An Annual Thanksgiving Message From Southern Plate
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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.
Christy your posted made me reflect on what use to be when you have your mother, father, siblings and grandparents. Now as I have aged I try to remember those times and try to let my family experience those times, also from years past. Remember what you have and be Thank Full, like the pastor said this past Sunday. Continue your uplifting post and recipes from times past. Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Enjoy the time you have with your family. Happy Thanksgiving!
Christy, i i loved the Norman Rockwell picture, and it really does depict of the good ole fashion THANKSgivings of yester years. In this hustle and bussel world, people forget to stop and look at the wonderful things around them. Every day is a blessing, look at the wonderful scenery we have, and the blue skies and those gorgeous clouds! This is the time to think of family and friends, and thank God for all we do have , and not what we don’t have. Happy THANKSgiging to you all.
Thank you Christy for the sweet and loving reminders to be thankful for what we have, and we have alot to be thankful for! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy your family!
You have the sweetest heart ~ hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Christy your are such a bright light in a dim world . I love your post an humor you share each day. It goes far beyond the wonderful recipes you share. I’m an Alabama girl too and sometimes the similarities are so significant. Thanks for reminding me of such wonderful times in my life. Blessings to you and yours this t
Thanksgiving season! Wanda