I began intentionally blessing counting more than a dozen years ago. Not because I was overwhelmed with gratitude and joy but because I was overwhelmed by sadness. I realized that if I didn’t start intentionally noticing the good things God was doing in my life I might drown in sorrow.
Living each day miserable and despondent was not only bad for my emotional health . . . it was hurting me mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Many articles have been written over the years about the ways gratitude can improve a person’s health, bless their relationships at home and at work, and generally improve their lives.
But even though we tell ourselves it’s what we want, it’s still easier to focus on what’s wrong than on what’s right. It’s easier to complain than to thank.
Simply put . . . many of us still aren’t very good at living with intentional gratitude.
We fail to consistently communicate our gratitude to God for all He has done and is doing nor do we faithfully thank the people He has placed around us.
Yep! Even though we know grateful people are more satisfied, have stronger relationships, and are generally happier, we listen to and then fixate on negatives more than we do the positives.
That ain’t no way to live. I want to not only notice the blessings in my life, I want to genuinely be thankful for them. I want to reap the benefits of blessing counting.
Don’t you want that too? Not only for yourself but for your children.
If you’d like to make living with intentional gratitude part of your life join me in taking the gratitude challenge and enjoy the benefits of blessing counting.
How to Enjoy the Benefits of Blessing Counting
♥ Grab a journal, colorful pens, and some fun stickers . . . get ready to list at least 3 blessings for which you are thankful each day.
You may even want to make this a family project and have everyone share their daily blessings so you can add them to the list. I think it would be a great New Year’s Eve tradition to read through our blessings journals and thank God for all He has done.
And if you’d like a little help…
Here are 20 blessing counting questions with verses and quotes that will get you started.
1. WHO WAS KIND TO YOU TODAY?
Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
2. WHAT DID YOU ENJOY DOING TODAY?
Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 6:9
3. WHO HELPED YOU TODAY?
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
4. WHO DID YOU HELP TODAY?
Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:16
5. WHAT IS THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TODAY?
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8
6. WHAT SIMPLE THING MADE TODAY A GOOD DAY?
That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Matthew 6:25–26
7. WHAT DID YOU LEARN TODAY?
My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Proverbs 2:1–3
8. WHO MADE YOU SMILE TODAY? WHAT DID THEY DO?
How happy I was with the world he created; how I rejoiced with the human family! And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. Proverbs 8:31:32
9. WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM A BAD EXPERIENCE?
When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:2–3
10. HOW DID TECHNOLOGY MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER?
May [God] equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever! Amen. Hebrews 13:21
11. WHO MADE YOU FEEL IMPORTANT TODAY?
7 Effective Ways to Make Others Feel Important
1. Use their name.
2. Express sincere gratitude.
3. Do more listening than talking.
4. Talk more about them than about you.
5. Be authentically interested.
6. Be sincere in your praise.
7. Show you care. ~Roy T. Bennett
12. WHAT GAVE YOU JOY TODAY?
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7
13. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TASTE, SMELL, TOUCH, SIGHT, OR SOUND FROM THE DAY?
Ears to hear and eyes to see—both are gifts from the Lord. Proverbs 20:12
14. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! Psalm 133:1
15. WHO FORGAVE YOU? WHO DID YOU FORGIVE?
Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9
16. WHAT DID YOU DO TODAY YOU COULDN’T DO YESTERDAY?
Pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel.
Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned. Proverbs 5:1–2
17. WHO THANKED YOU TODAY? HOW DID IT MAKE YOU FEEL?
We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3
18. WHO LOVES YOU? WHO DO YOU LOVE?
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7
19. WHERE DID YOU SEE GOD AT WORK TODAY?
You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done. O Lord, what great works you do! Psalm 92:4–5a
20. WHAT ARE YOU MOST THANKFUL FOR TODAY?
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
THE BENEFIT OF BLESSING COUNTING!
Like worship, gratitude is not something to do occasionally. Gratitude is an attitude . . . a way of life and thankfulness is an offering given in response to all God has given us through His grace, mercy, and love.
So, keep a record by making a list of blessings and then don’t forget to add one more thing…
Pause and intentionally say thank you to someone every day. Send a note, card, or email. Make a phone call. Bake a batch of cookies. Be appreciative. I promise it will bless them and it will bless you more than you can imagine.
So, that’s it!
We can do this! I believe blessing counting will change our lives and lives of the people around us.
Tell us what you’re thankful for . . . share something you’re listing in your journal in the comments below. We’d even love a tip or two of the ways you say “thank you” to others. We are stronger when we stand together and hold each other accountable; so, let’s cheer each other on.
Follow me on social media where I’ll be sharing some of the things I’m writing in my Blessings Journal and some of the ways I’m saying thank you to the people in my life!
My favorite blessing today is a husband who always makes me laugh. I think I’ll make his favorite dinner as a thank you.
Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.
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