Happy Thanksgiving

Hello family!  I want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving! I realize this might be the first Thanksgiving families are celebrating together since the pandemic.  I pray this holiday is filled with gratitude, love, joy and good cheer.  I want to first acknowledge God and give Him thanks.  Father God, thank you for your goodness. 

Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude.  The other day I caught myself grumbling about the cold weather.  I was complaining with a nasty attitude.  The Holy Spirit corrected my behavior.  Immediately, I asked God to forgive me.  Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”  Instead of griping about the cold weather, I thanked God for the beautiful day.  I thanked Him for waking me up to another day to celebrate life and to celebrate that afternoon with my two nieces over lunch and boba milk tea.  God is faithful and He’s patient.  2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  Yes, He is patient and waiting for all to come to repentance. 

This hasn’t been an easy road for me.  I’m still learning to yield and submit to the Holy Spirit.  There are times when my flesh really does not want to submit, especially when emotions are high. James 1:19-20 says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”  The more I learn of God, the more I realize just how much I need Jesus.  I’m so thankful He’s never left me.  His love isn’t based on my performance or work.  He loves me just as I am.  It took me a long time to really understand that He loves me unconditionally. 

God has a funny way of revealing himself sometimes.  For instance, I celebrated my birthday in Isla Mujeres last month and was looking for a birthday cake to celebrate but couldn’t find any.  I spent that afternoon on the beach and swam in the waters.  My friend waved me to come in and much to my surprise the beach club gave us a complimentary cake.  I know that was all God.  He was wishing me a Happy Birthday!  He knows me.

I have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving holiday.  Whether you are celebrating with family or by yourself, I hope you have a wonderful celebration and think of good things and know just how much God loves you.