The holidays are drawing near quickly! Families are making plans to celebrate together, the list for Thanksgiving dinner seems extra long, it is time to get that forgotten "to-do" list done before you open your doors to all those invited. The busyness can many times take the joy out of these special times in our lives if we are not careful. Some may be going through difficult times and are finding it hard to keep going, much less find the energy to deal with the excitement the holiday season brings. No matter what the circumstances... God is in the midst of it all! In the good times and bad, God's blessings remain if we choose to see them. It all depends on our attitude.

Warren Wiersbe said the following: "Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. outlook determines outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory."

Even in times of great pain or challenges, we have the possibility of having a positive impact by our trust in God and believing that He is in control. Our attitude, even in trials, can give hope to those who need it most.

I encourage you to embrace an attitude of gratitude and choose to focus on all the good God has given us. For starters, God gave us this day, so let's choose to rejoice and be glad in it!

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the family and friends I get to enjoy life with. Help me choose an attitude of gratitude and make it a good day. Allow me to not take for granted the opportunities you give me to serve others through kindness, encouragement, and being a reminder of the hope and peace we can find in you. In you, I can see past the problems I may be facing and proclaim victory because you are in control. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name, amen."

1.  Psalm 118:24 (TLB).  

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.