Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Thankful November: 30 Days of Being Thankful


My two favorite holidays are Easter and Thanksgiving.  Both of these days represent a time to reflect on what really is important.  Life can be hectic and demanding.  We live at such a fast past, that it is a struggle to stop and experience all that life has to offer.   God has been so good to each of us.  Even in our darkest moments and our most trying times, seeing through the lens of gratitude will give each of us a different perspective.  Over the next 30 days, the challenge is to be thankful each day.  No matter how difficult the days gets, dig deep and be thankful.  Scripture says in 1st Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  Being thankful for what we have rather than looking at what we do not have will create an attitude of gratitude.  Remember, what we do not have, we cannot miss.  I challenge each of you for the next 30 days to make it “Thankful November.” If you follow the daily planner, you will leave November with a thankful heart and enter December with a positive attitude. 

Day 1-Friday, 11/1Thankful for Laughter Day (Psalm 126:2) We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.  And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”  Laughter is an emotion that brings happiness to ones heart and to those around you.  Thank God for laughter.

Day 2-Saturday, 11/2Thankful for Sleep Day (Psalm 4:8) In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. “Getting sleep is vitally important for the body.  God provides us with this resource so that we can get the needed rest to go another day.  Today, thank God for sleep.

Day 3-Sunday, 11/3Thankful for Worship Day (Hebrews 12:28) Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.”  Worship isn’t just on Sunday; rather it is an everyday lifestyle for a lifetime.  Worshipping God demonstrates our thankfulness.  Today, worship God by totally respecting him, honoring him, praising him and thanking him for all that he has done in your life. 

Day 4-Monday, 11/4Thankful for Parents Day (Ephesians 4:2-3) Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”  None of us got to pick our parents and some may have had to deal with abusive situations, however, when we focus on the life that has been given to us through the parents God has chosen to bring us in the world, then we can be thankful for them.  Today, be thankful for the parents God has chosen.  Remember, God doesn’t make the decisions for the parents; he uses them to bring you into this world for his purposes and plans. 

Day 5-Tuesday, 11/5Thankful for Police Officers Day (Psalm 18:37&39) “I chased my enemies and caught them; I did not stop until they were conquered. You have armed me with strength for the battle….”  Police officers have a dangerous job.  They seek to protect and provide safety for all those in their cities, towns, counties, and State.  Today, when you see a police officer, thank them for their service.  Also, bake a cake or pie and take it to the police station.

Day 6-Wednesday. 11/6Thankful for the Bible Day (Psalm 119:105) “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”  The bible is God’s love story.  From the first book to the last, God demonstrates his love for all of his children.  Today, thank God for the bible. Also, through whatever social media or the postal service, send a note to a person whom you want to share your favorite Scripture with. 

Day 7-Thursday, 11/7Thankful for Friends Day (Proverbs 18:24) a true friend sticks by you like family.”  There is nothing like having a friend with whom you can share everything with and know that they will love you no matter what.  Today, call your friend and thank him/her for being a faithful friend.  During the call, share a story with them that has made an impact in your life because of the friendship. 

Day 8-Friday, 11/8Thankful for Love Day (Proverbs 17:17)  “Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.”  Being loved is one of the greatest feelings.  Love isn’t reserved for Valentines Day or weddings, or anniversaries; rather it is a continual expression that comes from the heart.  Today, write a note to a friend or family member and thank them for loving you through the thick and thin of your life. 

Day 9-Saturday, 11/9Thankful for Mail Carrier Day (Numbers 6:24-26) “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”  Mail carriers have a tough job.  We like them when they bring checks and goody boxes, but dislike them when they bring us bills.  Today, put a note of thanks in your mailbox and give them a soda, goody bag or a gift of some kind.  Don’t forget to put the flag up!

Day 10-Sunday, 11/10Thankful for Jesus Day (Romans 5:8) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (NIV) Jesus is the reason we have hope, grace, forgiveness, heaven, mercy, joy, and peace.  Without him we are nothing.  Jesus is the essence of sacrifice and giving.  Today, show your thankfulness by attending a church where you can express your thankfulness by gathering with a body of believers who share the same gratitude you have for Jesus. 

 Day 11-Monday, 11/13Thankful for Veterans Day (Psalm 91:1-5) Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord:  He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.  Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night….”  While I understand this verse is referring to God’s protection, it is also fitting how our Veterans have protected the citizens of our great nation we call, the United States of America.  Every time I see a military person in uniform, he/she automatically gets my respect.  The sacrifices they make are priceless.  Today, write a note to a Veteran and thank him/her for their service to our country.  Also, thank God we live in a nation where men and woman will serve to protect our ideals, freedoms, and way of life. 

Day 12-Tuesday, 11/12Thankful for Firefighters Day (Joshua 1:6) Be strong and courageous….”  It doesn’t matter how old one gets, there is nothing like seeing a fire truck racing down the road, with lights on, siren screaming and firefighters dressed in their gear to fight a fire. Firefighters are selfless, courageous, and heroic. They put out fires, recue people and animals, and they risk their own lives every day.  Today, thank a firefighter.  Take a meal item or a pie to the fire station to show your appreciation for what they do.  

Day 13-Wednesday. 11/13Thankful for Work Day  (Ecclesiastes 2:24) So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work.”  Satisfaction is a key element in going to work and enjoying the day doing what you are hired to do.  Solomon was moaning and groaning over the fact that when he dies, his hard work will not be appreciated by those who will come after him.  However, he finally realized that it isn’t those who come after him that should be his focus; rather it must be God.  He says that nothing can be enjoyed without God.  When we take God into the workplace, our whole demeanor will change toward what we do to provide for our families.  Today, thank God for providing you with a job and write a thank you note to your boss for giving you the opportunity to work. 

Day 14-Thursday, 11/14Thankful for Grace Day (Ephesians 2:8) “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.”  Grace means that we do not earn nor work for our salvation.  Grace has been given to us without cost.  God is in the business of saving us and doing all he can do to get us to that place called, heaven.  When we put our trust and faith in him, we get so much more in return.  Today, spend time writing down things God has done for you just because he loves you.  Take what you have written and thank God for each of them. 

Day 15-Friday, 11/15Thankful for Principals Day (Ecclesiastes 12:9&10) “The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them.  The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly.”  Principals make a huge difference in the lives of their students.  I know first hand principals who have gone the second and third miles with students who needed extra attention or help in their homes due to negative issues.  White County Schools have top-notch principals.  Today, thank a principal through send a card and make them a special gift that will also demonstrate your appreciation for all that they do.

 Day 16-Saturday, 11/16Thankful for Family Day (Ephesians 6:1,2&4) “Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord for this is the right thing to do.  Honor your father and mother. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them.”  Family is vitally important.  Sharing a lifetime together creates memories that will be etched in our minds always.  There is nothing like sitting around the table playing games or going on a hike, or just sitting in the living room talking about family matters.  Today, thank each of your family members.  Write a note and share a special memory that makes you smile.  Also, if you have children at home, use today to do something creative and spend and much time as you can.  Finally, thank God for each of your family members. 

Day 17-Sunday, 11/17Thankful for the Church Day (Hebrews 10:24&25) “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”  The church is made up of people, not a facility.  I see “church” people everywhere throughout the week.  However, there is something about a gathering of all “church” people in one place that is so enjoyable.  Sunday gatherings are a great time to have fun, be filled with joy, celebrate our relationship with God and give encouragement to one another.  Today, thank God for your church family.  Go to your church and be an encouragement to as many as you can.  Thank God for each of your church family members. 

Day 18-Monday, 11/18Thankful for Spouse Day (Genesis 2:24) “Therefore a man leaves his father and mother and embraces his wife. They become one flesh.”  Having a spouse should be a wonderful experience.  Sharing life together can be a magical, enjoyable, and breathtaking.  Living with someone you are deeply and madly in love with can make living life the best event ever.  I realize some have had bad marriages, abusive spouses, and disappoints.  It makes it hard to see through a thankful heart.  Today, see the positives that only God has provided so that you can have a thankful attitude.   Write a note to your spouse and leave it where it can be found easily.  Share a simple thought that expresses your thankfulness.  For those whose spouse has passed from this life, thank God for the time he has given you with your loved one.  If you are able, write a note and leave it at the gravesite. 

Day 19-Tuesday, 11/19Thankful for Teachers Day (Romans 12:6-7c) “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us; if it is teaching, then teach.”  Teachers are extraordinary in the work they do.  Their giftedness in presenting lessons and taking the time to teach each student doesn’t go unnoticed.  A teacher’s dedication to passing on knowledge and ensuring each student succeeds rather than fails is a testimony to their character.  Today, write a note to a teacher and thank him/her for the work they do in helping us prepare our children for adulthood.  Also, take some goodies for the teacher lounge so everyone can share in our thankfulness.

Day 20-Wednesday, 11/20Thankful for Forgiveness Day (Isaiah 43:25) “But I, yes I, am the one who takes care of your sins—that’s what I do.  I don’t keep a list of your sins.”  Forgiveness isn’t often our way, but it is always God’s way.  No matter how cruel, mean-spirited, corrupted, and difficult we can be, God is always at the ready to forgive us when we tell him we are sorry.  God doesn’t hold us hostage; rather he frees us from the burdens of sin.  He provided an avenue through his son Jesus to capture our attention and take away all of our sins.  Today, thank God for forgiving us and write a personal note of thanks to someone who has forgiven you.

 Day 21-Thursday, 11/21Thankful for Pets Day (Proverbs 12:10) “Good people are good to their animals….” There is nothing like coming home and having your dog jump up and down and lick you all over because she misses you.  Or, to have a kitten crawl up in your lap, purr and cuddle as he falls off to sleep.  There are a variety of pets:  Rabbits, turtles, fish, frogs, horses, and so on.  Pets are wonderful companions and they offer lots of love.  Today, give your pet a treat and be thankful to God that he provides us with animals that love us back, too! 

Day 22-Friday, 11/22Thankful for Doctors Day (Jeremiah 20:17) “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord….”  Doctors provide hope for their patients.  Their skills and abilities to diagnosis health problems is a gift from God.  Doctors who have great bedside manners demonstrate a caring heart and a love for each of their patients.  While some of the news a doctor has to deliver isn’t good and at times they may have to refer a patient to another doctor, it still shows their desire to inform and to find the best solutions as possible.  Today, provide your doctor with a special note of thanks.  Write to her or him that they are a special gifted person who is loved.

Day 23-Saturday, 11/23Thankful for Hope Day (Psalm 39:7) “But now, Lord, what do I look for?  My hope is in you.”  God provides us with all kinds of amenities; Love.  Grace.  Peace.  Forgiveness.  Joy.  Heaven.  Spirit.  Jesus.  And, a relationship.  God is in the business of making our lives as easy as possible.  He is in love with each of us and wants the best for all of us, all the time.  Life can be difficult.  Illnesses take their toll.  Bad things happen to good people.  And, financial problems exist.  However, our life’s troubles cannot compare to all the gift bags of hope we get to sustain us in our daily life.  When we are thankful for what we have, rather than cry over what we don’t have, then our entire attitude changes.  Today, just be thankful for the hope we have in God.  Share a story with a friend or family member that God has done in your life. 

Day 24-Sunday, 11/24Thankful for the Spirit Day (Acts 2:38) “And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The Spirit has been given to each born again believer.  The gift is a spiritual one that works within the heart and head of every believer.  The Spirit produces attributes that will enable each of us to live out the Jesus life attractively and faithfully.  The evidence of a Spirit-filled person is one who loves, is joyful, demonstrates peace, is patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled!  Today, thank God for the gift of the Spirit.  In your worship gatherings, allow the Spirit to move you to full surrendered life as you celebrate your relationship with your church family.  Worship is an everyday event, not just Sunday gathering at the church house; so keep the Spirit at the forefront of all that you say and do.  

Day 25-Monday, 11/25Thankful for Silence Day (Psalm 46:10) “Be still, and know that I am God!  I will be honored by every nation.  I will be honored throughout the world.”  Being still and quiet isn’t the easy thing to do, but a necessary one at times.  No noise of any kind can help relax the mind and spirit.  Listening to others, rather than talking can aid in understanding a perspective than helps in decision-making.  Finding a place where there is no distractions so one can meditate can be one of the most beneficial times of a day or week.  Today, spend time in silence.  Find a quiet place to mediate either on God’s Word or in thought about a decision that needs to be made.  Thank God for silence and a time where there is no distractions or busyness. 

Day 26-Tuesday, 11/26Thankful for Caregivers Day (Matthew 25:34-36) I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.”  Caregivers are a special group of people.  Their willingness to take care of those who are sick or have a special kind of need is inspiring.  They will spend days, weeks, months and even years to care for a loved one.  They are unyielding in their pursuit to give hope, rest, love, attention, and joy to those they serve.  Today, write a note of thanks to a caregiver you know.  Also, give them special attention and appreciation in some way.  Thank God for all the caregivers who spend countless hours caring for others. 

Day 27-Wednesday, 11/27Thankful for Creation Day (Colossians 1:16) For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”  There is nothing more spectacular than to stand on the edge of the ocean beach and watch the waves roll in to shore or early in the morning sit on the beach and watch the sunrise come up over the vast sea.  The views of the enormous mountains that weave in and out are mind-blowing scenes.  The deserts, forest, wetlands, jungles, and rainforest are captivating.  People of ethnicity demonstrate God’s blended planet of variety and a non-discriminatory view of the color of skin.  Today, thank God for all that he has provided for us to enjoy.  Find a way to show your appreciation for God’s creation in a creative way. 

Day 28-Thursday, 11/28Thankful for the Pilgrims and Native Americans Day          (Leviticus 20:24) “But I have promised you, 'you will possess their land because I will give it to you as your possession….” In 1620 families left England and set sail for the “New World” because they were fed up with the religious persecution they were dealing with in England.  They sailed on a ship called the Mayflower.  After 66 days of treacherous sailing, the pilgrims finally made it to what was later named, Plymouth.  Not long after the pilgrims made landfall, the winter hit.  They were not prepared for the harsh winter.  However, the Native American’s saw their needs and helped them with food to get them through the winter.  The Native American’s also taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate the ground to grow crops and store the food for the next winter.  It was a true partnership between two cultures of people.  Today, as you sit around your table, go around the room and tell something you are thankful for in living in America.  Also thank God for those who sailed to this nation and became friends with the natives.  

Day 29-Friday, 11/29Thankful for Satisfaction Day (Psalm 17:15) when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.”  Today has been labeled “Black Friday” because millions upon millions will take to the stores to begin their Christmas shopping.  It is on this day that most retail stores will get out of the red and begin making a profit.  There will be stories told of people trampling over others just to save a buck or two on a TV or IPod or some other gadget that will be used for a short time and then placed on a shelf and forgotten.  Instead of taking to the stores to get more indebt, how about taking the family on a ride through the countryside or sit around the table playing games, or call up some friends and watch a movie.  Instead of the mad rush, make today a day of satisfaction for what you already have.  Today, thank God for the priceless gifts of love, joy, and peace. 

Day 30-Saturday, 11/30Thankful for You Day (Jeremiah 29:11) ”I know the plans I have for you says the Lord…to give you a future and a hope.”  God has created within each person special abilities and gifts that makes a huge difference in the communities in which he places each of us.  Today, be thankful for who you are and how God made you.  It isn’t about the appearance that matters mostly, rather the heart.  I like what Dr. Seuss says, “Today you are you, that is truer than true.  There is no one alive who is youer than you.”  Give yourself a something special today and be thankful for you!