Giving Thanks

I have so much to be thankful for, but I admit I can be remiss in remembering to say thanks for things, to others and to God. I get so busy that I forget or overlook them, taking them for granted. I notice that when I am thankful my perspective is different. I focus on the good rather than the bad. It’s like medicine bringing health to my heart and mind.

As I prepare for this coming week I am thankful for my family and though we are spread all over the country, we think of one another and past times around the table, like making stuffed dates with my children on Thanksgiving Eve. And, of plenty to eat even when illness dictated we stay home.

I am thankful for our country, that we can worship freely and, of the freedoms we share and hold dear. I appreciate my church family and the bond we have because we are followers of Christ. I am thankful for my son who serves in the military, and all our military personnel who daily pay the price for maintaining our freedoms. Many who will not be together on this holiday because they are separated by oceans and deserts, but whose hearts are connected by the miles and by cell phone and email. Thank you for your sacrifice on our behalf and your willingness to serve.

And, most of all I am thankful for what God has done through Jesus Christ so that we can have forgiveness and new life in Him. He is the God of new beginnings; He makes us new creations—the old has gone, forgiven and made new. And, that sacrifice cost Him His life. I’m so thankful for that, because I don’t deserve it, but He did it anyway because of His love for me, and for all. May this week begin a habit of contemplating the good things that are ours and may our hearts be thankful and offer praise.

Wishing you a season of thanksgiving that will fill you with His joy!

What are you thankful for?

Jeanne

Memorials & Remembrances

Memorials are meant to bring to mind events, people, victories or defeats, all so that we don’t forget their importance. One of my favorite memorials is found in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Forefather’s Monument* is breathtakingly spectacular and causes me to reflect on its symbolism every time I visit.

Memorials are nothing new; Joshua (chapters 3 & 4) was instructed by God to have twelve men bring twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan River and set them on the bank as a memorial. Why? So that when anyone asked they would tell of how God delivered them, parting the Jordan River so that the Ark of the Covenant and nation of Israel could cross into the Promised Land on dry ground.

In the same way, I think God wants us to remember His faithful provision and tell our children and anyone who asks what God has done on our behalf. These memorials can be written in a journal, captured in a photo, or brought to life in a story, all to be shared with others. Why? Because when we tell others how He has met our need, their faith is built and ours is emboldened.

This Memorial Day, we remember all those who have sacrificed for freedom in our country. Many have given their lives. Many have suffered effects. And, all have given time away from their loved ones to fight on our behalf. Whenever I see someone in uniform I am sure to thank them for all they do.

And, most of all we remember the One who sacrificed Himself so that we can have eternal life—Jesus. The cross is the memorial of what He did for you and for me. His sacrifice freed us from sin, death and the grip of the enemy. He gave up His place on high to become the lamb that was slain, perfect and unblemished—to atone for the sin of the whole world.

As we pause to remember so much today, how can you be more intentional about gathering stones of remembrance to share of what He has done for you?

Reflecting on His goodness,

Jeanne

“Come and hear, all who fear God, and I will tell of what He has done for my soul.” Psalm 66:16



*For more information about the National Forefather’s Monument:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Monument_to_the_Forefathers