As we get closer to Thanksgiving, one of the biggest lessons God has taught me is to 'be thankful' - in all things/for all things - no matter what, even for those I am not too excited about! I have found that a 'thankful attitude' helps to contribute to good mental health, among other things.

Something from Anne Graham Lotz, a little bit along those lines:

THE CLICKING OF THE PRUNING SHEARS

"This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

~ John 15:8 NIV

"The firm 'click' of the Gardener's pruning shears can be heard in our lives when......

* we are confined to a hospital room;

* we are fired from a job;

* we are moved to a new place, surrounded by strangers;

* we are isolated in a new job, surrounded by unbelievers.

"Your purpose, and mine, is to bring glory to God. Jesus reiterated this purpose as He concluded His challenge to the disciples to be fruitful in service. 'This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.'

"You will not bear much fruit unless and until you submit to the cutting and clipping of the Gardener. Therefore, when you resist His 'gardening' in your life, what you are really doing is refusing to glorify God and therefore aborting the very purpose for your existence. Solemn thoughts, aren't they?"

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