Psalm 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

My goodness, I can’t believe we are officially in the holiday season. Thanksgiving is at the doors. I have to say, that it’s one of my favorite holidays. Growing up, Thanksgiving in my home was centered on delicious food followed by the wonderful presence of family and friends. My father always did an amazing job in preparing the turkey while my mother baked sweet potato pies. The aroma in our kitchen was a delightful blend of oven roasted turkey and warm vanilla extract from the baked pies. Oh, how I miss those days!

Now that I’m older with my own household to manage, I find myself making the preparations for Thanksgiving. For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been planning and coordinating with my family on what type of turkey dinner we will have, who’s bringing what, and where will we have our feast. Aside from the meal preparations, I’ve been thinking about and considering what stores to visit on Black Friday for the best deals. In addition, I’m also working on my Christmas list (who to buy for and what should I buy them). In the midst of it all, the Lord has been showing me to slow down and take some time to be thankful to Him for what He’s already given to me and to be grateful for the blessings He has bestowed upon my life. The holidays are a fun time, but I shouldn’t get so caught up in all the holiday festivities that I miss out on the true meaning of being thankful. Most importantly, being thankful to Jesus, my Lord and Savior and for His gift of eternal life.

As I focus on the Lord, my heart rejoices in Him for who He is, what He has done, and what He continues to do. I’m thankful for His faithfulness, His unending mercy, His everlasting love, His rich wisdom, His forgiving and compassionate heart, His provisions, His redemptive power, His deliverance, His sovereignty, His unchanging Word, His blessings, and all of His promises. He is a G-R-E-A-T GOD and He is worthy of all my praise. I’m Thankful for JESUS!

G – He is the GIVER of life

R – He is a Mighty REDEEMER

E – He is from EVERLASTING to EVERLASTING

A – He is ALMIGHTY God

T – He is the TRUTH

Ladies, please remember to count your blessings and be thankful to God for all that He has done and continues to do in your life. Take a moment each day and give thanks to the Lord and praise His Holy name. We all have things to be grateful for!

Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.