Will you turn Thanksgiving into thanks-living ..all year long? Why not?
"Twas the night before Black Friday and all through the land, consumers were striving and conniving up a plan. All worried and uptight ..all upset and in fright, some were 'bout to get in a fight. So they filled out long lists to just to take a stand, for their stockings were soon to be hung up with care and they knew without shopping, those things would hang there all bare and visitors might even stare... So with turkey in their tummies and the employees acting all chummy.. with holiday angst a flowing, they thought it would be good to turn in for the night, quite fully knowing that their loved ones with goodwill would soon be showin' ..up. So around the globe after eating their cod they wondered if there really was room for God, and going to bed ..even the Europeans with digital visions dancing around in their heads.
Then with some oversized driver landing on the roof, and other geeks to peck on ahead of them, they knew in a moment it must be St. Tech. More rapid than broadband or reindeer they came, and he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
"Now Canon! Now Pentax! Now, Olympus and HP! On, Kodak! On Sony! On, Nikon and Fuji! To the top of the porch! To the chimney wall let's install! Now click away! Now click away! Now click away small and all!
As stressed-out shoppers that before the time when they buy, approach a sale and do fly, but if they meet with an obstacle, they sure will poke out an eye or shoot em up to the sky. So up to the house-top the reindeer; they flew with a sleigh full of cameras, puters and accessories too.. but what about you. .will you be grateful or blue?"
Be careful, this could be a very dangerous shopping day for some. Please don't get trampeled or in a brawl on Black Friday? How's your holiday weekend going? My lovely wife, Liney, thought it would be FUN to go out and spend some time together shopping THAT DAY. Man, who doesn't love SHOPPIN'? She told me it wasn't the shopping so much, but the time together as a couple. Well, I personally don't like shopping; getting mauled in the mall ..at all, but because I no longer live at the beach where it is warm during this time of year.. because I can't really go jump in the sea (where my parents will be)... Well, I did want to be with my bride so where could I hide? I went along out there in the clamoring masses. It's amazing what we'll do for loves' sake huh. It took hours and a will to survive but now we must all decide. At least I will choose to give thanks in all circumstances ..feel like it or not and take things in stride.
"Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You" (Psalm 67:3).
"Be thankful to Him, and bless His name" (100:4).
The apostle Paul urged his fellow Christians to be grateful even when things look black out ..saying give, "thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians
During this hectic time of year are you getting all caught up big time in the materialism, strife and draining busyness that often robs Christians of joy? Perhaps you're not sure you are a real Christian but you long for that peace, love, and joy in Jesus? Are you pushing, blowing-up at strangers, or striving to claim that coveted place in line just for sweet deal? Do you take the time to stop and be with the Lord alone ..to earnestly thank Him for His many blessings that keep coming your way? Back Friday doesn't have to be so black—it can be filled with light and love! My son Stephan works in North Dakota.. in retail right now (Man, I' hate to be in retail on this day). Anyways, its' his birthday today (25) and he just sold one whole kitchen at a Home Depot type of store. It's kind of interesting to hear him describe how it's been going up there ..with lines down the block. Is this thing universal or just American? People often come there from Canada to get a deal. No fights there yet, but I feel for all those working in this field. Maybe your workplace is heated and intense like Stephan's. God can give you grace to get through it right as call out to Him and shine His light. Christians let's be different and treat workers with love and respect, even if others won't. Maybe you are wondering what we bought at the stores. Well now, all that effort went to buying some cold soup.
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