“Oh give thanks unto the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures forever”.  Ps. 107:1

How many times have we as teachers or parents heard the phrase “that’s not fair”?  How many times have we said it ourselves?    I’ll bet it’s a lot!  We were never promised a life without suffering, instead of saying “why me” we should be saying “why not me”.  We sometimes let our attitude get in the way of our sense of gratitude.  Our attitude or perspective towards what is happening around us can affect our daily walk.  When our focus is on things we don’t have or can’t attain to, we allow the joy that God wants for us to be stolen away.  Stop “sweating the small stuff”; each of us will have days, weeks, months, even years that cloud us with worries and concerns.  But… we are told to be thankful in every situation, not for the situation, but that God is with us there. 

The trials that we face and then have victory over only make us stronger, not only as individuals, but as Christians.   When we lose our focus and forget to look at the “big picture”, then our eyes are not fixed on Heaven or Jesus, but on ourselves.  Just like the Pilgrims of the Mayflower we are traveling through this life and looking forward to the “new life” we are promised in Heaven.

That is one reason I love Thanksgiving and Christmas, both of these holidays remind me to be grateful for everything I have.  Please join with me in remembering to be thankful for our family’s, good friends, enough food to eat, a cozy house, warm clothing, and those special possessions that we don’t need, but should appreciate.  Let us be grateful that we have been blessed with today, but above all else, we should remember that we have eternal life with a loving God to look forward too.

I pray that your holiday is joyful and blessed with food and fellowship with your loved ones.  Also during this time of Thanksgiving, let us remember those who are unable to be with their loved ones and pray for their continued safety—especially those in harm’s way, may they find comfort in knowing they are in our prayers.

Thank you for the outpouring of kindness for our troops!!  As of today, ILS has sent over 14 boxes of goodies for the men and women.  God Bless all who have donated goods and monetary help for mailing the boxes. This was appreciated by the many men and women serving over in Iraq.

God is good, let us not forget that He has a plan for each and every one of us!

Blessings,

Mrs. Wallner