Thanksgiving is a time of quiet reflection . . . an annual reminder that God has, again, been ever so faithful. The solid and simple things of life are brought into clear focus.
From Psalm 107:8-9: “Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for His wonderful works to humankind. For He satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry He fills with good things.”
Exhausted
Weariness overtakes
God’s renewing grace
Faith nourished with love
Strengthened
Confronted
Life’s battles
Always our wingman
Jesus marches with us
Strengthened
Overwhelmed
Darkest times
Trusting in faith
Light from Holy Spirit
Strengthened
Living wholeheartedly for the Lord is impossible in our own strength. But if we’ll humble ourselves and ask, He will give us the grace to diligently and persistently live for Him.
From 2 Chronicles 31:20-21: “Hezekiah did this throughout all Judah; he did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, to seek his God, he did with all his heart, and he prospered.”
From 1 John 4:15-16: “God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.”
Earth filled with darkness
Hate crosses another street
Enemy’s hand at work
Peace surrenders its fleet
World aching for change
Grace knocking on every door
Chains of evil loosen
Love coming ashore
God holds righteous reins
Providence surges ahead
Muscles ready to flex
Born in Bethlehem shed
Hope now awakens
Messiah’s light enters in
Choice now offered to all
Love strengthens faith’s linchpin
Darkness and hate flee
Forgiven, choosing God’s love
Mercy stirs with kindness
Witnessed from high above
From 1 John 4:21: “The commandment we have from Him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.”
From Psalm 105:3-4: “Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.”
Quiet morning minutes
Sharing from His heart
Rendezvous with Father
Blessing day’s fresh start
Reading from God’s own Word
Peace fills from His heart
Replacing all darkness
Light’s mercy imparts
Master’s most tender touch
Moving from His heart
Blessed hymns freely praise
Singing every part
Painting nature’s landscape
Visions from His heart
Offering perfection
Creator’s fine art
Father’s trusted wisdom
Speaking from His heart
Righteousness leads faith’s path
Guiding light’s head start
From Psalm 51:10-12: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.”
How often has this happened to you? You go about your life, but a restlessness seems to hang over you. In such moments, ask, “Lord, what is it You want to tell me?”
From Psalm 121:1-2: “I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
From 1 Thessalonians 4:14: “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have died.”
From Romans 5:3-4: “And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”
Relationship challenges
Sin attempts to break apart
Holy Spirit never rests
Love’s flame nurtures pair of hearts
Faithful steps follow Jesus
Light sharing grace every day
Together, praying as one
Love fills tomorrow’s gateway
Father extends helping hand
Darkness replaced with sunrise
Endurance sustains journey
Love eclipses gloomy skies
Marriage healing and growing
Faith’s commitment now restored
Mercy’s lasting promises
Love’s hymn, vows renewing chords
From Romans 5:5: “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”
From Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”
Life’s struggles
Waiting ahead
Finding mercy’s strength
Nourishing daily bread
Father’s Word
Sharing insight
Hearing blessed truth
Following Spirit’s light
Faith in Christ
Setting us free
Leading every step
Escaping stormy seas
Grace-filled love
Coming from God
Extending goodness
Feeling no longer flawed
Sinful past
Fleeing its flood
Praying before cross
Witnessing Savior’s blood
From John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.”
Wholeness does not mean perfection: it means embracing brokenness as an integral part of life.
From Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
Parker Palmer (born 1939) is an American author and educator. Much of his writing has focused on issues dealing with leadership, spirituality, and social change.
Big Sky Buckeye 