It's hard to believe it's November already. This 2008 year must've grown wings early on, because it just flew by!
I don't feel very 'holidayish' just yet even though I've seen Christmas trees on display for almost a month. I saw one front and center in WalMart the other day. I told my daughter Hannah that I am not in the Christmas spirit. Not even a holiday spirit. I like to take my time with such things and not have them thrust upon me by the retail industry.
I often notice that Thanksgiving seems to get lost in the shuffle. It barely gets a nod, except maybe at a church service. Of course, November is the month that the kids get a day or two off from school for the holiday, so that is something to look forward to.
It's also a good time of year for an assessment: to look at all that God has done in His Faithfulness during the year. Count your many blessings, name them one by one.
One of my favorite hymns, and one that my sister enjoys as well, is called Great is Thy Faithfulness. It is such a fitting way to remind us to be thankful for all He has done.
Great is Thy Faithfulness, O God my Father.
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not (!); Thy compassions, they fail not.
As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Great is Thy Faithfulness.
Morning by morning, new Mercies I see.
All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided.
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord, unto me.
How has God been faithful to me?He always faithfully provides; he cares about our every need; he shows his compassion and care toward us every day; his presence is always upon our home; his lovingkindness is new every morning; that's why we always get out of bed in the morning! He strengthens us, holds us up when we are weary; he guides us in prayer; and he defends us and keeps us safe.
As tough as life can be, God is tougher. As big as those mountains of life can seem to rise, God rises higher. As scary as things can be sometimes especially when life throws us unexpecteds, God gives us the strength and courage to endure and persevere. As weary as we can get when life tires us out, God gives us a second wind and puts air into our sails so that we can make it to the other side.
How has God been faithful to you this year?
Happy Thanksgiving to you!
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