Thank: to express gratitude or appreciation to somebody; to be pleased about something; to be grateful.

Full: filled to capacity; holding as much or as many as possible; having a large amount of number of something; being at the highest degree or largest extent possible; with nothing or nobody left out or missing; satisfied.

As we begin this new month and start turning our thoughts toward the next holiday, let’s spend a little time considering the true meaning behind being thankful. When I opened the dictionary, I wasn’t too surprised by what I discovered about the word “thank.” After all, who doesn’t know what it means to thank someone, right?

But what stunned me most was the definition of “full.” Look at it one more time. When you think about what you’d like to give thanks for this season, do you really feel “filled to capacity” by those thoughts? Are you so overwhelmed by appreciation that you sense it to “the highest degree possible – with nothing left out or missing?”

Like so many across the United States, you may not be feeling full of thanks right now. After all, the past several years have been financially and emotionally grueling for most of us. But, can we be more thankful? Perhaps an even better question would be should we feel “full of thanks” and even “satisfied” despite all that’s going on around us?

As children of God, I think we can have more of an attitude of gratitude, especially if we believe what Scripture says about thankfulness:

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe . . .”

Hebrews 12:28

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Colossians 2:6-7

Notice neither of these sections of the Bible say, “except when times are bad” or “unless a President is elected that you don’t like” or “only when things are going exactly the way you planned.” Instead, we are encouraged to be THANK-FULL simply because God is in our lives now-and for all eternity! Those who trust in Him are merely asked to be grateful and fullof thanks no matter what might be going on in the world around us.

I think after all that God has done for me, I can do that! How about you? Can you be grateful “at the highest degree possible” in the days, weeks, and months ahead? Can you focus on what the God is doing for you so that you might actually begin to feel more “filled to capacity” and maybe even “overflowing with thankfulness?”

Why not start by writing a short list of what you are thankful for right now. Add something to that list tomorrow, and the next day, and then the day after that! By the time Thanksgiving finally arrives, you will have a long list of items to share with family and friends-and I’d encourage you to be sure to do that!

Many blessings to each of you during this Season of Thanks from all of us at Sonkist Ministries!

Thought of the Month

“You know the LORD is God! He created us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep in his pasture. Be thankful and praise the LORD as you enter His temple. The LORD is good! His faithfulness will last forever.”

Psalm 100:3

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It’s hard to imagine that after almost two years of writing, our devotional for couples will be available for you this month! New Beginnings: Devotions to Develop the Greatest Romance is designed to encourage husbands and wives in their marriages-whether they are young in age or young at heart. Let’s face it; those of us who are attempting to develop our marriages according to God’s principles are living in challenging times. Christian couples need all the support they can get, and we certainly could use a “new beginning” from the Lord each and every day!

New Beginnings will allow you-and those you love-to get into God’s Word daily. Each month also has a theme specifically related to marriage, like Money Matters, Life with Kids, andFellowship & Fun. Here’s a taste of a fall devotional to help you begin to think about life during this season of Harvest:

Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.
Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.

Proverbs 25:13-14

The cloud cover and cool breeze that greeted me today were indicators that we’d definitely experienced a shift in seasons. So were the splashes of orange and red in the grove of trees during my afternoon walk. Fall had definitely arrived, refreshing my spirit in multiple ways.

I look forward to this season all year, partly because it reminds me of this section of Proverbs that details the beautiful image of harvest. Good news is as refreshing as autumn winds that chase away summer’s heat and humidity. A person who shares something positive lifts our spirits-just like witnessing leaves changing adds color to our lives. The reverse is equally true: there’s nothing worse than bad news or someone who boasts and brags without anything to back up their words.

In a world that’s often too full of sorrow (and much of it delivered in a 24/7 news cycle), spouses have a wonderful opportunity to lift one another up. You can share something you’ve found in Scripture, or even stop to pray when your loved one is having a bad day. Try to turn off the television and spend time talking together about your blessings. By doing so, you might discover new things you can be thankful for during this season of harvest.

You can order your copy of New Beginnings: Devotions to Develop the Greatest Romance on our website, or you’ll also find it at Amazon.com. Happy Harvest from all of us at Sonkist Ministries!

Thought of the Month

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

James 5:7-8

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“Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.”

Joe Fox, You’ve Got Mail

This quote comes from a modern romantic comedy, written by Nora and Delia Ephron. The authors adeptly draw us into their story by showing scenes of blustery fall days-with autumnal foliage, pumpkins and steamy mugs of coffee welcoming us into the tale that’s about to unfold.

I can relate to the sentiments of Joe Fox, too. I do love New York in the fall. Actually, I’ve come to love the whole fall season in general. No doubt being a career teacher has encouraged these sentiments. I get excited when I see Back-to-School ads, kids and parents shopping for supplies, and stacks of Crayola packages lining the checkout stand at the grocery store. If I could, I’d send each of you a box of 64 crayons right now (by the way, this big box celebrates its 54^th birthday this year)!

I’m also appreciating fall more and more because I realize how the Lord used this season of harvest to share the truth about His purpose and about our calling here on Earth. Look at these words from Scripture:

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Matthew 9:35-38

Just like the farm fields that are ready to be harvested during this time of year, Jesus reminds all of us that there are human souls that still need to know about Him. These men, women and children have yet to understand that God is offering them the greatest gift they could ever receive: salvation! And this gift is theirs for the taking! They only have to accept it for themselves-simply asking Jesus to save them for all eternity.

Jesus’ compassion for this immense harvest should encourage us to step out this season and see what part we can play in helping others know more about Him. It should also urge us to live out our faith in new ways each and every day. Who knows where that person may be who is watching and waiting to find out what you will reveal about God’s great love for him or her.

So, as you sip your Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks, look around you and pray for everyone from the patrons to the baristas. As your kids settle back into school, sign up to help in their classes or somewhere on campus. If your children are grown, you’ll still be welcome because most schools desperately need volunteers during these trying economic times.

Most of all, enjoy this amazing season of life the Lord has placed you in, and keep falling in love with your heavenly Father who has amazing plans for you!

Don’t forget to pull out your copy of Fall into the Hands of the Father, which includes daily devotions for this awesome season. Happy fall from all of us at Sonkist Ministries!

Thought of the Month

As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat, summer and winter,
day and night will never cease.

Genesis 8:22