Hello everyone,

I was doing some studying and found this story. It is a good picture of how our thanksgiving needs to be become thanks-living.

"Alex Haley, the author of "Roots," had an unusual picture hanging on his office wall. It was a picture of a turtle on top of a fence post. When asked, "Why is that there?" Alex Haley answered, "Every time I write something significant, every time I read my words and think that they are wonderful, and begin to feel proud of myself, I look at the turtle on top of the fence post and remember that he didn’t get there on his own. He had help." That is the basis of thankfulness - to remember that we got here with the help of God, & that He is the provider of every blessing we have."

That is so true. What or who is the focus of our thanks and praise? The focus needs to be God at all times. Paul says in his letter to the church at Thessalonica, " Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Those who know me know one of my favorite words in the Bible is the word "all." This word means everything. It means nothing or no one is left out. In this passage are two closely related words, "always," and "never." Notice the verse does NOT say, ‘Be joyful, be prayerful, and give thanks in SOME situations, with SOME people, SOME of the time. ALWAYS be joyful. NEVER stop praying. Be thankful in ALL circumstances. Why? Because this is all part of God's plan for HIS creation.

It’s not about when things are good and going well. It’s not about what we think others are saying or doing for or against us. It is about the God who loves us, gives His Son for our eternal life and loves us to a depth we cannot understand. This is God's plan. Period.

ALWAYS be joyful

NEVER stop praying

Be Thankful in ALL circumstances