HAPPY THANKS-LIVING

It’s that wonderful and favorite time of year again. Happy Thanks-Living. The brisk breeze and rich colors of fall make me smile. I have such sweet memories growing up together with my family traditions. Reminiscing here of that quality family time, mama’s home-cooked feast and cutting down a Christmas tree in the mountains the following Saturday. Big family life was crazy but full of memories I cherish.

Unconditional Praise

Things changed three years ago when God stripped me from that familiar life. He moved me across the country with no family, no traditions and culture shock. Now, I visit home once or twice a year rather than living ten minutes from everyone and dropping by just because. I could have gotten into the habit of complaining with that “whoa is me attitude” or worse, to run back home. Instead, I started praying. “God, you have me here for a reason. I trust you. Give me your perspective.” So he did. Let me tell you, everything changes when he gives you His perspective.

Thanks in All Circumstances

It’s easy to have a thankful heart when life is good and everything is pretty much going our way. It is easier to serve God when he’s giving us the desires of our hearts. Here’s to say, I really dislike the next season just around the corner that sneaks upon us. Winter is not my friend. Yes, it’s nice for the first two weeks to cozy up fireside with a hot cup of cocoa but then I’m over it.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you ” Thess. 5:18. Praising with a thankful heart in every season will change your testimony. It’s what sets you apart. People are not convinced by what you say, they are convinced by how you live. We have so much to be grateful for. The more we understand that he is for us and not against us we can’t help but stay thankful. If I wasn’t convinced that God has my back, I mean really has my back I would of given up at this point. Trust our good, good father. He really does have a perfect plan and even disappointments he uses for your good.

Praising with a thankful heart in every season will change your testimony.”

Start each day verbally giving thanks for who he is and what he’s done in your life. Praise Him, no matter how you feel, and you’ll soon feel thankful.

I for one am thankful for the following recipe! My friend and I make this together every year with real pumpkin (yes, it’s more work) but it is amazing. Enjoy!

Best Pumpkin Bread Ever

Ingredients

• 2 cups pumpkin puree or 1 can of pumpkin
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup water
• 3 cups white sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7×3 inch loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water, and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, wHisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.
3. Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Happy Thanks-Living loves! May you and your loved ones feel His peace, joy and goodness this season!