I believe that having an attitude of gratitude is a crucial difference between being a victim or a victor over the events of life. We cannot control what will happen to us in life. But we can control our response.
When we face the inevitable tough times of life, like Phil Hartsfield losing his 21 year old son— we are free to choose our attitude. One alternative is to choose the attitude of resentment….to decide to focus on the bad and ask angrily: “Why did this have to happen?”
The other alternative is to simply choose to be grateful. This involves thinking through every facet of an event and asking: “What is God showing me in this, and what can I use amid all this wreckage to build a better future?”
This optimistic choice is encouraged in the Bible…. James said in essence “Consider it pure joy my brothers….be thankful my brothers when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance…”[ James 1:2-4 ]
The Apostle Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Throughout the Bible we hear God’s people sing, “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good His steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 118:1
I hope that you have had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day and that you have taken the time to “Give Thanks” to THE ONE from whom all blessings flow.
Scripture Verse of the Week:
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Happy Birthday: 11/27: Kael Bloom, Drew Gannon, Thelma Klotz, Shelli Vredenburg
Send your birthday info to ericka@celebratejesus.org
Kaylen Nevaeh Acosta was born weighing 6lbs 100 oz , 20in. longCongratulations to mom & Dad Kayla & Carmen Acosta and grandparents Tim & Amy Lang
Prayer Requests
· Spiritual protection for our pastors, staff & families
· Safe travel over the holidays
· All who are in need of healing
· Garrett Hartsfield (Phillip’s 21 year old son) died from the results of a car accident in Denver. Send sympathy cards to 526th W. 27th, Hays
· Doug Folland’s mom passed away The funeral service is Thursday December 5th in Spokane, WA
· Phyllis Hartfield’s mom in New York is ailing with diabetes
· Gerald Brandenburg to Mayo Clinic for six month check-up
· Rod Rohn’s Dad Eldon had successful heart surgery at HMC
· Laurie Laughry’s cousin Eric Walters recovery from brain tumor
· Pam Blau, knee replacement surgery recovery
· Reid Atkins, oncology unit at HMC
· Jarrett Rome & Tom Braun, cancer
· Jessica Schwein’s father Curt Smith hip surgery recovery
· Jayden Wellbrock seizures
· Paul Stroup’s dad, Lyle recovery from a stroke @ HMC
· Judy Engel testing for cancer
· Kael Bloom’s Dad Jamie, will travel to Mayo Clinic for ALS testing
· Derek Mayfield’s sister Lauryn still testing for possible Crohn’s disease
· Amanda Gittinger’s brother Tim job search
· Families contemplating adoption
· Healthy pregnancies.
· Our soldiers serving abroad
· Christians persecuted throughout the world
· Our nations economy
· Homes that need to be sold
This Week:
Thursday:
If you don’t have a place to eat your Thanksgiving Day meal come join Debbie and I at the Armory at 12noon.
THIS SUNDAY November 30th Adult baptisms, child dedications Contact ericka@celebratejesus.org We will also have and a special 5th Sunday offering toward our building fund. . Bring your change with you this Sunday.
C3 will collect shoe boxes
Sunday November 30 —- December 22nd
Pick up your brochure at church this Sunday
Coming Soon:
Get $60 worth of Food for $30
Final day to order is THURSDAY, DEC.4th by 2:00 PM contact Kathy Wagner 628-2887/ kwagoner@media-net.net.
We need you to help decorate the church for Christmas NEXT SATURDAY Dec. 6th at 9am
Contact Amy Brungardt at volunteers@celebratejesus.org
With thanksgiving, your pastor and partner in mionistry,
Kyle