NOT TOO LATE to GIVE GOD THANKS ... EVER

Each and every day, we need to prepare our hearts and attitudes with simple gratitude, no matter what the day holds or what we are facing or have been ... we can still say - "Lord, I give You thanks!"

[reminder: Sue Boldt shares "Morning Moment of Prayer" and has written "Thirty Days of Thanksgiving & Worship") if/when you find yourself unable to pray (and there are others available too]

[image credit: Sue Boldt]

I don't often interrupt a series, or a 30 day long challenge or journey, however the next blog post is NOT until November 20th; and so far not too many of you are adding prayers of THANKS; so as I read the following article by Holley Gerth, I was compelled to share it since it made me think of you (the ones not adding a prayer - at least here) (and perhaps you are praying and giving thanks, just not sharing - which is ok, because pray is between you & God) but maybe a daily prayer challenge online publicly is not to your liking or you are comparing, feeling inadequate or far from feeling gratitude right now because of life's circumstances - well, let me tell you that this is the perfect solution: to praise & give thanks to God - a simple quiet thanks is a start. 

I've been in that place of not thinking I could utter any prayer of thanks or praise because of this situation or that; in the midst of loss, grief, sorrow, suffering, endless circumstances ... and I still have some days like this but I am thankful that I have found giving thanks and praise just for 'one thing' opens my heart and the gates of heaven begins to pour back in & revive my aching spirit and heart - and we always have 'one thing', even if it's the same one: it's a new day and He gives us breath (I might add) & strength to face whatever this day holds and of course, if you know Jesus, then you know HE holds your future... and that's worth a bunch of thank you prayers of praise & thanks. Just say: I thank You Lord for this new day & that You hold me. I give You praise.

[image credit: Sue Boldt]

After reading this "7 Days of Preparing Our Hearts for Thanksgiving" by Holley ... that I received today in my Dayspring email, it was written back on November 7th, probably about the time when you, too were thinking that giving thanks really is a challenge to me because this year or right now __________ (fill in the blank). I'm hoping that Holley can encourage you to try this (for the next 7 days): 

"Let’s start giving thanks now so that we really are ready for Thanksgiving this year. What’s below is a quick and simple countdown that we can go through each day . .  1. November 18th – Who in your life are you thankful for? Think of at least one person. 2. November 19th – What is a memory that brings you joy? Look back and see God’s goodness in it all over again. 3. November 20th – How have you seen God answer your prayers this year? Pause and reflect on one “yes” you are living in now. 4. November 21st – When do you feel joy? Pay extra attention to one happy little moment in your day. 5. November 22nd – Where can you see God’s hand in your life?  Consider one way He is taking care of you. 6. November 23rd – Why did Jesus come for us? Revisit His extraordinary love. 7. November 24th – Give thanks for all of the above. "~Holley Gerth, Dayspring

Please follow the link to read Holley's words in its entirety!

... "We don’t have to feel guilty if thankfulness doesn’t come easily. God knows we’re human and He loves us that way. He’s the Giver of all good things — including the grace we need on the days when our attitude tries to compete with our gratitude."~ Holley Gerth

Of course, Dayspring has many more great articles, but I'd also like to call your attention to this one, if you missed it and still need encouragement:
"Begin Today with Thanksgiving"

"DON'T YOU KNOW IT'S TIME TO PRAISE (& THANK) THE LORD"
I know that sometimes some music will help, so let Maranatha Singers lead you into worship today.It's kind of a cheery song!
See you again to continue with our last 10 days on November 20th

T.H.A.N.K.S Prayer Prompt 30 Day Challenge -  3

(publishing days 21-30 on November 20th)

but for now

you can join us back here

T.H.A.N.K.S Prayer Prompt 30 Day Challenge -  2in our current one we still have a few moreTHANKStoGIVE

And a Happy Thanksgiving to Each of You!
{it's already next Thursday, followed by Advent starting already on that Sunday}
The seasons seem to be happening much faster (or is that just me?)