An Annual Thanksgiving Message From Southern Plate
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Dear Southern Plate Family,
As we reflect back during the year while celebrating Thanksgiving 2023, this year has been another doosey! So many things going on that can make us feel overwhelmed, stressed and negative about the future. I join with all of you praying for peace and love in our world.
But to keep our focus on the difficult times only moves us away from our ability to see the blessings. No guilt is necessary when we do find ourselves focusing on wishing things weren’t so challenging. However, when we find ourselves moving in that direction even though it sure isn’t easy, to keep ourselves moving forward, it’s so important to focus on what we are thankful for right now AND be hopeful for the future. Even if you have had a terrible year and feel like you have nothing to be thankful for, start with the small things like being thankful for having the ability to read this message or take your next breath or feel the clothes you are wearing sitting softly against your skin. Start with the little things.
We are all human and aren’t perfect so sometimes we need reminders. Thanksgiving can be one of those reminders to help shift our sights back on what we actually have in our lives right now that we are truly thankful for. But don’t let it end on Thanksgiving. Make time to be Thankful all year round.
Paul reminds us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). And James also adds, ‘Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness”. (James 1:2-3)
So I hope this Thanksgiving is a special time for you to focus on what you have right now even if it’s less than last year… and that you find gratitude in your heart while being hopeful for the future.
I know one big thing I am thankful for is this year has brought me closer to you, the Southern Plate Family. My heart is full as I remind myself of that glorious blessing.
Happy Thanksgiving! If you’re looking for a great way to be thankful this season be sure to grab my free gratitude printable. Gratitude Printable Southern Plate
And here’s just a little something that may make your life a tiny bit easier this holiday season. Click here for just a little something that might make the upcoming holiday planning just a tiny bit easier.
If you’d like to place what you are thankful this year, please do so in the comments.
May we all focus this Thanksgiving on God’s grace & his many blessings. Take this time to enjoy our families & think of those who are less fortunate.
Psalm 107:1 –
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Getting to know your Southern Plate family through this delicious website offering us stories of love, laughter, family and good food reminds us of what Thanksgiving is all about. Happy Thanksgiving Christy and family!
Grandma was sure strong….love this picture, I give thanks for you…..
Happy Thanksgiving Christy to you and your family. Thank you for your positive attitude all year long. It is always a helpful reminder to me!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of the Southern Plate Family. Pray for all of the people who are less fortunate.
Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family, Christy, my family & I are gonna enjoy to of your recent post, Last Minute Green Beans & Easy Candied Sweet Potatoes. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the Southern Plate family!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
We’re a scattered family group but we still count our blessings and might not be eating together but we phone each other after the meals are over.
Thanks for sharing your humor and blessings with us!