Learning Gratitude

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When we learn the secret of gratitude, death becomes a thing of beauty. We’re able to let go, no longer needing to fill the empty spaces with the latest and greatest distraction to hit the holiday shelves. We no longer need to wait for a new year for change to come, because we can be thankful…now.

 

Photo Credit: starry skies – the puddle in the parking lot Flickr by joiseyshowaa

The Secret of Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving comes first, putting everything into perspective if only we still our souls to listen and learn the secret.

 

Photo Credit: Fall Cornucopia — Rosslyn (VA) November 2012 | Image by Ron… | Flickr

Faith and Patience

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“…imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12)

 

Photo Credit: File:Autumn Leaves.jpg – Wikipedia

The Season for Patience

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In these dark days, we’re not only going to need faith to stand firm until the end. We’re going to need the key ingredient of patience. And patience will only come through an intimate knowledge of God. When we know Him intimately, we will be sure of His faithfulness. And He who is faithful is able to keep us.

 

Photo Credit: Autumn Farm | With harvesting ongoing as we shot. | Martin Cathrae …

When It’s Hard to Give Thanks

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When we’re going through fiery trials, it can be a challenge to maintain a heart of gratitude. Giving thanks in difficult times may be the hardest thing we’re asked to do, and yet it is the very thing that will help lift the burden of a heavy heart.

 

Photo Credit: File:Autumn Mist by the Lake.JPG – Wikimedia Commons

If You Feel Far

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If you feel far from God, ask him to open your eyes to see the open door he has set before you. Pray for strength to stop running far in the wrong direction—to turn from where you are and to return to the God who knows you, loves you, and has the power to set you free.

 

Photo Credit: File:The ruined Tyn Llan viewed through the open door of the …

Not Abandoned

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Sometimes we live under the notion that we’re stranded—stuck behind a door that’s slammed in our face, when all along that door would open with the slightest nudge. In fact, it’s already open, we just don’t see it. We may feel abandoned by God, but truly he’s made a way for us to be close to him. It says so in his word: “he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him” (2 Samuel 14:14).