Happy Thanksgiving!

Here are a few things we traditionally do on Thanksgiving and some things we are just starting this year.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful...." Colossians 3:15–17 (check out the rest, too) 

•  We have a Thanksgiving book that explains the origins of our beloved holiday.  In this book I keep a log of where we spent our Thanksgiving each year and who was there around the table.  Everyone takes turns writing what they are thankful for next to their name.  
•  This year our kids have made the place cards for each person who will attend. 
  
  The cards are “decked-out” with a picture of a turkey, turkey facts and a scripture verse.  Matthew and Jordan have written the names of each person who will be around the table.  Some we left blank as there may be surprise people who show up!  This brings me to my next point:
• We also invite anyone who might not have a family to be with for the holidays.
•  Also, this year my mom made cookies for all the kids to decorate.  This is kind of like a Christmas thing but my sister and family will be moving houses by the end of this year so I guess that’s why we are doing it at Thanksgiving. 
•  I printed off a bunch of festive coloring pages for the kids to do if there’s ever a lull in the entertainment :-)

What are some of your traditions?  Maybe make new ones and make sure to look into your kids’ eyes and let them know how thankful you are to be their mommy!  Make it an every-day tradition.

Giving Thanks....

Psalm 100:4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Psalm 106:1

Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Isaiah 12:4

In that day you will say: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Chronicles 16:8

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!

1 Chronicles 16:34

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!

Today we will spend tons of time creating, decorating, and making food for those we love. Spending countless hours basting turkeys, smashing potatoes, and setting the perfect table. Hoping it all comes together, our kids behave, and that our company enjoys themselves. Lots of pressure, lots to do, and only so many hours in the day! 

A few days ago, I began to think of all the preparation that goes into Thanksgiving and Christmas. The time, effort, and love that flows into our happenings. But I realized that many times, in the fast paced - trying to get it all done- wanting it to be perfect - day - we can forget to praise the One whom it all comes from. We can leave God completely out of our day- not because we don't love him - but because we are consumed with all the other busyness going on. 

So my challenge to you this Thanksgiving (and Christmas too) is to incorporate and create some traditions, into your day, where you can enjoy your kids & company,  and still create a space in time where your focus and praise can be placed on Jesus. 

A few ideas....

1. Reading a scripture verse about thanks. Each tell one thing thankful for.

2. Have everyone trace their hand, cut it out, & answer a question

    on each finger. 

       WHO - Who are you thankful for?

       WHAT- What are you thankful for?

       WHEN- When is a time (past, present or future) that you are thankful for?

       WHERE- Where is a place you are thankful for?

       WHY - Why are you thankful? 

3. Place two kernels of corn (or any thing you have plenty of) on each place 

    and ask each person to share two things they are thankful for - no repeats:)

 

What are your thanksgiving traditions? How will you incorporate Christ into your day of thanks? Enjoy, have fun, and create memories!  

Giving and Thanks

I love my Bon Appetit magazine that comes monthly!  In the November 2014 issue it has this whole (awesome) section about “Giving & Thanking”.  I thought about those words.  How many times do we “do” the whole “Thanksgiving” thing but in the rush and perfection of it all miss out on giving and thanking.  It is God who GAVE and it is us who should be THANKING.  Yes, we may pray before the big meal but what’s the conversation like afterwards? 

“Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.  He turned the sea into dry land; They went through the river on foot.  There we will rejoice in Him.” Psalm 66: 5-6

Maybe take a few minutes today to go through your Bible and write or print out some Scripture to read at the table to encourage your guests to thank God.  Give them verses that will help them remember to thank Him for things He has gotten them through this year; for providing; for guiding; for new birth; even for breath itself, and so on. 

“Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious.  …  Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard.” Psalm 66:2, 8

Even if someone is going through something that has not yet been resolved.  Certainly God hears us (Read Psalm 66:16-20).

Lord, please help us encourage others to slow down and thank You.  Thank You that Your banner over us is love.

Christmas Traditions - part 1

Set your minds 

on things that are above,

 not on things 

that are on earth. 

- Colossians 3:2

It's an amazing thing that happens around Thanksgiving. We eat, give thanks, and then head out into the bustle of crazy to shop. Sometimes it's a consuming fire....where we try to keep up with the Jones' and get that much coveted new item.  A lot of time, spending money we don't have on things we don't need. My heart wants Christmas to be more. More filled with traditions my kids will remember, cherish, and replicate with their own family when they are grown. A friend of mine writes a blog about being a family on mission. A mission to make Christ their focus. She is doing a series on Christmas traditions that we will follow as they come out. 

Here is part 1....enjoy!

http://familymissionculture.com/2013/11/27/jesus-y-christmas-traditions-part-1/

When Your Kids Are Sick

It's been a busy week as we celebrated Thanksgiving. We have traveled and been on the go much of our week. My kids have not been feeling 100% lately. I read the blog below and was encouraged. I hope you are too!! Click this link.

http://happyhomefairy.com/2013/11/04/for-when-your-kids-are-sick/

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison…” 2 Corinthians 4:17

What was your "take-away" from Happy Home Fairy?

What will you do?

"Praiseworthy Deeds of God!"

Psalm 77:11  “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.”

      Thanksgiving.  I love this holiday.  Regardless of Indians, Pilgrims or the history associated with it.  It’s a beautiful holiday strictly to have a grateful heart. 

     In a Bible study I have just begun with a friend on the Wonder of God, we were challenged to reflect on the past year.  We were asked to document, “Praiseworthy Deeds of God.” 

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     As I sat at the Thanksgiving table and looked at our family, I could hardly believe the Praiseworthy Deeds of God we had experienced since last Thanksgiving. 

     God has blessed my husband with another year of great health.  He has loved his work.  God used the mind of my husband and his strong hands to completely renovate our home.

     I considered my father and father-in-law’s health over the past year.  I really believe God spared my Daddy’s life this year.  He had two brain surgeries, he had a pace maker and defibulator installed and he was in physical rehabilitation for two months. He is a walking miracle!

     We were blessed to find an assisted living facility for my father-in-law.  No, we wish he was home but for his safety and the best care our option is this incredible “new home.”

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     I reflected the strength the Lord has given to my mom and mother-in-law to be the caregivers of their spouses over this past year.  They would both attest to the fact only God could have given them the patience and strength to endure the challenges associated with full time care of those they love the most.

     Our youngest sat at the table loving life.  Loving her school and her dance and more importantly gaining an understanding of who God is. 

     As I made the glance around the table and came upon our son, I couldn’t help but note the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord in his final days of college.  He will graduate in the Spring and God is the One who has provided the means for him to be in school. 

     Our final table member this year is not yet an “official” member of our family.  She sat with a precious anticipation of what God has planned.

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     So, how about you?  Can you look back over the last year and see the “Praiseworthy Deeds of God?”  Do you see Him protecting your children from injury and harm?  Do you see His provision for your family?  Find a moment today and remember January 2013. Consider every family member and what God has done in and through their lives this year.

     The Psalmist begs us to remember.  Share and record these memories with your children and the generations to come.

Give Thanks

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  -- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

I’m thankful to God for my mom.  She is…amazing.  Other words that describe her are: SELF-LESS, servant, caring, tenderhearted, courageous, motivated, sweet, patient, confident, loyal, organized, ready, and yes, thankful.  This month on her birthday she found out that her brother passed away.  She amazed me because she was thankful it was on her birthday and not the next day which was her brother’s son’s birthday.  –how thoughtful.  A couple days later she flew from FL to NY to attend the funeral then took a couple days to visit with good friends she hadn’t seen in a while.  She was a blessing to them, a blessing to our family, and a sweet smelling aroma to God (I’m sure). 

Are you thankful for anyone?  Maybe your mom would be blessed to hear you say “Thanks for all you do, mom!”  Actually, the other day our 3 ½ year old Matthew ran into the room where I was working on the computer and with a huge smile belted out, “Thanks for all you do mom!”  And then in his cuteness came back and said it again.  I sat there with my mouth open in awe! 

(I printed off a bunch of Thanks-giving verse cards that I found at http://joyfulthriftyhome.com/.)

Let’s give thanks to our Father in heaven.  Maybe you’d like to print off those verses that talk about being thankful too.  To God be the glory!  Isn’t that what the first Thanksgiving was all about anyway – being thankful to God for providing, protecting, guiding and dying on the cross for our sins?! 

Leading My Family in Thankfulness

A couple of years ago, we were blessed to host some good friends for the Thanksgiving season. They were in town to visit some family members and needed a place to stay, but they also carved out some time to “kick the can” with us. We had a great time! After they left, I realized that Kate had placed a little thank you card on my dresser along with a Thanksgiving card from Family Life.

Such a sweet gift of gratitude! On the back of the card, was a little exercise to complete with our family. I thought it would be a great idea to make this little “assignment” together a tradition in our family…perhaps sweetened by a cup of tea, cider…or hot chocolate with marshmallows for the kids.

The exercise is a fill-in-the-blank “walk down memory lane” that we complete (verbally) as a family. It is my pleasure and joy to share it with you… J

Complete the following statements together:

• I remember when we needed ________________ and God provided ________________. (Read Phillippians 4:12-13, 19).
• I am thankful that God brought ___________________ (person’s name or another family) into my life because he has used them to _______________. (Read Ephesians 4:11-13).
• I am thankful for ________________ that God gives us every day. (Read Deuteronomy 8:3).
• I am thankful that God is teaching me ____________________. (Read Hebrews 12:4-11_.
• Despite (and even because of) _______________, I thank you for ____________. (Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and James 1:2-4).
• We can’t help but thank you for ________________!  You are so good, Lord. (Read Psalm 23: 5-6).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Prayer,

Lord, for YOU we are truly thankful! You have washed us clean of our sins, even though we do not deserve it. You bless us with good things. You desire relationship with us, and we are blessed by your Spirit and your truth. Thank you, Lord!

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Your Next Five...Friends!

James 1: 17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the Heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows."

Last week I told you I had all intentions on taking Julie Andrews place on Broadway.

I have now decided an audition is just not right. Instead, I will sing, “My Favorite Things” to the top of my lungs, not for man's approval but as a Praise Fest to the Lord!

My next five things to be thankful for are; friends! Five friends (or groups of friends)who have loved and ministered to me during a host of different times and seasons of my life.

1.    My childhood best friend.  This friend endured my playing with Barbies and baby dolls while she was playing her banjo and looking for a game of flag football.  I saw her as my role model because she was beautiful and smart and I so love her family.  What I most appreciate about this friend is she told me about Jesus and prayed with me to receive Christ.

   2.    My best friend.  She has walked with me through every stage of pregnancy, ministry, moves and life.

   3.    The women I serve with at Church.  It’s always more fun to serve with someone you laugh with than to serve without relationship.

   4.    The Angel.  She is certainly sent directly from the Lord.  She makes life easy and fun.  She hears what I am not saying and validates who I am.

5.    The peps.  The friends who understand. Who let me be me. Those who are flexible and respect me and my schedule.

It is hard to stop the praise with just five (even when it represents so many.) 
I encourage you to praise privately in your time with Lord, but never neglect to praise publicly.   Allow your children to see your enthusiasm for the hand of the Lord.  Whether you have taken the Thanksgiving Challenge from last week or the beautiful "Gratitude Journal" as a part of your tradition, always allow your children to hear you say "Thank you!" to the Lord.

My question today is who are the five people you are thankful for?  Have you told them lately that you are thankful for them? Do your children know you are thankful for your friends? Most importantly tell the Lord Jesus you are thankful for them!

The Thanksgiving Challenge

At ten years old, I was sure I would take Julie Andrew’s place as Maria Von Trapp in the Broadway production of “The Sound of Music.”  In order to accomplish this lofty goal I had to practice.  My teenaged neighbor played the guitar and had the sheet music.  I nailed down a couple of the songs, like “Doe a Deer” and of course the dramatic opener, “The Sound of Music.”

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However, a particular favorite was, “My Favorite Things.”  This song listed Maria and the children’s favorite things.  In order to make this post a reasonable length, I will limit my list of my favorite things.

Our oldest on her blog, (http://delightedblog.wordpress.com) inspired me to list just five things I’m thankful for.  So as not to be to overly spiritual, here are my five:

 1.     I am thankful for the weather of Florida!  Anytime of the year, anytime of the day.  With heat or with rain…there is just something about it that makes me say, “I live in a post card!”

2.     I am thankful to have my parents and my in-laws.  When I consider the health challenges they have each faced, I realize God has a plan for their lives, which includes the blessing they are to me!

3.     I am thankful God has blessed me with a really neat husband, three "over the top" children and a wonderful son in law too!

4.     I am thankful I am in a free country, where I can daily hold God’s Word and attend the incredible church I call home.

5.     I am thankful I know Jesus. I am thankful He loves me and that He has forgiven me.

Now it’s your turn.  Do you have five things to be thankful for?  How about your children?  Encourage your little ones to say, “Thank you” to the Lord Jesus for five things.  Make it fun and sing your list to the tune of “My Favorite Things!”