The Crusader Newspaper Group

A Moment to Super Size Your Thinking

By Effie Rolfe

A Day of Giving Thanks. Give Thanks with a Grateful heart. Obviously, it’s possible to give thanks without heartfelt gratitude. I immediately thought of the fast approaching  Thanksgiving Holiday as I listened  to lyrics of this song “Give thanks with a grateful heart, Give thanks to the Holy One, Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.” Praise is a simple thank you—for those who may have difficulty, continue to read and maybe a few verses from various songs may trigger your memory and inspire you to be grateful for your life. There are so many reasons to give God praise. One of my favorite gospel classics reminds us to ‘be grateful—there’s someone worse off than you—be grateful—there’s someone who would love to be in your shoes.’ As the saying goes—one man’s trash is another person’s treasure. If we would stop and reflect on the beauty of life, it is inevitable not to see treasures hidden right in your face. James Oppenheim stated, “The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.” My message continues—stop and smell the roses while you can. I’ve learn-ed to appreciate the simple things in life and not take anything for granted. My vow is to wake up giving God immediate thanks. Each time my eyes awaken to the dawning of another day, most times even before my feet hit the floor—I freely offer praise as the fruit of my lips. Too many alarms clocks sound never to be heard because someone’s soul has gone cold—I have to say thank you.

I’m convinced that you should embrace God’s amazing grace, family, friends, health, favor, goodness, hope, joy, love, mercy, peace, prosperity, purpose, redemption, salvation and wealth. Unfortunately, too often, we fail to recognize and enjoy the benefits of God’s blessings each day. Just as God is eternal—so are his blessings. They are inexhaustible with more  to be revealed each day waiting for you to experience.  However, it begins with praise in your heart and lips—which is a catalyst opening up the fountain of God’s very best.

I may not be what I ought to be but thank God I’m not what I used to be is more than mere words. I think about how His patience and love has led me safely through the storms of life. When I shed selfish tears because of my own wrongful conviction and stinking thinking—I have to thank God for a changed mind. Through the tears, I say thank you Lord when he beckons me to let go and let God work it out in His own time and way—since He sees our beginning, end and all in between. Our heavenly Father has been so kind to my family as he brought us a mighty long ways from the fields and gravel roads of Arkansas into a much better life of peace and manifested blessings.

On my compass, all songs lead  to praise—the one thing that doesn’t cost anything is to open your  mouth,   wave your hand, tap your toe, wiggle you finger, smile…do something to  indicate thankfulness to God and His many blessings. It’s been said the universe loves a grateful heart. Just as you appreciate when people acknowledge your kindness, so does God. I remember the mothers of the church saying you can’t beat God giving…no matter how hard you try. ‘Thank you Lord for all you’ve done for me’ is another favorite song recorded by the late Bishop Walter Hawkins. The lyrics make me think either people often forget or simply have a difficult time expressing themselves of the many blessings that God generously bestows each day. As for me, all I can say is, Thank you Lord for all you have done for me. Remember, Thanksgiving is not the only day to give thanks, we should practice giving thanks daily.

Have you given thanks today?

© Effie Rolfe is an Author of “Supersize Your Thinking,” Media Personality and Motivational Speaker. You can contact her on twitter.com/effiedrolfe. Listen to her show daily on urbanpraiseradio.org (2015 Stellar Award Winner for Best Internet Radio Station)

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