Lessons in Thankfulness from Philippians 4

 The turkey was in the fridge. The canned pumpkin and stuffing fixings sat on the pantry shelf. Everything was telling me that I should be ready for Thanksgiving. Yet my spirit didn’t feel thankful.

Feelings are not what should direct my life, but it is so easy to let them take hold, and to take the place of my love for God. Then my whole outlook on life can turn to a dreary gray. And I grow consumed with:

The weight of my worries

Lack of sleep, feeling ugly inside and out.

            Impatience, and frustration with people I love.

Why My Father Holds My Heart

                   Someday...I am going to walk down the church’s center aisle, clothed in white. I will have my father at my side, with his arm wrapped securely in mine. Once we stand before my groom, the pastor will ask, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” And my father will reply, “Her mother and I.”

With those four simple words, and a farewell kiss on the cheek, my heart will be given away....