Thanksgiving Thinking

Thanksgiving- the day we should be thankful, yet we are consumed with Black Friday shopping and getting more. 

Today I am going to intentionally focus on what I have and not what I want or need. 

We have so much to be thankful for. 

In this great country, we can be so easily distracted by successful marketing and overpowering social media. Before we know it, our thoughts are fixed on things. 

No, life isn’t perfect. Adversity is always lurking. But with God, we can refocus our thoughts and peace will take over. We can have peace in adversity, when we stay focused on Him by giving Him thanks according to His Word:

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 

I Thessalonians 5:18

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”  

Colossians 3:15

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”

Hebrews 13:15

As we approach this holiday and the new year, let’s make a strong effort to verbally and emotionally acknowledge God’s gifts. Speak of the goodness of God. When someone wants to bring up negativity, turn the conversation to God’s blessings. When we feel low and weary, think thoughts of praise and thanksgiving unto the Creator of life. 

Here’s a little Thanksgiving challenge: write out a list of your blessings. Do not include things money can buy, but you can include people. Focus on this list throughout the holiday season. Know that you have God and you are blessed.

Find Rest

The human body is an amazing creation. What I've been thinking about lately isn't very profound, but as moms, it can easily be forgotten: the importance of sleep. 

When the body is sleep deprived, it malfunctions. Lack of alertness, impaired memory, moodiness, and even premature wrinkling and dark circles can occur! There is something to be said for "beauty sleep!" 

When the body is sleeping, the brain is rejuvenated, tissues and organs heal, inflammation is decreased, and memory improves. Studies show that regular quality sleep can even lower blood pressure, help you lose weight, improve your mood, and improve your relationships! 

Not to mention, to have dreams, you must be sleeping. God often spoke to people in the Bible through dreams. And remember, God Himself took a day of rest. In the busyness of life, don't overlook such a crucial command: rest. 

Taking care of ourselves allows us to be the best mother that we can be. It allows us to be more focused on God and less focused on, well, less focused. 

It's so hard to focus at all when you're exhausted. 

As I said, not profound, but still a good reminder. Know that sleep is not only good for the natural man. It is good for the spirit, too. Just as Psalm 23 tells us, "He maketh me lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside the still waters, He restoreth my soul." When we rest, we will be restored. 

So don't push yourself beyond the limit. Rest. Allow God to restore your soul.

Oh, but don't oversleep...Proverbs 20:13 warns us you will be poor, if you sleep too much! haha 

As they say, "everything in moderation." (: