How to Bless Your Marriage by Being Grateful

It’s a little thing really.

Every evening, I set up our coffee maker so its ready to brew our favorite blend the following morning. Today’s filter goes in the trash, the glass carafe’ is filled and poured into the water reservoir, and four tablespoons of coffee beans are ground…

And that’s when it happens.

From wherever he is in the house, as those blades whirl and turn beans into powder, Rev yells … “THANK YOU!!!!”

I can’t tell you when he started because that “THANK YOU” has been echoing through the hallways of our homes for years and it’s just one of the small intentional ways gratitude blesses our marriage.

Rev and I have the same Love Language.

We both crave Words of Affirmation, so it only makes sense that we believe it’s important to say “thank you” and say it often.

That’s why I’d like to share some of our favorites … but if your Love Language is Gifts, Acts of Service, Quality Time, or Physical Touch, don’t leave because I’m going to share a few tips for simple ways you can show gratitude in those love languages and bless your marriage, too!

8 Simple Ways to say “Thank You” that will Bless Your Marriage

♥ Thank God for your spouse.

It’s easy to shoot up prayers asking God to help, bless, and sometimes even change our spouses … but stopping just to say “thank you” for your spouse is the perfect way to say “I love you!”

I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly. Ephesians 1:16

♥ Say “thank you” always – even for the little things.

Even if it’s simply making a pot of coffee, taking out the trash, or making the bed … “thank you” says, “I appreciate you and all you do for us!”

“A grateful heart is one that finds the countless blessings of God in the seemingly mundane everyday life.” ~ Anonymous

♥ Have an intentional 10-minute conversation every day.

This can be hard with busy schedules and children vying for attention but taking a few minutes to connect every day is important. So, put down your phones, look into each other’s eyes, talk about life and mean it!

“Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.” ~ Roy T. Bennet

♥ Ignore small annoyances and thank your spouse for ignoring yours.

It’s easier to overlook the things that get on my nerves when I remember just how many of my faults Rev patiently endures. In fact, after I’ve reminded myself of all the ways I can be annoying … I can hardly remember any of his.

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Ephesians 4:2–3

♥Forgive quickly.

It’s downright Biblical!

If you are angry, do not let it become sin. Get over your anger before the day is finished. Ephesians 4:26

And I love this quote…

“I am amazed by how many individuals mess up every new day with yesterday.” ~ Gary Chapman

♥ Send a surprise “thank you” text just because.

I thank the Lord for you.
You make my heart happy.
I can’t wait until you get home.
Thanks for all the things you do for our family.
Thanks for marrying me. Thanks for wanting me to marry you.
Thank you for making me laugh.
Thank you for all the ways you make my life easier.

♥ End the day with an “I love you because…” proclamation.

Keep a mental or written list of the little things you love about your spouse and tell them.

Things like:

I love you because you’re fun.
I love you because of the ways you take care of us.
I love you because of all the ways you encourage me.
I love you because you make me laugh.
I love you because you’re you!

Do everything in love. 1 Corinthian 16:14

♥ Praise them to your family and friends … so they can hear you.

Make it a rule to never complain about your spouse to anyone! And you don’t have to be sappy or make obnoxious – just be thankful!

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Ways to Say “Thank You” in Your Spouse’s Love Language and Bless Your Marriage

♥ For the spouse whose love language is acts of service…

Make his favorite dinner and leave a thank you note on his plate that says “thank you for all you do!”
Give you a certificate that says … Thank you for all you do – this is for 24 hours of complete relaxation while the kids and I take care of everything!
Just do little things that show you’re thankful!

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3

♥ For the spouse whose love language is quality time…

Schedule a sitter for the afternoon and ask your spouse to choose the destination.
Put the kids to bed early and eat a quiet romantic dinner – just the two of you.
Declare one night a month, “I’m thankful for you, night!” And declare it technology free!

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10

♥ For the spouse whose love language is gifts…

This one is easy! You can give a little gift anytime just make sure you add a thank you note!

“The heart of the giver makes the gift dear and precious.” ~ Martin Luther

♥ For the spouse whose love language is physical touch…

Grab a hand, sneak a quick kiss, give a back rub or foot massage and say, “I am soooo thankful for you!”

And finally, a huge way to say “thank you” in any love language…

♥ Flirt – but only with your spouse!

Recently, I’ve seen several articles about all the reasons why flirting is bad and I wonder why the assumption is that all flirting is done outside of marriage.

Any time I’m asked for my best marriage advice, NEVER STOP FLIRTING always comes right after GIVE GOD FIRST PLACE IN YOUR MARRIAGE!

I define flirting as the playfulness you did when you wanted to communicate how much you found the other person attractive.

The dictionary defines flirting as – playfully behaving as though attracted to or trying to attract someone.

Most articles add that it is a sign of sexual availability … so, flirting in your marriage is a wonderful way to say, “I’m sexually available and I’m only sexually available to you!” And I believe that says, “Thank you for being the only one with whom I want to be intimate. Thank you for being mine!”

I’m a firm believer that if I think something positive, I should say it! And saying “thank you” is the perfect way to keep thinking positive things about my marriage.

Yep, being grateful is an easy way to bless your marriage.

And after 46 years of marriage, we definitely have a lot of reasons to be grateful!

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Vitamin G is the Supplement that will Bless Your Life

11 / 5 / 1811 / 5 / 18

Rev recently shared an article from Prevention Magazine with me titled, The Healing Power of Gratitude by Jennifer King Lindley.

It begins…

“Call it Vitamin G: research shows that being grateful has a deep and lasting impact on your body. Learn how to put it to work for your health.

Lindley quotes Dr. David DeSteno:

“Making gratitude a daily practice is like taking a vitamin.

And Robert Emmons, Ph.D:

“Gratitude is affirming the goodness in one’s life and recognizing that its source lies outside the self.”

The bottom line is that gratitude is good for you! So good for you, in fact, that I believe if you wanted, you could almost make gratitude a priority for purely selfish reasons. Although, I guess that’s kind of counter-intuitive!

I also love the fact that you and I can’t live our lives with gratitude if we’re focused on ourselves. It just doesn’t work. I’ve proven to myself countless times that the fastest way to knock myself into a rotten mood is to spend all day thinking about ME and MY problems. Ooooh, it can get ugly.

I mention often, it’s the reason I started Counted My Blessings … I needed a place to hold myself accountable to the ways God is at work in my life and to see His amazing grace and goodness all around me even when I misplace my rose-colored glasses.

So, let’s stop for a minute and look at some of the specific ways Vitamin G (Gratitude) will bless us…

Vitamin G is the Supplement that will Bless Your Life

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will make you happier.

You and I get to choose. We can be grateful or we can be dissatisfied.

I know which one can tank my mood in a heartbeat.

“Feeling and expressing gratitude turns our mental focus to the positive, which compensates for our brains’ natural tendency to focus on threats, worries, and negative aspects of life.” ~Psychology Today

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.” ~Denis Waitley

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will help you enjoy better relationships.

People like to be with happy grateful people. Think about it. With whom would rather spend an afternoon . . . someone who is happy and thankful or someone who grumbles and complains.

“The spirit of gratitude brings true joy and great happiness.” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will help you succeed at work.

People work harder if their efforts are appreciated and bosses are more likely to encourage employees who acknowledge their positive leadership.

There’s an old saying that goes…

“If you want to get rid of your pastor… compliment him. He’ll work himself to death!”

I imagine if bosses gave more pats on the back and employees showed more appreciation and everyone complained less … productivity across the workforce would explode with successes.

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will make you more optimistic and hopeful.

People who are grateful have a better attitude about the future. They enjoy and appreciate what they have. Grateful people tend to worry less and look at life more positively.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will increase your desire to help others.

People who are thankful for what they have tend to notice those who are less fortunate and are more inclined to offer help.

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” ~ Henri Frederic Amiel

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will make you more satisfied.

When you are thankful for what you have you end up being less concerned about what you don’t have.

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ~ Melody Beattie

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will make you more resilient.

Grateful people get over setbacks and disappointments more quickly than those who are unappreciative.

“Just an observation: it is impossible to be both grateful and depressed. Those with a grateful mindset tend to see the message in the mess. And even though life may knock them down, the grateful find reasons, if even small ones, to get up.” ~ Steve Maraboli

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will help you reject stress and anxiety.

Thankful people worry less. Celebrating what is going well in life will help you and me think less about things that could potentially go wrong.

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will help you forgive others.

People who are thankful for and celebrate God’s gift of forgiveness, let go of the past and learn from it. They forgive others more easily and have the strength to move on as they anticipate the blessings they’ll enjoy tomorrow.

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will make you more attractive.

It is not happiness that makes you thankful. It is thankfulness that makes you happy!

Happy people smile more! And everyone looks better with a smile!

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ Gilbert C. Chesterton

So, what are you waiting for?

Grab your journal or download a gratitude journal app to your phone and start making a list of things for which you are grateful.

Pray over your list and praise God for the blessings He pours into your life.

Do something every day that shows your family you are grateful for them. It doesn’t have to be a big deal … just something that says, “I’m so glad God put you in my life!”

And then remember to smile!

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

What do you do to get your daily dose of Vitamin G?

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A Psalm to Pray that will Bless Your Thanksgiving

11 / 22 / 1711 / 22 / 17

Do you ever need to stop for a moment and remind yourself — it’s not about me?

Yeah, me too!

Today was one of those days.

I have to admit as I prepared to write this all I could think was, “I got nothin’!”

I can’t tell you how many words have been typed and deleted in this space.

And then I remembered — it’s not about me!

It’s about praising and thanking God. It’s about blessing counting.

If you live in the states and you’re busily preparing for tomorrow’s Thanksgiving celebration or even if it’s just another day on the calendar, I pray this Psalm speaks to your heart and mind. Let it sink in – through your thoughts and feelings.

The Life Application Bible says the following about the theme of Psalm 145:

A time will come when all people will join together in recognizing and worshiping God. Because God is full of love, He satisfies all who trust in Him.

Can you imagine that Thanksgiving celebration?!?!

Whether you can easily list hundred plus reasons to be thankful today or you have one or two things looming large that seem to overshadow whatever is good and feel like burdens too difficult to bear, stop for a moment and pray these words of David with me.

Because, well, it’s not about me and it’s not about you either.

Our thanks-giving is about God, who is:

Burden bearer – He will carry this burden with you and lighten its weight if you allow Him to do so.
Great – His goodness is beyond measure.
Mighty and powerful throughout time and eternity.
Glorious, majestic, and He is able to accomplish the miraculous.
Righteous, kind, merciful, patient, loving, and compassionate.
King – who reigns over all He has made now and for all eternity.
Present – always near and able to hear every prayer.
Provider – giving satisfaction today and hope for tomorrow.
Forgiver – able to remove the burden of our sins.
Promise Keeper – God keeps His promises — ALWAYS!

When I change my perspective and keep my focus on who God is and all He does there are countless reasons to be thankful whether it’s Thanksgiving or just another Thursday.

So stop – and pray Psalm 145 out loud. Absorb its words. Let it sink down deep and fill you with gratitude for the many blessings you and I enjoy as children of God.

Psalm 145

A Psalm to Pray that will Bless Your Thanksgiving

I will exalt you, my God and King,
and praise Your name forever and ever.

²I will praise You every day;
yes, I will praise You forever.
³Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
No one can measure His greatness.

⁴Let each generation tell its children of Your mighty acts;
    let them proclaim Your power.
⁵I will meditate on Your majestic, glorious splendor
    and Your wonderful miracles.
⁶Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue;
    I will proclaim Your greatness.
⁷Everyone will share the story of Your wonderful goodness;
    they will sing with joy about Your righteousness.

⁸The Lord is merciful and compassionate,
    slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
⁹The Lord is good to everyone.
    He showers compassion on all His creation.
¹⁰All of your works will thank you, Lord,
    and Your faithful followers will praise You.
¹¹They will speak of the glory of Your kingdom;
    they will give examples of Your power.
¹²They will tell about Your mighty deeds
    and about the majesty and glory of Your reign.
¹³For Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
    You rule throughout all generations.

The Lord always keeps His promises;
He is gracious in all He does.
¹⁴The Lord helps the fallen
    and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
¹⁵The eyes of all look to You in hope;
You give them their food as they need it.
¹⁶When You open Your hand,
You satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
¹⁷The Lord is righteous in everything He does;
He is filled with kindness.
¹⁸The Lord is close to all who call on Him,
    yes, to all who call on Him in truth.
¹⁹He grants the desires of those who fear Him;
He hears their cries for help and rescues them.
²⁰The Lord protects all those who love Him,
    but He destroys the wicked.

²¹I will praise the Lord,
and may everyone on earth bless
His holy name forever and ever.
Psalm 145

Amen! And Amen!

A Psalm to Pray that will Bless Your #Thanksgiving by Deb Wolf @ Counting My #Blessings #Psalms

May every day be full of gratitude and thanks-giving!

I’m going to take the rest of the week to enjoy time with my family … so, the Link Party will run for 10 days this time!

Woo Hoo! That will give you a couple of extra days to come back and share the blog love.

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

[Tweet “I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! “]

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I’m excited to share the following posts with you this week.

Empower Your Life with Praise and Thanksgiving

by Leslie Newman

@ Journey to Imperfect

A Simple Tradition of Remembering

Plus a Holiday Gift Exchange
(Building Community Beyond the blog)

by Crystal Twaddell

@ Cultivating a Life of Intention and a Legacy of Hope

God’s Powerful Grace and How it Benefits All People

by Dawn Klinge

@ Above the Waves

Please Excuse My Christmas Joy in November

by Debbie Putnam

@ Uncharted Water

Thank you, Leslie, Crystal, Dawn, and Debbie for partying with us!

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above or link back to CMB.

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May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Pary Board! It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

I’m always looking for stories that will encourage and inspire readers to live in faith, stay faithful in hope, and find joy in loving Jesus and others. If you’re interested in sharing your story here at Counting My Blessings –check out my Contributor Guidelines page.

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7 Ways to Be Thankful – Always and No Matter What

11 / 20 / 1711 / 19 / 17

Holiday travel has started. Families are climbing into cars and boarding planes to travel across the country to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends.

And yes, the cooking has begun too. The turkeys are defrosting in the frig as side-dishes and desserts are being prepared and popped into the freezer.

If you’re like me, there will be a last-minute trip or two to the grocery store for forgotten ingredients or odds and ends.

Whew!

I want Thanksgiving to be more than food, football, and a few thankful phrases sprinkled throughout the day. I want my THANKSGIVING to overflow into December and beyond as I praise God for His immeasurable blessings.

What do you think?

How can you and I make our thankfulness bigger than words and last longer than a moment?

Paul wrote:

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:20

Always is hard and if you’re like me, “all circumstances” sometimes feels impossible.

But what if true thanksgiving is more than words and feelings?

What if thanksgiving is a way to live not just a way to feel?

After a little digging, I found…

7 Ways to Be Thankful – Always and No Matter What

1. Obey God

When you and I take the law out of obedience and think of it as a loving response to all God has done for us … obedience becomes a beautiful way to express our gratitude.

Everything you do or say should be done to obey Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus. Colossians 3:17

2. Worship God

Worship is so much more than going to church.

Worship is…

Taking our everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Romans 12:1 (MSG)

You and I were created to worship – to thank and praise God, the One who loves us and gives us all we need today and forever.

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe. Hebrews 12:28

3. Pray to God

Lately, I’ve been starting my prayers “in Jesus name.” It helps me remember that it is only through Jesus that I am able to enter into the Father’s throne room of grace. Then I name specific things for which I’m thankful. Sometimes those two things alone get me past worry and fear, making it easier for me to surrender my current needs to His love and care.

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. Philippians 4:6

4. Love and Care for Others

It is just good stewardship when you and I use God’s gifts to bless others. His love never fails and it will never come to an end. His care is unique and personal. He gives us all we need to love and care for the people around us and doing so is an act of thanksgiving.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:1–2

5. Surrender Completely to God

I’ll admit, I haven’t always found it easy to trust God with everything. I wanted to surrender everything to God but fear and worry always seemed to shout down my good intentions. I’ve learned surrender requires an eternal perspective. Knowing that God’s love is greater than my current circumstances and trusting His perfect love to work for my good and His glory. That’s faith-saturated thankfulness.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Romans 12:1

6. Share Your Faith Story

You’re a changed life, tell people about it. Tell them about forgiveness and freedom from fear . . . about love, hope, and joy. Thank and praise God by telling others about His awesome blessings.

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things You have done. Psalm 9:1

7. Live with Joy

Joy isn’t necessarily happiness. Joy is contentment and satisfaction found in God. What a beautiful way to give God 24/7 thankfulness. God is enough!

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Philippians 4:4,6

Finally – Make Everything You Do and Say an Offering of Thankfulness

God’s love is immeasurable. His goodness and mercy cover us. Live with eyes open and heart aware of all He is doing around you. Count your blessings. Live with gratitude.

What a difference it could make in our lives if you and I started each day offering a surrendered life to God as a thankful response to His love, grace, and mercy.

May you be filled with joy,always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to His people, who live in the light.For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son,who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:11–14

It’s easy to think about all I’m thankful for this week of Thanksgiving, harder to continue to remember to keep that same thankful attitude a few days later, and hardest of all to have an ongoing gratitude action plan.

How I wish I didn’t get so caught up in myself. Maybe you wish that too.

I want my life to show clear evidence of who God is, all He does, and my overwhelming gratitude for making me His child.

David said it perfectly…

I trust God’s love forever and ever. God, I will thank You forever for what You have done. With those who worship you, I will trust You because You are good. Psalm 52:8–9

With God’s help, I believe I can live with thanksgiving always and no matter what!

Will you pray with me?

Father, I come to You in Jesus name. Thank you for Your immeasurable love and abundant blessings. Because of Jesus, Your grace and mercy cover me. Your love surrounds me. Make my life be an offering of thanks for who You are and all You do. I love you, Lord. I trust You. Help me obey and follow wherever You lead. Amen.

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10 Reasons Why Being Grateful is Good for You

11 / 13 / 172 / 14 / 18

This is awesome!

Did you know that being grateful is so good for you … you might want to consider making gratitude a priority purely for selfish reasons!

Seriously, it’s that beneficial!

10 Reasons Why Being Grateful is Good for You

1. Being grateful will make you happier.

You and I get to choose … thankful and appreciative or unappreciative and dissatisfied. I know it is impossible for me to be happy when I focus on what isn’t rather than what is.

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” ~Denis Waitley

Mental health professionals say:

2. Being grateful will bless your relationships.

We all prefer to spend our time with happy grateful people. They’re not only more fun, they’re more encouraging.

No one can be happy 100% of the time and I’m not encouraging disingenuous cheerfulness, but … even when you and I aren’t happy there are always things to be thankful for.

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” ~Albert Schweitzer

We have so much joy before our God because of you. We cannot thank Him enough for all the joy we feel. 1 Thessalonians 3:9

3. Being grateful will help you succeed at work.

Employees work harder if their efforts are appreciated and bosses are more likely to encourage them if their positive leadership is greeted with enthusiasm.

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

4. Being grateful for what is, will make you more hopeful about what may be.

When you and I enjoy and appreciate what we have today, we are more likely to believe that tomorrow will be blessed as well.

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. Hebrews 10:23

5. Being grateful will increase your empathy and a willingness to help.

When you and I are truly satisfied and appreciative in our own lives we are more likely to want to help those who are less fortunate.

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” –Henri Frederic Amiel

6. Being grateful will make you feel more satisfied.

When you and I are thankful for what we have we will end up being less concerned about those things we don’t have.

You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. Psalm 63:5

7. Being grateful will make you more resilient.

People who live with thankfulness get over setbacks and disappointments more quickly than those who are unappreciative.

8. Being grateful will lower your stress levels and make you less anxious.

Thankful people worry less. When you and I celebrate what is going well we will be less inclined to feel anxious about those things that could go wrong.

9. Being grateful will help you forgive the people who hurt you.

People who celebrate God’s gift of forgiveness with gratitude … let go of the past and learn from it, forgive others more easily, and have the strength they need to forgive others.

Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

10. Being grateful makes you more attractive. How cool is that!!

Thankful people smile more. Enough said!

“Choosing to smile even when you are having a bad day doesn’t mean you are being fake. It means you are choosing to focus on all the reasons you have to be thankful instead of the reasons you have to be stressed.” ~ Dave Willis

What are you waiting for?

Today is the perfect day to make a list of all the reasons you have to be thankful.

Thank God…

for His love.
for His grace and mercy.
for His faithful forgiveness.
for His provision.
for peace, hope, joy, patience, strength, and…

Thank your spouse…

for the little things they do.
for their love.
for their forgiveness.
for making you laugh.
for the blessings they bring to your family.

Thank your children…

for helping.
for being kind.
for making good choices.
for making you laugh.
for being a blessing to your family.

Thank your friends, your boss, your neighbors, and yes, even the stranger who helps you. You’ll be surprised at how much gratitude will bless you.

Here are a few simple ways to say “thank you.”

I appreciate your help.
I love the way you do that.
Thank you, that really made me happy.
Thank you for being there when I needed you.
That was wonderful. Thank you.
That was amazing. You bless me.

And if those aren’t enough ideas…

Here’s a great post on Shari’s Berries Blog. (Just click on the title or graphic!)

85 Ways to Say Thank You + Printables for Your Message

I love the printables and with 85 ideas … I’ll never be at a loss for words of thanks again!

A HUGE thank you to Julissa for telling me about this and for inviting me to share it with all of you!

Okay, now it’s your turn…

What’s your favorite way to say “thank you?”

Remember a time when saying “thank you” blessed you.

And before you go, let’s stop and thank God simply because He is loving and good!

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

Leave your prayer requests…

and pray for others who have left requests.

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Thanks! And God bless!

How to Live Your Life to the Fullest and Be Content

4 / 21 / 174 / 15 / 17

Have you ever wondered if you’re really living life to its fullest?

I have.

Why?

Because Rev and I have been accused, more than once, of not living life fully.

I know you’re dying to know why, aren’t you?

Because we are content.

We are not party-ers. We don’t have to try the latest restaurant. I can’t tell you if we’ve ever been to a club. We miss most of the current movies, and can’t offer much when it comes to discussions on what’s trending on television.

We’re boring. LOL

But it makes me wonder; you know I love to wonder.

What makes people believe “living life to its fullest” means going lots of places, spending lots of money, buying lots of stuff, and knowing lots of trendy gossip?

The best definition I’ve found for a full life is: To pursue a positive, satisfying existence.

What does it take for you to have a positive, satisfying existence?

I believe a great question to ask is…

What would I do differently if I knew I only had six months to a year to live?

Because pursuing life in light of eternity changes our perspective. It changes our wants, our needs, and our passions.

If this were my last year of life:

I would not feel the need to acquire more stuff.
I would not eat more dinners out or travel to exotic places.
I would not watch more television or go to more movies.

I would spend more time with the people I love.
I would spend more time in the Word and in prayer.
I would watch more sunrises and sunsets.
I would take more walks and do more star-gazing.
I’d praise God for every moment.

The truth…

Your living life to the fullest may look very different from mine and that’s okay!

Because…

Full life living cannot be defined by anyone but you.

You are uniquely and wonderfully made by a loving God, who made you for His plans and purposes. He wired you perfectly for your life and not for anyone else’s. So dream big. Pursue a positive and satisfying experience.

LIVE today in light of eternity.

You will be blessed, and you will live life to its fullest.

And to inspire you . . . here are some Quotes to Help You Life Life to Its Fullest.

“Pray for and work for fullness of life above everything; full red blood in the body, full honesty and truth in the mind, and the fullness of a grateful love for the Savior in your heart.” ~ Phillips Brooks

“A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life—life in all its fullness.” John 10:10 (NCV)

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” ~Melody Beattie

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:19 (NLT)

“The secret of contentment is the realization that life is a gift.” ~ Assorted Authors

My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need. Philippians 4:19 (NCV)

“True contentment is a real, even an active, virtue – not only affirmative but creative. It is the power of getting out of any situation all there is in it.” ~ G. K. Chesterton

Trust the Lord and do good. Live in the land and feed on truth. Enjoy serving the Lord, and He will give you what you want. Depend on the Lord; trust Him, and He will take care of you. Psalm 37:3–5 (NCV)

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” ~ Helen Keller

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 (NLT)

May you be blessed with contentment and fullness of life.

The One who loves you most and best created you for life—life in all its fullness!

Now it’s time for…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

[Tweet “I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! “]

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

I’m excited to share the following posts with you this week.

Fighting Fear When It Tries to Suck You Under

by Barb Camp

@ Second Chance to Dream

and

4 Free (Spring) iPhont Lock Screens

by Kaitlyn Bouchillon

@ Every Story Matters

Thank you, Barb and Kaitlyn, for partying with us!

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above or link back to CMB.

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May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

Never Miss an Update

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

5 of the Most Important Things I Learned about Gratitude

11 / 30 / 1611 / 17 / 17

Do you know someone who is habitually thankful? A person who just oozes gratitude?

They’re a blessing, aren’t they?

There have been so many posts are articles written about gratitude this month online and in print but I can’t help but wonder whether we’ll all just move on as we turn the calendar page tomorrow.

As I started the month, I challenged you to change your life by Counting 7 Blessings a Day for the rest of the year. You can even make it a family project. I’d love to hear how it’s going for you. And if you haven’t started yet . . . it’s not too late. Here’s a list of questions to help you. Click the graphic for a printable version.

Now as I prepare to move to the last topic of the year, I’ve realized I can pare the month’s messages down to 5 important truths.

5 of the Most Important Things I Learned about Gratitude

1. Gratitude is a choice.

Grateful people don’t wait until they get what they want to be thankful. They choose to celebrate what they have. Even when life is hard . . . there are always things to celebrate with thankfulness.

“Gratitude as a discipline involves a conscious choice. I can choose to be grateful even when my emotions and feelings are steeped in hurt. It is amazing how many occasions present themselves in which I can choose gratitude instead of complaint. There is the option to look into the eyes of the One who came out to search for me and see therein that all I am and all I have is pure gift calling for gratitude.” ~Henri Nouwen

2. Gratitude puts other people first.

Grateful people want other people to know they are appreciated not only for what they do but for who they are. They think less about themselves and want to bless others as they have been blessed.

“But to mean it when I say that I want my life to count for His glory is to drive a stake through the heart of self – a painful and determined dying to me that must be a part of every day I live.” ~Louie Giglio

3. Gratitude will make you happier.

Grateful people focus on what is more than what isn’t. That simple act alone makes a person happier. And happy appreciative people have better relationships, are more successful at work, feel better physically and mentally, and generally cope with life better than their counterparts. Seriously, you could almost be grateful for selfish reasons! Gratitude is good for you!

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” ~Denis Waitley

4. Gratitude is easier than you think.

Grateful people express thankfulness in simple habit-forming ways every day. They say please and thank you as soon as possible. They are encouragers who compliment more than they complain. If you need ideas of ways to make gratefulness part of each day, this will help . . . 50 Ways to Show Gratitude to the People in Your Life.

“Every person has the power to make others happy. Some do it simply by entering a room others by leaving the room. Some individuals leave trails of gloom; others, trails of joy. Some leave trails of hate and bitterness; others, trails of love and harmony. Some leave trails of cynicism and pessimism; others trails of faith and optimism. Some leave trails of criticism and resignation; others trails of gratitude and hope. What kind of trails do you leave?” ~William Arthur Ward

5. Gratitude defeats entitlement.

Grateful people are humble about what they have not puffed up about what they believe they deserve. The interesting thing is it’s impossible to enjoy any amount of lasting happiness with an entitlement attitude. So kick entitlement to the curb, be thankful, and get happy. If you want to know more . . . click here.

“To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us – and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him.

Gratitude, therefore, takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.” ~Thomas Merton

Bonus – Gratitude is a powerful way to communicate, “I love you!”

Grateful people respond with both words and actions to God’s love by not only saying “thank you” and singing His praises but by loving and appreciating the people God puts around them. When you love someone you can’t help but show them

“Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion. Hope without thankfulness is lacking in fine perception. Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude. Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road.” ~John Henry Jowett

Counting My Blessings and Getting Happy

Rev has a saying he uses when he finds himself being dragged down by the difficulties of the day. It’s a phrase he started saying when he had constrictive pericarditis and lived a little more than a year with all the symptoms of congestive heart failure.

The saying goes like this…

“If I wait until I feel good and life looks perfect to be thankful and happy, I may never be thankful and happy again.”

It’s so simple and so very true.

When all I can think about is what’s wrong in my life . . . I’m robbed of joy, peace, contentment and so much more. BUT when I praise and thank God, when I live with joy, and when I express gratitude freely . . . I shine the light of God’s love which is always greater than my circumstances.

So, I will continue to count my blessings and thank the One who gives me immeasurable reasons to be thankful every day.

Finally,

And one last quote from William Arthur Ward.

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward

May gratitude become a joy-filled habit for each of us.

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

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I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

An Entitlement Attitude Makes It Impossible To Be Happy

11 / 21 / 1611 / 21 / 16

Entitlement is 1) the condition of having the right to have, do, or get something 2) the feeling or belief that you deserve to be given something.

Entitlement is the Opposite of Gratitude.

It is a greedy, self-serving “I deserve it” attitude about life.

What do you and I deserve?

I turned to the internet, where I found…

1. You deserve love.
2. You deserve happiness.
3. You deserve peace and comfort.
4. You deserve better.
5. You deserve a house, a car, and stuff.
6. You deserve to do what you want.

Entitlement says, “I want what I want, and I want it now.”

I deserve what I want.

There is a Problem with Entitlement

The only guaranteed outcome from an entitled way of thinking is dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Read that again…

[Tweet “The only guaranteed outcome from an entitled way of thinking is dissatisfaction and unhappiness.”]

As long as you and I fixate on what we think we deserve, we will never enjoy the satisfaction and happiness we really need or want.

So let’s take a minute to see what we really deserve…

What does the Bible say we really deserve?

And Jesus said, “The things that come out of people are the things that make them unclean. All these evil things begin inside people, in the mind: evil thoughts, sexual sins, stealing, murder, adultery, greed, evil actions, lying, doing sinful things, jealousy, speaking evil of others, pride, and foolish living. Mark 7:20–23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. James 4:17

Everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard, and all need to be made right with God by His grace, which is a free gift. They need to be made free from sin through Jesus Christ. Romans 3:23

Thank God, He Doesn’t Give Us What We Deserve!

But if we confess our sins, He will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done. 1 John 1:9

Sin once used death to rule us, but God gave people more of His grace so that grace could rule by making people right with Him. And this brings life forever through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:21

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan from before the beginning of time—to show us His grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:9

Aren’t you thankful God doesn’t give us what we really deserve?

It’s time to kick entitlement to the curb.

What is the answer to getting over entitlement?

Complete and humble gratitude offered to the One who has given us more that we could ever ask or imagine.

Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with the fullness of God. With God’s power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine. To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:19-21

[Tweet ““Grace destroys entitlement.” ~Justin Buzzard”]

It’s time to spend ourselves on others in response to God’s gift of grace.

The best way to get over living with a greedy, self-serving “I deserve it” entitlement attitude is to stop thinking about ourselves and start caring for others.

And I [Paul] have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

“If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.” Isaiah 58:9b-11a

Gratitude is thankfulness in action.

Remember this quote…

Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” –Henri Frederic Amiel

The Blessing of Gratitude in Action

Gratitude leads to contentment and happiness.

And don’t you want to be content and happy?

Have you ever met anyone with an entitlement attitude who’s happy?

No? Me either.

It’s impossible to be happy when we are focused on ourselves.

The marketing world wants us to believe we will be happy if we get what we want but the truth is that happiness is found in being thankful for what we have.

And in Jesus, we have everything we need.

My God will use His wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need. Glory to our God and Father forever and ever! Amen. Philippians 4:19–20

Because of Jesus, we can believe every promise God made.

For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” He is God’s ultimate “Yes,” He always does what He says. For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for His glory. 2 Corinthians 1:19a,20

That’s reason enough to be grateful.

So…

If you want to be happy – kick entitlement to the curb.

If you want your children to be happy – kick entitlement to the curb.

People who believe they are entitled . . . compare and focus on what they’re lacking.

Appreciative people are happy; they see the beauty in life while others miss it. ~Richard Carlson

May we kick entitlement to the curb by living with gratitude every day.

Thank God for giving you everything you need in Christ Jesus.
Thank God for graciously meeting your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Thank God by spending yourself by caring for the needs of those less fortunate. (And for most of us, there is always someone less fortunate.)

One last quote to think about…

“When we replace a sense of service and gratitude with a sense of entitlement and expectation, we quickly see the demise of our relationships, society, and economy.” ~Steve Maraboli

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

50 Ways to Show Gratitude to the People in Your Life

11 / 16 / 1611 / 10 / 17

I wasn’t feeling very thankful.

In my defense, I was pregnant and raging hormones were affecting my thinking. It seems silly in retrospect, but there I stood in the closet grumbling to myself as I moved Rev’s suits and dress pants from wire hangers back to suit hangers.

Kind of funny considering all the parenting tasks that were coming but…

That day, all I could think about was having to do something I’d reminded him about before. Everyone knows a suit loses its shape and wrinkles if it’s not on the right hanger.

And in the midst of my grumbling, I heard the Lord’s still quiet voice whisper…

“Would you prefer he wasn’t here?”

Wait! What?

NO!

God had blessed me with an amazing man. I had so many reasons to just be thankful and those six words have stayed with me forever. God’s gentle reminder . . . I could celebrate who Rev is and all the blessings he brings to my life or I can grumble about little things like hangers. I could build him up or tear him down. My choice.

Showing Gratitude is a Choice

You and I have a choice to make every day. We can focus on ourselves and grumble when the people around us aren’t meeting our expectations or we can focus on ways we are blessed through that person and show them gratitude.

I’ve compiled a list of 50 ways to show gratitude to your family, in your community, and around the world. With a few ways to thank God Himself. He placed you where you are for a reason and a wonderful way to thank Him is to live with gratitude right where you are.

One of my favorite gratitude quotes…

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” ~Henri Frederic Amiel

So let’s get started.

50 Ways to Show Gratitude to the People in Your Life

Show Gratitude at Home

Make a Gratitude Jar or Board – Name specific things that have happened or that someone has done for you.
Have a “Do Something for Someone Challenge” – It doesn’t have to be a big deal. Just encourage everyone to look for ways to do something nice each day without being asked.
Write a note to a family member telling them why you’re thankful for them.
Go around the table at dinner and list ways your family blessed you that day.
Say “Thank You” – Have fun with it. Make up a “thank you” song to sing to each other that’s unique to your family.
Do little things you know will make them happy.
Take time to listen to understand not just reply.
Be patient even in this crazy busy holiday season.
Forgive each other.
Take an interest in a family member’s hobby or passion.
Make saying “thank you” a priority before a gift can be used. Send a snail mail note or make a video and email it to the gift giver.
Enjoy a date night with your spouse each week.
Have one on one time with each child at least once a month.
Laugh together often.
Pray for family members at home and away.
Talk about what they learned from a bad situation and how they might be thankful for it.
Make a small handmade gift or card.
When you’re angry – stop and breathe before you speak.
Make home a no insult zone – even in humor.
Compliment more than you complain.

Show Gratitude in Your Community

Thank a friend for being there for you.
Donate unused clothes, food, toys, and household items to help those in need.
Serve at a shelter or senior center.
Carry $5 in your pocket to give to someone in need.
Let your children see you show gratitude to those who help you. – Servers, trash collectors, checkers, receptionists, etc.
Take a prayer walk in your neighborhood.
Give blood.
Teach a skill, language, or hobby at your community center.
Help a neighbor – babysit, cut the grass, shovel the walk, cook a meal, etc.
Invite someone to join your holiday celebration. – I have a friend who does this and says an added benefit is it puts everyone on their best behavior.
Help your children write a thank you note to babysitters, teachers, and pastors and pray for them.
Smile at strangers -“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” ~Mother Teresa

Show Gratitude Around the World

Sponsor a child through World Vision or Compassion Int.
Pack a Shoe Box for Operation Christmas Child.
Write a thank you note to a someone serving in the military – get ideas here.
Pray for those serving in missions.
Help a missionary with financial support.
Join Samaritan’s Purse Prayer Network.
Recycle and conserve energy . . . take care of the earth.
Go on a mission trip.

Show Gratitude to God

Make a list of family blessings and thank God together.
Read a Psalm and give thanks.
Live today – let go of the past and don’t worry about tomorrow.
Love and serve the people in your life.
Find 10 more ways to thank God here.

Show Gratitude Everywhere . . . Always

Always be honest and kind.
Be complimentary and encouraging.
Offer grace – don’t expect perfection.
Notice people – make eye contact.
Look for the best in people.

Just for Fun

♥ Look at someone and say, “You bless me!

I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:4

Finally…

Another reason to count our blessings and live with gratitude.

If the World were 100 People

If we looked at the earth’s population as if it were a small community of 100 people, it would look something like this…

Gender

48 male
52 female

RELIGION:

30 are Christian
70 are non-Christian

FOOD:

30 would always have enough to eat
50 would be malnourished
20 would be undernourished (1 would be dying of starvation)

FREEDOMS:

60 can’t speak, act according to their faith and conscience due to harassment, imprisonment, torture or death
40 live in a country designated as “free”
12 live in a war zone

EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY:

12 are unable to read
7 have a college degree
45 own a computer
40 have an internet connection

LIVING STANDARDS

33 live without basic sanitation
10 have no clean, safe water to drink

If you keep your food in a refrigerator and your clothes in a closet…
If you have a bed to sleep in and have a roof over your head…
If you have people who care about you…

You are abundantly blessed. I am too! May we faithfully thank and praise God by showing our gratitude and love to Him and the people He’s placed around us.

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

10 Wonderful Reasons Gratitude is Good for You

11 / 4 / 1611 / 6 / 16

Do you want to know something funny?

If you wanted, you could almost make gratitude a priority for purely selfish reasons.

Seriously, it’s that good for you!

10 Wonderful Reasons Gratitude is Good for You

Gratitude will make you happier.

You choose . . . appreciative or dissatisfied. I know which one can tank my mood in a heartbeat.

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.” ~Denis Waitley

Gratitude will help you enjoy better relationships.

People enjoy the company of happy grateful people. Think about it. Who would prefer to spend your time with . . . someone who is happy and thankful or someone who grumbles and complains.

Gratitude will help you succeed at work.

People work harder if their efforts are appreciated and bosses are more likely to encourage employees who acknowledge their positive leadership.

“When we become more fully aware that our success is due in large measure to the loyalty, helpfulness, and encouragement we have received from others, our desire grows to pass on similar gifts. Gratitude spurs us on to prove ourselves worthy of what others have done for us. The spirit of gratitude is a powerful energizer.” ~Wilferd A. Peterson

Gratitude will make you more optimistic and hopeful.

People who are thankful have a better attitude about the future. As they enjoy and appreciate what they have, grateful people tend to worry less and look at life through a positive lens.

“Real life isn’t always going to be perfect or go our way, but the recurring acknowledgment of what is working in our lives can help us not only to survive but surmount our difficulties.” ~Sarah Ban Breathnach

Gratitude will increase your empathy and a willingness to help.

People who are thankful for what they tend to notice those who are less fortunate and are more inclined to offer help.

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” –Henri Frederic Amiel

Gratitude will make you more satisfied.

When you are thankful for what you have you end up being less concerned about what you don’t have.

Gratitude will make you more resilient.

Grateful people get over setbacks and disappointments more quickly than those who are unappreciative.

Gratitude will lower your stress levels and make you less anxious.

Thankful people worry less. Celebrating what is going well in life helps them think less about the things that could potentially go wrong.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7

Gratitude will help you forgive.

People who are thankful for and celebrate God’s gift of forgiveness, let go of the past and learn from it, forgive others more easily, and have the strength to move on.

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

Gratitude will make you more attractive.

Thankful people smile more. Enough said!

“Gratitude paints little smiley faces on everything it touches.” ~Richelle E. Goodrich

10 wonderful reasons to be grateful.

So, what are you waiting for?

Thank God..

for His love.
for His grace and mercy.
for His faithful forgiveness.
for His provision.
for peace, hope, joy, patience, strength, and…

Thank your spouse…

for the little things they do.
for their love.
for their forgiveness.
for making you laugh.
for the blessings they bring to your family.

Thank you children…

for helping.
for being kind.
for making good choices.
for making you laugh.
for being a blessing to your family.

Thank your friends, your boss, your neighbors, and yes, even the stranger who helps you. You’ll be surprised at how much gratitude will bless you.

Here are a few simple ways to say “thank you.”

I appreciate your help.
I love the way you do that.
Thank you, that really made me happy.
Thank you for being there when I needed you.
That was wonderful. Thank you.
That was amazing. You bless me.

Okay, now it’s your turn…

What’s your favorite way to say “thank you?”

When has saying “thank you” been a huge blessing?

What’s your best reason for saying “Thank you?”

Now take a few minutes and before you show your gratitude to anyone else, tell God just how thankful you are for who He is and all He does.

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

Now it’s time for…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

[Tweet “I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! “]

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

I’m excited to share the following posts with you this week.

One Thing You Can’t Ignore When Overcoming Shame

by Lori Schumaker

@ Searching for Moments

and

Who God Says You Are!

by Crystal Twaddell

@ Cultivating a Life of Intention and a Legacy of Hope

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God Is For Us

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What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? No one—for God Himself has given us right standing with Himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

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10 Top Gratitude Quotes this Month

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He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Rev. 21:5

January Gratitude –
my favorite quotes this month.

Be true to yourself, help others, make each day your masterpiece, make friendship a fine art, drink deeply from good books – especially the Bible, build a shelter against a rainy day, give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day. ~John Wooden

Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. ~Mark Twain (American Humorist)

Intentional Gratitude for the Blessing of Rest

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Last week my friend, Amanda, sent me a wonderful devotion from Our Daily Bread on the importance of rest. I have to admit as I focused my attention on health this month rest was not on my list of topics. Aren’t we like that? When it comes to our physical health we concentrate on diet and exercise . . . rest is what we allow ourselves only after everything else is accomplished.

Lack of sleep makes us tired and cranky, and it’s hard to live with gratitude when we’re on the edge of exhaustion.

There have numerous studies on the importance of sleep. Here are a few things to know:

Harvard Health Publications – chronic sleep loss, which can contribute to health problems such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and a decrease in the immune system’s power.

The Freedom of Grace

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Living under the freedom of God’s grace includes having freedom from our food issues.

He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in Him. Long before He laid down earth’s foundations, He had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of His love, to be made whole and holy by His love. Long, long ago He decided to adopt us into His family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure He took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of His lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.

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