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Pilates? I Thought You Said Pie and Lattes...

 


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"It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy."  ~ Unknown

🏈 What does Thanksgiving mean to you?  Hopefully you have some warm fuzzies when you think of your traditions this holiday.  Food, football, some Christmas decorations (because I never wait), wonderful smells from the kitchen, my husband napping in the middle of it all on the couch- all some of the memories that come to my mind.


After reading so many articles, posts and memes lately, it seems like this holiday sometimes involves getting together with relatives you don't see often, who maybe don't know or understand you as well as you hope.  


So, in keeping with the season, let's combat our concerns/worries/insecurities with God's advice:

    1 Thes 5:16-18  "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. "

     I take this to mean that this gathering is a circumstance that I am supposed to be part of, because God's will for me is His eternal kingdom and its purposes- whether it's a challenging time or a beautiful gathering of celebration.


    Phil 4:4-7  "Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again: rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

     I take this to mean that no one can rob our joy from us.  If it's a time that extra patience is required, 'pray it up' in the days preceding the gathering, recognizing that He has placed us here and now for this time, and it is not us that need to orchestrate its success.  As it's given over to God, He guards our heart and mind with His peace.    


    2 Cor 9:15 "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

     I take this to mean that Jesus died on the cross for all - me, my family, my friends, my non-friends, my acquaintances etc - ALL.  So if the Holy Spirit is not exactly controlling their lives, that is out of my control; I should just ask It to control mine.  And pray that the gift from God would be received and honored.


    Eph 5:1  "Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children." 

       I take this to mean that I am beloved - that means dearly loved- by God.  So are they, but as a Christian I am called to be an imitator of God.  If I am just committed to doing that then He is honored, not me.   

    1 Cor 10:31-  "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God." 

      I take this to mean, whatever your traditions, expectations, hopes- pray for wisdom and enjoy this day of gratitude!  It may not be Pinterest-worthy, unless you have a board titled:




Happy Thanksgiving!!

✙ Dear Heavenly Father, help us to do all the following:
                                Amen.
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