30 Days of Giving Thanks: Day 1

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As of today, if you visit the homepage of my blog, you will notice a new section titled, “30 Days of Giving Thanks.”

Every year, it seems like Christmas gets pushed earlier and earlier. At my husband’s store, their Christmas candy and decorations arrived before Halloween was even over. This week, they’ll be setting up displays for Christmas. Honestly? I find it ridiculous.

Thanksgiving is the only holiday that hasn’t become commercialized. It’s become simply a day of work where you eat too much and watch football games.

Not in my house. Yes, we eat too much, but there’s so much more to it. The entire day is centered around family and all the blessings surrounding us.

As a Christian, Thanksgiving should be a top priority. Not just in November, but every day. We have so much to be thankful for. Yes, times are tough, but God is still good. I want to recognize Him this month and give Him the glory.

And I hope you’ll join me.

For the next 30 days, I will post one thing that I am thankful for. Some will be the normal things like family, friends, a home, etc., but I also plan to think outside the box and see all of His blessings around me. Each day, you will find a linky at the bottom of the post where you can link to that day’s post on your own blog.

Since today is day one, it’s only right that I give thanks for my salvation.

I was blessed to have been raised in a godly home with parents that always put God first. I went to church every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night – and whenever else the church doors were opened. But for years, I lived behind a mask. I had a head knowledge of Christ. I could spout Bible verses – even entire chapters – without blinking. I knew all the words to say to convince people that I was saved and on my way to heaven.

But it was all a lie.

In 2007, we moved to Georgia and started attending a little country church. It was unlike any church I’ve ever been in. I was used to large congregations, an orchestra, a large formal choir. This church didn’t have any of that, but it immediately felt like home.

Shortly after we started attending that church, I started to feel a tug on my heartstrings. I knew exactly what it was, but I ignored it. I had to be saved. I couldn’t let an entire church know that I was living a lie.

I ignore that tug at my heart for months until finally, I couldn’t stand it any longer.

It was a Sunday night, April 20, 2008. I cannot tell you what the preacher spoke about that night. I only remember sitting in the back of the auditorium crying, praying that he would just close the service so I could go forward and get saved. The moment he opened the altar for the invitation, I practically ran down the aisle. I wept as my pastor led me to my Savior. I didn’t care what anyone thought. I just knew I needed Jesus.

I want to live every day like I did in that moment. Where nothing but Jesus mattered. I’m ashamed to say that I fail way to often, but I’m not giving up. I want to know Him the way He knows me. The fact that He loves me, just as I am, makes every day sweeter. I am so thankful for His love and mercy. Now I have the blessed hope of spending eternity with Him.

If you are participating in 30 Days of Giving Thanks, please leave your link below. I hope you’ll also grab a button from the sidebar and share it on your blog as well. I’d love to stop by and read your posts on Giving Thanks.