I can vaguely remember from Grade School learning about Thanksgiving. Likely somewhere between picking my nose and getting up every 3 seconds to sharpen my pencil, I can recall my teacher talking about the celebration documented back to the early 1600’s in Plymouth, which we now know to be Massachusetts. The celebration was documented to have been as a result of a consecutive rainy season ending a drought that lead to a bountiful harvest. This bountiful harvest filled the people with a level of Thankfulness that lead to a reason to celebrate.

It doesn’t seem like very much has changed. Every generation has their story to tell. These stories are accompanied by challenges encountered that build character, allowing us to see the victory which gives us that reason to celebrate. It may not be identical to the early 1600’s, because when we run out of food we hop on over to a local grocery store and refill. We can do this because we have the ability to harvest anywhere in the world and have it imported in a short time period. 

I’m sure in the early 1600’s, they were standing in the barren and dry fields looking up to Christ, wondering when the rain would fall again, when the seedling would have the water it needs to bud, and when the fruit would bare so that life may continue through the nourishment of our bodies. I can’t even begin to imagine how their faith must have been tested as they pleaded for the rain that was not coming. They knew, like we do, that all God has to do is speak the word and the sky has to listen. But, in this case, He didn’t. At least, not right away or in the format to which it was expected. 

Sometimes I wonder, knowing the things we do as it is written in the Bible, what if we didn’t wait for the rain to come? What if we chose today, no matter what our circumstance, to Praise God with a joyful and thankful heart? How different would our Social Studies classes have been if the people of Plymouth had danced around the dry fields in celebration of the God who gave them life, sustained them, and loved them? What if they acknowledged that the soil didn’t need rain to produce, but that all it needed was for God to speak to it? 

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. It was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” Genesis 1:1-3

The second you open His Word, the first few lines you see show the Glory of our Father in Heaven. He didn’t just take nothing and turn it into something. He took nothing and made this magnificent world and everything in it. Just take a step out of your door and look at the world around you. Take a deep breath and be it clean crisp country or fume-filled city air, it’s air and it’s yours to enjoy. Look at the beautiful mountains, the open fields, the endless skyline or the big beautiful buildings and cross lines… he made it for you. Pick up your telephone and call your loved one. Speak to them from thousands of miles away just to tell them you love them. Look in the mirror and see deep into your eyes. Look at the shape and form of your face, your nose, cheeks, chin and lips. The detail of how intricately you were designed the day you began form in your mother’s womb. I think I could go on forever, but take a moment to think of the good things and realize we can’t even imagine grasping the wonders of God. Nothing compares to Him. 

Day in and day out, we have an unlimited amount of things to be thankful for. If Jesus taking it to the cross hasn’t punctured your heart of gratefulness just yet, I am praying for you, but some of the best advice I’ve ever been given to a heart of joy is as follows:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things” Philippians 4:8 

Thankfulness is going to start with the gift and ability to dance around the dry and barren fields. If that is you, don’t let this glorious moment pass. Don’t dance in preparation of the rain, dance in preparation for the return of Christ. If the rain comes in the interim, Glory to God… if it doesn’t, Glory to God. 

Happy Thanksgiving. 

Kimberly 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. We’re only 37 short days out until Christmas is once again upon us. This morning I woke up and was reading through God’s word and I couldn’t help but smile to be alive during such a time as this. So many people want this year to disappear like it never existed. Trust me, there have been moments where that was me. They want to forget the pain, illness, anger, sadness, and fear that overcame so many of those around us. We want to forget how our lives were turned upside down on the expectations that 2 weeks would be the only sacrifice we would need to make, only to see everything we know blow away with the wind. 

We want to make comments from those who were closest to us be squashed along with this pandemic. We balance our desire to want to run into the arms of our loved ones without reserve or concern with the fear that it might be detrimental to their wellbeing. Why wouldn’t we? We were designed to love and be loved. Personal interaction is at the core of who we are as humans.

I made the personal decision to turn off the news far before the elections. The information started to bleed in together and watching the news 24/7 wasn’t going to help anyone, because it was just going to turn on the “fix it switch” oh so wonderfully stationed at every nerve in my brain. I’d like to say this is a clever joke, but those switches do very much exist and they can be extremely helpful at times. What is unfortunate is that most of the time it just turns me into an electrical car with unlimited electricity and a cement brick on the gas pedal. It’s simply not pretty to see because I want to make everything right, everyone happy, and every moment a precious reflection of God’s love. As lovely as all of that would be, it’s simply impossible for me to accomplish. Let’s be real, I couldn’t do it if I tried. 

“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” Matthew 19:26. 

This is one of my favorite Bible verses. It reminds me that I am nothing without God, so that I always keep my eyes focused on Him. It reminds me that God is in control all the time, so I have nothing to fear and worry about. It leads me to every place where God reminds me of who He was, who He is, and who He is to come. That pretty much outlines the path of my life. The path that leads me straight to Jesus. O heart be still.

I love Christmas and the days leading up to it. I would be lying if I didn’t tell you a big part of it was not uniting family with a big meal, gifts, bright lights, and laughter. But, if I am being frank, it’s mainly the anticipation and excitement that leads to the coming of my Messiah. Just as those before the time of Jesus anticipated the coming of his birth, I am here in this very moment in remembrance of that moment, and sit in anticipation of the second coming of my Messiah. 

As the boxes arrive filled with various surprises for those I love, the wrapping paper rocks and rolls like Elvis Presley in the 50’s, the lights are strung by the mantle with care, the menu is being intricately designed, the playlist is being structured to reflect an evening leading to the moment we break bread, and each person written deep within my heart is being prayed over, my heart grows softer and my spirit bursts with joy. The kind of joy that makes me jump up and down singing Jesus on repeat, a few keys off and a few octaves higher than my lungs can handle. 

Does anything change that joy? How could it, when it lives deep within our hearts no matter what is going on around us?

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Hello!! This year, like every year presented before it in our lives, has been an absolute blessing because it is connected to our Savior. My giddy spirit is jumping up and down as my heart sings out to God, “I’m getting ready for you”. So no matter where you are in this very moment, I pray you can find freedom from everything that does not come from the Creator of all things that surround you. I pray that He meet your heart for Him right where you are and that He immerse you in His holiness. Because if your spirit is not bursting with love, peace, patience, joy, forgiveness, kindness, and grace, it just needs to be set free for the Messiah. 

Oh Father… how grateful I am for your never-ending love and mercy. So long as you have a plan for me on this earth, here I will stand. Until that day you call me home use me even for the most mundane activities to bring you glory, and let those things be an example of your loving grace. I am eagerly anticipating the moment to celebrate the birth of your Son, but how much more eagerly do I wait for your return for your children!?

Love,

Kimberly