Have a JOYful THANKSGIVING Day!

         Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Hope you have plenty to share with your Thanksgiving guests!

            In America, Thanksgiving is generally seen as a time to get together with loved ones, eat a ridiculously large amount of food, watch some football, and HOPEFULLY, give thanks for all our blessings. Many of our homes are decorated with 'symbols' of Thanksgiving. This past week, schoolchildren across America have reenacted Thanksgiving by dressing as pilgrims or Indians and sharing a “feast” of sorts.

            Today as we gather with family and loved ones, let’s not forget to thank God for our country and the sacrifices our forefathers made so that we might enjoy our many freedoms.  Let’s stand firm in our Christian beliefs and pray that God will allow our country to remain the Christian nation that our forefathers intended it to be. 

            We need to remember that there is a deep connection between heartfelt thanksgiving and humility.  Thankful people recognize their need, and the generosity of the Giver of all our blessings.  When we are truly grateful we are humbled by the amazing gifts we’ve received from God.   So as we prepare for this THANKSGIVING Day, may our hearts be truly humble and filled with gratitude. Psalm 100:4-5 expresses beautifully: 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
       and his courts with praise;
       give thanks to him and praise his name.
 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
       his faithfulness continues through all generations.

           I am praying that you and your family will enjoy a blessed and JOYful Thanksgiving Day.