“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 THESSALONIANS 5:18

The YouVersion Bible app shared this today:

No matter what you face, God’s goodness and mercy will never leave you. In fact, He even prepares blessings for you in the middle of hard seasons. But these truths aren’t always easy to remember, which is why giving thanks matters. Gratitude helps us focus on the only One who is able to turn our problems around for His glory and our good. So right now, let’s take a minute to pause and thank God for all He’s done in our lives…

God, You are good, and Your steadfast love endures forever! Even in the hardest seasons, I always have a reason to worship You.

Thank You for giving me victory and abundant life in Jesus Christ! Although I don’t deserve it, You shower me with unconditional love and forgiveness.

Be glorified through me, God. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart bless Your name.

And so no matter what the future may hold, I will shout for joy because you are with me. You comfort me and bless me in the presence of my enemies. Nothing compares to You and no weapon can stand against You. In all things, I am more than a conqueror through You!

I want my life to bring You praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Yam vs. Sweet potato facts, from the North Carolina sweet potato board

A true yam is a starchy edible root and is generally imported to America from the Caribbean. It is rough and scaly.

Depending on the variety, sweet potato flesh can vary from white to orange and even purple. The orange-fleshed variety was introduced to the United States several decades ago. In order to distinguish it from the white variety everyone was accustomed to, producers and shippers chose the English form of the African word “nyami” and labeled them “yams.”

Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture requires labels with the term ‘yam’ to be accompanied by the term ‘sweet potato.’ Despite the label regulations, most people still think of sweet potatoes as yams regardless of their true identity.

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Today’s ‘Who Am I’ trivia:
– I was born in Augusta, GA in 1960
– I won six Grammys
– my first #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 was a duet with the former lead singer of Chicago

Congratulations to Clarissa, who guessed Amy Grant, and wins the $5 gift card to Everlasting Cup!

Thanks for listening!
– Joe