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Heart of Gratitude
 You cannot approach Thanksgiving without thinking about Gratitude. Thankfulness. Praise.
These are things God desires from us. They're part of our faith journey. "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
We may be tempted to think it is impossible to give thanks in all circumstances, especially the bad ones. But isn't it intriguing that God doesn't think that way? His word is clear: In everything give thanks. Or maybe I could paraphrase it: "During every dark day give thanks," or "In the midst of every mess give thanks." Or how about, "In even the worst of situations, God is worthy of our thanksgiving and praise."
That is so foreign to the typical way we think. Everything? Always?
I believe gratitude is learned. It doesn't come naturally to most of us. It is a mindset we choose and it is something we must practice until it becomes second nature to us. The more we practice gratitude the more we experience its powerful effect on our lives.
Something happens inside us when we choose to go through our days and weeks with an attitude of praise and gratitude, no matter what. Gratitude is the springboard to joy and happiness. Therapist and author, Melody Beattie says:
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough....and more.
It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.
It can turn a meal into a feast,
a house into a home, a stranger into a friend."
I have noticed something; maybe you have too. There is always a reason to be unhappy. There is always a difficult challenge in front of us. There's always a mountain to climb. There's a glitch in the Matrix, Neo.
Gratitude. Thanksgiving. Praise. These are the things that are to be a constant in our lives, drawing us ever closer to our Father's will for us.
This holiday season, let's try a new approach. Let's choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives, but on what we are grateful for. Just try it. It's not going to hurt us, and we might find a small seed of new-found joy and happiness bursting up inside.
What do we have to lose?
Greg
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THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17: Star Gazing at Estrella Mtn. Regional Park
This is a fun activity for young and old alike. We did this a couple years ago and those of us who went loved it! The event hours are from 7:30 PM till 9:30 PM. However, it would be a good idea for everyone who wants to attend to arrive early...even as early as 5:30 to 6:00, as the last event was filled to over-flowing and involved a walk from an overflow parking area. For this event we do want to car pool as the price per vehicle to enter the park is $6.00. For information about this event go to www.maricopa.gov/parks/ Scroll down the left side of the page to the column titled Outdoor Activities and look for Star Gazing. I am also including a link to the event providers so you can get an idea of the sort of activity it will be. Go to www.stargazingforeveryone.com and check out their page.
The only thing that can interfere with this event would be the weather so I am praying for a clear, non-windy night. I hope you can go. I think you will enjoy it. Dress warm. If you have any questions call me (Robert) at (623) 435-0536. Please leave a message; I'll call back I promise.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18: Breakfast Club
Join us this Sunday morning for Potluck Brunch and a Communion Service at Greg & Jeane's house starting at 10:30 AM. All are welcome!
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19: Monday Night Class
This week Bethany is sharing with us "A Little Perspective." Bethany always has an interesting point of view. Come and hear! Class begins at 7:15 PM at Peace Lutheran. We will not have a potluck dinner, but bring a snack to share if you want. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UPCOMING EVENTS
MONDAY NIGHT, DECEMBER 3: Christmas is Here!
Fellowship Dinner and Service
Everyone is invited to gather together for our Christmas Potluck Dinner and Special Service at Peace Lutheran Church in the Fellowship Hall. This is open to all those who are part of our community, both past and present. We'd love to see you! Bring your dish at 6:30 PM. Carrie & Bill are roasting turkey and ham; potatoes, gravy and rolls will also be provided. You bring a side dish, salad, or dessert. A Christmas program will follow. We ask that each person bring a monetary offering, large or small, for those in need this holiday season. Come with a heart ready to honor the newborn King! SATURDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 15: An Evening of Splendor! Singles Christmas Dance
7 - 11 PMThe Lakes Ballroom, Peoria Tickets: $20.00 per person Hors d' oeuvres and Desserts For Info Call:Carol at 602-348-7563 or Sandy at 623-581-0499 (Tickets can be purchased online at www.lifediscoveryministries.org) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ON-GOING MINISTRIES
 TUESDAY EVENINGS, 6:30 PM
Community Church of Joy - Meet in the Church Lobby 21000 N 75th Ave, Glendale Isn't it time? Whether you have gone through a divorce recently or have difficulty picking up the pieces from a past divorce, come for this series of videos that can provide insights into getting through major issues of divorce and moving forward with your life. This is a safe, small group setting with others who have gone through the same thing. You can start anytime! Call Jerry for more info at 623-972-7651. | 
