“…And I Am So Grateful.”

Special Gratitude Edition

Guest Post by Karen Bundren

Happy November! This is one of my favorite times of the year! I love taking time to be still and reflect on God’s incredible goodness. With a heart of GRATITUDE, it is truly so humbling to share how a decision to be grateful and give praise to our Lord Jesus Christ changes everything.

Monday afternoon I sat in the ER, watching my mom groan with chest pains on her left side. My heart was filled with wonder and so much hope. Why, you say? It’s because as we waited for the test results, my heart was overwhelmed with gratitude as I reflected on how good and how faithful our Heavenly Father has always been, always is, and always will be.

These past 18 months have been a season of trusting the Lord during challenging times. His steadfast love has been overwhelming, and I am so grateful. He has put His people in my life that have regularly called, brought little “God hugs” through cards and gifts and flowers that just show up at the door, and I am so grateful. He has taken my husband and me on a journey of radiation and chemo and many drives to the hospital, 40 minutes each way, and I am so grateful. He gave my husband and me many deep, intentional conversations together, and I am so grateful. The Lord has opened so many doors that have led to gospel conversations, and I am so grateful. We had the opportunity to travel to Mexico and meet others walking the cancer journey, people we would have never known, and I am so grateful. We had the privilege of praying with folks that chose to put their faith in Jesus, and I am so incredibly grateful. He has given us reports that were not so easy to hear followed by great reports, and for both I am so grateful. He has taken some of those that fought the fight against disease to be with Him, and knowing they are in the presence of our Savior, I am so grateful. I see many of our friends doing all they can to fight against cancer and finding their hope in Christ’s perfect plan, and I am so grateful. Even in moments of uncertainty and fear, I have found comfort in the peace that only God can provide, and I am so grateful. He has given us His promises throughout scripture, and I am so very grateful. Each day has revealed new mercies and unexpected blessings that have carried us through these times, and I am so grateful. He also added four more grandkids these past 18 months, and I am so very grateful. Most importantly, He has given us the One Who has come and redeemed us and has given life eternal, and there is no greater gift, and I am so incredibly, incredibly grateful.

As I check my mom out of the ER, I am so very grateful we are heading home and not to a room upstairs for the night, and we are both so grateful. As I reflect during this short ER visit, I am reminded that gratitude is not just a feeling, but a daily practice that draws us closer to Him and strengthens our faith.

Lord my God, I will praise You forever and in all things.

Here are some verses that can help our hearts be grateful for His steadfast love and loving kindness.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

2 Corinthians 4:15 - “All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”

Psalm 136:1 - “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His love endures forever.”

Psalm 100:4 - “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.”

Psalm 92:1-2 - “It is good to give thanks to the Lord… proclaiming Your love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night.”

Colossians 3:17 - “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

2 Corinthians 9:15 - “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”

1 Corinthians 15:57 - “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Psalm 30:12 - “That my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent.”

Psalm 69:30 - “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving.”

In times of trial and uncertainty, we often forget the countless blessings God has provided us. The Psalms encourage us to remember His past deeds as a source of strength and hope.

Reflecting on the goodness we have already experienced helps us build a foundation of gratitude that will carry us through life’s challenges. By recounting the times God has been faithful, we strengthen our trust in Him and fortify our hearts against doubt. Together, let us cultivate an attitude of appreciation by regularly taking the time to reflect on our blessings and share stories of God’s faithfulness with one another. Thankfulness is not just a moment; it’s a lifestyle that can transform our perception of our circumstances.

Happy Thanksgiving, November Roses!