Embracing Thanksgiving Through Psalm 23

A few years ago, I found myself in a really hard situation . After undergoing major surgery, things didn’t go as planned, and just weeks later, I faced one of the scariest moments of my life--I became homeless. Feeling completely alone, lost, and unsure of what to do next was overwhelming. Yet, in the midst of that uncertainty, God did not abandon me. He sent friends who stepped in to help during this difficult time, reminding me that I wasn’t completely on my own.
I prayed earnestly for God to lead me to a safe place to live. With high rents in Brooklyn and my limited income, I was anxious about affording a home. But I kept seeking God’s guidance, holding on to the promises in Psalm 23: “He restores my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3, NIV).
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God worked a miracle! Just when I was about to lose hope, I found a one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn—a place I could finally call my own. I was overwhelmed by God’s provision; He gave me exactly what I needed when I needed it most.

Finding Hope in Grief

A few years later, I faced another heartbreaking moment: I lost my mom to cancer. It was a devastating experience I never anticipated. Sitting thousands of miles away, I felt utterly helpless, longing to comfort her, hold her hand, and share my love one last time. Visa restrictions prevented me from visiting her during her final days, and the anguish of that distance was unbearable.
The pain of knowing she was suffering while I was far away weighed heavily on my heart. I felt trapped, torn between my desire to be with her and the reality of my situation. It was one of the darkest valleys I’ve ever faced, filled with shadows and uncertainty.

Yet, during those moments of deep sorrow, I clung to the promises of Psalm 23: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4, NIV). God was with me, guiding me through my grief and pain. His presence became a source of comfort, reminding me that my mom was safe in His arms and that one day, I would be reunited with her.

A Journey of Restoration

Though the loss was profound, I began to see glimpses of God’s goodness and mercy following me through this difficult season. I learned to appreciate the little things—the support of friends who reached out and listened, and the precious memories of my mom that brought smiles amidst the tears.

God’s Faithfulness Through Every Path

Looking back, I can see that God’s goodness and mercy have been with me throughout my life, even during the hardest trials. My journey hasn’t been perfect; there have been painful moments and challenging trials, but those times are often when God carries us close to His heart.

Two years ago, I underwent another surgery and had to be resuscitated. I was then intubated and  fighting for my life.  Again, God’s faithfulness was evident. I witnessed His goodness in the anesthesiologist who kept me alive during a critical moment.
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Life is filled with paths—paths of peace and rest, paths near streams and still waters, paths of restoration, loneliness, and correction. Yet, in every path, we can be assured that God is with us. Today, challenges may still arise, but I can confidently say that goodness and mercy are following us through this journey.

As we step into November, it’s the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and ignite our hearts with gratitude! This season, I’m thrilled to invite you to embark on a journey of Thanksgiving through the beautiful words of Psalm 23, where we’ll uncover the incredible ways God has been faithful in our lives. Together, we’ll explore His Divine Guidance, Provision, Restoration, Protection, Comfort, Blessings, and the unshakeable Hope He offers!
For the next four weeks, I’ll be documenting this exciting journey in a junk journal, sharing heartfelt stories and experiences that remind us to embrace gratitude in every moment. I can’t wait to see how this unfolds!
Here’s what to look forward to:

Week 1: Guidance & Provision
We’ll kick off our journey by focusing on Guidance and Provision. With the truth that “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1), we’ll be reminded to trust in God’s loving guidance and the abundant provision He offers for our every need!

Week 2: Restoration & Protection
In Week 2, we’ll dive into Restoration and Protection. As Psalm 23:3 beautifully states, “He restores my soul.” We’ll take a moment to acknowledge the comfort of knowing God is always by our side, guiding us along the right paths!

Week 3: Comfort & Blessings
Get ready for Week 3, where we’ll explore Comfort and Blessings. We’ll find peace in the powerful promise, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4). God’s comforting presence is our assurance in every circumstance!

Week 4: Hope & Thanksgiving Celebration
Finally, in Week 4, we’ll celebrate Hope and reflect on our incredible journey together. As we embrace the truth of Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,” we’ll give thanks for the countless blessings God has poured out upon us!
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JOIN THE JOURNEY BELOW 
and embark on this exploration of gratitude with me! You’ll receive an exclusive 15% discount on the Etsy Thanksgiving Kits and a special freebie just for you!
Plus, you will get weekly emails in the month of November with encouraging emails and videos of how I make my junk journal. 
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Let’s celebrate together the goodness of our God and embrace the beautiful journey He has laid before us!
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THANKSGIVING THROUGH PSALM 23

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