“As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December’s bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same”.-Donald E. Westlake

We thought of the above quote as we enjoyed the busyness, excitement and sights of the season with the strain of Christmas carols resonating in the air at Short Hills Mall in New Jersey.

Do not allow a Scrooge “bah humbug” attitude to rob you of the childlike pleasure of the season because you don’t like all the commercialism.

What if the carols are not being aired throughout the shopping malls for the right reason? I just rejoice that the message of the gospel is being proclaimed. What better time of the year to wear the joy of your salvation for all to see. Have patience as you stand in long lines, show kindness to the weary shop assistants with a word of appreciation and wish everyone you see “A Merry Christmas”!

On this Thanksgiving Day I want to send my thanks to all my friends on face book, likes on my fan page, subscribers to my website and followers on twitter. I so appreciate your support and encouragement. You inspire me to keep keeping on. Have a real blessed day with your families. 

Philippians 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.

Thanking God for His blessings on the lives of these three little girls who grew up to love the Lord and are serving Him faithfully in various ministries around the USA, in Nashville TN, Austin TX and Charlotte NC. 

My young daughters, Kathleen, Patsy and Angela during their first Thanksgiving in the USA  after immigrating from the UK in 1972.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go:and when he is old, he will not depart from it

Giving thanks causes you to be reminded of what you are thankful for and this gives you a fresh appreciation of all the blessings in your life. This appreciation stokes the flame of joy unspeakable to burn afresh in your heart.

As the old hymn says:

Count your many blessings

Name them one by one

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done!

Bless the Lord, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits:

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things. Psalm 103:2