Ever since I moved to the United States in 1986, I have wanted to see some of the beautiful landscapes this country has to offer. This summer, my husband and I had the opportunity to visit several Western States. From the start, my purpose was to create new memories with him in these beautiful places that would last a lifetime. I also asked God to show me His love through His beautiful creation. And He did.
We visited South Dakota and went to see Mount Rushmore, the Bad Lands, Black Hills, and took a trip to see the Devils Tower in Wyoming. The next trip took us directly to Wyoming, so we visited Yellowstone where we say many geysers and hot springs but the most beautiful and impressive of all was, of course, the Old Faithful. We walked on the board walk along the amazing pools and springs of boiling water and we arrived at the Beauty Pool displaying its vibrant colors of blues, greens, and yellows. Then there were three geysers that never stopped gushing boiling water up in the air. In the distance and sometimes closer than comfortable, we saw bison. They move slowly but are always on the move. They walk around enjoying freedom and eating off the land. We must return to Yellowstone so we can explore a little more since we only saw a few acres out of the 2.2 million acres of incredible beauty!
Lastly, we went to Arizona and took the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon again. We visited almost twenty years ago with our children, and we wanted to create new memories while overlooking the breath-taking views. I’m always about creating memories and “moments” that are unforgettable. Moments that I can go back to and remember with a smile in my face and gratitude in my heart. When I recognize one of those moments, I tell my husband, “Stop… I’m creating a moment.” We stop, take a deep breath to remember even the smells around us, we look around to remember the surroundings, and we hug. That moment is now cemented in my heart and in my brain forever.
The pastor from my church recently talked about creating moments with your family, with your friends, and with God. I create memories with my family and favorite friends by being intentional about getting together regardless of how busy I may be. I create memories with God every Saturday morning when I spend extra time with Him. It’s my personal one-on-one time with my Creator and Savior. I pray during the week too; but this is my dedicated, intentional time with Jesus where I share my heart, write in my journal, cry, pray, read my Bible, and write inspirational messages such as this one. I know He listens!
I leave you with encouraging thoughts during this Thanksgiving season:
· Express your love daily for your spouse and for your loved ones—family, friends, coworkers, everyone!
· Reach out to others so they can support you and pray for you during difficult times.
· Hang on to Jesus! Allow Him to walk with you through each situation.
· Thank God every day for your life and the life of your loved ones.
· Living with gratitude is key to your happiness. Be thankful. Be grateful. Be happy.
Here are some Scriptures of thanksgiving to lift you up:
Psalm 9:1 (NLT) I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.
Psalm 28:7 (NLT) The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Psalm 103:2 (NLT) Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things he does for me.”
Create memories with your family, your friends, and with God. I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving, full of love and gratitude to God for life!