Don't Forget Thanksgiving |
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Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him. — Psalm 95:2 |
Have you ever noticed how after Halloween, many stores immediately bring out their prelit trees, ornaments, Christmas wreaths, and candy canes? The weeks between Halloween and Christmas are often a blur of colored leaves and turkey, prepping for gift shopping, and holiday parties.
In the frenzy of holiday preparations and Black Friday deals, it can be all too easy for us to skim over Thanksgiving. Sure, we serve the turkey and gravy, and mention what we’re grateful for, but do we linger on giving thanks? Or once the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals come out, do we immediately focus on all the things we want and all the savings we could have? Are we more excited about counting the gifts than we are about counting our blessings? When the retail world becomes loud, ask the Lord to speak louder. When your eyes become focused on the newest, shiniest gadgets, ask Jesus to fix your eyes on Him and His gifts — and on the greatest gift of salvation. Don’t let autumn and its season of gratitude get lost in the blur of Christmas fanfare. Let Thanksgiving have its day — and its attitude — in your heart.
Father, I’m so grateful for an annual reminder to give You thanks. Keep me focused on all I have, not on all I want. * |
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The grateful heart that springs forth in joy is not acquired in a moment; it is the fruit of a thousand choices. |
The grateful heart that springs forth in joy is not acquired in a moment; it is the fruit of a thousand choices. |
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Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. — Psalm 98:4
In this world of both instant communication and Instant Pots, it’s important to remember that some important things come slowly. Hear the wisdom of radio host and author Nancy Leigh DeMoss:
The grateful heart that springs forth in joy is not acquired in a moment; it is the fruit of a thousand choices. ~ Choosing Joy
As much as we may want to live with a heart rooted in gratitude, we can’t flip a switch or push a button to make that happen. Arriving at the point is a process, and by definition a process takes time.
Every new day gives us countless opportunities to develop gratitude. Think of it: with everything we see, hear, taste, touch, think, and experience, we can choose to be grateful. Review your day so far. Identify a handful of moments when you expressed thankfulness — and another handful when you could have, and be grateful now!
Many things develop and improve over time. Today let’s be encouraged that we are more thankful today than we were yesterday — and that we can choose to be even more thankful tomorrow. Lord, give me a keener awareness and appreciation of Your goodness every day. Excerpted with permission from 365 Devotions for a Thankful Heart, copyright Zondervan. * * * |
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It’s the month of gratitude! Nearly Thanksgiving! Before we move straight to Christmas planning, shopping, wrapping, and celebrating, let’s remember every day to be thankful. What are you grateful for? Come share with us. We want to hear from you! |
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365 Devotions for a Thankful Heart |
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No matter how difficult life seems, you will find more joy when you choose gratitude. Boost your happiness and deepen your walk with God by becoming aware of all you have to appreciate. 365 Devotions for a Thankful Heart is a daily devotional that will inspire you to slow down, recognize God’s gifts, and be grateful for all His blessings. This yearlong devotional includes: - a short daily reading encouraging you to open your heart with gratitude to all the ways God has blessed you
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an inspiring Scripture and a short prayer to help focus your heart on thankfulness as you go about your day
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With a foiled cover and beautiful interiors, this devotional is a perfect gift for women of all ages on birthdays, Christmas, or as a welcoming gift for new church members. Each devotion is the perfect length to fit into even the busiest schedule, but substantial enough to start your day on just the right note. |
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More to help you develop a habit of gratitude |
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Growing Grateful: Live Happy, Peaceful, and Contented |
In Growing Grateful, you'll find 101 entries on the joy of being grateful even in the hardest times. Each entry in this beautiful book contains a meaningful Bible verse, a short entry that helps you reflect on your own attitude of gratitude, and a meditation with questions to consider or to write about in your journal. |
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The Weekly Gratitude Project: A Challenge to Journal, Reflect, and Grow a Grateful Heart |
The Weekly Gratitude Project is a 52-week guided gratitude journal that offers a life-changing journey through reflection prompts and inviting questions to guide you into a deeper relationship with God. This yearly gratitude journal features beautifully illustrated journaling pages that will help you discover more intimacy and joy in your spiritual life. |
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“Whether you are currently on a sunny mountaintop or trudging through a harrowing valley, God is weaving your story into His greater plan." - Shannon Bream
Friends, the same God who worked mightily in the lives of the women of the Bible is at work in yours, too! Sign up now and join us for our Advent Online Bible Study - The Women of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. |
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this devotion with someone who needs it today |
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