One Word God Loves to Hear

It’s one of the words God loves to hear, but not only at this time of year. His God-ordained “holiday” includes every day of every year. No matter what’s going on in our world or in our lives, He loves to hear this word. What is it?

THANKS!

God loves to hear our thanks. Thanksgiving is more than one of our national holidays. God has been instructing His people to give thanks since the beginning of time. David, the Psalmist, learned the practice well. Psalms is filled with his original songs of thanks and praise, many of which we can identify.

This year I decided to share my personal, journaled thanks to God on Facebook for every day in this month of November until Thanksgiving. Since not all those are public, I’m including days 1-10 in my blog up through today. You can follow the rest of them on my Facebook profile if you’d like. If you haven’t started yet, begin today, and write down your thanks to God each day. It’s a practice you can continue all year long! And at the end of this post, I’d love to hear from you, what is one thing you’re thankful for this year?

Day 1 of Thanks, November 2

I think today I’m most thankful for God’s faithfulness—day in and day out!!

Day 2 of Thanks, November 2

I’m grateful for the wonderful, godly man God placed in my life so many years ago, and for the joy of spending life together.

Day 3 of Thanks, November 3

Today, I’m so thankful for family, and the way they accept me, warts and all! No matter how big or small a family any of us have, they are precious. These are God’s gifts to me, close to my heart. And I feel so undeserving! Thank you, God, for family.

Day 4 of Thanks, November 4

I’m so thankful for the True Love of my life. I “fell in love” with him as a child of 8. He’s the One who will never fail; the One who will never leave me; the One who completely forgives; the One who loves unconditionally; the One who died for me; the One who is faithful to a fault. He is Jesus, the One and Only! Thank you, Jesus, for your extravagant love and your unwavering grace. You are my life!

Day 5 of Thanks, November 4

I’m so grateful for friends through the years: mentors, teachers, close buds, acquaintances, new friends, old friends, in times of crisis, times of fun, times of celebration, times of sadness, church friends, school friends, writer friends, Facebook friends, readers–too many to ever mention individually. The most amazing thing is that no matter where we go, we’ll find friends through the bond of Christ’s love. Thank you, God, for friends! And if you’re one of them, thank you for your friendship!!

Day 6 of Thanks, November 5

I’m thankful today for the seasons God gives us. (Yes, even though sometimes here in Texas, summer moves to Winter and tries to skip Fall). Each has a purpose; each contains its own beauty and challenges–just like the seasons in our lives. But we can find joy and savor each season, as we allow God to show us their unique lessons. “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NLT).

Day 7 of Thanks, November 7

I’m thankful today for the music of laughter: deep-down laughter that soothes and even heals, but especially the laughter of children that melts the heart and makes life a beautiful symphony of praise to God. “A cheerful heart is good medicine: (Psalm 17:22). Thank you God, for laughter!

Day 8 of Thanks, November 8

So thankful today for the freedom to worship God with other believers, to praise Jesus with abandonment and joy. While many don’t have that freedom, no one can take His joy or His relationship from His children, no matter where they live. We can always worship Him in our hearts.

Day 9 of Thanks, November 9

I’m thankful today for the work God has given me to do. It doesn’t matter how we define work: whether writing, teaching, parenting, cooking, gardening, grandparenting, praying, serving, leading, crafting, mowing, counseling, volunteering…no matter what, if it honors God, it’s a joy, and it’s good! “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23, NIV).

Day 10 of Thanks, November 10

Since Veteran’s Day is tomorrow, I’m grateful for all our veterans who have served to protect us and our country through the years. Many lives lost, many lives changed–so many sacrifices made for you and me. Thank you God, for those who have served so faithfully on our behalf!