CAN A GRINCH STEAL THANKSGIVING?

CAN A GRINCH STEAL THANKSGIVING?
Wednesday, November 23, 2022 by Leona Choy

WHAT IS A GRINCH? “Any person or entity who is mean-spirited and unfriendly,” says the dictionary. Jesus, the final authority, clearly stated, “The devil comes only to steal...” (John 10:10). He can only steal from us if we let him. It is far above his pay grade to be able to steal Thanksgiving or anything else from the child of God!

In the past, the devil was almost successful to turn Thanksgiving from a religious observance for gratitude to God into an occasion to overindulge ourselves with turkey and dressing and mashed potatoes, cranberries and pumpkin pie, and all the trimmings, (can't forget the green bean casserole!). Then the grinchy devil thought up “Black Friday” to caboose Thanksgiving with its panic shopping frenzy for incredible bargains during which people act like wild animals moving in for the kill.

We can save the true Thanksgiving spirit by recognizing that it is not a single date on the calendar but an attitude of gratitude that can't be stolen. It is a matter of the heart that must accompany all our petitions to God. “Pray and in everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you” (1 Thess. 5;18; Eph. 5:20). Being thankful is no small thing. Jesus commended the one leper who returned to thank Him out of ten who were healed.

Grinches of any kind, human or the dark angels and all the minions under the devil's control that try to assail us are no match for the bubbling of joyful gratitude of the Holy Spirit who lives within every child of God. The Psalms are overflowing with admonitions to thank God. “Let us come before His presence [and enter His gates] with thanksgiving” (Ps. 95:2; 100:4).

Learning to say “Thank you” is one of the first things parents try to teach their little children when they are given something. And the child dutifully parrots “Thank you” upon being prompted, but next time the youngster might have to be reminded again. We grown-ups sometimes forget to say “Thank you”, don't we?

When I awoke this morning, I was impressed to DECLARE THIS THANKSGIVING 2022 A SPECIAL DAY. Not like the first one in 1863 which Abraham Lincoln initiated, mine isn't a national holiday but a deliberate, personal, “anti-Grinch gratitude day.” Of course, I already do thank God on a regular basis. Nevertheless, I want officially, between God and me, to be on the watch to thank Him for everything I see and feel and experience and encounter, and think about today—people, places, and things. I want to notice them. To acknowledge them. Name each blessing in detail. And say “Thank You, Lord!”

Now to get started. Thank You, Lord, that I woke up to another new day; for life itself; for life in Christ, for His Holy Spirit living in me; that I slept well on a luxurious queen size mattress; that my CPAP system worked for my sleep apnea; that I can breathe throughout the day without extra oxygen; that I can put my feet on the floor, with the strength to stand up and walk unassisted, although unsteadily; that most of the bodily organs in my "earth suit" are still working after so many years of service; (and even for those that are kinda sluggish but still chugging along!); for healings and recoveries when I needed them; that as a super-vulnerable person, I survived Covid a year ago; for the assurance of Your Presence and something good to look forward to today in Your plan for my life; for a sound mind and fairly good memory; for...oh, so much You've blessed me with

....and I've barely taken a few steps from my bedroom!

Why is this such a big deal for me?

Three years ago this week I underwent successful major surgery and celebrated Thanksgiving in the hospital. Within the past month, I spent two weeks in the hospital undergoing possibly life-threatening, heart-related procedures. I'm thankful to be living my 98th year on earth with Heaven waiting as a benefit! Yes, it IS a big deal to celebrate each day as a loving, generous gift from God. Each day is a bonus day to do His will on earth and to please Him.

How about you? Would you like to try a personal “anti-grinch gratitude day” tomorrow—and every day?

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Comments

Dot From Dan At 12/2/2022 11:18:15 AM

Dearest Leona, we carry on. Peace and love to you and yours! I'm sick with some bug, I know you pray for me as I do for you. God's in his heaven, all's right with the world!. Love, dot

Reply by: Leona Choy

We are traveling the same final journey, dear Dot, and I too am unwell in my earth suit, but thank God, "IT IS WELL WITH OUR SOULS!" May we endure to the Finish Line as we pray for each other with compassion and love.

Lindsay Van Sicklen From Arkadelphia Arkansas At 11/24/2022 6:38:17 PM

Thanks for priming the pump, Leona.

Reply by: Leona Choy

We all need our pumps primed...especially me, these days.

Ivan B. Leaman From Lancaster County At 11/24/2022 4:06:53 PM

Dear Leona, Thanks for your testimony of thanksgiving. So wonderful that you can write so elegantly and meaningful at your age.

Reply by: Leona Choy

I, in turn, thank you for your encouragement and for special grace and patience for your dear wife.

Suellen McDaniel From Newton, NC At 11/24/2022 8:56:53 AM

Happy Thanksgiving, Leona!! I am grateful to God for YOU! No grinches around here - or, not for long?? God is GOOD!! Suellen

Reply by: Leona Choy

Way to go, Suellen!

Lou From midwest At 11/24/2022 8:55:42 AM

Would you please pray for my daughter? She's running with a bad crowd. 1 foot in light and 1 in darkness. She made the effort to turn back to the light more yesterday. Big step for her. Please pray she has strength to keep making better choices. She's called to preach from teen-Bloodline around her

Reply by: Leona Choy

Yes, I'm praying for your daughter's choices to be in God's direction.

Nancy Hoag From Bozeman, Montana At 11/24/2022 8:45:04 AM

Dear, Dear Friend. Oh, how I needed your reminders this morning. Thank you, thank you for sharing with each of us that we might also remember to be thankful to Him in all things, regardless. Love to you, and wishing you a Blessed Thanksgiving. Nancy

Reply by: Leona Choy

And you are a dear friend to me from many years back, dear Nancy

Linda Ann Fumea From At 11/24/2022 7:45:26 AM

So thankful to God for you Leona! An inspiration and a blessing! I took the liberty to forward your Thanksgiving message to our donors and friends. May God open your eyes, ears and heart today to see His love all around you. Hugs !!!