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Prayer

5 Keys to Having an Awesome Thanksgiving


Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

Thanksgiving in America will be different for many people in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In many states, we have to navigate restrictions for limiting travel, wearing face coverings indoors, and gathering in smaller numbers.

While some people will gather in person, others will have virtual celebrations, or a combination of both.

Even the annual Thanksgiving Day parade in New York is virtual-only this year. No crowds for the first time ever. But you can still watch it online or on TV.

Indeed, whether you agree or disagree with the constraints, this year’s celebration will likely be one that we won’t soon forget.

So if you can’t go “over the river and through the woods” to grandmother’s house or condo, how can you still have an enjoyable turkey holiday?

You can remember why we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Choose to be thankful despite circumstances.

And enjoy the good things that are never cancelled, like: love, joy, hope, and peace.

Here are five key ideas to help you enjoy Thanksgiving Day in the time of COVID.

1. STAY HEALTHY. Stay informed and make wise decisions. As you know, every state has their own guidelines or mandates, but most health officials suggest wearing a mask (face covering) in public places, washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs, and staying home if you’re sick. Some suggest eating outdoors where possible (or opening windows for fresh air while eating indoors).

2. REMEMBER. Talk about personal Thanksgiving traditions from your past. It makes me happy to recall watching the Thanksgiving Day parade on TV as a child, while the luscious scents of baking pies and turkey wafted into the family room. Reminisce about the good times you’ve had on holiday’s past, and people you care about that make holiday gatherings special.

Remember why we celebrate this holiday. American Thanksgiving, the fourth Thursday in November, is traditionally about food, family, friends and football. It’s also a time to give thanks to God for the gracious ways He has provided for us. He is faithful, and we are grateful.

You can also bring to mind the first Thanksgiving in 1621, nearly 400 years ago. Courageous men, women and children we call Pilgrims and the Wampanoag gathered at Plymouth Colony for three feast-filled days to celebrate their abundant harvest and give thanks to God for His bounty of blessings.

While many of us enjoy familiar holiday foods like turkey, stuffing, cranberries, and pumpkin pie, the people at the first Thanksgiving also gobbled up lobster, oysters, and eel.

3. PRAY. Take time to pray, at your holiday meal or another time on Thanksgiving Day. Whether you are blessed or in need, you can be grateful. Thank God for His goodness, His love for you, His provision, protection, and other attributes. Thank Him for what He has done, or has yet to do.

Gratefulness leads to joy! Psalm 107:1 reminds us to, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

Here is a short prayer you can use as you pray for your holiday meal.

A Thanksgiving Day Prayer
Lord, we come before you—humble and grateful—on this Thanksgiving Day. Thank you for the people gathered here. We ask You to bless this food and our time together today. May it be a peaceful and joyful time of celebrating Your abundance and Your provision. Keep us all safe and healthy. Bless those in need, and may our hearts find joy in helping others, as we are able. We give You thanks—on this holiday and always. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

You may also choose to “share thanks” at your holiday meal or afterwards. Each person can briefly share what he or she is thankful for, if they choose. In 2020, people seem to be grateful for the little things, the simple things, because our world has been changed in ways unexpected.

4. HELP OTHERS. The holidays are always a good time to reach out to help those in need. Of course, we can help any time of the year and also at Thanksgiving. Consider:


• Donating to your local food bank. These days, many places allow you to drop off donations without leaving your vehicle.


• Hosting a food drive at your church or place of employment.


• Serving food at local homeless shelter.


• Helping your neighbor (For example, if you’re shoveling snow on the sidewalk in front of your house, take the extra step to shovel the sidewalk in front of your neighbor’s house.)


• Reaching out to those who may be lonely. Don’t forget about the singles in your church or neighborhood, or military men and women who may not be able to travel home for the holiday.

Think about a friend with health issues who can’t leave the house.

Or the relative in a nursing home or long term care facility who hasn’t been able to leave their residence in months because of state mandates. Make a phone call. Or FaceTime. Or wave outside his or her window, if you can. Let them know they are not forgotten and that they are loved.

5. ENJOY. Lastly, turn off the news (even for the day) and enjoy the people you are with, the sumptuous food, and the good times. Make memories. Relax. Watch the game. Have good conversations. Play games. Take a walk. Decorate your Christmas tree. Take a nap. Connect virtually (call, text, Skype or FaceTime with far away family or friends).

So bring on the turkey and all the fixings. I’m ready for a day of thanks to the One who loves us most—and a grateful heart all throughout the year.

Happy Thanksgiving to You!


Jackie M. Johnson is an author and blogger who provides faith-based hope and encouragement to heal your heart and grow a better life.

Photo: Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

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Finding Peace

Why is peace so elusive?

Perhaps it’s because we forget to replenish our source of peace in the busyness of daily living. Regardless of our circumstances, we can live a life of peace when we find our contentment in Christ and draw near to Him.

Just as the moon absorbs light from the sun, we can bask in the glow of God’s Son and absorb his truth. Then we can become people who reflect His joy and light to the world around us.

You can have much less anxiety and much more peace when you trust God and transfer the outcome of the decision to Him.

Instead of thinking “it’s all up to me” and “I have to make this happen” you can surrender your fear and doubt to the Lord believing He will take care of you—and provide a course correction if needed.

Peace is possible as we see the source of peace through prayer.

Key Bible Verses

“A heart at peace gives life to the body…” ~ Proverbs 14:30


“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” ~ James 3:18


“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” ~ Isaiah 26:3


“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ~ John 14:27

Powerful Prayer

Lord, I don’t want to be anxious. I want to be a person of peace. Help me to keep centered on You and not my problems. Calm me, and help me to find my security and contentment in You, the One who loves me most. Still my inner heart so I can be peaceful in my thought and actions. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Additional Resources by Jackie M. Johnson

Power Prayers for Women
Prayers with Purpose for Women
Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough
When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty

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Tough Times? Here’s Help and Hope

Life is hard. No doubt about it. But you can find help and hope when you press in and pray on. Learn how to pray powerfully and effectively in “Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough.”

When you feel like giving up, check out the prayers for PERSEVERANCE.

When you’re busy and stressed, you’ll like the prayers for PEACE and REST.

When life is a mess, you’ll appreciate prayers for SIMPLICITY and ORDER.

When you’re disappointed, there are prayers for ENCOURAGEMENT.

When you’re depressed, you’ll want to read the prayers for wild HOPE and renewed JOY.

When you feel insecure, check out prayers for CONFIDENCE.

When you feel fearful, there are prayers for COURAGE.

And so much more.

I know you will find hope and encouragement in the pages of this book. I’ve been through tough times myself and I’ve seen firsthand how God can work to change things for the good.

Remember, God can do anything! Have faith. Trust Him. Prayer is powerful because God is powerful–and loving, and kind and wise.

Praying for you! May this book help and bless you.

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ChristianBooks.com, WalMart.com, or wherever books are sold.

Other Books on Prayer by Jackie M. Johnson

Power Prayers for Women

Prayers with Purpose for Women

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Feeling Lonely? Here’s Hope

Feeling lonely? Isolated?

Many people are, especially in this (dare I say) “unprecedented” time of the COVID-19 virus we’re living in across the globe.

Still.

It’s been many months and we are continuing to be told to stay home as much as possible, social distance from people in public, and avoid close contact.

The loneliness thing is even more difficult for those who live alone. If you are working at home (like many of us are) and live alone, it can feel empty. You miss handshakes and hugs and the joy of face-to-face conversation.

And the weeks are dragging on.

I get it.

The truth is, we were created for connection and relationships of all kinds. Love and friendship are vital to our emotional well-being.

So, what can you do during this crisis to feel less alone and more connected?

First, connect with God. Make your primary connection an ongoing and connected relationship with the One who loves you most.

I want to encourage you to press in to the relationship you have with God. He wants to know you—and for you to know Him—just as you would a close friend. 

He longs to love and guide you through this hard and messy life. Make time to “seek His face” (who He is), not just his hands (what He can do for you).

Creator of all, our good God is faithful and true, loving and just, compassionate and kind. He is strong and mighty. Trust Him with your heart, tell Him all you long for, and believe He will see you through. 

Through prayer and talking with God, we can have the most meaningful connection possible.

• Prayer is a holy conversation of both speaking and listening with God. He knows you better than you know yourself. In fact, He created you! So your words don’t have to be perfect or rehearsed, just real and from your heart. Pray and talk with God about your feelings and fears. Even when you feel lonely. There’s a helpful prayer below you can pray. When you know God, you are never alone. Today, ask God to make His presence real to you.

• Remember Who is in control. It’s important to remember that God is bigger than this crisis. He is sovereign and in control. Remember His mercy. His power and strength. His comfort and unconditional love for you.

• Get out the Good Book. Turn off the TV news once in a while, and pull out your Bible. Take time to read it more than you usually do, and in doing so you will be saturating yourself with God’s powerful Word. The truths in the Bible never return empty, but accomplish God’s purposes. (Isaiah 55:11)

• Use this time wisely. Get a journal or notebook (or device) and write down what God is teaching you during this time. Consider and journal these questions: What needs to change in your life? How can you pray for others? What is on God’s heart for such a time as this?

Then, connect with others in virtual community. Our women’s Bible study has been meeting on Zoom every Wednesday night. You can make a plan to have virtual visits to connect with family or friends, too. Sure, it’s not the same as in-person time, but it sure helps to have some sort of human interaction—even on a computer or phone screen.

If you don’t have virtual connection capabilities, you can phone or text a friend.

And, depending upon where you live, you can actually get together with people in person and connect. (But you may still need to wear a mask (a face covering) in many places.)

By reaching out to someone, and connecting, you could be the answer to someone else’s prayer. Your friend may be feeling lonely too, and you could brighten her day with a call to check in, a simple text, or the promise of a future time to get together.

Here’s a powerful prayer you can pray when you feel lonely:

“Lord, I have this lonely ache inside of me. I feel so isolated. And sometimes I am afraid. I long to connect with others, but right now it’s challenging. It’s difficult to be alone so much–or not connecting with others as often.

Yet, I take comfort that you are bigger than this crisis. I thank You, Lord, that You are always near. When Your presence is with me, I am never really alone.

Will you help me to choose FAITH over fear? To be aware and not afraid? And to TRUST that You are in control even when I don’t always see it or feel it?

Saturate my heart, soul and mind with Your unchanging truths because the TRUTH will set me free.

Thank you for being my protector, my provider, and my strong peace. I choose to trust You. I pray believing. In Jesus’ mighty and powerful name. Amen.”

Amen! Be at peace.

For more hope and inspiration, check out these books by Jackie M. Johnson:

Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough

Power Prayers for Women

Prayers with Purpose for Women

When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty

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Discouraged? 4 Vital Ways to Stand Strong When You Feel Like Giving Up

Life can be challenging. No matter what your age or life stage, we all get discouraged.

Whether you’re stressed from too much work, or anxious because you lost your job, you may feel depleted. Maybe you’re wiped out from caring for kids or aging parents all day–or you’re lonely because you just moved across the country and don’t know anyone yet. Either way, we all have times when we feel like giving up.

How do you press on when you just don’t have it in you? How do you stand strong in challenging times?

You need a solid foundation.

When a skyscraper is under construction, workers first dig a foundation and then pound steel reinforcing rods called pylons deep into the earth so the building will stand tall and not tumble.

Then, concrete is poured into the shaft with the pylons for a super-strong hold.

The same can be true as you build a “foundation” in your own life—as you grow deeper, you grow stronger in your faith. As you immerse yourself in the ways and wisdom of God, the reinforced truth, like pylons of

Hope,

Trust,

Courage, and

Faith,

help you become stronger on the inside.

So when you’re discouraged, and your life is spiraling downward, you will be able to withstand more readily the gale-force winds of hard times and pain because your inner foundation is deep and strong.

Steel upon steel, story upon story a structure is built.

Likewise, God’s Word tells us that hope comes step by step as “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3, 4)

So, how do you press on when times are tough? Here are four (4) vital things to help you persevere with God’s strength:

1) Cast your cares. Don’t take on burdens you were never meant to bear—like worry, fear and doubt. They’ll weigh you down and hinder you from being effective.

Instead, give God your fears; surrender trying to do it all on your own to Him. In other words, like a fishing line, “cast your cares, and don’t reel them back in again.” Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

2) Press on in prayer. Prayer is the foundation upon which everything else is built in your life. It the most important thing you can do. You may think, “I’ve already prayed, what other solutions are there?” Keep on praying.

Talk to God about your situation, because He is the one who has the power to change it. As you pray, believe God is working and stand in the strength you receive.

3) Send in reinforcements. Sometimes you need backup. It’s amazing what happens when you receive support in prayer from friends and family members who are willing to pray for you and with you.

When you don’t know what to pray, when you’re spent emotionally or physically, or, like Moses, when you need someone to “hold up your arms” (to support you), the prayers of others on your behalf can give you a boost to keep going.

4) Take action. Taking one small step can lead to another and another and it builds momentum, and things begin to change. You will not be in this hard place forever. God will help you through. Unlike others who may have let you down, God keeps His promises. When you take action in prayer, God moves on your behalf.

Perseverance takes courage. Believe that God hears your prayers; He sees your tears, and He is at work in your life.

There are still purposes to be fulfilled—lives to touch, things to accomplish, and character to be formed on the inside.

Press on, pray on, with holy tenacity, holding on to hope that one day—maybe soon—things will change for the better: the check will come, the job will be yours, or the house will be filled with a child’s laughter.

Today, we pray and trust Him.


RESOURCES

For more hope and inspiration, check out these books by Jackie M. Johnson:

Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough
Power Prayers for Women
Prayers with Purpose for Women
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