With Thanksgiving being last week, this title seemed appropriate. And boy, oh boy did God do some work in me over the past week. I have seen and felt Him the past few days through the singing of my Mamaw, the laughter of my little nephew, and the hugs of my older cousins. My family is big, but we are full of so much love. God has shown me just how blessed I am this Thanksgiving, and it has truly altered the way I see my life. I cannot wait to share it with you all. I hope God uses it in your life as well.
Two weekends ago, I went to a youth conference called "Hearts on Fire" with my youth group. "Hearts on Fire" seeks to show the lost the love of Jesus and encourage young believers to keep running the race for the Lord. I was able to worship with North Point InsideOut, Crowder, and TobyMac while also hearing incredible speakers. Hundreds accepted Christ. His presence was so real and strong; it was just what I needed to start out the week of Thanksgiving. Fixing my eyes on Jesus and all He has done for me prepared my heart for worshiping Him throughout the whole week not just at the conference. I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend because He used it to begin the work He has continued in me.
My cousin Jenny, her fiance Casper, and his daughter India came in from California for Thanksgiving. We ran to meet each other with a big, tight hug that we did not let go of for a long time. From playing charades to going to Dollywood to driving through the Smokies Christmas light show to singing karaoke at Lil Jo's, it was a visit filled with laughter and just plain fun. God revealed to me that love has no distance and that no matter how far they may be, they are always in my heart. It is astonishing to me that they can be on the opposite side of the country, and I still feel like they are right here with me. God is love, and His love is able to reach anywhere.
The most heart transforming moment for me was after Thanksgiving dinner. Jenny asked my mom, aunts, and Mamaw to sing because India had never heard them before. They have been singing in church together for years and lead worship like no one I have ever seen before. When they sing, the Holy Spirit pours out over everyone, and it seems like everyone in the room has their hands raised. So gathered around on couches and recliners, we sat to hear them sing. As their voices enveloped the room, so did the presence of God. My Mamaw said, "We can all sing 'Amazing Grace' right?" We all sang in unison, and after the last verse we all repeat "Praise God" in the same tune of the song. As I looked around the room with tear filled eyes, I see hands lifted and tears falling. It is such a beautiful memory to look back on: one family coming together to worship our King on a day dedicated to thankfulness.
God has blessed me more than I ever deserved, and I now see just how blessed I truly am. I serve a God who decided to live in His own creation and die a horrific death just because He could not imagine an eternity without me. I am apart of a family who is bigger than most but filled with much more love than most. They serve God devoutly and constantly radiate joy. In my daily life, I hope I can see God in the small moments as well as the big moments. I hope I can acknowledge His goodness in every aspect of life. I want to live a more thankful life because the truth is, God has been so so incredibly good to me. I hope you found some time to just simply thank Him over Thanksgiving. He loves you and has been so so incredibly good to you.
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." -1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV
"O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever." -Psalm 107:1 KJV
