​Thanksgiving In Everything by: Pastor Todd Thelen 
 
The Thanksgiving holiday is considered to be an American holiday.  Tracing its roots back to the days of the early settlers, we discover a rather grisly context for that first official observance of Thanksgiving.  It was the winter of 1620-1621.  Only 44 out of the 102 settlers survived.  At one time only 7 were healthy enough to bury their deceased loved ones in frosty graves.  Despite the adversity, those pilgrims persevered.
 
The following Fall, that of 1621, God blessed them with an abundant harvest.  Their crops produced bountifully.  It was out of this abundant bounty that the first Thanksgiving Day was born.  The pilgrims praised God for His faithfulness to His promise of provision.  Scripture passages such as Phil. 4:19, “And my God share supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus’, and 1 Thes. 5:18, “In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”, became sustaining sources of encouragement for the God-fearing settlers.  Their faith in God and praise to God were not conditional.  Their circumstances did not dictate their dependence upon or their devotion to God.
 
In Phil 4:11-12, the Apostle Paul speaks quite candidly when he states, “I have learned in whatever state I am to be content:  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.  Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”  With these words, the Bible is encouraging us to be consistent in our response to either prosperity or poverty – to be content.
 
Contentment is to gratefulness what humility is to honor.  There is an attractive graciousness to gratefulness.  Contentment says, “I have enough – more than enough.”  “I don’t need more.”  Being thankful for what one has been provided is the only appropriate response to the One who alone provides – God Almighty.
 
Psalm 100 has been dubbed a Psalm of Thanksgiving.  Hear the fourth verse of this Psalm; “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.  Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”  The giving of thanks to God – now that’s a good and godly Thanksgiving.  

I can't believe it! The month of October is quickly flying by.  I love the fall months they are cool and crisp yet warm and inviting, through the beautiful landscapes, harvest and family.  Scott and I recently celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary, and we have three beautiful adult children, I feel very blessed by them and to be writing to you today. 

I have come to understand that God's plans are always better for my life than my own.  His timing is always perfect.  When I look back at the last 30 years I have worked many different jobs from sales, to computer technician, assisted living administrator and now a publisher, writer, and photographer for SLA.  I would not have been able to accomplish any of these things without God, he has put the right mentors and family in my life, for his purpose.  It hasn't come without struggles, times of disappointment, uncertainty or even discouragement.  In the good and bad times, God is always with us.  "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given." Romans 5:3-5 

So when you go through struggles in your life, don't give up, God is with you, and he will be your guide, strength, and hope. 

I want to thank you today for reading and sharing our articles.  We want to reach as many people across the globe as we can, with God's word and educational information for families and seniors.  Thank you for being a blessing to us today.  - Joyously / Judith 

Have you ever prayed for a miracle? Do you believe it can happen? Maybe you have been waiting, but just haven't seen it yet.  Look around you.  Have you prayed about a change in a career, or for someone who was sick, a family or friend and they overcame their illness.  Miracles are happening all around us everyday.  I have been praying for restoration, peace, and love in our communities, for our families in hope that we will see a change for the better.  We absolutely saw a miracle this week, when the announcement came out that Nebraska will be playing football.  That is a miracle.  Praise God for all of the players, their families, administration and Coach Frost for their dedication, and perseverance. 

When we have challenging times, look up, keep praying and asking God to help he is leaning down to hear you.  He will answer in his time. He loves you. Jeremiah 32:27. 27 “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?

"Jesus looked to them and said, with man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God". Mark 10:27 

What a friend we have in Jesus.  He bears all of our sins and griefs.  He is waiting to bend his ear to listen to your needs, concerns, joy and will give you peace today.  With many changes in our lives and country right now, it can be confusing, over whelming, and depressing.  We shouldn't give up hope, God still has this, don't be discouraged, keep praying about your concerns.  He will never disappoint you. Psalm 34: "I sought the Lord, and He answered me, he delivered me from all of my fears". 

"In his arms he will take and shield you".  There is a way to overcome all of your fears, keep praying. He is near. 

It's Father's Day again!  I sure miss those times when I could run up to my dad and hug him on Father's Day.  Even as I grew older, it was comforting to know my dad was only a phone call away.  I have missed saying "Happy Father's Day" for 3 years now.  The sound of our father's voices may or may not help us to feel calmer, or maybe you never knew your dad or even met him.  But I hope you still found a friend, or mentor who could provide fatherly love and support.  
Dad's are cherished because they are confident, have a great sense of humor, share jokes, take us on adventures, tell us what we don't want to hear, are honest, caring, and loving fathers. 

There is greater love than our father on earth, that is our Father in "Heaven".  "The Lord will watches over you, you the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord will keep you from all harm.  He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever". Psalm 121: 5-8 
I do find great comfort knowing God my Father is watching over me, because so many times I have found myself praying, and talking to him, just like I would talk to my dad.  They assure us in our time of need, encourage the tough times, and celebrate the journey.  My dad would say "Have A Little Faith, it will all work out". 

So "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." Psalm 103:13 
Maybe there was a time when you knew things were not going well, and you had to tell your dad, or adult about the situation.  Maybe you feared the punishment, and with God, he has compassion on us even when we mess up as sinners, but his love will always reign and be with you.  Celebrate Father's Day, let them know how much they are loved, appreciated, and honor them. Have a blessed weekend. 

As we come together this Memorial Day weekend to remember the fallen soldiers who served in the United States military.  Remember and encourage their families as we humbly thank God for their lives.  Their sacrifices provided our freedoms, and we should honor them, and remember them on Memorial Day and everyday by being strong and courageous as American's stand for truth. 
"Every season of goodbyes is also a season to grow" Isaiah 43:18-18 
"The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace". Psalm 29:11
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"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go". Joshua 1:9

"When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.  In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid.  What can mere man do to me"? Psalm 56:3-4