Thanks

Emily Franklin
Nov 21, 2016
3 min read

In lieu of Thanksgiving, I have been thinking of being thankful. Here is my compilation of my "thanks" list.

A Family- a mom, a dad, and 8 siblings
Friends- appreciate me for who I am, but also help me grow
A computer- a very nice one that allows me to write and read and watch Netflix
A job- basically get paid to do my homework and help other people on their homework
A school bill- because it means I am at college
ORU- because I am learning about Jesus and science at the same time
Clean water- because most of the world doesn't have clean water
Accessible food- even fast food is food
Sketchy Walmart by ORU- I don't have to wait in lines for one piece of bread, and it provides entertainment
Grandparents- I have been privileged to know my grandparents and gain wisdom from them
Texas- because there is no place like it
USA- I have more freedom than most people in the world
Shoes- I love shoes, also, my feet are protected
Clothing- I have lots of it, maybe even too much
Electricity- allows me to see at night, develop my mind, and do everything I do
Music- it helps me praise Jesus
Couches- when you're away from home you start to miss couches
Phones- so I can call my family and friends even when I am far away
Doctors- because they help us live, and I am going to be one
Professors- They know a lot and teach me a lot
Colors- they bring so much joy into my life
Tests- so I can learn and prove that I have learned
Plants- to help us breathe
Animals- to be along with us (and to eat)
Mountains- I was born among them, and they are peaceful
Beach- I grew up among them
Movies- they make me laugh
Books- too many reasons
Police & Firemen- they keep us safe
Armed Forces- they keep our freedom
President- that's a hard job, and somebody has to do it
Art- expression of humans as a whole
History- to know part God's master plan
Health- so I can minister to others to the best of my ability
Pictures- to help me remember
Trees- tall, beautiful, changing, life-giving creations
Life- because it is taken from so many
Technology- no idea how it works but it does
Missions- helps Jesus get out to every corner of the earth
Purpose- everything God created has a purpose
Words- allows us to communicate and express ourselves
Order- God created order to keep the world turning
Stars- helps me wonder and continue to be in awe
Seasons- I love the cold, but you also need some warmth in there
Cheese and Bread- how can you not be thankful for cheese and bread??
Laughter- Everyone needs joy in their life
Languages- walking across campus and hearing tens of languages makes me happy
Bible- helps me know the character of God and His love

Last (that I am going to type) but not least:

Jesus- because He died for me so I could know His Father and His love for me; He helps me understand the little that I know, and is always there. He gives me true joy that nothing else can give me, for He loves me unconditionally and created me just as I am.

Giving thanks is essential for a relationship with Jesus. When we give thanks, we acknowledge that He is on the throne and holds everything in His hands. It allows us to appreciate what God has done for us in the past and what He will do in the future. When we are in the worst part of our lives, giving thanks inside of our circumstances reminds us that God has a plan in everything. Because of sin, evil is a part of this world, and there is nothing we can do to change that. But, when we focus on Jesus, He helps us through it. Thankfulness will put your focus on Jesus, not on the storms of life around you, so be thankful. I challenge you to share this with five things you are thankful for (not the average "thankful" things people say)- start putting your focus on Jesus.

Praying for you all, and Happy Thanksgiving!!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NLT (ironically, my pastor started to preach over this verse right after I had memorized it):

"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Give thanks IN {not for} all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

Song:

Thank You, Jesus