Learning that I need to be Unconditionally Thankful.

Around our Thanksgiving table this past Thursday, my brother-in-law took it upon himself to make us "think" in the midst of all the eating. As we approached the full-mark, he had us pull a piece of paper from a basket, asked each of us to read what we had taken, and then think of a person that had made a mark on our lives who wasn't sitting at our table. This was the quote that I chose and read. I thought it quite provoking, altho a bit wordy...maybe the gal was english! But it's true! Don't our days and nights roll all into one most times? Especially at this time of year when we get so frazzled and worn out from trying to keep up with all the get-together's, parties, office functions, and then there is Christmas shopping and families descending on Christmas eve and the day itself. Kind of like a meal that has taken most of the day to prepare, that is eaten in less that 30 minutes. See what you think...

"Each day we awake is a new start, another chance. Why waste it on self-pity, slothfulness, and selfishness? Roll that day around on your tongue, relish the taste of its freedom. Breathe deeply of the morning air, savor the fragrance of opportunity. Run your hands along the spine of those precious 24 hours and feel the strength in that sinew and bone. Life is raw material. We are artisans. We can sculpt our existence into something beautiful, or debase it into ugliness. It's in our hands." - Cathy Better

Well, can't say that I agree with everything she writes, but I do go along with facing each day as a gift. No matter what it holds. I think that Jesus did a great job of making His days count while walking this earth. After all, he had his Father's example to follow. Just think of the mess that might have been if God hadn't had a schedule, and been organized throughout the process of Creation. He gave everything so much thought and paid such attention to detail. Just take a minute and walk outside. God's decorating prowess put's our holiday glitter and glamor to shame. It won't matter where you are, you can't help but see His hand in the leaves on the trees, or the grass, or the clouds in the blue sky. How about the stars and the moon. Each one was put on this earth for two reasons. First for our enjoyment, and secondly, so that we would see His hand in everything, and seek after Him in praise and thankfulness. No doubt, this world and even life itself can become tainted and ugly, but those of us that know God have the confidence that life can only be worthwhile when He is in it. Not as "just someone somewhere out there," but when He takes occupancy through our personal invitation into the very "heart" of us. Life does have a beginning, but it is endless only as we know it here. We live on e* t* e* r* n* a* l* l* y, as in "forever after." The place we spend this forever time is of our own choosing. Here is just a glimpse of how God thinks of us, and has from the beginning of time... "The Lord delights in you." Isa. 62:4. "Thus says the Lord, who created you..."Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine." Isa. 43:1. "See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands..." Isa. 49:16 So now, as we approach this wonderful time of year, I believe it's important to #1 Use the word Christmas every chance we get, #2 Give extravagantly of ourselves to others, #3 Maybe for the first time realize what a sacrifice it was for God the Father to send His only Son to earth, all the while knowing what His reception and walk of life would hold. He did it anyway, because He had a better plan for us. Take some time to listen to the words of some of the Christmas carols you'll hear during these next few weeks. Ask God to show you something you never knew about Him before. In these questionable and trying times for many, reach out as only you can, and share His love through your own experiences. Let me be the first to say to each of you....MERRY CHRISTMAS,... and don't get lost in the crowds~