Monday, November 22, 2010

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Not too long ago, I sunk into a woe-is-me attitude. Expenses increased, while no job offers came my way. Little things got blown out of proportion. I knew if I didn't corral those negative thoughts, I'd be in trouble.

I did what I always do when I get like this: I wrote a blessing list and listened to some worship music. By the time I was finished, my heart sang a new tune. I also asked others to pray for me.

Dear friends encouraged me, and one even did some work on my house. When I opened my email that Sunday night, I discovered a submission to a Sunday School take-home paper had been accepted. My heart soared.

I'm grateful that no matter what my circumstances, God reminds me He's still my provider. I see in the Word that He's my banner, my peace, my healer, and my God. He's brought me through the death of loved ones, illness, and financial concerns. I can depend on Him.

What are you thankful for today, large or small?


28 comments:

Rosslyn Elliott said...

Thanks for this story, Susan. I'm thankful for so many things this year, especially loving friends.

Cindy R. Wilson said...

That was beautiful, Susan. Thank you. I am thankful for my family.

Bess said...

I'm thankful for the way the sun shines on the grass when it sets. The spiderwebs, invisible during the day, shimmer like spun gold in the fading light.

I'm thankful for those seemingly small moments.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Melanie N. Brasher said...

Beautiful Susan,

I'm so thankful for my husband and kiddos...but there's so much more.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kathleen said...

Such a wonderful prescription for the blahs, the blues and the blechs!

Today I'm thankful for the Currier & Ives view from my dining room; the snow covered fir trees and mounds of new fallen snow. So beautiful!

Blessings,
Kathleen

Nancy said...

That's a wonderful list and I love how you responded after praise and thanksgiving. I'm so glad you got an item accepted. What a joy.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rosslyn -

You're welcome. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Cindy -

I want a heart like David that always rebounds from discouragement to praising God.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Britt -

How true! We can find so much joy in the small things if we'll open our eyes.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Melanie -

Yes, you had an extra special blessing this year with the birth of your son. May both your little ones grow up as strong men of God.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kathleen -

Your vantage point is the one I like best when looking at snow: from inside the house!

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi nancy -

I've found it's a great prescription for beating depression. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Jeanette Levellie said...

Yes, He is faithful. He amazes me every day.

I'm thankful for the authority I have in prayer; that I don't have to put up with Satan's junk.

And that I get to see my grandbabies on Wednesday!!!

Happy Thanksgiving and love,
Jen

Hold my hand: a social worker's blog said...

Dear Susan,

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Doris

Carol J. Alexander said...

Blessing lists always help me, Susan. I post them up for everyone to see, too, like on the fridge or the chalkboard in the living room. Then the whole family can participate.

Anonymous said...

What a blessing you are Susan! I'm thankful for blog buddies who expand my world.

DenaNetherton said...

Susan, I am always amazed that God allows me to partner with Him in His work. He doesn't impatiently brush my little fingers out of the way and say, "Here, let me do it. You're too little to do this job."
That I figure in His eternal purposes makes me shiver in awe.

quietspirit said...

Susan:
I'm thanful for my salvation and for God's leading in my life. I'm thankful for my husband and my son. I'm thankful for my friends both in life and online.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen -

Woohoo for getting to see grandbabies! Have a wonderful time with your family. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Doris -

Happy Thanksgiving!

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Carol -

Great idea to post them on the refrigerator! When I write my blessing list, I'm reminded that it is far longer than any items on the negative side.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Lynn -

Thank you for your kind words! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I hope you're fully recovered.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Dena -

I agree. We must seem so clumsy to Him, but He is so patient.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Quiet Spirit -

If we never enjoyed another blessing, our salvation would be enough. God is good...all the time!

Blessings,
Susan :)

Rhonda Schrock said...

Four healthy boys who are large AND small, and one faithful husband. No matter how many dirty jeans and dirty dishes pile up, I'm grateful.

Waving and smiling,

Rhonda

Unknown said...

When I listen to worship music I am instantly revived. Music is powerful!

I have recently learned that my twin and mother will be moving back home. I am very thankful for family.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

Yeah, they're a lot of work but so worth it. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Alisa -

It's wonderful to have family nearby. When my mother moved down here, it meant so much to me.

Blessings,
Susan :)