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Tag: gratitude

Thank You Jesus

“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” (Psalm 9:1)

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves seeking miracles, looking for grand signs that will affirm our beliefs. But sometimes, it’s the smallest, everyday moments that hold the power to kindle profound joy in our hearts.

My friends, our path to gratitude and joy begins with mindful appreciation of the daily blessings that surround us. It’s easy to overlook these gifts, but they are like precious gems waiting to be discovered. It might be the warmth of the morning sun, the laughter of a loved one, or the simple taste of a well-cooked meal. Each of these is a marvelous work of the Creator.

As we start our gratitude practice, let us remember that it’s not about the grand gestures but the little things that light up our hearts. Try this: today, pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and think of three things you’re grateful for. They can be as humble as a gentle breeze or a cozy blanket. When we express our gratitude with our whole hearts, we begin to uncover the joy hidden in these small, everyday wonders.

Remember, my dear friends, that as we foster gratitude, we not only find joy in the little things but also draw closer to our Heavenly Father, who delights in our praises and showers us with His boundless love.

In this journey, we invite God to help us in fostering our gratitude and finding joy. Let us pray together:

Heavenly Father, we come before you with open hearts, seeking the joy in the little things that you’ve surrounded us with. We thank you for the daily blessings that may often go unnoticed. Help us, O Lord, to develop a mindfulness that appreciates your marvelous works in every moment. May our gratitude practice be a testament to your love and grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Fostering a Grateful Character

Scripture Text: Psalm 118:1-29

Key Verse: Psalm 118:24

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 

 

Psalm 118:24 should be committed to our memory and be our first thought before our feet hit the floor every morning. It is a beautiful reminder that every day is a gift from God, and we should cherish it and make the most of it. While we can never adequately repay our Lord for the day, we should strive to be good stewards of our allotted time. As we go about our day, we need to keep our eyes and ears open, watching and listening for opportunities to serve God.

It can be easy to get frustrated with the stresses and worries of life, but we must remember that God is in control and is always with us. When a moment seems too much to bear, we can reflect on how God has helped us in the past, drawing encouragement from His presence during those times.  We can trust in Him and find joy in each moment, even during difficult circumstances.

Let us take a moment to pause and reflect on all the blessings in our lives. Even in situations that may seem hopeless, we can always find something to be thankful for. The people we love, the opportunities we have, the beauty of nature around us. Let us give thanks to God for all these things and more.

And as we go about our day, let us strive to be a light to those around us. Let us show kindness and compassion, sharing the love of Christ with those we encounter. May our actions and words reflect the joy we have in our hearts because of our faith in God.

Dear Lord, we thank you for this day and for all the blessings You have given us. Help us to remember to rejoice and be glad in every moment, and to trust in Your plan for our lives. Cultivate our minds Lord, guiding us to live each day with grateful hearts. May we always be a light to those around us and share Your love with others. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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Start a Gratitude Journal

 

 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalms 107:1)

If you’ve become used to thinking of the things that bring you joy and contentment, why not take it one step further and start writing them down? You don’t need to be a master wordsmith to jot down three sentences about what you’re grateful for and it doesn’t have to take up too much of your valuable time either. In fact, there’s lots of amazing benefits that come from making your appreciation official on paper! So, let’s see if we can make this practice less intimidating and more enjoyable.

More About Gratitude Journals

A gratitude journal isn’t just a journal – it’s a tool for finding joy. You can use it to keep track of things that make you feel lucky each day, which can bring more good luck into your life. Writing about what you’re thankful for keeps you in the mindset of appreciation. It helps bring out all the positive stuff you may have missed before and provides motivation during tough times. Plus, when you need a pick-me-up, you’ll always have this record of happy memories to look back on.

Benefits of a Gratitude Journal

Keeping a gratitude journal is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It’s like diving into an ocean of positivity, even when life throws some curveballs your way. Not only will writing down what you’re grateful for help to reduce stress, it can also be therapeutic and provide clarity in areas where you might feel stuck. You might just find yourself looking at life from a different lens, spotting patterns and opportunities that seemed invisible before.

Tips for Using Your Journal

When it comes to journaling, consistency is key. Some people like to write twice a day and some just once. Either way, the most important thing is that you create a habit of writing regularly. To make sure you want to keep up with your journal, choose something that speaks to you. Maybe that’s a beautiful journal or maybe it’s an electronic one. Just pick what works for you. When doing this, make it accessible; have it by your bedside or somewhere easily accessed on your phone or computer. Transform it into a ritual too; while writing, grab a warm cup of coffee or light some candles with nice aromas. Make the process yours and give your inner self what it needs: a gratitude journal that nourishes the soul.

A gratitude journal can be an insightful and life-changing tool. Remember, you only have to write three simple things you’re grateful for. There’s no need to make it complicated. Start your record keeping practice today and see what it can do for you.

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Choose to be Grateful

 

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
(Ephesians 5:4 ESV)

In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, it’s easy to lose sight of the things that bring us hope and happiness. But amidst it all, we have a powerful choice – the choice to be grateful.

How you feel – how happy you are, how stressed you are, even how well you sleep – may seem like it’s out of your hands, but it is actually a choice you make. You can choose to be grateful for what you have and allow God to bring joy in your heart. Or you can choose to focus on what you’re lacking, who has wronged you, and what’s not going your way. And guess what? You’ll feel miserable. You may blame others, circumstances, or fate for your unhappiness. But at the end of the day, it’s all about the choices you make. You choose happiness or misery.

Gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion that comes and goes; it is a powerful mindset and a way of life. It goes beyond simply saying “thank you” – it is about cultivating an attitude of appreciation and acknowledging the abundant blessings, big or small, that God provides each and every day. When we choose to embrace gratitude, we are able to shift our perspective from focusing on what may be lacking in our lives to recognizing the incredible abundance that is already present. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11-13 KJV, Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (12) I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Gratitude allows us to find joy in the ordinary moments, to see beauty in the simplest of things, and to truly appreciate all that life has to offer. So let us take a moment each day to pause, reflect, and thank God for the myriad of blessings that enrich our lives.

Embracing a mindset of gratitude doesn’t require us to turn a blind eye to the challenges and hardships we encounter on our journey. Rather, it empowers us to find strength and resilience through Christ in the face of adversity. It is through these struggles that we grow and learn valuable lessons that shape our character. Expressing gratitude allows us to discover moments of joy even in the simplest things. It is about pausing, taking a deep breath, and appreciating the beauty that surrounds us every day. Whether it’s the warmth of sunlight on our skin or the laughter shared with loved ones, gratitude opens our hearts to the abundance of blessings in our lives. Let us strive to be thankful not only during moments of triumph but also during times of difficulty. By cultivating an attitude of gratitude, we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and find solace in knowing that every experience contributes to our personal development. Within every struggle lies an opportunity for growth, and within every difficulty lies a chance for resilience. James 1:2-3 ESV Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (3) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Embrace gratitude as your guiding light, allowing it to illuminate your path and infuse each day with a greater appreciation of God’s work in your life.

When we consciously choose to embrace gratitude in our lives, we are inviting an abundance of positivity and joy to flow into every facet of our existence. Gratitude is not just a mere expression of thanks; it is a powerful mindset that can transform the way we perceive the world. By practicing gratitude, we open doors to new opportunities that may have otherwise been overlooked. It allows us to recognize the blessings and gifts that surround us, even in times of challenge or difficulty. As we cultivate a grateful heart, our outlook becomes brighter, and we become more receptive to the endless possibilities that await us.

Gratitude has a profound impact on our relationships with others. When we express appreciation and acknowledge the goodness in those around us, we strengthen the bonds that connect us. The act of showing gratitude creates an atmosphere of love and understanding, deepening our connections with family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. Beyond personal benefits, gratitude has a ripple effect on society as a whole. When one person chooses to be grateful, it spreads like wildfire touching the lives of those they encounter. Gratefulness becomes contagious as it ignites kindness and compassion within others. By simply expressing gratitude, we have the power to uplift spirits and make a positive difference in someone’s day. So let us remember that when faced with life’s challenges or mundane routines, choosing gratitude allows God to transform our lives for the better. Embrace this beautiful practice and watch as it brings forth abundance, strengthens relationships, and radiates kindness throughout your journey.

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