What is your favourite time of year? Some people just love fall. Not me. Now, I do like the changing of the leaves, the colors are so fantastic. And I love thanksgiving dinner. But that is about it. Fall would be okay if spring followed; but no, winter has to show up. Since fall arrived, I actually had to put away my shorts and put on pants. This is always a sad day for me. It is fitting then, that Thanksgiving would come in the fall. Not because I am thankful for fall, but because it reminds me to always give thanks even when I feel less than thankful.
Ever felt less than thankful? Life’s circumstances, financial pressures, changing seasons, health issues, relational stresses, all can severely hamper the thankful feeling we all should cultivate. The ancient scriptures teach that our best approach to life is to be thankful in all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Easy to say, but how do we do this?
Here are some ways that help me to be thankful always:
1. I try to avoid complaining and people who are given to complain about everything. (If I am avoiding you, it might be that you are complaining too much. Ouch.) There is always something to complain about, but on the same level there is always something to be thankful about. Choose Thankful instead.
2. I try not to take the little things for granted. I like walking. Walking helps me to see, smell, and hear things, that people in cars will miss. In fact, life is full of so many wonders, that if we notice them, thankfulness is so much easier.
3. I try to remember that life is not going to be perfect. Acceptance of trials, hardships and challenges are part of this life. Remaining thankful in difficult situations actually creates an atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to turn those things around. Miracles are waiting to happen for people who maintain thankfulness in the midst of their greatest challenges.
4. I try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes getting enough sleep. When I lack sleep, grumpiness takes over. Exercise is important too. I can feel blah, but when I finish my five K run, thankfulness invades my emotions. Oh, and by the way, contrary to the Snickers commercial, less sugar is better.
5. I try to keep my life centred on what is central to the universe, and that is Jesus Christ. When Jesus was on the earth he said, it is important for me to go, because when I go back to heaven, I will send the Holy Spirit to you, who will always be with you. (John 14:26) Holy Spirit is often called the “comforter”. This helps me immensely to maintain an attitude of thankfulness. No matter what is going on, the Comforter is with me. The Spirit of God is so powerful, no matter how bleak things may seem, I can be thankful, because it is not too bleak for God.
As you know we are in a ten week sermon series on “The Holy Spirit and You”. This Sunday, since it is Thanksgiving Weekend, I will be sharing on the importance of thanksgiving as part of our worship. This may surprise you, but the Holy Spirit is intimately involved in our lives as we give thanks. I am so excited to share this life changing message this week with you all.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
This coming Monday, October 9th, KCF is hosting a free Turkey dinner.
We are looking forward to this fun time where we can gather as a church family alongside the community to enjoy a yummy meal together. This is a free event and all are welcome. This dinner kicks off Homelessness Action Week. This year’s theme is Affordable Housing in Nelson: Opening Doors and Chuck Bennett will be a guest speaker on this evening.
If you would like to donate toward the Thanksgiving Dinner so we can keep it free, please do so by mailing or dropping off your cheque payable to “Our Daily Bread” to 520 Falls Street, Nelson BC V1L 6B5. We can also accept payments via interact at the KCF Office or credit payments over the phone.
Haiti Arise
KCF is actively involved with supporting Haiti Arise. Please keep them in prayer as this is active hurricane season for them. To find out more about Haiti Arise, click on the link. http://www.haitiarise.org/
S.H.A.R.E. Nelson
S.H.A.R.E. is accepting and receiving donations and new items are being put out for sale every day. Come down and support the poor. If you would like to volunteer at S.H.A.R.E. we currently have great ministry opportunities. Call the store at 250.352.1222 or stop by the store to inquire. Click on this link to check out S.H.A.R.E.’s new video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aZX9v7gxdM
Calendar of Events
Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, sermons, and places to donate.
Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Pastor Jim
October 5, 2017
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5