Have a HOPE-ful Thanksgiving!

The following is a part of a group email message I received from Mark Oestreicher, President of Youth Specialities…and, I liked it…and thought you might too!

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Last thanksgiving I was—I'll admit—struggling to feel thankful. Maybe you're in this space right now. Know what? God is not spooked by that, or disappointed in you, or frustrated that you don't "get it". Clearly, the 12 disciples struggled with this on a regular basis, and Jesus didn't kick them out of the disciple club!

If you're struggling to find thankfulness, please take care of your soul and find some space and time to be quiet this weekend. Sit with God; and allow God—without a big agenda on your part—to provide you with thankfulness. Let's be honest—we can't always muster it up on our own. God's Spirit would love to cozy up to you in a place of quiet and reveal to you some reasons to be thankful.

I speak for all of us at Youth Specialties: we love you. We pray for you. We are committed to serving you and encouraging you (and occasionally providing a loving nudge). In that spirit of care and affection, we wish you a happy—no, that's not it—a Hope-Filled Thanksgiving.

Marko
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What are you thankful for? I’m thankful for you!
Truly, have a “Hope-filled Thanksgiving!
I love you all!
Dogledanji!!!

P.S. The picture of the pumpkin pie is in honor of Frank & Jameson - the pumpkin pie eaters in my family! I absolute loathe pumpkin pie and would prefer it be extinguished from the memories, cook-books and cravings of the masses.

My favorite pie is slightly heated southern pecan pie (the queen of pies, in my humble opinion)!

Long live the pecan...death to the pumpkin!

Happy Turkey Day, y'all!

How much is that cup of coffee???

Psalms 96:1-13
(1) Sing to the LORD a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
(2) Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
(3) Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
(4) For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.
(5) For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens.
(6) Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
(7) Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
(8) Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name; Bring an offering and come into His courts.
(9) Worship the LORD in holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth.
(10) Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity."
(11) Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; Let the sea roar, and all it contains;
(12) Let the field exult, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy
(13) Before the LORD, for He is coming, For He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness And the peoples in His faithfulness.

Click on the link above to learn more about 963 Missions. Frank and I are very interested in doing this as a fundraiser and an awareness event at our church. We just watched this documentary on "Black Gold". It will make you think twice about ordering that Starbucks' carmel macchiato.

More to come!

In case the link above isn't working for you..click here.

Quote worthy...

Ever wonder if you are "quote worthy?"

Following are some quotes worth reading.

I especially liked the one from William Carey. Made me pause and do a self-check. When I am gone, do I want people to talk about me or talk about my Savior?

Interesting to ponder, isn't it?

When I am gone, say nothing about Dr. Carey; speak about Dr. Carey's Saviour.
WILLIAM CAREYon his deathbed

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what He cannot lose.
JIM ELLIOT

I have held many things in my hands and I have lost them all.

But whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess.

MARTIN LUTHER

I deserve death, but I have life.
I deserve nothing, but I have truth.
I deserve hell, but I have heaven.
(something copied from another blog....sorry, I lost the source reference - my apologies!)

Unsure as to what the last quote is about? Go here to do a self check!

C'iao!

-Me