This Thanksgiving was a difficult one between traveling and family situations. I never really got a chance to sit down and write about what I am truly grateful this year. So i figure on this night of peace, love, joy and happiness I would reflect on the other areas of my life that have been overflowing this year.
First and Foremost I am Thankful for the Lord working in my life. Tonight we gather together with the ones we love to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Jesus IS the reason for the season. Without Him I wouldn’t be here today, and I wouldn’t be the woman I am today. I am forever grateful for the gift of Jesus in my life, and I would never trade it for anything else in the world. He has taught me how to trust in Him, how to rely on Him, how to seek him, and how to let His love overflow and comfort me.
I am thankful for my family. Though they are scattered far and near I love them all with all my heart. I am thankful for the memories we made when I was younger and I am thankful for the opportunity to continue to make more as time goes on. I love my brother and sister, and i look forward to watching as their little families grow and spending time with my nieces and nephews. I look forward to being able to bond with my cousins, as we try to figure out our busy schedules of work, school, and family obligations.
I am eternally and abunantly greatful for my amazing family at Praise Tabernacle Church. My pastors, former youth pastors and brothers and sisters in Christ have been there for me since the beginning of my journey when I was only 17 years old. 8 years later and I am constantly amazed at the outpouring of love and support I recieve from this group of people.
They have been there even when I have walked away and they have never given up on me. They continue to speak truth into my life in the midst of hard situations. They watch me stumble, but never let me fall, and are right there to pick me up when I am ready to move forward. I know that I have been blessed to have this family in my life. It was exactly one year ago that I decided to come back home, and it was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I know that the Lord has a plan for me in this ministry and He moved my heart and i began to yearn to be back. I don’t know if i would be able to stand through the storms in my life if I didn’t have God, and these amazing people in my life.
I am so very very thankful for the amazing support system of friends I have outside of church. To each and every one of you I want to say a very heartfelt thank you. I am thankful for all of you in this season of my life. You have no idea how your kind words and heartfelt messages have truly impacted me. It feels good to know that I have people who are there for me, through everything. Whether it has been days weeks months or years since we last spoke, you are there when i need you, just a phone call or message away, and you are there to take me away and just get my mind off things for just a little while. I just want to tell you all how much i love you and how grateful i am for all of you.
And to all the other people and ministries I have encountered over the last 3 years who have spoken truth life and love into my life…I thank you. Thank you for allowing yourself to be used by God, thank you for being a part of my story…even if you didn’t know my story. I am ever so thankful for all of you.
Tonight my heart is full, I cannot be anything but overtaken by the love and hope that surrounds this Christmas season, because I know that I am not alone, and I know that there are greater things ahead.
I had to borrow this last thought from one of my facebook friends: Justin Davis @justindavis33
Christmas is a reminder that a big movement of God is often birthed as a small beginning.
To everyone reading this,
I pray that during this Christmas love peace and joy will overflow in your lives, that the plan of God in each and everyone of your lives will be activated, and that you will open your hearts to Jesus and allow Him to walk with you on your journey…whereveer it is right now and wherever it takes you.
With Love,
Jacqueline
