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With the Christmas season approaching, everyone is busy shopping.  Walmart, Target, Best Buy and the mall are just some of the places where people are flocking to go!

And with this comes the "crazzies"!  You know them- run down aisles, knock people over, yell, scream and push- maybe you're one of them! :-)




During this Christmas season, let us take more than a day.  I would say, let us take this season to remember the reason we celebrate the way we do! 

Isaiah 9:6 (kjv)
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

God gave the greatest gift anyone could ever receive!  He offered eternal life to all who call on Jesus' name!  Through this gift, we are given peace that passes all human understanding, healing in place of our sickness, provision in place of our need!  


 
 
1 Thessalonians 5:18 - "...in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (NASB)

As we approach what is traditionally one of everyone's favorite holidays-Thanksgiving- we're reminded time and time again to remember what we are to be thankful for.  With social media, there is the THANKSGIVING CHALLENGE, in which you post a tweet, status update, a blog, etc...for the next 30 days, each day being thankful for something.  WHAT A GREAT IDEA!  

In life we sometimes find ourselves overly busy.  Between the job, family, school, church, community, there is a lot going on.  We interact with people on a daily basis, but sometimes we forget or fail to remember that which is important.  And that is to be thankful in ALL things!

Paul, in his writings, encourages the church to remember their conduct and how it should reflect Christ. In verses 12-24, he calls on the church to do a few things (living) to encourage or uplift "those who diligently labor among you...".
And as a church we should:
          - appreciate                           - be peaceable
          - encourage                           - help others 
          - love                                    - be patient
          - rejoice with others               - be prayerful   
          - be sensitive to the Spirit       - stay away from evil


It is in these teachings that Paul writes that if we will lives these attributes out daily, God will do His part!   
"Faithful is He who calls you..." (vs. 24)

The THANKSGIVING CHALLENGE is a great reminder of giving thanks.  But let us remember to thank our heavenly Father for all that He has done for us, so that in ALL THINGS (everything) we give thanks!  May our lives be a reflection of our thanksgiving unto Him!

Let's do our best not only to offer thanksGIVING, but let's do our best to be thanksLIVING!