Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is just a few days away and I encourage you to take a moment and ask yourself what you should give thanks for this year. This may take some time to reflect on, but it is well worth the exercise! Take your focus away from what you may not have, and instead turn your focus to all that you have been given. As you are preparing to celebrate this lovely tradition, in simple or lavish ways, you will have so much more as you give thanks this year! And why not share what you discovered at the holiday table? It will turn a meal into a real feast!
A dear friend shared with me about her family’s favorite holiday memory. Years ago, she and her family had made the hard decision that, despite the financial consequences, she would quit her high-paying job which had security and the potential of even better pay. Why? Because she valued her God-given role as wife and mother even more. This choice was made because, even though her paycheck had made life more materially comfortable, her husband and child were poorer without her being home.
That year, as Christmas came, there were no extra funds to celebrate. She shared with me that at the end of the month there was a time they ate oatmeal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The bills were paid, but there was nothing left for gifts or decorations. Nevertheless, celebrate they did. Without the distractions of shopping and trimming a tree, they focused on loving each other and remembering the Savior who came into the world that first Christmas—lying in a manger, wrapped in nothing but swaddling cloths. Even more precious were the lessons the family learned. Love came without a price tag and the true riches they possessed were not wrapped in pretty paper, soon to be forgotten. They were true riches that, to this day, sparkle and shine in their memories.
As she shared this story of thankfulness, her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for the true gifts they gave each other that year. Love for each other and the love of the Savior were the eternal rewards, and the sacrifice seemed small compared to what they received. The true gift was discovered as the superficial gifts were stripped away.
God’s love and faithfulness in the midst of their necessity. Their love for each other revealed in time cherished and spent with family. God in the midst of less…was so much more than they could imagine.
Perhaps this year there will be less to spend on Christmas…and maybe this will turn out to be your best Christmas ever.
29 comments
Judy | November 19, 2010
Thank you for reminding us that true happiness does not depend on 'stuff' but on the richness of Christ in our lives.
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Verna | November 19, 2010
Family means more to me this year than anything money could buy. God's grace and love are the gifts we are most thankful for!!
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Kristin | November 19, 2010
AMEN! I once heard.. "You never know Jesus is ALL YOU NEED until Jesus is ALL YOU HAVE." I am blessed and have never went without. There are many hurting this Christmas season - let's pray for all that the Lord would meet them and that all would really celebrate the holiday for what it is - The celebration of the coming of our LORD and Savior. God bless you all. In His love :)
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Billie | November 19, 2010
There is the love of our family, that we are so very thankful for. Love of friends that are our sisters and brothers in Christ. God has been so good to take care of us when things don't always go too well. As long as we keep our focus on Him, nothing can go wrong. May you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Billie
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Shelley | November 19, 2010
This year I lost my job in August because of my foolishness. In the beginning I used to complain and was so upset with myself.. But now I see things differently. I have used this time wisely to get to know God and value what I have, especially spending time with my little one. I can't believe all I was missing out on, the school lunches and taking and picking them up from school. To my surprise I am getting to know my kids even more!!! Money isn't everything. I still don't have a job. I have been looking, but no luck yet. I am blessed by all that our Dear God has given me and all the valuable lessons I have learned. Thank you God for loving me and my family!!!!
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Deb | November 19, 2010
What a blessing it is to be loved by our Lord and King!
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Dave | November 19, 2010
Holidays can be very, very hard for many people. Even if it is a joyous occasion for many, it is important to keep those in mind that have recently had a loss of a close loved one or another difficult experience. We need to pray for them that our Lord will grant them His grace that only He can provide.
Sherry | November 25, 2010
Thanks for those prayers. I'm only able to do this holiday season minute by minute. Thank you Dave. God bless.
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Linda | November 19, 2010
I think if I didn't have the love of Jesus, I'd want to die. I live with my verbally abusive elderly mother. When she goes off on me, I have to concentrate on what Jesus is saying. I have a roof over my head and food on my plate. I have my own money with disability. My God shall supply all my needs.
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Cheralle | November 20, 2010
Yes, that is so awesome because when we have love, we have everything we ever need!
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Cheryl | November 20, 2010
Boy, that is my testimony. Giving material things up to focus on family is a great reward. I know first hand!
Amber | November 29, 2010
Last August I lost my job, and I know now that it is God's will despite the material things that the world might entice us with. But try telling a 12 year old boy, that can be pretty hard.
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Patricia | November 20, 2010
Being blessed with family and friends are the most important, not material things. I have learned that over the years.
This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
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Brenda | November 20, 2010
I am grateful for "Jesus" ! I too lost my job, at the end of August. I have also been blessed with a wonderful family. Thank you, sisters & brothers of the Lord for being a blessing to my life..
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Rose | November 20, 2010
Thank you for this note. I would have to say Amen also.
We too are facing financial hardship and the loss of a loved one. I was just saying perhaps this should be the year that we really need to focus on the true meaning of these holidays. Although we don't have what we used to have, we still have a lot to be thankful for. With God's grace and the love we have for one another, it is a lot.
If you've lost a love one, be grateful for the time you had with that person, and focus on the good times and the many ways you were blessed by having that person in your life. These things will last forever in your heart.
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Sally | November 20, 2010
I just finished reading your message and it truly warmed my heart! This past year my husband and I lost our home and are now living in our 5th wheel. We lost a lot of "material" things but have gained a true feeling of contentment and thankfulness for what God has given us. We are teachers at our church doing a New Believer's Class using "How to follow Jesus" written by your husband, Greg. We feel we haven't lost anything, but have gained a fuller appreciation of what Jesus did for us on the Cross. A constant reminder of His True Love for us and all mankind. We are celebrating this wonderful season knowing God has blessed us with what we have now. HIS Love which gives us Peace and Joy. Through all of our hardships this past year, we never lost sight of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Can't imagine going through what we have gone through without Him. Our faith has gotten stronger knowing He blessed us with more then we ever dreamed possible. Our Christmas will be filled with Eternal Gifts; not ones that we really don't need. Thanks again for sharing your wonderful message. 18 years ago your husband, Greg Laurie, was the reason we have salvation! Wow what a gift that didn't have to be wrapped in pretty paper!!!
Cindy | November 20, 2010
I am the mother of five grown children which are now blessing me with my dear grandchildren. I have recently left a business of ten years to pursue Women's Ministry. I have gone back to an old career of Hospice in-home care, while studying online. Currently I care for an Alzheimer's patient. I have been here for a year and see the daily devastation this horrible disease causes. I am reminded how we are blessed in sooo many ways. God gifts us with our families and we should never take for granted what gifts they truly are, and treasure the memories they make for us each day. Hold them dear!
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Karla | November 20, 2010
Thank you for this reminder that there is more to these special times and to life than having money to spend and material things. There are others things-that are not material- to be so thankful for. I am learning this too, and now that my husband is here for this Christmas- I can refocus on what really matters instead of worrying about the temporary things for this Christmas.
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Ofelia | November 20, 2010
My son stopped by today to share with me his struggles with finances. He just got married in May and has been having difficultly finding a job. He and his new wife feel the stress of the lack of income. I am hoping they read all the comments written here about real people facing financial struggle and how they have learned what the important things in life are. We need to wholeheartedly rest in His promises, He will bring us through the tough times. I pray that as a young couple they would be able to discover that material things are secondary to the love they need to have for each other. This is more important than money and God knows what we need, even before we ask Him. Let's keep our focus on Him, no matter what struggles we face and let's remember to be THANKFUL for what He already has blessed us with...
Thank you God for sending your Son to die for us so that we can have fellowship with You.....
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Robyn | November 21, 2010
Thank you Cathe for your latest message!
At the moment, my family and I are in the middle of a financial bind too. This message was so good to hear. The Lord has asked us to rely on Him for everything. He will be our Jehovah Jireh. He will be the lover of our souls and the lifter of our heads. He has asked us to pray about everything, not to wish for anything, to be content with everything and to remember all things work together for good for them that love Him.
So blessed to hear the comments of everyone else too. Thank you!
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Raquel | November 21, 2010
This year is the first time i have participated in a women's bible study, since my conversion 7 years ago. Through the study I have learned the real reason for our existence is "To glorify God." I am thankful for His mercy. I Love HIM because He first Loved me.
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Marie | November 21, 2010
I just wanted to thank you for these posts and posting the Bible study archive. I am thankful to hear from women who seek God.
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Jo | November 21, 2010
This is/was the first time I ever received this and so I read each message. I don't have many friends and the few I DO have are not Christians per se. But reading these UNEXPECTEDLY started to make me feel as though all of you were, like, my "Friends". I know, I know....this sounds very strange. In fact, it's probably feeling more strange to ME than to you! So many of you are living with heavy burdens and yet what gratitude I see that you all have to our Creator....our ABBA. As one pastor told me, he was in Israel and he heard little children running around and the word they were using 'Abba this" and "Abba that". They were talking about or calling their DADDY. Imagine! The ONE who hung the stars and named each one we are allowed to call Him DADDY! I thank you, Father Dearest, for telling us we may address you as ABBA.
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Donna | November 21, 2010
So true. I can remember a time in 2003 when we were between homes and living in a 2 bedroom apartment. It was me, my husband, and 5 sons and 1 dog......... I will never forget those memories. They were the funnest and the best loved cherished nights in the world! My eldest son even picked that apartment to decorate one weekend when we were in Palm Desert to ask for his girlfriend's hand in marriage. Instead of being embarrassed, my boys had all their friends come nightly to eat with us as usual and we filled that little apartment with so much joy! Love is all that matters!!!!!!!!!!
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Erica | November 21, 2010
This is a very hard time for our family. My husband is living 700 miles away looking for work, while our three year old and I stay behind to live with my mother. This is the hardest year of our lives and the toughest on our faith. It is very trying at times and we wonder when God will provide so we can all be together again. I am coping (barely, but I have to for our son) with not having my husband, but our precious little baby is having a very difficult time. I thank God daily for my mother and what she is doing for us. If it wasn't for her, we would be on the streets. Thank you for all the beautiful posts reminding me that the Lord is GOOD and He is here with us as long as we don't give up hope. God Bless all of you and I wish you a blessed holiday season.
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Mireina | November 22, 2010
Wow! This is perfect!! This year, even though I have a newborn, I'm not into the whole Christmas shopping. I think of how we all get caught up on the gifts, the shopping, spending money like crazy and pushing and shoving people at the stores. We forget the true meaning about Christmas, and that's not what I want my child to grow up thinking, that it's all about him, and what he gets. It's about Jesus. Thank you for sharing this. This is an amazing story, and just touches me so much. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!
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Marh | November 22, 2010
Thank you for sharing. We tend to forget the true meaning of CHRISTmas...It's really sad...We get caught up in the world of what we should have and don't instead of thanking our Lord for giving us what we do have...family, friends and Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior...Thank you
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Elaine | November 22, 2010
I am so thankful for so many things that it would take much more space than what I have to list them all. Of course the most thankful thing that I can think of is my salvation and that I live in USA. I'm thankful for children, grandchildren, my husband (not in that order!),for my church family and friends, the fact that I can worship freely, my health,etc.
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kelly | November 23, 2010
Thank you for these words. We are in a similar situation and it is easy to want to "charge" everything to a credit card so my kids have presents to open on Christmas. The truth is, they have every gift they could ever need sitting at their feet. A loving family and most of all, JESUS!
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Teri | November 23, 2010
The holidays are the hardest when you are walking through trials. However your faith in Jesus is how you get through the pain and sadness. My husband of 30 years is falsely accused and in prison for 6 years. We are fighting very hard for justice, and our church held a fundraiser recently to help with our legal bills. I have been unemployed for over 1 year and desperate for some financial stability for our two daughters to pay the bills and stay in our apartment. Every night for years, I thanked God for our blessed life, before all the tragedies struck. I know He has a purpose for our life and maybe it will be our testimony when my innocent husband is released. Our family began this intimate journey with Jesus when our perfect world came crashing down....Couldn't have survived this without knowing the Lord is protecting, loving and comforting our family. Happy Thanksgiving to you all. May God continue to pour His favor on all our situations. Much Love !!!
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Marietta | November 24, 2010
Thanks for sharing your faith. Words are not enough to express how thankful we are for we have a GREAT GOD. In spite of trials and tribulations, we can still glorify HIM. Last year we lost our home of 16 years and I came to realize that material things are nothing compared to what love you have for God and your family. On Sept. 4, 2010 we lost our first born who was 21 years old who was murdered. It's the most tragic and traumatizing experience a parent could ever deal with. But I know God is always there for us when the pain and sorrow is unbearable. I have a strong faith in God, but with this tragedy I draw closer to Him and am staying stronger than ever with God. We can still glorify His unfailing love. My other 3 kids have been very active at church as well. Our family stayed strong with love and the love for God. I would like to request prayer for our family for healing and peace and also to bring closure to our son's murder. His name is Aris Elijah Pugal, born Sept. 7,1989. God Bless you all.
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Myrna | December 15, 2010
Let me share a story, not unlike many out there regarding the homeless. I was humbled and yet filled with genuine family love this past Thanksgiving. I spent the day with a treasured homeless family. In their despair and in their lack of all material wealth, they had the one thing that money cannot buy.. they had love, loyality, kindness and compassion for others who were in their same shoes or even less fortunate than themselves. They are a family of 5 who taught me on that day that the human spirit is strong and resilient and that with God all things are possible. In an empty house, with just a few odd chairs and a hotplate, we managed to have the best meal ever. We laughed and shared a moment in time and we all knew God was in the mist of our reunion. Life lessons were learned that day and I personally walked away in amazement how the kids managed to joke around and be thankful for a half warmed meal and not cry or complain about anything. In fact, their ages are 17, 19 and 21 and the oldest girl said it best... there is no pity party here, not for us. They are still homeless, but with God's help (thru donations from strangers) have managed to move into a motel for this month at least. I don't know what the new year will bring, but I do know that as they go thru their winter season, God is with them. God will never leave them nor forsake them and God will carry them through and bring spring back into their lives once again. I am humbled and ever so thankful that we live by faith and not by sight. Ever so grateful that Christ reigns on both the rich and the poor. Please keep this family in prayer.
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