Thanksgiving......

What is the meaning of Thanksgiving?
      The meaning of Thanksgiving is the focus on your personal relationship with God. Philippians 4:4-9 says, 4.Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again:Rejoice! 5. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent and praiseworthy- think about such things. 9. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
     According to the website www.allabouthistory.org/meaning-of-thanksgiving.htm, the first thanksgiving was neither a feast nor a holiday but a simple gathering. After the Mayflower's arrival on Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620, the pilgrims suffered the loss of colonies. With the help of the indians the remaining pilgrims survived a harsh winter and yielded a bountiful harvest in 1621. In celebration, a traditional english harvest festival, lasting three days brought them together with "Thanksgiving".
     In the old testament the chapter Nehemiah teaches us many things about celebration long before the pilgrims did. Nehemiah 12:27 says, At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres.
Nehemiah was the governor and Ezra the priest of the Levites. The law was being written at this time and Nehemiah said in chapter 8 verse 10, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
      Some loving insights to this Thanksgiving are to make peace with your past. Come to terms with the difficulties you've been through. It's the only way to create a peaceful life. Forgiveness is the key to happiness. The most important thing is not what happens to you in life but how you choose to react to what's happening. Life is not as serious as your mind makes it out to be. Learn to create distance between your perception of the world and what's actually going on in the present moment, instead of simply reacting blindly to those things that come your way. Stay present and live in the moment.  It doesn't matter where you come from or what you've experienced in your past. Your happiness is in your hands!  We are not victims of our circumstances. We have the power to change how we are feeling.   Life happens for you not to you!  Think about what you are carrying with you from your past. What patterns and behaviors have you picked up that maybe don't match the person you actually are deep down?  Tell yourself: I will not create any more drama in my life. Male yourself the promise to live a good life!  Whom do you need to forgive?  Remember that you are the only one suffering by clinging to the past. Forgive everyone for everything for your own sake.  Do more of the things that make you smile. Focus on being happy!
       So this Thanksgiving I will have a new tradition in my home and we will gather together with Thanks to the Lord. We will feast upon His bounties and celebrate Thanksgiving with an open heart to the world to whom needs Jesus Christ! This year I am reminded of the Love of Christ Jesus my Lord and Savior.
Melissa Simon

Everything changes but, somethings remain the same.

Unity. That's one word to describe being with Pink ZEBRA for 3 1/2 years now. Tomorrow marks the 5 year anniversary since the company started! I feel like I am truly a part of a family and something bigger than myself. Once a month we get together and learn new ideas, celebrate and build relationships with our teammates. But there's always room for more.