A Voice of Thanksgiving - Patricia Jordan

That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works. Psalm 26:7 ESV

Using a voice of thanksgiving is one of the best ways to witness for God.

During our children’s childhood, we attended churches where, on the fifth Sunday night, folks gave testimonies or asked for their favorite hymns to be sung. I enjoyed it and chatted with many people about how their testimonies uplifted me. 

One summer, I attended a friend’s church revival. People gave testimonies about how God answered their prayers. A woman in the choir told how God delivered her from heavy alcohol consumption. Since then, her life had become fuller and more enriched than ever before. She cried tears of joy over her new life in Christ. I didn’t see her as being too emotional, and neither did those around her. They hugged her or patted her on the back as the choir stepped down. 

In 1975, I lived in Atlanta, GA. I had lived an ungodly lifestyle for several years, moving from place to place and job to job and running from my bad decisions. I worked full-time, but still lost my car. I felt discouraged. But my sister Deena encouraged me to join the military.

On a Sunday morning in April, while sipping coffee, I thought about my life’s direction. While lost in thought, I saw myself sitting with my parents and four older siblings on a church pew during a revival night. I was nine that summer. As the choir sang their last song, the preacher looked in my direction and asked, “Are you washed in the soul-cleansing blood of Jesus?”

I wasn’t a Christian but wanted to be one. I went forward, confessed my faith in Jesus, and was baptized Sunday night. My decision on that revival night, along with reliving that memory, changed the direction of my life. I found a local church, joined it, and then investigated the military idea. I’ve lived a Christian life ever since. 

Sharing testimonies strengthens our faith and the faith of others. I love telling the story of how I returned to faith in God at twenty-three. 

With a voice of thanksgiving, tell others what God has done in your life. 

Patricia Jordan is a seventh-generation southerner from the Appalachian Mountains. She is thankful to return and live there after living in various parts of the world with her retired military husband. They have raised three daughters. She has published You Are Valuable (Westbow), which is her story of how she overcame chronic low-grade depression through Bible study, prayer, and talk therapy. Lately, she has turned her writing talents to writing devotions about walking with God.  

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Crockpot Chicken and Dressing

Ingredients 

2 boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix (cooked)

4 Biscuits (cooked)

2 Eggs

1 Onion

2 cans Chicken Broth or the broth from the chicken

3 Boneless Breasts (Boiled)

2 Tablespoons Sage

2 Tablespoons Butter

Salt/pepper

2 cans of Cream of Chicken soup

Directions 

Mix cornbread, biscuits, eggs, sage, salt/pepper, and butter in a large bowl. Set aside.

Boil chicken and onion together. Once the chicken cools, pull it apart and place it in a separate bowl.

Pour chicken broth into the cornbread mixture and mix. If needed, add the chicken broth.

Grease crockpot and add one can of chicken soup.

 Add half of the dressing mixture, then the chicken, and finally the remaining dressing.

 Top with the other can of Cream of Chicken soup.

Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. If needed sooner, cook on high for 1 hour.

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Thanking God in the Darkness - Martin Wiles

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

Ours had been a year where giving thanks in all circumstances challenged us. It required thanking in the darkness.

The storms began in March when Mom fell and broke her wrist. The doctor had warned her not to go outside or bend over, whether inside or outside. We had repeated his warning to her numerous times. She wouldn’t listen. Sure enough, the inevitable finally happened. Knowing my stepfather, who was a small man and who also had Alzheimer’s, could not care for her, we started the process of getting Mom into a skilled nursing facility.

With Mom gone, my stepfather’s cognitive ability rapidly declined. He could no longer care for himself. The doctor informed us that he, too, needed to be in a skilled nursing facility or have round-the-clock care. He couldn’t afford the latter, so we began the process of getting him into the same facility—and perhaps the same room—as Mom. But when we informed his children—most of whom had been disengaged from his life for more than a decade—they disagreed with our decision.

In short order, they hired an attorney to revoke my POA, made accusations against us to the Department of Social Services, and sued to get full inheritance of his and Mom’s house. So Mom had to hire an attorney to defend herself—only she couldn’t take care of any of those legal matters, so it fell upon me as her POA. As of this writing, the legal battle continues.

To add to our struggles, my mother-in-law, who had lived with us for almost two years, had a mini-stroke and fell, hitting her head in the process. By the next day, we had to move her to the Hospice House, and within four days, she was gone.

Amid the challenges, fall arrived—my favorite time of the year. I watched the leaves turn vibrant colors, felt the temperatures fall, and enjoyed the crispness of each morning and evening. One morning, as I filled the bird feeder on the fence at the back of our yard, I noticed a lone doe feeding on the acorns among the leaves. She stared at me, but made no effort to run. I returned to the house to get my phone to take a picture. When I returned, she still stood there. I took several photos as she posed.

Suddenly, my perspective changed. Despite the year’s challenges, I had much to be thankful for. I worshipped the Creator of all the beauty I witnessed. My wife and I experienced a few minor health issues during the year, but nothing major. We had two wonderful children and seven rambunctious grandsons to enjoy. We had a wonderful church family and numerous friends. Our son had given up an unhealthy habit he had indulged in for many years. Our income paid the bills and gave us a little leftover for short vacations. God loved us and accepted us into his family.

The list could go on, but Paul was right. Even if our year’s circumstances had been worse, I could still find myself thanking God in the darkness. The little preposition “in” makes all the difference. God never tells us to thank him “for” all circumstances, just in them. This we can do when we remember that a good and loving God controls those circumstances and will forever work them for our good and his glory.

This Thanksgiving and every day, thank God. Doing so will change your perspective on life.

Father, regardless of how the darkness appears, lead me to thank you in all things. 

 

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

A Proper Thanksgiving - Martin Wiles

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

Call me a sentimentalist, but I have my own ideas of what constitutes a proper Thanksgiving.

I remember the good ole’ days when we gathered at my grandmothers’ houses to celebrate the holidays, Thanksgiving among them. My paternal grandmother and grandfather had only two children: my father and his sister. Mom and Dad had three boys, and my aunt had a boy and a girl.

We all gathered at my grandparent’s house on Thanksgiving Day to celebrate. The kids sat around the kitchen table while the adults assembled in the dining room. And I remember when I reached that milestone and could graduate to the dining room table to eat with the adults.

My grandfather was a ham man and always cooked and sliced the ham. I don’t remember us celebrating with turkey, but my grandmother provided the trimmings. When we finished, we milled around doing various things: sitting and talking in the living room, watching a ball game on television, and playing in the fenced-in backyard.

We said our goodbyes around midday and drove thirty miles down the road to my maternal grandparents’ farm. Here, we repeated the same procedure. Mom had one sister who had three children. They lived fifty yards away, so getting to Grandma’s house required no driving for them.

But that was then, and this is now. I thought things had changed, but after talking with my middle brother, I guess they haven’t changed as much as I thought. All three of us brothers are now grandfathers and gather with our children and grandchildren on Thanksgiving and other holidays.

Still, I would love to add the great-grandparent level and see everyone gather at my mom’s house. I miss the part where we gather at the person’s house who stands the furthest back in our genealogical line. 

But really, a proper Thanksgiving includes much more than family gatherings. Paul encapsulates it in this one verse: give thanks to God in all circumstances. He wrote this long before anyone proclaimed a Thanksgiving holiday in America or any other country.

The holidays can be difficult. We miss the gatherings. We miss the ones who once gathered with us. Death is the lifetime thief that no law enforcement officer can capture. And times can get tough when circumstances come against us.

But circumstances should not determine our thanksgiving or joy. Regardless of our circumstances, we can know God is in control, loves us, blesses us, works all things together for our good, has mercy that endures forever, and has an eternity planned for us—all things to be thankful for, whether our Thanksgiving gatherings look like the ones we long for.

So on this Thanksgiving, observe a proper Thanksgiving.

Father, help me always to remember to thank you in all circumstances and at all times.

Tweetable: What Thanksgiving memories do you have? 

I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are a grandparent, parent, or someone who wants to learn from grandparents, this is the book for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

 

This Is the Day - Kayla Leinbach

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 KJV

The first few notes of my alarm clock jarred me awake.

7:08 a.m. Another day to get through. I was exhausted and didn’t want to go anywhere. Life was too busy. Getting up and going to work or classes only weighed me down a little more each day.

My fingers hovered over the snooze button—my spirit unwilling and my flesh content with weakness.

“I hate Wednesdays,” I growled, flinging back the sheets and rolling off the bed.

Most people can relate. We have things to do and should do them for God’s glory. But a weight keeps us flattened on the ground—exhaustion, anxiety, depression, loneliness, or inexplicable things that annoy or discourage us.

On days like this, I blame the day itself—as if it’s the earth’s fault for rotating around the sun. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday—it doesn’t matter what our schedule is or what day it is. There’s always something about every day that we hate. Monday, because the weekend is over. Wednesday, because there’s still half the week left. Thursday, because it’s not Friday. I could continue.

As I whirl through the vicious cycle of racing time and crushing work, it’s easy to let myself fall into the trap of blaming the day for my problems. But God made each day and said they were good. Each day is a gift and another opportunity to serve and glorify Him. After all, He didn’t have to give us another day.

The Bible does not say, “We will rejoice if good things happen today.” We will rejoice because today is God’s perfect creation. When we take time to serve God and make the most of each day, He will bless us.

What are some ways you can thank God for the gift of today?

Tweetable: Are you thanking God for the gift of today? 

Kayla Leinbach is a college senior majoring in professional writing. She loves her dog, music, coffee, snow, and a cozy book on a rainy day. Her goal with writing is to bring glory to God and give a little enjoyment to anyone who reads it.

 

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Corn Bread Dressing

 

Ingredients

1 PAN CORNBREAD (DAY OLD)

     

1 ONION (CHOPPED)

3 EGGS (BEATEN)

2 CANS CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP

   

1 CAN CREAM OF CELERY SOUP

         

½ CUP CANNED MILK

2 TABLESPOONS SAGE

                        

1 CAN CHICKEN BROTH

     

1 STICK BUTTER (MELTED)

Directions

CRUMBLE CORNBREAD AND MIX WITH ALL OTHER INGREDIENTS.

POUR INTO A GREASED CASSEROLE DISH.

BAKE AT 350 FOR 1 HOUR.

Tweetable: Why not add this delight to your holiday meal? 

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Sweet Potato Souffle

 

Ingredients

3 LARGE SWEET POTATOES

½ STICK BUTTER

1 CUP BROWN SUGAR

1 CUP WHITE SUGAR

2 EGGS

1 CUP MILK

1 TEASPOON VANILLA

2 CUP CHOPPED PECANS

2 TABLESPOON PLAIN FLOUR

Directions

WASH, PEEL, AND CUT POTATOES INTO CHUNKS.COOK UNTIL TENDER.

IN A BOWL, MASH  THE POTATOES. 

ADD WHITE SUGAR, 1/2 CUP BROWN SUGAR, EGGS, MILK, VANILLA, AND 1/4 STICK OF BUTTER.

MIX WELL. POUR INTO A GREASED CASSEROLE DISH.

IN A SEPARATE BOWL MIX THE REST OF BUTTER, BROWN SUGAR, FLOUR, AND PECANS. 

PLACE ON TOP OF POTATO MIXTURE.

BAKE AT 350 FOR 35-40 MINUTES

Tweetable: Why not try this holiday favorite? 

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Continual Feast - Karen Huffaker

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Psalm 34:8 ESV

We always look forward to Thanksgiving Day, one of my favorite days of the year. Aside from the family gathering and sweet fellowship, we enjoy a grand buffet set out before us. Plans may call for one big sit-down-at-the-table meal, but inevitably it becomes a continual feast throughout the day.

For an appetizer, we start snacking on pumpkin bread early on. Anticipation grows throughout the day as we taste and nibble when each new dish enters. The excitement builds to a crescendo until we sit together for dinner, followed by sumptuous desserts. At the day’s end, we’re still savoring the last dessert crumbs over fresh-brewed coffee.

But is our study of God’s Word a continual feast? Do we begin tasting Scripture at first light and think about God’s truths as morning progresses? Do we go deeper and study as the day goes on? Do we meditate, reflect, and feed on more of what God has to tell us? Do we apply His teachings? Are we filled by evening? Did we savor all of what He laid before us?

Examine what you read, study, and experience. Reflect on all that God has done. Open your mouth and taste. See how good God is. Those who hope and trust in God’s truths will be filled, comforted, and blessed.

How can you better experience and savor the Bible?

Tweetable: Are you savoring God's Word? 

Karen Huffaker is a freelance Christian writer. She has taught children’s Sunday school and single mom’s Bible studies and written poetry. She is from the Deep South and loves reading Christian books, devotionals, genealogy adventures, fishing, and all things family. She is also passionate about her grandchildren’s sporting events. 

Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.

Sweet Potato Souffle

 

Ingredients

3 LARGE SWEET POTATOES

½ STICK BUTTER

1 CUP BROWN SUGAR

1 CUP WHITE SUGAR

2 EGGS

1 CUP MILK

1 TEASPOON VANILLA

2 CUP CHOPPED PECANS

2 TABLESPOON PLAIN FLOUR

Directions

WASH, PEEL, AND CUT POTATOES INTO CHUNKS.COOK UNTIL TENDER.

IN A BOWL, MASH  THE POTATOES. 

ADD WHITE SUGAR, 1/2 CUP BROWN SUGAR, EGGS, MILK, VANILLA, AND 1/4 STICK OF BUTTER.

MIX WELL. POUR INTO A GREASED CASSEROLE DISH.

IN A SEPARATE BOWL MIX THE REST OF BUTTER, BROWN SUGAR, FLOUR, AND PECANS. 

PLACE ON TOP OF POTATO MIXTURE.

BAKE AT 350 FOR 35 to 40 MINUTES

Tweetable: Why not make this an addition to your Thanksgiving meal? 

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A Different Thanksgiving - Martin Wiles

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

Our Thanksgiving gatherings had changed.

I remember them as a child. We gathered at my paternal grandparents’ home in Orangeburg, South Carolina. My grandfather cooked a turkey and a ham. My grandmother cooked the trimmings.

At the designated time, Mom, Dad, and we three boys showed up for the feast and to visit with the grandparents who treated us more like children than grandchildren. Then Dad’s sister and brother-in-law, along with their two children, arrived. We sat at the table to enjoy the meal—the adults at the dining room table and the children at the kitchen table.

After the feast ended, we traveled twenty miles south to Vance, South Carolina, where we enjoyed another meal with my mom’s parents, along with my mom’s sister and her three children. Although our stomachs bulged, we ate again anyway.

When all of the grandparents had died—or gotten too feeble to cook Thanksgiving meals anymore—Mom took over, and we three boys, along with our spouses and children, gathered at her house to enjoy the same kind of feast we had enjoyed at our grandparents’.

Then it happened. Well, more than one thing, actually. Dad died. Divorce touched all three of us boys. Remarriages took place. Parents and grandparents—and even some great-grandparents—multiplied. Steps were added. The family grew, but in a different and separated way. Then Mom remarried, and stopped cooking on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

My younger brother moved away and only visited once or twice a year—at Thanksgiving, but mostly at Christmas. One year, he decided to come for Thanksgiving. But it wasn’t what I imagined. My other brother and his new family planned to gather with his new wife’s family. His children had other plans. My daughter and her kids planned to “drop” in. My son and his family also had other plans.

Our Thanksgiving gathering wasn’t what I hoped for. Circumstances built a siege against us. But I thanked God for the gathering we had. Which is what Paul commanded. We don’t have to thank God for our circumstances, but we can thank Him in them.

I could spout off the typical things people say when asked what they are thankful for—family, friends, a job, good health, a house, a car, God—and I do thank God for all of that, but somehow my thanks needs to go deeper. I’m thankful God has chosen me as His child, and that I had the sense to say yes when He extended the invitation. His grace is enough.

My connection with my heavenly Father through Christ helps me give thanks even when the Thanksgivings are different or when they are not what I hoped for.

This Thanksgiving, ask God to help you show gratefulness, even though your circumstances may not be ideal.

Prayer: Father, we thank You for inviting us into Your family and for showing us how to demonstrate gratefulness even in trying circumstances.

Tweetable: How thankful are you this Thanksgiving?

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The Gathering - Martin Wiles

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

The annual gathering happened two days before Thanksgiving.

Each year, the churches in the small town where I pastored gathered for a community Thanksgiving service. Different churches hosted the event, and pastors rotated preaching. A time of fellowship and food followed. But then we went home, often never to see each other again until we had our annual community Easter celebration.

In spite of the brevity of the event—and the fact that we wouldn’t see one another for months—I eagerly awaited this gathering each year. Thanksgiving tops the list of my favorite holidays, and spending a few moments of it with people from different races, nationalities, and social levels makes it more enjoyable.

I don’t know in what season of the year Paul wrote the above command, but he knew nothing about a Thanksgiving holiday. He didn’t need one. He had learned contentment … thankfulness … in all circumstances. And God’s will is for every believer to realize the same.

When I experience these community events at Thanksgiving and Easter, I imagine they mirror heaven. A place where race, nationality, wealth, mistakes, emotional states, and age will no longer separate God’s people. A day when the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., will finally come true: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

But the gathering is about more than the mixture and the breaking down of barriers. The lives of all gathered are peppered by a myriad of conditions. Regardless, we lift our voices to the God who controls our circumstances and to the One whom we believe involves Himself in all of our situations. Our voices blend as we praise Him through song. They sync as we say, “Amen,” to the truths heard from His Word.

The Thanksgiving season gives us the opportunity to remember God’s plan is always best—regardless of the path we must follow to realize it. God doesn’t expect us to be happy about tragedy and heartache, but we can have contentment in trying situations when we remember He’s in control, has our best interests at heart, and controls the intensity and time of our travels.

Celebrate Thanksgiving by gathering with others and thanking God collectively.

Tweetable: How do you express thanks to God?

Prayer: Father, we say, “Thank You,” for Your many blessings over our lives.

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