| Original Date: November 25, 2009 |
| Email Subject: The Attitude of the season.... |
Dear Friends,
Farrol & I want to wish each of you reading this today a very special "Thanksgiving" time with your family and friends. We are anxiously awaiting our five grand kids and yes, their parents as well. Thanksgiving is a special time especially when special little ones are involved. The laughter, excitement and fun they bring to the home is truly un matched in anything I have ever done.
I woke up early today thinking about why so many people live under a cloud of discouragement, anxiety, internal hurt and pain. I understand that some of this can be caused by poor choices one makes from the past, but what about the person who has tried to do the right thing but it just seems like it just never seems to go the way we think it ought or want? I found something like this several years ago when I was a young man and found out that though I thought I was in good health, things had been going quite well our son was two and my wife was pregnant with our daughter, my job was going well and I was getting some good promotions with the State. Then one day after discovering a lump under my arm the Dr. told me the news that I had melanoma lymphoma. A very fast spreading cancer and he gave me six months to live. I remember how very empty I felt, literally a cold, alone feeling. Then all of a sudden a Vs. from scripture that I had memorized came to mind from 1 Thes. 5:18, "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
This was my first really big look at "Thankfulness" being an attitude not a happening or day of the year or even a feeling. It was a conscious choice, regardless of circumstances, regardless of feelings or even what others do or might not do, it was a "CHOICE!" Friends, this was truly life changing for me to say the least.
So, this season, and by the way each day of our life my prayer for us is that we, each one of us will make the conscience choice to make sure our attitude is in check, that it is filled with "Thanksgiving" without the trimmings and the turkey, we see from the heavenly perspective that God is in control, He has given us everything, as Christ followers, needed for life and godliness, He desires that His joy be made full in ourselves and He put the Holy Spirit within and the Word of God before us to guide us, strengthen us and embolden us to live "With an attitude of Gratitude" for His glory.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving my friend and join me in remembering, that "Attitude" is a choice!
Your friend,
Pastor Doug |
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