I’ve gotten emails lately asking if I’ve stopped blogging. Since my last post was November 6 one could easily assume I had. The truth is I’ve just not had anything I really felt inspired to write…guess it was my own version of “writer’s block.” Whatever the reason, I’m glad you noticed and asked about it. Thanks for reading and I hope you are blessed by my upcoming blogs.

I smell onions right now…later today they’ll become one of the ingredients in my famous Thanksgiving stuffing. That’s right…I stuff it in the bird and it’s soooooo good.

Smells are among my favorite memories of Thanksgiving. As a kid I loved the smell of the Turkey and stuffing filling our house in Kentucky. When I awoke and got my first whiff of that heavenly scent, I smiled. The hours waiting until the family gathered around the table were tortuous…so mom often let me sample the stuffing in advance. I still love the smell of turkey and made from scratch stuffing on Thanksgiving and it still brings a smile to both my face and my heart.

This Thanksgiving I want to encourage you to reflect on two New Testament passages that describe the kind of aromas that bless our Heavenly Father.

Ephesians 5:2 says, “walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” The love Jesus had for us that led Him to offer His life as a sacrifice is a sweet scent to our God. Be thankful for Jesus’ love and sacrifice…show your gratitude by loving Him and other people with a sacrificial love.

In Philippians 4:18 Paul writes, “I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” When Paul was in prison the Philippians sent him financial assistance. The gifts Epaphroditus delivered on their behalf were a blessing to Paul. They also were a “fragrant aroma” to God. When we are generous, God smiles.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Pastor Steve Hogg