Greetings and Happy Thanksgiving!I don't know about you, but it is hard not to be distracted and somewhat overwhelmed by the things going on around us sometimes. It is at those times that I need to take a huge step backward and refocus on some simple truths.

It amazes me how much our society uses fear to handicap us and rob us of our joy. Rather than fretting and getting all worked up, I need to refocus and remember that I have been given a relationship with the one in control of it all and nothing can take that away. I need to remember that He promises to take care of me and never leave me.

I am reminded of the story when Jesus and some friends were in a boat and a storm came up. Everyone became frantic and were terrified, but Jesus slept peacefully. Finally their fear overcame them and they woke Jesus. He pointed out their lack of trust and then calmed the storm.

I know God doesn't promise to keep the storms away, but He does promise to bring us through them. I am not sure if you have any storms or strong waves in your life right now, but I want to encourage you to never forget that Jesus is in your boat. Never forget that God is in control or forget His promise that says His perfect love casts out all fear. Jesus is that perfect love.

This Thanksgiving let's all give thanks for the Joys (big and small) that we have been given and show that perfect love to those around us. I hope that you have a blessed Thanksgiving. We are truly thankful for you!

You are a blessing!
Chris