Thanksgiving is a cherished time. It’s a time for us to slow down, be present in the moment, and reflect on the people, places, memories, and moments that make life itself so special. We come together with our family and friends to share in the spirit of gratitude.

When you are THANK-FULL your life will be GREAT-FULL! – Leadershipology.com

Often around the table we ask: What are you grateful for? It’s such a powerful question.
I invite you to take a moment with me to consider all the things in your life — big and small — that you could be grateful for. After all, it’s what the season is all about.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. -1 Chronicles 16:34

By focusing our awareness on appreciation, we uncover even more of the miracle it is to be alive.

Gratitude is the antidote to anger —you can’t be grateful and angry at the same time. So as you spend time with those dear to you this week just notice all there is to appreciate and be Thankful for. What could you choose to be happy about? Who could you say ‘thank you’ to this year?

What if we chose to be grateful for the gifts, the challenges — all that life offers us. What if we took on the belief that everything in life is happening for us, and it all serves us as we strive to reach our full, God-given potential?

When I look back on 2018, the year to grow FORWARD, I can’t help but be thankful for some amazing blessings! Among them…

• The grace of God.
• The love of my family – both of origin and choice.
• A healthy family and wonderful grandchildren.
• The joy of friends.
• The gift of time.
• An amazing team.
• A growing church that is making a Kingdom impact, both locally and globally.
• You! I’m so grateful for your support, your focus on personal growth, and your willingness to journey with me in creating lives having Kingdom impact and significance. You have a special place in my heart.

When we view our lives through the lens of gratitude and appreciation we experience a level of freedom and fulfillment like never before. Sometimes in life it’s when we lose one of our blessings — our health, a loved one, a job, a friend — that we put aside our grumblings and gain a true appreciation for all the gifts that grace our lives.

Gratitude develops in us a spirit to Celebrate; encourages us to Communicate; and empowers us to Cooperate. – Leadershipology.com

Let’s choose gratitude this Thanksgiving! Share with those you love and the people around you what they mean to you. Thank them with simple kindness. Voice your appreciation … send a note … share a smile, even if it’s with a stranger.

From our family to you and yours, have a wonderful, blessed, and highly favored Thanksgiving!

Pastor Keith