Give Thanks

“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor… I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks, for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country… also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions…”

-George Washington, President of the United States, October 3, 1789 in the Nation’s first National Thanksgiving Proclamation.

Isn’t it wonderful to live in a Nation with so rich a Christian heritage? Thank God for America and her humble beginning!

Ten Things I am Thankful For

1.) I am alive. Many people will not be alive this Thanksgiving- two of whom I will miss more than I can say. I am thankful for life.

2.) I have truth. There are millions of people throughout our world who are blinded by lies and deceit. Who am I that I should be born into truth? Why me? What makes me so special? I am so very thankful for truth.

3.) I have a family. Nothing will make you question all you have ever known to be true like death. Is family only the people who are connected to you by the blood that runs beneath the surface of your skin, or is it more? There are no words to convey the love I have for my brother but I have many in my family. I have Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. I also have dear, dear friends who are my strength and support. I am thankful for family.

4.) I am a member of a church body. The longer I live the more in love I become with the Body of Christ. I love Life Tabernacle. I love her elders, her young people, her families, and her children. I love her Pastor and his wife. I love that I get to try and give back in some small way for everything she has given to me throughout my life. I am thankful for my church.

5.) I have a heritage. What does it mean to be Ouellette? It means to be strong, keep going, and never give up. It is about finding ways to make precious moments out of the most ordinary circumstances in life. It is about family and loyalty. It is about pouring yourself into things with all of your heart- not so that people will miss you when you are gone, even though I know both of my parents are missed by many- but to make your life count for something important, something bigger than right now. I am thankful for the heritage that my parents have left me.

6.) I have no past. Many people have a past and they cannot escape from it. They have made so many mistakes and done so much wrong that they are aged beyond their years and sleepless throughout long nights. My past is gone and I am the only who can change that. I am thankful that I have no past.

7.) I have a future. When I think of this Holiday season I look beyond today. I do not know what my future holds, but I know that God holds it- and that is exciting. More abundant life is on its way! I am thankful for a future.

8.) I am a vessel God uses. I am nothing special. I have no skills or talents that other do not posses. I am ordinary and common; yet, God uses me. Why? I am thankful that God, in His infinite grace, anoints me and uses me for His glory.

9.) I have a home. So many people do not have physical places to live or places where they belong. I have both. I am thankful for a home.

10.) I have laughter. My God has given me the power to laugh through every circumstance. I am so thankful that I can laugh and still be filled with peace and joy!

Truly, I am of all men most blessed!

I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving and I challenge you to find the time in this holiday to be thankful (I think ten is a healthy number). Thanksgiving is so often rushed over on our way to Christmas- but stop- even if it is only for a day- smile, reflect, and be thankful!