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Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. When I was a little girl, I would wake up to the smells of turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. The house smelled absolutely delicious! If my grandfather joined us, he would always pray and thank God for the food. When he couldn't come, no one prayed. I missed Grandfather praying - seeing all of that food - it saddened me that we didn't thank God.

Several years ago, I started printing Bible verses that express our gratitude, our love, our appreciation for all that God has done for us. We go around the table and read the verses. Then we once again go around the table and everyone prays, thanking God for what we're thankful for. It always blesses me to hear everyone's prayers thanking and praising God, especially the grandkids. Then we're ready to eat our Thanksgiving meal. But, can we celebrate Thanksgiving every day without the turkey, dressing, pies? Absolutely! It's all about having a thankful heart.

I know there are a lot of precious brothers and sisters in Christ who are hurting and in pain, either physical, emotional, loss of a loved one, or loneliness. Sometimes it's hard to be thankful when we're hurting. As someone who lives with pain, I know what you're going through. I realized I had a choice to make: Do I wake up and thank God for another day of life - a precious gift from Him? Or, do I become so overwhelmed by the pain that it's my focus all day long? I started thanking God for my family, for the beauty of His majestic creation, for the joy of being His daughter. My day completely changed. The pain is still there, but I was rejoicing as I started counting my blessings.

"But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10. Some days there's no gold - no silver- no bronze: it's what I call a "straw day." The pain is overwhelming. On those days a verse that encourages me, comforts me, brings a smile, or tears, is Hebrews 4:16: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Dear ones, Jesus, the King of Kings, Creator of the Universe, our Heavenly Father, invites us to go to him - boldly, with confidence- when we're having a "straw day", to find mercy and help in our time of need. We don't need an appointment - the invitation is 24/7. My "straw day" becomes a "thankful day."

And, that is why every day is Thanksgiving to a believer.