Happy Thanksgiving!

 

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” –Psalm 150:6

There’s magic in the air this time of year, and I’m not talking about preparing for Christmas. It’s the transformation that happens in nature: of green trees revealing their hidden reds, oranges, and yellows and, as autumn gives way to winter, of sparkling snow and bare tree branches glistening against the crystal blue sky. My husband and I are fortunate to live within a few minutes’ drive of both Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Summit Metro Parks; we hike one of their many trails nearly every weekend. I smile as our boots crunch the fallen leaves or I spot a woodpecker gliding from one tree to the next. As I take in the hills, streams, and rock formations of these gorgeous trails, I’m continuously awed by the immense beauty of this world that God created for us. It’s easy to understand the psalmist’s proclamation that everything in creation gives praise to God.  

During this magical time of Thanksgiving, let our Lord speak to you through the sunny autumn skies, the tree branches reaching to the heavens, and the blanket of snow insulating all that will grow from the ground next spring. See the rivers, lakes, birds and rocks as the gifts they are: wonders created by God out of His love for you. Let Him speak to you as you celebrate the blessings of a home, a meal, and those priceless gifts we call family and friends. If you’re grieving or struggling, if ‘celebrate’ is the last thing you feel like doing, let our Lord speak His love to irreplaceable YOU through the people around you who wrap you in their love and appreciation.

May you hold in the depths of your soul a Spirit of Gratitude that is deeper, richer, and more joyful than a mental ‘attitude of gratitude.’

May your heart be filled this Thanksgiving with happiness and peace.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.” –Psalm 136:1

 "Lord, thank You for all Your blessings."

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Reasons to Hope

 

There’s more to love about autumn than the glowing Harvest Moon and maple leaves painting the landscape with reds and yellows. Autumn’s charm lies in its unique aura, a combination of contentment with the present, optimism for the future, and nostalgia for the past. We say goodbye to another short summer; we enjoy just-picked tomatoes and sweet corn; and we plant bulbs for next spring, and remember the ‘new beginning’ feeling with another school year starting. This looking-back-and-looking-ahead may stir in us some wonder about what’s in store for us as we near the end of another calendar year. The prophet Jeremiah reminds us that our future is in God’s hands:

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future filled with hope.” –Jeremiah 29:11

Maybe you’re an educator or a student and you’ve embarked on a new school year. God has plans for you to flourish. Take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves!

Maybe you’re looking for work or have recently changed jobs. God has plans for you to succeed with the particular talents He’s given you.

Maybe you’re dealing with health challenges, relationship difficulties, or some other burden. God has plans for you: These challenges may lead you to greater strength, insight, or holiness. Ask Him to wrap His peace around you and help you carry this cross.

Maybe nothing significant has changed for you recently and you’re left wondering if there’s anything good coming out of this monotony. God has plans for you, too. He’s your constant companion in your routine; your good work today will reap rewards later.

The Lord wants us to trust Him and His plans. Imagine Him saying to you, ‘You will thrive and prosper, and live in peace, if you strive to follow Me. You will work and you will speak, and some people will appreciate you and listen to you, and others will not. This is how it was with the prophets and with Me, so why should it be any different with you? Continue in your work. Do not lose heart. Do not get discouraged by any of your challenges. Do not abandon your work or give up just because you don’t see results. I am working in hearts; I am working where you cannot see. If you give up, then you give up on Me and I won’t be able to accomplish what I mean to accomplish through you. Persistence and cheerfulness will pay off.’

Our God, Who ordered the seasons of nature, has great plans for you! YOU are precious to Him!

 “Lord, I trust that my life has purpose. Because of You, I will look ahead with hope.”

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