Have you ever thought about practicing gratitude? It doesn't seem to come "natural". I know for me, I have to ask God to change my mind, to train my mind, to renew my mind. And I have to do this every day! p.s. DON'T WORRY, it's a fun thing to do every day!!!"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts". Colossians 3:16 NIV
Practicing gratitude every day is making a big difference in my life... and in my mind! Here's a little of what I've been up to. For the past few weeks, I have gotten into the habit of speaking OUT LOUD,
"This is the day that the Lord has made, I WILL rejoice and be glad in it". Psalm 118:24 NIV
I am amazed at how this starts my day off with a smile! I also, am enjoying working on my own list of "gratitudes". I have been writing down 3 gratitudes in my journal each night before I go to sleep. I have noticed that I fall asleep at peace and that I have been waking up with more joy! Here is my list of gratitudes from last night. Some are little (sometimes it's the small stuff) and some are big. I choose to write down whatever comes to my mind!
1. I am thankful that my children were happy and healthy today!
2. I am thankful for a peaceful and refreshing run this morning!
3. I am thankful for feeling God's presence and direction in my life today!
"My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You're deeply rooted in him. You're well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving." Colossians 2:6-7 the message
What are some small ways that you can begin showing gratitude in your life? I would love to hear your ideas and what is working for you!
Make the decision today to live with gratitude!
I know that when I posted something I was thankful for every day in November on Facebook that it just made me feel better and have a more positive outlook on life. I have been trying really hard to pray with a thankful heart and then ask for things that God could bless. Its amazing the answers to prayer already! God is so good to us!
ReplyDeleteYes! He is so good to us! I know that I really enjoyed your thankful posts back in November too! Blessings, Pixels!
ReplyDeleteIt makes one's heart feel "cheery and good" when it has gratitude pouring out of it...when the heart is happy, we are healthier and our "mouth responds to our heart." For out of the heart, the mouth speaks. How different our world would be if we all had "an attitude of gratitude." And, as you said, it does take practice and discipline, but when it becomes ingrained in your nature, "Oh, how sweet it is." It even shows in our countenance...didn't "He" say, we are "to be" the light of the world...YES, HE DID...LET'S DO IT!!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Jennifer, it's nice to meet you too! I wonder what opportunities God will give us today, I am waiting with great expectation! I'm going to look into the "One Thousand Gifts" book, THANKS! -Blessings, Amy
ReplyDeleteHi Miss Chris, I'm giving you a "high five" right now lady... yes, let's practice gratitude in our lives today and see how God shows up! Love you!
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