A wise teacher once told me, “Be thankful for a normal day.” She’d been through some extremely difficult times, and she’d learned to appreciate the days when nothing serious was happening—when she wasn’t in the midst of a storm. I’ve tried to remember that over the years. I’ve heard to be thankful when the laundry is piled high, because you have clothes, and when the dishes are dirty, because you have food. To be thankful when politicians argue, because, in our country, they can. And that’s all so true. But what I’ve also tried to learn, as I’ve grown older, is to be thankful for something—anything—when I am in the storm. When it is not a normal day. All of us have challenging times, whether over health or finances or family or jobs. It’s so hard to get off the hamster wheel of anxiety during those times. Fear tries to shackle us. Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) says: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. When anxiety or depression locks us down, clutches our chests, steals our breath, the writer of Philippians instructs us to pray with thanksgiving. That’s incredibly difficult. Impossible, even, without God. But I believe that tactic works, because we are in a battle, and thankfulness can be a weapon. So when we’re in the storm and under the harshest trials, can we find something to give thanks for? A sunset, a pillow, a friend’s call, a roof, a butterfly, a pet, running water…forgiveness, mercy, freedom. If we really try to count our blessings, like that old hymn says, we may find comfort and remember that God is in control. It would be pretty boring writing without you, my friends, on this journey!
I am thankful for you! Blessings to you and your loved ones this Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for this year? You can leave a comment below :) P.S. If you feel like reading over the holidays, here are some Christian or clean novels at free or 99 cents Nov. 28-Dec. 2. Click this link to find them and enjoy! Link to books
12 Comments
Trisha Leriget
11/28/2019 07:46:03 am
Thank you for your Thanksgiving words. They were a blessing to my soul. I am thankful for a God who sees me, loves me, and likes me. What a blessing to be able to have a relationship with our Lord. I have enjoyed your books. God bless.
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Janet Ferguson
11/28/2019 08:17:35 am
Trisha,
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I too am so very thankful for my family. I have a new Daughter-in-law that joined our family last December. You gave your favorite scripture, Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplications with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the peace that passes all understanding will keep your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.
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Janet A Ferguson
11/28/2019 08:22:22 am
Hi Liz!
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Danielle McDonald
11/28/2019 12:45:48 pm
im thankful for my husband
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Janet A Ferguson
11/28/2019 01:29:38 pm
Danielle, I'm thankful for mine, too, even if we drive each other nuts sometimes, ha!
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Pam Hillman
11/29/2019 06:23:02 am
Ah, sweet Janet!!! This is just what I needed this morning. Blessings on you and your family on this day after Thanksgiving. Love y'all!
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Janet A Ferguson
11/29/2019 08:20:25 am
Thank you, Pam! I hope you're having a good holiday :)
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Belinda Melson
11/30/2019 08:09:16 pm
Janet, Great reminder for us to always be thankful. We are so fortunate to have what we have just to live in this country. Also, thankful for you, my friend. Belinda
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Janet A Ferguson
12/3/2019 08:50:33 am
We are blessed! Thank for you too!!
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Bonnie
12/1/2019 10:41:43 pm
Thank you for the thoughtful Thankful times and situations. Great reminder.
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Janet A Ferguson
12/3/2019 08:51:45 am
Amen! That's just beautiful, Bonnie!
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