November 21, 2025
Good Evening,
The holidays compel us to stop for more than a moment, to take a deeper breath, and to show more gratitude than we do over the year that is slowly slipping away. Spending more time focusing on what we are grateful for can help override the negative thoughts our brain wants to default to. It is human nature to focus on the negatives regularly and wonder how their lives would be if they changed their viewpoint to see the glass half full rather than half empty.
The true essence of Thanksgiving goes beyond delicious food or football games – it is about reflecting on what we are thankful for and finding ways to share that appreciation with others. Practicing gratitude during Thanksgiving encourages us to recognize the positive aspects of our lives, big or small, which promotes resilience and leads to a more fulfilling life. The Apostle Paul in 1st Thessalonians 5:18 states, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Gratitude is a spiritual practice that draws us closer to God - not merely acknowledging the good in our lives but recognizing the Giver of all good things.
Gratitude is more than a feeling; it’s a way of life. A grateful heart makes life richer and more meaningful. One of the most direct ways to show gratitude to God is through prayer. Expressing gratitude has benefits that extend well beyond the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to express gratitude to God and is a practice that can bring peace, joy, and perspective to your life. Regularly acknowledging the good in our lives can boost our mood, strengthen relationships, and improve our overall well-being. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us remember to carry the spirit of gratitude with us not just on Thanksgiving Day but every day.
Thank you for your financial contributions to support the church's work. Please continue to mail your checks to Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church, 2701 Lee St, Houston, Texas 77026, or use Givelify.com (Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church—Houston, Texas).
Finally, I would like to leave you with this thought for meditation: “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”- Charles Dickens
Have A Blessed Thanksgiving
Kevin L. Bullock, Sr. – Pastor
