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As I think of the Thanksgiving season I must express my earlier misconception of gratitude:
In Elizabeth Sherrill's book,
Journey Into Rest, she states, "I'd always thought the opposite of gratitude was ingratitude. It's not. The opposite of gratitude is greed. Taking our eyes off God and His moment by moment provision for us, and fixing them on what looks bigger, better, more desirable. Whenever we wish we had something different from what we've received, we are not letting God be God and ourselves be loved!"
This Thanksgiving season with a heart full of praise for all God has done for me personally and for all He has done through the Centers...saving lives spiritually and physically...is a wonderful time to reflect on God's goodness.
The greatest gift I ever received from my parents was their leading me to a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I was saved at five and have never doubted that decision; but in the process of living through trials and heartaches God has truly become my Source, my Strength and my Testimony. The best way to acknowledge God's work in my life comes from a heart of praise. Worship overflows from gratitude.
The words of this song say it perfectly:
The first time You came they crowned You with thorns
On an old rugged cross You were raised,
But the next time You come, it won't be as before
For this time - we'll crown You with praise.
Jesus, we crown You with praise.
Jesus, we crown You with praise.
We love and adore You,
We bow down before You,
Jesus, we crown You with praise.
I am so grateful for God's unmerited favor, the way He answers prayers, His miraculous provision through the years, how the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, Teacher, and Encourager.
As you celebrate Thanksgiving, I pray it will cause you to reflect with gratitude on God and His indescribable gift seen through Jesus' eyes of mercy as He hung on the cross for me and you!
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Blessings,
Becky Hyde
CEO,
Arlington Mansfield Pregnancy Centers
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