I love Thanksgiving ~ the turkey, the stuffing, the pumpkin pie, the football ~ well OK, I admit I really don’t love the football part! But the rest is somehow so comforting ~ the smells of a big dinner cooking, a chill in the air, a symphony of color on the trees, and oh yes, a thankful heart!

Why is it so easy to forget that last part? Somehow, in the midst of our busy lives, the struggles and pain we or our families may be going through, and the barrage of bad news we see and hear in the media every day, it is far too easy to forget that we do have so much to be grateful for. When we’re trying desperately to find (or keep) joy in our lives, maybe ~ just maybe ~ there’s a reason God’s Word tells us to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and says Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

They say “attitude is everything” and it certainly sounds like God agrees. Over the years I’ve been reminded time and time again that one of the most important ingredients in my recipe for joy is choosing to have a grateful heart. But so often we find ourselves swimming neck-deep in a swamp of sadness, anger, or pain and looking at the positive side of life seems not only impossible, but even a bit Pollyannaish. Aren’t we adults? Aren’t we supposed to look at things realistically and face the tough things in life head-on, with strength and determination? Sure we are! But isn’t being thankful for the good things in our lives just as rational as looking honestly at our problems? If we’re going to live our lives in a truthful and “on-purpose” way, let’s not ignore that God has been very good to us in so many ways!

What are the blessings that you sometimes forget to thank God (and others) for? This Thanksgiving, what if we all chose to find joy by having a truly thankful heart? Could it make a difference in your life? Could it make a difference in the lives of those you love ~ or maybe even in the life of a complete stranger?

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.(Psalm 106:1)

Father God, this year as I sit in my warm home, with comfortable clothing, and plenty of food in my refrigerator, let me never forget that “every good and perfect gift is from above.” (James 1:17) Let me remember to thank You and to thank those I love, not only in this Thanksgiving season, but every day.

THANK YOU!

Thanks to all of you ~ my family, my friends, my business associates and fellow life coaches, my clients, my teachers and classmates. I owe so much to all of you, and want you to know just how grateful I am for each and every one of you ~ for your support, your kind words of encouragement, and for your love.

Thank you to my husband of 33 years ~ I have been blessed by your faithfulness, your honesty and integrity, your wonderful sense of humor, and your dedication to our family. Thank you for supporting me in this work that God has called me to and most of all, thank you for your unwavering love for me and our daughter.

Thank you to my beautiful daughter ~ I am so grateful to God for His gift of our only child. I am blessed continually by your kind heart, your giftedness and talent, and your commitment to hard work and doing what you love. And I am especially thankful for your relentless and passionate pursuit of your Creator.

Thank you to my sisters, my brother and all of my extended family~ who are crazy, fun and completely unique. I am so grateful to be part of two families (mine and my husband’s) where love is given unconditionally ~ in spite of our differences. Thank you for the love and support you all give so unselfishly.

Thank you to my parents~ I am ever grateful for a Mom & Dad who showed me that loving God came above all else in life. Thank you Lord, for parents who taught us ~ no, who showed us ~ the importance of loving and caring for each other, and who modeled complete faithfulness, love & devotion to each other “until death they did part.”

Thank you to my God ~ Lord, there is so much more to be thankful for:

~ for the incredible beauty of this place you have allowed us to live

~ for this wonderful country where we are still free to worship You and speak our minds

~ for my church where you are honored, worshiped and served by so many unselfish, loving people

~ for my ministry – the amazing miracle that you would use one like me to touch the hearts and lives of others with the JOY of your love

~ for my health, and the ability to work and serve with strength and fervor

~ for the way you have provided for my family ~ never letting us go without, never in want or in hunger

~ and mostly, Lord, for the blessing and free gift of your love and forgiveness. For all You do and all You are, thank you!

This month, take a few minutes to reflect on a little Thanksgiving “food” for thought…

~ What are you thankful for today?

~ Do you choose to have a thankful attitude? Do you thank God for all He has given you?

~ How are you teaching your kids the importance of having a thankful heart? Happy

Thanksgiving to You All!