Dear Southern Gables Friends,

A few years ago, a friend of mine told me about a woman who was continually worried and stressed. Her husband was in the military, so they were transferred at least once a year. She was convinced that each new place was worse than the last. She was certain that the schools in the next place would be bad for her kids. She was sure that the people would be cold and unfriendly. She expected that nothing would be right. And of course, for her, it wasn't.

After a few years like this, her marriage was on the rocks. Her children avoided her and she had no friends. Her health began to fade too. Her doctor took a battery of tests but couldn't find a thing wrong with her. He said it might be psychological, possibly psychosomatic.

Finally, the woman went to a pastor for help. The pastor listened to her story for about 15 minutes. Then he took out his Bible and read to her Philippians 4:6-7 which says:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

The pastor audibly emphasized the word "with thanksgiving" as he read the verse for the woman. Then he gave her this advice,"I want you to remember this word 'thanksgiving.' Thanksgiving is one of the keys to finding peace in your heart and life. An attitude of thankfulness will give you peace."

Then he gave her this assignment: "For the next 30 days, I want you to count your blessings. When a problem comes, look for the good in it. When you are afraid, uncertain, angry or cynical, I want you to look for the good things in your life and thank God for them. If something is not right, look for the blessing in it. Thank God continually for whatever comes your way. As you have to move again, thank God for the opportunity to meet new people, to start again, and expect to see God work in the new place. Be thankful for everything!"

The woman left the pastor's office. Several weeks went by. But the next time the pastor saw the woman, he almost didn't recognize her. She was a changed woman. Her face, her posture, her countenance, and even her dress were different. But what was most changed was the woman's attitude. There was a new zest for life, and a joy that was contagious. God had changed her life. Thanksgiving was the elixir that healed her soul.

Folks, consider the benefits of being thankful. Studies show thanksgiving is the way to good mental health. It will keep you positive, contented, and improve your physical health. You will be more realistic about your problems because thankfulness puts the bad in prospective and exalts the good. Having a relationship with God and someone to thank will heighten the benefits even more. In fact, thanksgiving improves your spiritual maturity. One of my favorite verses, Colossians 2:6-7 says:

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

As a boy, I learned the King James translation of Psalm 22:3. It says: "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." What this means is that God takes up residence in hearts that are thankful, grateful and joyful. Do you want more of God in your life? Then use praise and thanksgiving to bring God's habitation into your heart. Look for the good in whatever comes. Thank God for the good and even the hard times. Thank God for the disappointments and trials. Count your blessings. Tell your family, friends and even complete strangers how God has blessed you. Become a perpetually thankful person!

For the last ten years, at the beginning and end of each day, I have made it a habit to mentally go through my day and my life. I thank God for my health, my wife, my mom and dad, my house, my cars, my job (or lack of it), my friends and my church. I especially thank God for His salvation, His grace, His mercy, His sovereignty, eternal life, heaven, and so many spiritual blessings. I thank God for the church I am serving and for all the people in it (that's you). If it has been a difficult day, I especially thank Him for the lessons I learned and for the help I know He will send me. This one little exercise lifts me from my problems, changes my attitude, and gladdens my heart. I feel so much closer to God when I am thankful.

So, as Thanksgiving Day approaches, make a promise to God and yourself to be thankful every day. You might try my little exercise, starting and ending each day with gratitude. Your problems will seem so much smaller. God will be so much nearer. And your heart will be so much happier. There will not be a possibility for you to be discouraged or stressed because thanksgiving and praise to God will crowd them out.

I sure hope you are coming to our Thanksgiving Eve Service this Wednesday night, November 25, at 7:00 pm. Normally, I fly home on Wednesday nights but I am going home on Thursday because I want to hear your testimonies of God's goodness and your thankfulness to Him. I know that David Schmal and our worship team have some good things to lift your heart toward God! And I will have a short devotional word I am calling: "Gratitude is Good." I hope you come!

This Sunday, we start Advent and end our ten-week sermon series. I will be sharing a very important message called "The More Blessed Thing," based on the words of Jesus when He said: "It is more blessed to give than receive." I know that God has some very important lessons for us all on the benefits of generosity, serving and giving. You need the concepts that the Holy Spirit has for you and me. Bring your out-of-town family and friends to church, too. Enjoy the great music and worship. Share the Good News and enjoy it yourself.

And from my heart, I pray that your Thanksgiving Holiday will be blessed of the Lord and that He will be more real to you than ever before as you thank and praise Him.

So, see you this Sunday for worship! Bring a smile, a Bible, and an open mind to let God talk to you. Remember, we have two worship choices for you:

• 9:00 AM Worship — praise, worship, and songs of the faith
• 10:30 AM Worship — songs of the faith, praise and worship

I still love being your pastor!

mplatt@sgc.org