Whether you come into this Thanksgiving from a place of blessing or burden, famine or feast, I pray that you’re able to pause and give thanks to our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer, Christ Jesus for all that he has done and continues to do.

Gratitude being a joy in itself is not a thought that had crossed my mind before, but I couldn't agree more. Every day is full of blessings both big and small. Life, breath, food, clothing, shelter, people, beauty…..Praise God! When we express gratitude to God for his blessings it's like we get to experience joy again! Gratitude brings God glory but it is also for our good!

As worshippers, we are to be a people who continually call out and ascribe value, beauty and glory to God above all else. Ascribing glory to God through his creation is one of my favorite ways to worship and experience Him. I love to wander high into the mountains and look in wonder at His handiwork. While I already know the answer to “WHO?!”, I respond with gratitude, praise and delight with a simple, “THANK YOU LORD.”

For one reason or another, I have been granted a very safe pasture for this season. God has given me permission to enjoy it, share it, and treat it like the very precious gift that it is.

What I’m getting at is this; it's what Christ has done that makes us who we are and that is something worth sharing. I hope the work of Christ is so present in our lives, that we can't explain any part without including him in it! As believers It is my prayer that we are more proud of who we are because of what Christ has done than we are about what we have done because…ultimately, where would we be without him?

Everything becomes sacred and everything becomes opportunity for thanksgiving when we slow down and look closer. A pile of dirty laundry - the reminder of another day passing and another day that God has not left us or forsaken us! Floors that never stay clean - the reminder of many friends and family who have gathered near! The list goes on.

Remember, the Lord commands Israel. Oh wandering Israel, quick to forget what the Lord has done! But, oh wandering church, quick to forget what the Lord has done! Be careful, lest in your financial success, your honor student son or daughter, your promotion at work, your "healthy" marriage - be careful not to forget the Lord your God!

Our Heavenly Father, Creator of all things, could have made his home on any mountain or in any beautiful setting he desired. Instead, he loved us so much more that he decided to make his home in the hearts of his people. Wow! His love for us is so much greater than any other created thing and so should our love for one another be!

But, the Bible clearly states that the rain falls on the evil and the good. If you follow wisdom, then your odds in life are better- and that’s logical. The Bible is actually very logical. What earthly benefit is it follow God? He is with you. Through highs and lows, even to the end of time. He guides.

Regularly taking a moment to pause, praise and give thanks may seem insignificant, but I am convinced that our habits are constantly forming us into the people we are becoming. If you're like me and you tend to get caught up in the busyness of the day, take a moment now and ask God to grow in you a heart of constant gratitude! He hears your prayers and desires to help you!