Let's Give Thanks

When I reflect on 2017, I can honestly say this year’s Thanksgiving holiday probably means the most to me. Much more than all of the past year’s celebrations. Growing up Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday ﹘ celebrating with tons of food, fun and family. I love Thanksgiving so much that we  incorporated our wedding into a Thanksgiving weekend in 2014.

This year, I have experienced some tremendous highs and some devastating lows. In the midst of so much joy, I’ve also dealt with a great deal of  heartache and grief. My faith has been put to the test with a number of challenges and obstacles, but through it all God has truly been faithful. When He tells us to be strong because he’ll never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6), know that His word is true. You can count on it as a sure thing because it’s not a hope, it is a promise.

While I could share a hefty list of all the people and things I am thankful for this year. I think it would be more impactful to share scriptures in which I am truly thankful.

1. John 1:1-5 In the beginning the Word already existed.The Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) He existed in the beginning with God. (3) God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. (4) The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. (5) The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

2. John 3:16 & 17 For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (17) God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

3. Isaiah 53: 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.

4. Romans 4:5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.

5. John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

A Prayer for the Broken

Lord, thank you. Thank you for this life that you have given me to live. Thank you for the people that you've blessed me with that help make this life so rich. Thank you for my church and the body. Help us come together despite our differences as a united front to better serve your children and glorify you.

Help us to bring honor to your name and your kingdom. I pray for the distressed. Those who are hurt, lost and broken - hear their cries Lord, and if their prayers aren't reaching your ears due to unrepentant sin, I ask that you forgive them Lord. Forgive me for my sin. Help us all turn away from those things that are displeasing to you.
Give me a clean heart Father and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalms 51:10) Remind me that you promised to never leave nor forsake us! (Deuteronomy 31:8) Help us to study and learn your Word which is our truth in this life.

Remind us to rely on that more than the world. Remind us to cast our cares unto you because you care for us! (1 Peter 5:7) And you love us! Teach us to have patience in the seasons of waiting.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

Four Scriptures to Help in the Midst of Overwhelmed

We all know this life brings many challenges, but God's Word tells us to "take heart" because Jesus Christ has already overcome this world. (John 16:33) I've found that I can rest in him and lay my burdens at the feet of Jesus when I firmly stand on his Word. Here are four of my favorite scriptures to meditate on when I'm feeling overwhelmed.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28 MSG

God, my God, I yelled for help and you put me together. God, you pulled me out of the grave, gave me another chance at life when I was down-and-out. Psalm 30:2 MSG

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19 NIV

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:26 MSG