I am looking forward to spending time with those I love through this Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday because you spend time with family without the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Truth be told, I really love all the amazing food and fixings too!

As I reflect I don’t want to forget those who will not be gathered around a table with loved ones with an abundance of food and a warm fire. Super storm Sandy still has people without power, weeks after the storm and for some no end to the turmoil. War is escalating in the Middle East as rockets strike fear into those near the impact zone. We just finished up an election which in the end divided this country. The stock market has become the new roller coaster ride and people I have opportunity to talk to are worried! The list is long and scary for some, but I want to pause here and remind folks of what the Bible offers.

I don’t know what challenges you are facing right now and maybe everything is hopefully going great for you, but when you sit down at the Thanksgiving table just pause and thank God with a heart of gratitude.

Wanted to share a prayer of thanks from a blog post, ‘A Thanksgiving Prayer that God Might Rarely Hear‘ by Cindi McMenamin. The author really captures the core of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18!

Thank you, God, for this food we are about to eat. And thank You for Your many blessings on us this past year…the ones we’ve seen, as well as the ones we haven’t seen.

Thank you, God for the times You have said “no.” They have helped us depend on You so much more.

Thank you, God, for unanswered prayer. It reminds us that You know what’s best for us, even when our opinion differs.

Thank You for the things you have withheld. You have protected us from what we may never realize.

Thank You, God, for the doors You have closed. They have prevented us from going where You would rather not have us go.

Thank you, Lord, for the physical pain You’ve allowed in our lives. It has helped us more closely relate to Your sufferings on our behalf.

Thank you, Lord, for the alone times in our lives. Those times have forced us to lean in closer to You.

Thank you, God, for the uncertainties we’ve experienced. They have deepened our trust in You.

Thank You, Lord, for the times You came through for us when we didn’t even know we needed a rescue.

Thank You, Lord, for the losses we have experienced. They have been a reminder that You are our greatest gain.

Thank You, God, for the tears we have shed. They have kept our hearts soft and moldable.

Thank You, God, for the times we haven’t been able to control our circumstances. They have reminded us that You are sovereign and on the throne.

Thank You, God, for Your ability to take what we consider ‘tragedy’ and turn it into a treasure.

Thank You, God, for those You have called home to be with You. Their absence from this earth reminds us to keep our eyes fixed on heaven.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. -Psalm 100:4 (NIV)

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. -Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. -Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)

What are you thankful for?

From Heartstone Journey to your family, may you be blessed on this Thanksgiving holiday and may you be thankful for an amazing and loving God who is crazy about you!