thankful |ˈθaŋkfʊl, -f(ə)l| adjective pleased and relieved: She was thankful for her life.

I’m sure you’ve heard the age-old phrase, “a thankful heart is a happy heart”. It is a phrase that I know well, and remind myself of often. No matter what season I’m walking through in life, whether it be a season of blessing and favor, or days when I feel I have to pray continuously to get through, I know it to be true: a thankful heart, really is a happy heart.  

Thankfulness isn’t just meant for the Thanksgiving holiday. It is a continuous character trait that we are supposed to adorn ourselves with every day of the year, in every circumstance, good or bad.

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18
God isn’t asking us to do the impossible. He is encouraging us to keep a positive mindset, because He knows that gratitude produces joy in our lives.

Do you ever wonder how some people are able to walk through the most difficult circumstances in their lives, and still display incredible joy? That comes from a deep-seeded heart of hope, trust and gratitude.

It would be so easy to believe the lie that we have nothing to be thankful for. When we focus on the negative aspects of our life, and choose to believe those things, we will begin to sink down into a deep pit of sorrow, and it takes a heart of gratitude to pull yourself out of that pit!

So, when you’re feeling discouraged, I want to encourage you to make a list of things you’re thankful for in your life. Even if you have to think super hard…ask yourself, “What am I thankful for, today?” I promise, it will set your mind on the right things, and the enemy will no longer be able to steal your joy.

Here’s my list for Thanksgiving week:  

Things I’m Thankful for:

  1. Thankful I am saved by grace, forgiven and free.  
  2. My incredible husband and his faithful heart to me, and our family.
  3. My amazing kids and their desire to be near me. I know this season won’t always last. Being thankful for it now!
  4. My job, and our business. Thank you Lord for blessing our business and for giving me the opportunity to work, and work hard for you.
  5. My mother. My inspiration, my hero and my idol. Thank you for healing her of illness, and allowing her to continue her incredible legacy here on this earth.
  6. My friends. Thank you for great friends who surround me in time of need–for prayer, for laughter and for genuine support and inspiration.
  7. Dark chocolate almonds. Thank you Lord. Chocolate is definitely heaven sent.

See? Deciding to focus on the positive aspects of your life, automatically tunes your mind to focus on all that is going good–instead of the negative. We ALL have problems in our lives that we could focus on, but I choose not to.

I am choosing to be thankful today, bringing all of my problems and anxiousness to God in prayer instead of worrying about them myself.

Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for giving us life. I pray that we would wake up with gratitude on our hearts, thanking you for every blessing you give to us each day. I pray that when you search my heart, you would find true joy and contentment. Please be with those who have lost loved ones this Thanksgiving holiday. I pray you would be their peace and hope where hope seems lost. Teach us to be grateful for our lives, and give us strength to live each day honoring you. In Jesus name, Amen.

True, genuine joy comes from a heart of gratitude. Enjoy this week of Thanksgiving, food and fellowship with those you love!

Happy Thanksgiving!

XO-
Sabrina  

My handsome Grandpa turned 93 this weekend! Our family flew to Laredo to celebrate with him.  While honoring him, I felt overwhelmed with gratefulness over the legacy of love he has created. This picture of my 3 year old son, Field Christian in prayer is what this incredible legacy looks like.

All photos by: Alan Silva Photography