to Your doing You are in control and holding all things together. If I base thankfulness and joy on my circumstances and how well I'm measuring up to my own standards then they are definitely lacking. If I remember You and Your perfect goodness in all things then my joy goes beyond anything I could muster up on my own! You are near and Your nearness reminds me that I am nothing and You are everything and this fuels gentleness toward other people. I remember what I've been saved from and for and what's been extended to me; and with Your help I want to extend grace, mercy, and forgiveness to those around me. Those that don't know You, those that don't think like me, those that are difficult to love, and those that are easy to overlook. God, I want to be quick to approach Your gracious throne with the things that make me feel anxious. And in that moment to say thank-you for the reminder that I can't control things and I don't know best! I am not the center of the universe! Fearful and anxious thoughts are signs of me pretending that I am. Who am I to change things or even know what to do to change things? What good does it do if I contemplate over the details of my life? Forgive me, Father, for trying to "take it." Confessing my complete dependence on You and my need for Your mercy helps me be thankful. My eyes and focus are fixed on You and that stirs thankfulness!! And with all these things, Jesus, comes Your peace! Everlasting, Ever flowing peace!! 

Father, I want to know You and the power of Your resurrection. I want to encounter You on a deeper level every time I meet with You. I want to reflect Your beauty with every ounce of my being. I want Your Word to be ever on my lips. I want my heart to constantly be singing of Your praises. All of these are fulfilled because of the cross and because of the blood of Jesus. Tonight I am giving thanks for Jesus....more and more of Jesus!!!