Gratitude

Each day when you greet someone, meet someone, or cross anothers path, you ask "how are you?"  Most reply with good, fine, great, tired, etc.  A gal I knew always responded with the word grateful.  This sticks in my head because it reminds me that no matter how we are feeling at that time of day on that certain day, we should always remain grateful. 
A friend told me last week that even though she was soooo very busy and felt like she was constantly on the go, she was overwhelmed with gratitude.  The word has been sticking to me since.
I enjoy searching for bible verses that relate to the word God has led me to focus on.  I think that is His way of guiding me to His words.  Today this one struck me:
Psalm 136:1“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

Last week I received an e-mail that reminded me how grateful I am to be me. 

May there be for today peace within. 

May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith, within yourself and others. 

May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content with yourself just the way you are. 

Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love. 

It is there for each and every one of us.

My goal is to change my response to "how are you?" from good/fine, to grateful within this next month.  It is such a powerful statement to others and ourselves how content and happy we are in the life God has given us.  

It's pretty easy to let the hard things in life make you feel ungrateful, but I have learned to quickly focus on something I am grateful for each time something hard comes about.  It's amazing how you can stay much happier this way! :)

I like to send God gratitude messages every once in awhile.  It's just my way of saying thanks for where I am and where I have come.  Most often my gratitude conversations include being grateful for:

my kids, family, friends - new and old, my job, laughter, health, faith, exercise, books, hugs, food, sunshine, friends again, and the list goes on.  What do you include in your gratitude conversations?

Lord, I show my gratitude to You for all You have given my family.  Some days are harder than others, but there is not a day where I am not able to be grateful.  You have given so much, I think what we all need to be most grateful for is what You gave to us in giving us Your son.  My gratitude list could go on and on and on; it would include the very small minor things, to the very large major things.  Be with those who need reminded that life is full of reasons to be grateful.  Help them to see through the hard things and focus on the things that bring them joy.  Continue to help me through this process also.  I thank You for bringing me to where I am today.  In Your Name, Amen

Phillippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”