“These God-chosen lives all around – what splendid friends they make!” ~ Psalm 16:3
(The Message)

Thanksgiving Day has finally arrived. It’s an important day.

Today, I’ll be heading over to my aunt’s house for a big family get together.  It’ll be really festive with more aunts, uncles, cousins, and babies than a fire-marshal would approve of.  There will also probably be a brain-damaging amount of television being aired as background noise through all the celebrating.

As we bow to pray tonight, I would have already given a word of thanksgiving for you.

Providence brought the friendship of Native Americans to the first pilgrims, and it got them through a grueling winter. There’s also no doubt in my mind that God has brought your friendship here through the blogosphere — as we encourage each other in the daily grind.

I’ve lived through my share of winters to know that connection isn’t something that can be produced or created. 

It is a gift.

What We Know & What We Don’t Know

You have given me the best — sharing what everyday faith looks like in your life.  Your stories have stored up an amazing harvest, that will last me through my spiritual journey ahead.

~  We are spiritual pilgrims, on our way to where God is taking us.

~  We don’t know the lay of the land, but we walk by faith.

~  Together, we help each other by sharing what we know — and equally important, what we don’t know.

If we knew everything and saw everything so clearly, we would have no need for faith.

There would be no mystery.

There would be no risk.

Faith Pilgrimage

Today, as I thank God for how He’s blessed me, I thank God for you.

I gather your words and your silent comradery, like a happy chipmunk on a bright autumn day.

Early in our nation’s history, a group of pilgrims left home to find freedom.

Those of us who are following the way of the cross are also on a faith pilgrimage. We leave the familiar behind — self-direction and self-fulfillment — to experience something greater:  God-directed and faith-filled lives.

There are joys and trials as our stories unfold. I’m grateful to travel the in-between time together. So much more meaningful and that much less alone.

Thank You, Jesus

Thank you, Jesus, for being faithful in your love for us, calling us your friends.  You draw near, during times no one else notices.

Even before you faced your longest winter on the cross, you stopped to celebrate a bit of thanksgiving, with a meal surrounded by friends.

You broke bread and gave thanks.  You poured the wine, lifted up your cup to a toast, and gave thanks.

We can face our winters and encourage each other, because you lived through our winters on the cross.

And for that, we are thankful.

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You need to know, friends,
that thanking God over and over for you
is not only a pleasure;
it’s a must.”

~ 2 Thessalonians 1:3
(The Message)

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How are you celebrating Thanksgiving?

I hope you have an awesome Happy Thanksgiving!

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REMINDER TO JOIN NEXT THURSDAY!

Have you ever wondered how the life of faith looks under the hood?

Every Thursday at Faith Barista Blog, there’s a community brewing that explores topics of faith: The Keep Faith Fresh Community.

We offer each other a refreshing glimpse into real life, where you are the author of these stories. Some blog and submit their links, while others comment directly. Check out what people have been sharing — Add your voice to the mix!

We have another Faith Barista Jam Thurs tomorrow. Come join in!

Click here to get the skinny on how to join the Faith Barista Jam! See you!

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