Click here to return to Blog Post Intro
1. YOUR CHILDREN
“Children are a gift from the Lord they are a reward from Him.” Psalm 127:3
Our children are a blessing straight from God Himself. What a privilege we have as parents to pass on our values, beliefs, opinions, thoughts, and dreams to our kids.
For my birthday this year, Tanner wanted to go to a Texas Aggie football game. We were among 97,500 fans to watch them play University of Alabama-Birmingham and recall just how big Texas A&M is now compared to when I went to school there in the early 1990s.
For Halloween, Jennifer suggested a couple of puns for Tanner and me (shown below as Pumpkin Pi with the Candy Wrapper!).
Tanner is adjusting well to life in Middle School and tolerates my constant use of management lessons and John Maxwell quotes!
2. YOUR TEENAGERS
“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” Proverbs 22:6
Teenagers help us as parents to rely on God. It’s time to give them over to God for His protection. They are starting to move out from under your guidance and your physical home. Be thankful for this opportunity to personally grow in your trust and reliance on God for your growing young adults.
Cody continues to gain more “Responsibility”—his One Word for 2018. He’s done really well, as he started to drive himself to school…just in time for 6 a.m. basketball practices coming soon!
As Larkin said, we have one teenager who has moved from our home this year. Katy started school at Dallas Baptist University and is off to a great start. We are seeing her grow into the young lady God wants her to be, and it’s exciting to see her move into adulthood.
3. YOUR SPOUSE
“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12
Your life partner was chosen and handpicked by God. I strongly believe that He is the ultimate matchmaker. Your partner may be completely different to you – celebrate the differences instead of complaining about them. There is a reason God matched you together.
Jennifer and I are very different indeed, and I’m very thankful for that! We were able to enjoy her birthday in Barcelona this year, as the pictures above show. This year, she started a part-time job as a P.E. aide at Landolt Elementary—which is about 15 minutes from our home. That job enables her to get Tanner on the bus in the morning and be home when he’s finished with school, so it’s worked perfectly for us. I’m blessed to have spent 21 wonderful years with Jennifer as my wife…and learning more how to love her each year…
4. YOUR CHURCH
“The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So, it is with the body of Christ… This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:12,25-27
Church, the body of Christ, is a good thing created and indwelt by God. Church is not a building but a body of people around the earth in whom the Spirit dwells inside.
God has a place where you can be built up in your faith and be a blessing to others. A place where you will find help, teaching, care, peace, and love. A place where you can serve, give, worship and support others.
We’re proud to be members of University Baptist Church, where we’ve spent the last 21 years. Over that time, we’ve made a number of key relationships, and our kids have grown great friendships while deepening their faith. We continue to serve there in a number of ways, including Jennifer’s leadership of the Middle School’s gathering for fellowship, Bible Study, games, and mission activities. Branded “Crave”, it’s such an amazing experience, students “crave” more!
5. YOUR HOME
“My people will live in safety, quietly at home. They will be at rest.” Isaiah 32:18
Let’s start by dwelling on the bigness of our God. Praise God, He can provide a home for you and your family. God’s desire is for His people to live in safety and rest – even if there is turmoil in your neighborhood – there can be rest and safety within.
We’ve long wanted a home, where we’re comfortable inviting family and friends for fellowship. About this time last year, we made some investments with new flooring, painting, and other improvements that made our home a great place to host Katy’s High School graduation parties in June.
Now, we’re spending Thanksgiving here too!
6. YOUR FRIENDS
“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24
“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” Proverbs 13:20
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17
What type of friends have you chosen? What type of friend are you? Have you ever taken the time to thank God for your friends?
I am very thankful for friends from church and my good friend, Jason. Jason was my roommate during graduate school at Texas A&M, as we were both part of Central Baptist Church’s singles ministry there. Both of us met our future brides there. Jason has been through some trials on the job front, and he linked me with Between Jobs Ministries a few years back. I was able to share with them a session that I call, “Strategic Planning for You.” Now, Jason has a good job, and we’re excited to catch up with him and his family this weekend.
7. YOUR HEALTH
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Proverbs 17:22 “I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation” Psalm 91:16
Giving thanks for healing when we are well is easy isn’t it? But often, when we are well we take our health for granted and forget to thank God for his healing. Take time out to thank God daily for the health of yourself and your family. An easy way to remember is to include it when you pray over your food.
Thanksgiving has a therapeutic effect on the mind and body. The Word tells us that a cheerful heart (which comes from a thankful attitude) is medicine for our body. It has been proven that laughter decreases the levels of cortisol, which are stress hormones in our body. Cortisol acts by constricting our blood vessels while good endorphins are released when we laugh. It’s interesting that Psalm 107 bundles healing with thanksgiving.
I just had an annual physical a few weeks back, and all of my bloodwork came back very positive. From my great-grandparents through my grandparents to my parents, my genes are indeed healthy and strong. I am blessed with good health, and I need to be intentional about taking care of my health…as I can no longer eat as much as I’d like without consequences! Thanksgiving brings a particular challenge on that front!
8. YOUR PROTECTION
“You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property.” Job 1:10
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” Psalm 18:2
“But the Lord is faithful, he will strengthen you and guard (protect) you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
The Word describes God’s protection as a wall or hedge in the book of Job. This hedge was a tangible wall of protection around Job, his home, family, and his property. The enemy knew it was there and had no way for breaking through without God’s permission.
What are we protected from? Evil, the enemy, temptation that is too much to handle, sin, worry, the past, a hopeless future. The storms still come but we can survive them because of our life is in His hands.
God has indeed provided protection for me and my family over the years, and I continue to remain thankful for that.
9. YOUR WORK
“And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful.” Psalm 90:17
“Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
It’s so easy to turn our spiritual eyes and ears off when we enter our workplaces. What if we soak our work, our efforts, our ambitions in prayer and thanksgiving? What difference would it make?
Another version of Psalm 90:17 says “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands Yes. Confirm the work of our hands.” (NASB) The Hebrew word for confirm is kuwn; it means to be firm, established, set up and enduring. Isn’t that what we all want? For our work to influence the world – something enduring.
The Hebrew word for commit in Proverbs 16:3 is galal which is an image of a giant bolder being rolled away or a wave of water rolling in to shore. Take time out today, to roll your actions, work and plans onto the Lord.
My workplace has been a place of opportunity and blessing. This year, I’ve been afforded a different opportunity—to lead the vast majority of Human Resources Services for NASA. This is an exciting role, and I am fortunate to be able to continue to perform the role from Houston, Texas.
NASA is a great place to work and an exciting place to be, and I’m humbled to continue to play a small part in it.
10. YOUR WEAKNESS
“If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am.” 2 Corinthians 11:30
“When I am weak then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10b
Paul made an amazing discovery about his weaknesses – God was made bigger! Being weak was a good thing, it provides the perfect environment for us to move out of the way and let God show up.
I am often reminded that I can communicate better…with my wife, my kids, and my work colleagues. With each reminder, I turn to the Lord for His guidance and His help, knowing that in my own weakness, he can be magnified and glorified. To God be the glory!
11. YOUR TIME
“Yes, God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
Nothing is permanent on earth except for the eternity that has been planted in your heart. Time spent on connecting with the implanted eternity is not wasted. Everything that seems important right now, is not in the reality of God’s thinking. This one thing is worth remembering. This earth-life is short. Eternity is long. What we see, is temporary. What is unseen, is forever.
May I continue to use time wisely, as I recognize it’s only getting shorter…
12. YOUR FUTURE
“I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us.” Philippians 3:13b-14
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Take time daily to fix your mind on things that cannot be seen and thank God for them. Everything you see now on earth, won’t last. Your problems, the world’s troubles – they will end. It’s the unseen and eternity that will be forever. Thank God for that!
I like to encourage leaders to “Plan for the Future…and Stay Open to the Possibilities.” For me, that’s easier said than done. I like to have a plan…but I need to remember the words of Jeremiah 29:11 that God has a plan. Am I seeking His plan or making my own? Do I really “let go” and trust that His plans are better than anything I can possibly dream of?
13. GOD’S PROVISION
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
God wants to provide for you! As His child and part of His family, He delights in providing what you need at the right time in and in the right way just like a good father does.
Today—in particular—I focus on being thankful for God’s rich provision for me and my family. We are #Blessed indeed (just as we were four years ago)!
14. GOD’S GRACE
“All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving (gratitude), and God will receive more and more glory.” 2 Corinthians 4:15
“Christian gratitude is joy directed toward Jesus for his grace.” John Piper, desiringgod.org
Our whole purpose for living is to bring glory to God and enjoy Him forever. I never realized how intertwined these two actions are until I studied thanksgiving. When Jesus is our whole focus in life (and death), we see and experience the abundance of grace.
I once heard that “Grace” is “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.” Of course, the acronym stuck with me! I am thankful for Christ’s decision to die, so I could experience the abundant and eternal life He gives. I agree with Larkin that I live to bring glory to God and enjoy His presence forever.
15. GOD’S LOVE
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
It is always love first with God. Throughout the stories in the Bible there is a pattern of God loving on His people and the people turning their back on God and trying to live life without Him. He is slow to get angry. He loved us first by sending His own son to bring us back to Himself. We are an expression of His love when He formed us and gave us life.
For God’s love, I am reminded of Charles Wesley’s 1747 hymn “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.” As we sing in the hymn, “Jesus, Thou art all compassion; pure, unbounded love Thou art; visit us with Thy salvation; enter ev’ry trembling heart.” God’s love is the fuel that keeps us going…
16. GOD’S JOY
“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Psalm 16:11
There is a place of pure contentment when we know deep down that the Lord is our strength and shield. That place where we have surrendered it all, our way of doing and being, and trust in Him fully. When we recognize that He is our true helper we are then connected to this pure joy. So much joy that it bubbles up inside of us, bursting over, that we can’t contain our thankfulness.
Paul says (in Philippians 4:11-13), “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Contentment in whatever circumstances we face comes from a reliance on the joy that God brings. That’s one of the secrets to the good life!
17. GOD’S FORGIVENESS
“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the east is from the west.” Psalm 103:12
“I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.” 1 John 2:12
One of the most significant acts in history is the forgiveness of God. The Creator of heaven and earth offered an amazing abundant life, walking with Him, and mankind rebelled. They didn’t want such a close intimate relationship – they wanted to do things their own way. His love and grace are beyond our imagination, even though people continually sin, He is still willing to forgive. And when He does forgive—it’s the forever kind. He removes, blots out the sin and never thinks of it again.
I agree with Larkin’s prayer when she says, “Lord, I don’t praise you and thank you enough for the forgiveness I’ve found in you. Thank you for settling my sin issue.” I love Casting Crowns song East to West, which is based on Psalm 103:12. We definitely have victory in Jesus Christ!
18. GOD’S WORD
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Hebrews 4:12
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105
A believer cannot grow spiritually without spending time in God’s Word. It seems so simple but why do we not take the time to immerse ourselves in the Scriptures? Maybe we don’t fully understand how powerful the word is and we take it for granted. The Word shows us God’s character – that He is full of love, grace, and forgiveness towards us. That He has a plan for our lives. The Bible helps us discover what our next step is – as a lamp does on a dark night. The Bible gives us loads and loads of promises to base our faith on.
In reading different passages and studying different stories from the Bible for the past forty-plus years, I love how God’s Word is living. It speaks to my circumstances today, just as it did ten, twenty, thirty, and forty years ago. Each time I open His word, I find truths that help me be a better man, husband, father, and leader.
19. GOD’S CREATION
“I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!” Psalm 121:1-2
“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God.” Romans 1:20
Everything we need has been provided for in creation. Take time out and meditate on Psalm 104 – it’s a full list of what God has made just for us to enjoy.
Thank you, Father, for everything that you have created for us to enjoy. From the mountains that speak of your help and protection, to the baby animals that display your nurturing heart. Thank you for your glory which is clearly shown in all of creation.
As a family, we love to go camping. Part of it is about getting away from the day-to-day hustle and bustle…but part of it is about enjoying God’s creation. That’s why I like the hill country and even the mountains. There, as I see new beauties, I sense God’s presence in the beauty of what He has created.
Over the past three years, I’ve been blessed with opportunities to speak internationally and see “baby animals” as Larkin describes them above. I was even able to pet this guy in Johannesburg, South Africa last October –
20. JESUS’ PRAYER
Take time to read Jesus’ prayer for you recorded in John 17. It’s amazing! Jesus is praying to the Father on the disciples and on our behalf. He says in verse 20 that He is not only praying for the disciples but for all believers. Ponder that, Jesus prayed for you, before you were born. Jesus prayed for our protection so that we can be of one heart and mind together.
The most amazing part of Jesus’ prayer is in verse 23, that the Father loves us as much as He loves Jesus. What a weighty thought. Allow that to permeate your mind. The Father loves you as much as He loves Jesus, His only begotten son.
Thank you, Father, for loving me the way you love your own son, Jesus Christ!
21. JESUS’ NAME
“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10
His name is above all other names – it’s above cancer, it’s above homelessness, it’s above grief, loss, cyclones, fire, separation, sickness, pain, and death. The day is coming when everyone and everything will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!
Amen!
May Thanksgiving 2018 offer you an opportunity for 21 Prayers of Thanksgiving as well!