Bouquet of Thankfulness

God really does send you signs to hone you in on what He wants to say.  This week of Thanksgiving I could see that God wanted me to go deeper into this whole thing of giving Thanks.  I have been going through 'Jesus Calling' by Sarah Young, the one for Nov. 23th talked about God giving you little gifts throughout the day that if you diligently collect them will become a beautiful bouquet of thankfulness.

What bouquet did God prepare for me today?  Did I stop to pick the flowers or just breeze on by?

A day to be with my family, cuddling my kids, playing games

Quiet time for reading

Encouragement from God's Word and a good reminder of how to be content

The blue sky above

Swinging in the backyard

Picture of my cute nephew

Goofy husband curled up with me for some TV time

Nov. 26th 'Jesus Calling'
You give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings) and I give you Joy (regardless of your circumstances).  

This spiritual act of obedience will open up your heart to the presence of God and your mind to His thoughts. 

Psalms 89:15-16
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you.  Who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.  They rejoice in your name all day.

Acclaim means to praise enthusiastically and publicly.  But notice how this is a learned act and one that takes action as you 'walk' in the light of God's presence. 

So how to notice God in your everyday?  Focus your mind on the gifts that He provides, big and little.  Pick up these gifts throughout the day and at the end you will have a beautiful bouquet of thanksgiving to offer up to God. 

Phil. 4:8 may help you get the perspective you need to be able to notice the gifts that God gives you daily.  Realign your thoughts with the truth.  The truth of your situation, the truth of your feelings and the truth of who God is.  If you bring your thoughts back to the truth of who God is; all powerful, loving, good, just, gracious, in-control.  Our feelings and circumstances may not change but God's grace to help us handle, with thanksgiving, the day before us will work to line us up with right thinking. 
Phil. 4:8
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praise worthy - think about such things."

Happy Thanksgiving and may you go into this Christmas season with a thankfilled and joyful heart.