Thanks and Yes by GLMO LLC

Thanks and Yes

Thanks and Yes 365 Days of Coffee Drinking and Grateful Living

DANIELLA WHYTE

THANKS and YES: 365 Days of Coffee Drinking and Grateful Living by Daniella Whyte Cover Design by Atinad Designs. Â© Copyright 2016 TORCH LEGACY PUBLICATIONS: ATLANTA, GEORGIA; DALLAS, TEXAS; BROOKLYN, NEW YORK First Printing, 2017 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner, except for brief quotations included in a review of the book. All Bible quotations in this volume are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Acknowledgements For God, the Giver of Life, the source from which all blessings flow and the One to whom all gratitude belongs. For my family: my father, Daniel Whyte III, who taught me since I was a little child to be grateful for all things; my mother, Meriqua Whyte; and all of my siblings: Daniel IV, Danita, Danae, Daniqua, Danyel Ezekiel, and Danyelle. For every experience, every opportunity, every lesson, and every blessing that has given me reason to be thankful.

Introduction When we think about gratitude, we often think about thankfulness, counting our blessings, looking for the good in everything, and acknowledging simple pleasures of life. Research points to the many benefits of gratefulness as well. It makes people happier and more resilient. It strengthens relationships, reduces stress, and improves physical health and well-being. It certainly means these things, but on a larger scale, gratitude is a lot more than a reaction to getting what we want. It means being able to not only appreciate the good parts of life, but embracing the not-so-good parts just as much. It means accepting every situation as an opportunity to grow, to improve, or to change in some way. It also means being open to every opportunity that God presents to us no matter how it comes even if it is not exactly what we desire. This book is less about “looking” for things to be grateful for or “responding” to good situations with gratefulness. Instead, it is about choosing to “be grateful” in every 9

situation we encounter and for everything that comes our way. Just as we choose to go to work, and choose to take the kids to school, and choose to pay the bills whether we like it or not, we can choose to be grateful in the same way. Of course, we can all joyfully accept the situation when the family is healthy, or when we’ve just been promoted, or when we’ve gotten into our dream school, or when we have the house or car of our dreams. It’s easy to do it then. But what kind of attitude do we choose to have when situations haven’t been turned in our favor, when we get passed over for the promotion, when a family member gets sick? It’s finding the strength to say ‘thank you’ for this situation and to say ‘yes’ to embracing it that helps us to cultivate gratitude where we don’t just say it with our mouths, but we live it in our hearts. You might be wondering about the subtitle. For almost every day in 2015 (and many years before that), I drank coffee every morning. And every morning, I wrote and collected these thoughts, quotes, Bible verses, and prayers for my podcast (Everyday Thanks) which has turned into this book. Like many people, I have a good, close relationship with coffee and it goes well with gratitude. The podcast/book was a journey for me of choosing to be grateful on the inside for all the experiences in my life, not just saying it, but living it. Every new experience that came up throughout the year 10

is presented in some way on the pages of this book. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say the coffee helped, but it certainly did not hurt. Thanks and Yes is meant to be a devotional for every day of the year. So grab your cup of coffee (or tea) and be ready to embark on a daily journey of living out thanks.

DAY 1 Our thankful thought for today is this: A grateful person sees every single day as a special gift. Instead of wasting time focusing on what we lack, let's focus on what we have and on the wonderful things we are able to do with the time we have been given. Our quote of thanks is from Neal A. Maxwell. He said, "We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count." Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 106:1. It reads, "Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever."

PRAY Holy Father God, we thank You for this day, for this moment, for the time we have been given right now to do amazing things in the world. Deliver us from complaining and help us to develop a heart of gratitude for everything we have in life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAY 2 Our thankful thought for today is this: When you wake up in the morning, with air in your lungs, eyesight, hearing, and the ability to use your hands and feet, take it not for granted, but accept it as a gracious gift from the hands of God. It is a privilege to breathe, to think, to love, to laugh, to live, and to enjoy life. Our quote of thanks is from Thomas Merton. He said, “Gratitude 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.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 100:4. It reads, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him and bless His name.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to acknowledge You today, to come before You with Thanksgiving before we begin to do anything else. Today, we make the choice to replace complaining with contentment and words of grumbling with words of prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 3 Our thankful thought for today is this: We are able to develop a heart of gratitude when we realize that all we have and all we are able to do is because of God. Whether we want to be or not, we are deeply indebted to the Almighty God for the continuous blessings He bestows upon His world. If we forget God, it is impossible for us to express true gratitude. Our quote of thanks is from Maya Angelou. She said, “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 40:16. It reads, “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we thank You that we can experience peace in this life and certainly in the life to come. Help us to choose to embrace peace in every situation so that we are not moved from the path You have set before us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 4 Our thankful thought for today is this: Giving thanks awakens our sense of who we are and who God is. It allows us to see and hear and feel things that we did not see or hear or feel before. Gratitude alerts us to our environment, to our society, to humanity and all that goes with it. Giving thanks allows us to taste and see that the Lord is good. Our quote of thanks is from Ralph Waldo Emerson. He said, “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Ephesians 5:20. It reads, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

PRAY Holy Father God, make us truly alive in every moment that You give us breath. Help us to succumb to the mighty power of gratitude and be alert to our surroundings and all the things we have to be thankful for. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 5 Our thankful thought for today is this: When the weights and burdens of life seek to crush us, we will find our way back to stability, freedom, peace, and joy by getting on the ramp of gratitude. There is always something for which we can be thankful. Even in the most difficult of times, there is always a hidden blessing that exists under all the superficial stuff that we so frequently see. There is always a rainbow waiting to burst forth after the rain. Our quote of thanks is from Elizabeth Gilbert. She said, “In the end, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end, maybe it’s wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 22:3. It reads, “God inhabits the praises of His people.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we thank You for the people You place in our lives, those who help us and even those who hinder us. We sincerely want to be people who choose to see the best even when the best is not always so visible. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 6 Our thankful thought for today is this: So often, we stop to give thanks only when something exceptionally good has happened, on holidays, or during other celebrations. Giving thanks seasonally is a wonderful thing to do, but what you really want is to be grateful every day. Studies show that actions which involve gratitude not only decrease depression but increase happiness in our lives. So, today, choose to do what you do gratefully and experience the unlimited happiness that is already yours. Our quote of thanks is from Steve Maraboli. He said, “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.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 97:12. It reads, “Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.”

PRAY Holy Father God, today we ask for strength and grace to choose to see the good in every situation, the best out of the worst, and the message in the mess. Remove depression and replace it with gratitude. Change our perspective so we can live life as we were meant to live it — joyfully, purposefully, and gratefully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 7 Our thankful thought for today is this: Little do we know or even take the time to realize it, but we are already abundant right where we are. We already have so much when many have so little. There is so much in our lives that we do not notice, but we should daily take the time to acknowledge. When we acknowledge what we already have in our possession, we strangely open the door for our abundance to increase. Our quote of thanks is from Anthony Robbins. He said, “When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 30:4. It reads, “Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.”

PRAY Holy Father God, You have given us so much and have made us more abundant than we could ever realize. Replace our want for more with contentment, and help us to gracefully acknowledge the blessings we have right now in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 8 Our thankful thought for today is this: Peace is a common desire throughout the world. We worry and fret because we are focusing on or attempting to do things that were never meant for us to do. Worry can destroy gratitude in our lives if we let it. But gratitude can also do away with worry if we let it. Gratitude allows us to have a sense of peace not only in our environment but in our hearts and souls which is most important. Our quote of thanks is from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He said, “In normal life we hardly realize how much more we receive than we give, and life cannot be rich without such gratitude. It is so easy to overestimate the importance of our own achievements compared with what we owe to the help of others.” Our Bible verse of thanks is I Thessalonians 5:18. It reads, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let everything we do today, every word we say, every thought we think be done with joy, love, and gratitude. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 9 Our thankful thought for today is this: So often, we wait to show appreciation for things and for people after they are gone. We allow the precious gifts of life, however small they may be, to slip through our fingers and never even pass through our memories. In the rush of life, it is necessary for us to stop every now and then and say thanks for the things and the people we have. Our quote of thanks is from Anthon St. Maarten. He said, “If we never experience the chill of a dark winter, it is very unlikely that we will ever cherish the warmth of a bright summer’s day. Nothing stimulates our appetite for the simple joys of life more than the starvation caused by sadness or desperation. In order to complete our amazing life journey successfully, it is vital that we turn each and every dark tear into a pearl of wisdom, and find the blessing in every curse.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Colossians 3:16. It reads, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in Psalm and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we thank You today that we can come to You about anything and everything. Thank You for Your grace that is amazing and Your mercies that are new each morning. Help us to share this grace and mercy with those we meet as we travel on this journey called life. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 21

DAY 10 Our thankful thought for today is this: We are responsible for the light we allow to shine through our lives. The attitude we display in any given situation is a reflection of how brightly or dimly that light is shining. Would other people want what we have by looking at the way we live and lead our lives? The answer we give to that question can help determine what changes we need to make to live our lives joyfully, purposefully, passionately, and gratefully. Our quote of thanks is from Sanaya Roman. She said, “Whatever you appreciate and give thanks for will increase in your life.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 70:4. It reads, “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You that Your light and love brighten our hearts and guide us towards a journey of meaning and fulfillment. Each day we live, allow us to be the light for and show love to someone else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 11 Our thankful thought for today is this: One of the most important things we can ever do in life is to be thankful. Too often, we focus on what we don’t have or on what we don’t like. Allowing such negativity to flow through our minds can leave us depressed, defeated, and despondent. But when we choose to align our thoughts with the Word of God, we gain a new perspective on life, a renewed mind, and a contented, grateful heart. Our quote of thanks is from Mike Ericksen. He said, “I truly believe we can either see the connections, celebrate them, and express gratitude for our blessings, or we can see life as a string of coincidences that have no meaning or connection. For me, I’m going to believe in miracles, celebrate life, rejoice in the views of eternity and hope my choices will create a positive ripple effect in the lives of others. This is my choice.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 105:1. It reads, “O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon His name: make known His deeds among the people.”

PRAY Holy Father God, today we choose to focus our minds on the blessings we do have, to celebrate the connections we make, and to embrace the events of our lives as the good that You are working out on our behalf. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 12 Our thankful thought for today is this: The point of life is to live each day with a grateful heart — appreciative of every blessing whether big or small. If we frequently rehearse past blessings and are consciously aware of present blessings, we can joyfully anticipate future blessings that are already on their way. Our quote of thanks is from John Ortberg. He said, “Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift. It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 50:14. It reads, “Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vow unto the Most High.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for this beautiful gift we call life. Thank You that we have the privilege to live it purposefully and hopefully. We rest in Your full promises and know that You are going to do something great in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 13 Our thankful thought for today is this: Hope is the expectation that something good is going to happen. As children, we have mighty doses of hope. But sometimes, somewhere on the journey to adulthood, we lose that feeling of anticipation and expectation. We allow negative situations to take away that sense of hope. However, whatever we expect to happen, can and often does happen. Therefore, if we expect good and anticipate good, eventually good will come. So, today, if you are in a tight spot, have hope that you will get through it. Our quote of thanks is from Faith Baldwin. She said, “I have learned over a period of time to be almost unconsciously grateful — as a child is — for a sunny day, blue water, flowers in a vase, a tree turning red. Only children and a few spiritually evolved people are born to feel gratitude as naturally as they breathe, without even thinking. Most of us come to it step by painful step, to discover that gratitude is a form of acceptance.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Colossians 2:7. It reads, “Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for hope, expectation, and anticipation that good things will happen in our lives and good things will come to us. We know that You want the very best for all Your children so we hold on to that promise. Guide us through this day and every day with a hopeful outlook and perspective on life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 14 Our thankful thought for today is this: Most people do not enjoy being around negative people. Negative people can dampen your spirit and give you an overcast outlook on life. Sometimes, it is hard to be positive, particularly if you are not naturally that way. But by all means, choose to make being positive a habit — a good habit that will be worth it throughout your life. Our quote of thanks is from Lailah Gifty Akita. She said, “Count your blessings. There are many beautiful things in life to appreciate. The gift of life is priceless.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Matthew 26:27. It reads, “And [Jesus] took the cup and gave thanks, and gave it unto [the disciples], saying, Drink ye all of it.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the gift of life and the ability to choose what we focus on. Help us to think positive thoughts and therefore live a positive life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 15 Our thankful thought for today is this: If you have not yet learned to develop the habit of being positive, here is a tip to get you started. Post messages to yourself around your house, your car, your computer, your office that will remind you of positive things and serve as an impetus for you to start and continue thinking in a positive manner every day, all day. Our quote of thanks is from Toni Sorenson. She said, “To improve quality of life, to evolve into a better version of ourselves, to pause in recognition of blessings with only our name on the tag, to dance in gratitude, to embrace with abandon, to give without receiving, to seek the face of God ... all this and more is why we exist.” Our Bible verse of thanks is John 11:41. It reads, “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard Me.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from negative thoughts, negative feelings, and negative actions. Help us to remind ourselves today that, no matter what, we are already in the best position possible for good things to happen. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 27

DAY 16 Our thankful thought for today is this: Winston Churchill once said, “a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Optimism is a trait that we all should want to possess in our lives. Optimism is associated with gratitude, and studies have shown that optimistic people are often grateful people and vice-versa. Instead of seeing the bad in every situation you face, choose to see the good, and to handle trouble with grace. Our quote of thanks is from Stephen Richards. He said, “When you express gratitude for the blessings that come into your life, it not only encourages the universe to send you more, it also sees to it that those blessings remain.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Revelation 4:9-10. It reads, “And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to Him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we can be optimistic about life because You are optimistic about our lives. You gave us life not to endure but to enjoy. Deliver us from a pessimistic attitude and an ungrateful heart. Instead, help us to choose to see the good in every situation, to handle the bad with grace, and to enjoy the life You have gifted us to live. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 28

DAY 17 Our thankful thought for today is this: Make a promise to yourself each morning that no matter what, you will be positive throughout the day. If you find yourself slipping into negativity or pessimism, remind yourself of your promise. Go back to it and rehearse it to yourself as often as is needed: “I will be positive today no matter what.” Our quote of thanks is from Genevieve Gerard. She said, “Just as thoughts send out vibrations to which there is a creative and attractive power, gratitude stimulates the field of etheric energy that surrounds you on a subtle level to bring into your life more of what brings you joy.” Our Bible verse of thanks is I Timothy 1:12. It reads, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we are grateful that we are not made to be enslaved to our negative thoughts or feelings. Thank You for the power to choose to be positive. Give us grace and strength to keep our promise to ourselves to be positive no matter what happens in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 18 Our thankful thought for today is this: You know it is already a good day when you have opened your eyes, rolled out of bed, breathed through your lungs, have food on your table, a roof over your head, and something to do that is worthwhile. Our quote of thanks is from Lori Hatcher. She said, “When I intentionally thank God for the good gifts that come from being His child, I find it almost impossible to maintain my sour disposition.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 13:6. It reads, “I will sing unto the Lord because He hath dealt bountifully with me.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the simple things of life, the things we have that we often take for granted, but that we could not live without if we tried. Help us to learn, to choose, to develop a habit of gratitude. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 19 Our thankful thought for today is this: The direction we allow our lives to go in each day is a direct correlation of the thoughts we allow our minds to think. If we choose to think positively about the day before us, our lives will go forward to conquer the day, no matter what it brings, in a positive manner. Our quote of thanks is from Malti Bhojwani. She said, “Once a day, stop whatever you are doing and notice two things that you are grateful for in your situation or circumstance and in your physical space. Make a habit of this and truly expand your heart to receiving more to be grateful for. There is more than enough reason to feel grateful always; acknowledge that and where possible, give thanks for it.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Romans 1:8. It reads, “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for this life and thank You for giving us power to control our minds and the ability to choose to think positively. Guide us in this day to accomplish great things, to overcome setbacks, and to be grateful for every opportunity when it comes. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 31

DAY 20 Our thankful thought for today is this: What if happiness depended on having everything we want, having the best things, or having a perfect life? We would be waiting a long time for happiness to come around. Thankfully, happiness is not dependent on such trivial things that can be here today and gone tomorrow. When we are grateful for every moment in which we live, no matter what it is, we can begin to feel a sense of happiness and overwhelming joy in our lives. Our quote of thanks is from Jennifer Sparks. She said, “Being happy on purpose is about making a conscious decision in each moment to move towards happiness. It is not about a perfect life. It is not about having things. It is about creating YOUR experience and being open to the beauty, joy, and abundance that already exists in your life and calibrating yourself to recognize it with ease.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 50:23. It reads, “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we are grateful that no matter what we face in life, what circumstances we endure, what situations we must pull through, we can be happy and we can express that happiness and share that happiness with the people around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 21 Our thankful thought for today is this: Sometimes, we can begin to despise hard work, or any kind of work for that matter, if we don’t stop and take the time to realize how blessed we are to have any kind of work at all. There is real reward in work done with diligence and heart. No matter how difficult the task, take the time to be thankful for the task at hand. Enjoy the reward for your labor and be encouraged that your work is not in vain. Our quote of thanks is from Helen Keller. She said, “It has been said that life has treated me harshly; and sometimes I have complained in my heart because many pleasures of human experience have been withheld from me. If much has been denied me, much, very much, has been given me.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Hebrews 13:15. It reads, “By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we are thankful that difficult, hard times don’t last forever. Thank You not only for work but for the reward we receive. We embrace Your goodness and Your grace in our lives and are thankful for what You have done, what You are doing, and what You will do. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 33

DAY 22 Our thankful thought for today is this: When people come into your life who do not believe in you or your dreams, be grateful for those people. Everybody is not meant to see things the way you do; there are very few people who will. This is meant for you not to give up, but to press on. Be thankful for the setbacks, the obstacles, the stumbling blocks, for they are all the things by which you will see your dreams come true. Our quote of thanks is from Amy Leigh Mercree. She said, “Giving thanks fills you with light and joy so you can shine like the bright star you truly are.” Our Bible verse of thanks is II Corinthians 1:11. It reads, “Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.”

PRAY Holy Father God, while the people who come into our lives may not always believe in us or in our dreams, we take comfort in knowing that You believe in us so much that the dreams You give to us and the vision You set before us will come to pass in Your perfect time, will and way. Give us grace to press on. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 23 Our thankful thought for today is this: When you wake up in the morning, be thankful that the skies are blue and rainbows still burst forth after rain. Be thankful that trees give shade and birds sing songs. Be thankful that dreams do come true and God sits in Heaven working on your behalf. Lift up your head. Be encouraged! Refuse to allow unhappiness to control your life. Things are never as bad as they appear to be. Our quote of thanks is from Bernard Kelvin Clive. He said, “If you learn to develop an abundant mentality you will not be envious of others, you will celebrate their successes, you will share in their joys and pains. Don’t see life as a competition but as complementary.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Daniel 6:10. It reads, “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to develop a mentality of abundance, a thought life that sees the best in every situation and believes that what we have right now is more than enough. Deliver us from depression, anxiety, and worry. Help us to replace such things with Your power and strength working in our lives to bring out the best in us and for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 24 Our thankful thought for today is this: There are not many things we can be certain of in life, but one thing is for sure: that God is always with us no matter what. The situations we face are miniscule compared to the God who can handle them. Never begin your day without acknowledging the Creator of life and asking Him for His help, guidance, and mercy. He is bigger than the day and He is a mighty warrior who wins every battle He fights on our behalf. Our quote of thanks is from Steve Goodier. He said, “The more we express thanks, the more gratitude we feel. The more gratitude we feel, the more we express thanks. It’s circular, and it leads to a happier life.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 35:18. It reads, “I will give Thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise Thee among much people.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for always being by our side so we can face life without fear. We are grateful that You fight our battles. Help us to lean on You, to trust You, and to keep pressing on no matter what. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 25 Our thankful thought for today is this: If we receive each day as a gift from a loving and gracious God, no day will seem ordinary. A positive attitude in the morning can often be the start of an amazing, hope-filled day of both activity and accomplishment. No matter what the day ahead of us may hold, we have the power to choose to have a positive outlook, an extraordinary attitude, and a will that says ‘I Can.’ Our quote of thanks is from Simone Weil. She said, “Love of God is pure when joy and suffering inspire an equal degree of gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is I Thessalonians 1:2. It reads, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You that ordinary days can turn into extraordinary days when we choose to enjoy life just as You have given it to us. Help us to develop a positive attitude about the day before us because we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 26 Our thankful thought for today is this: A lack of gratitude in our lives is a sign of serious arrogance and pride. By not being thankful, we act as if we are entitled to the things we have, and we stand first in line to receive the things we want. This kind of attitude is a sure path to depression, anger, frustration, and bitterness with life and people in it. Nothing we have or are able to do is because of any ingenuity on our part. However hard we work, the house we live in, the car we drive, the food we eat, the job we have, the positions we hold in life, are all bountiful blessings from the hand of the Creator. We should never forget it, therefore, we should always be thankful. Our quote of thanks is from Elizabeth Berg. She said, “I made cranberry sauce, and when it was done put it into a dark blue bowl for the beautiful contrast. I was thinking, doing this, about the old ways of gratitude: Indians thanking the deer they’d slain, grace before supper, kneeling before bed. I was thinking that gratitude is too much absent in our lives now, and we need it back, even if it only takes the form of acknowledging the blue of a bowl against the red of cranberries.” Our Bible verse of thanks is John 6:11. It reads, “And Jesus took the loaves; and when He had given thanks, He distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.” 38

PRAY Holy Father God, every now and then, we take the time to thank You for the big things that happen to us or for us. Rarely do we take the time to thank You for the blue sky, the rain, the sunshine, the traffic, the long lines in the grocery story, the work, the labor, the car we drive, the cereal and milk, the bad hair days, the rowdy kids, and the grumpy convenience store attendant who just needs a little grace. Help us not to accept the gift of each day and leave out the gratitude. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name, Amen.

DAY 27 Our thankful thought for today is this: There is a reason that the Bible is replete with admonitions and commands to be grateful. Gratitude is an often overlooked virtue, but it is not an overlooked biblical principle. God warrants appreciation and doing so draws us closer to Him and allows us to experience certain inner and outer blessings that we may not otherwise experience. Gratitude is very close to grace and grace is very close to the heart of God. We are all living because of grace, and God, in all His glory and power, wants us to feel gratitude in our hearts in such a way that it forces us to express it at any given time. Our quote of thanks is from Gillian Deacon. She said, “There is no prescription for finding moments of gratitude in every day; there is simply the choice.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Acts 27:35. It reads, “And when He had thus spoken, He took bread, and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all: and when He had broken it, He began to eat.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we are thankful for life that is given to us by Your grace. Help us never to forget that we are not alive by our own power or strength but by Your unconditional grace. Open our hearts to gratitude and help us to choose to show it at any given time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 28 Our thankful thought for today is this: If we have a negative, self-defeating mindset we will have a negative, self-defeating life. The way our life goes and the way our day goes is a direct result of the way our mind goes. Thankfully, we don’t have to live based upon the negative thoughts that flow through our mind. Instead of focusing on getting rid of negative thoughts, we should focus on thinking positive thoughts and renewing our minds with truth. We can start by thinking of all the things we have in life that we can and should be grateful for. Our quote of thanks is from Andy Andrews. He said, “We all feel better when we are grateful. There is great wisdom in understanding that no matter the situation, there is always something for which we can choose to be grateful.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Ephesians 1:15-16. It reads, “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You that we do not have to live in captivity to our negative, self-defeating thoughts. We choose today to think positively and renew our minds based upon truth. Give us grace to focus on and be thankful for the good we have in life and may our lives flow in that divine Heavenly direction. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 29 Our thankful thought for today is this: When we begin to give thanks for every little blessing, we realize that we do not need more of anything because what we have is already more than enough. When Jesus took the little boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fishes, He didn’t tell God how much more He needed. He just started giving thanks for what He had, knowing that it would be more than enough. Gratitude turns what we have into more than enough. Our quote of thanks is from Ann Voskamp. She said, “Thanksgiving creates abundance; and the miracle of multiplying happens when I give thanks — take just one loaf, say it is enough, and give thanks — and He miraculously makes it more than enough.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 103:1-2. It reads, “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the abundance that gratitude creates in our lives. Thank You for the example Jesus set of expressing thanks for what He had in His hand and watching it turn into more than enough. You have not created us to be empty, but to be full and overflowing in life and in thanks. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 30 Our thankful thought for today is this: God is ultimately in control of the world. In the midst of a world that is torn by pain, war, violence, crime, and terror, we can see glimpses of God’s magnificent control of the universe. Therefore, we do not have to fear or worry about anything. If God is in control, then no matter what happens He is looking out for us. He has our back, and He has His eyes on us every minute of every day. We can be thankful that God is in control. Our quote of thanks is from Ravi Zacharias. He said, “When God is our Holy Father, sovereignty, holiness, omniscience, and immutability do not terrify us; they leave us full of awe and gratitude. Sovereignty is only tyrannical if it is unbounded by goodness; holiness is only terrifying if it is untempered by grace; omniscience is only taunting if it is unaccompanied by mercy; and immutability is only torturous if there is no guarantee of goodwill.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 30:4. It reads, “Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for being in control of the world. Thank You for the assurance that no matter what happens, You are there for us. Deliver us from worry and fear and help us to relinquish control of our lives to You, and to be grateful for Your guidance. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 43

DAY 31 Our thankful thought for today is this: The more time we spend counting our blessings is more time we spend away from complaining and grumbling about things we don’t have or things we can’t control. Few things are more important or offer more benefits than being grateful. Life itself the mere fact that we wake up in the morning is a blessing and should be accepted with joy and appreciation. Our quote of thanks is from Josef Pieper. He said, “No one can obtain felicity by pursuit. This explains why one of the elements of being happy is the feeling that a debt of gratitude is owed, a debt impossible to pay. Now, we do not owe gratitude to ourselves. To be conscious of gratitude is to acknowledge a gift.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 97:12. It reads, “Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.”

PRAY Holy Father God, as we go throughout this day, help us to choose to count our blessings and experience the wonderful benefits that come from being grateful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 32 Our thankful thought for today is this: In a wonderful, strange sort of way, gratitude pushes us through the tough, difficult stuff. When we reflect on our blessings, our victories, and our accomplishments, we realize that everything is not as bad as it sometimes appears. To rehearse past blessings is necessary to get through present struggles. We might just discover that the current struggle is really a blessing in disguise. Our quote of thanks is from Alexandra Katehakis. She said, “Summoning gratitude is a sure way to get our life back on track. Opening our eyes to affirm gratitude grows the garden of our inner abundance, just as standing close to a fire eventually warms our heart.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 107:1. It reads, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, as we reflect on past blessings, we are thankful for the opportunity to do so. Thank You for grace and blessings that often appear in disguise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 33 Our thankful thought for today is this: If we never receive another thing from the hand of God, we could still fill many years with heartfelt gratitude. When we minimize the blessings and magnify the negative situations, we shut out peace, joy, and goodwill from our lives and instead open our hearts to complaining, grumbling, and self-centered living. When we focus only on what’s going wrong or what we perceive is going wrong, life starts to feel like a desert — parched, uninhabitable, and undeveloped. Gratitude is a discipline that we all must learn, and we learn best by practice. Our quote of thanks is from Faith Baldwin. She said, “Most of us forget to take time for wonder, praise and gratitude until it is almost too late. Gratitude is a many-colored quality, reaching in all directions. It goes out for small things and for large; it is a God-ward going.” Our Bible verse of thanks is II Corinthians 9:15. It reads, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the blessings You have bestowed upon us — so many that we would take years to express our appreciation. Help us to develop a lifestyle of heartfelt gratitude, to focus on what is good, and maximize the blessings we receive. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 46

DAY 34 Our thankful thought for today is this: While gratitude brings many blessings, both seen and unseen, if we are not careful, we can fall back into ingratitude. A lack of gratitude pulls us into doubt, fear, depression, worry, bitterness, frustration, selfishness and complaining. All of these things tear at our lives and keep us confined to a dangerous cycle of negative thoughts and behaviors that hinder us from making progress and living the abundant life that is ours to live. Our quote of thanks is from Tom Hackett. He said, “Prayer is not as complex as it may seem. When we are at a loss for words, sometimes the simplest thing to do is make a mental list of all the good things in our lives (family, friends, pets, etc.) and with a grateful heart just say, ‘Thank You, God.’” Our Bible verse of thanks is Revelation 11:17. It reads, “We give Thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art, to come: because Thou hast taken to Thee thy great power, and hast reigned.”

PRAY Holy Father God, make us aware of our blessings and help us to avoid falling into ingratitude. Deliver us from doubt, fear, depression, worry, bitterness, frustration, selfishness and complaining, and help us to live the abundant life You have created us to live. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 47

DAY 35 Our thankful thought for today is this: Life should be full of progress and of subsequent victories and celebrations. Of course, every day does not warrant a toast of the wine glass. But every day should be as successful as possible, and one of many on the path to a significant life of gratitude. One way we can celebrate our victories in life is to be ready to give a word of thanks to those who have helped us, supported us, encouraged us, and even those who tried to hold us back. No one gets to the top alone. Thus, we should not only be thankful in our hearts for the people around us, but we should show it with our words and deeds. Our quote of thanks is from Dawn Gluskin. She said, “Be grateful for everything. The good, the bad, the ugly. Our entire life is a precious gift. It’s all part of our path.” Our Bible verse of thanks is I Thessalonians 2:13. It reads, “For this cause also, thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the people we have in our lives who help us achieve great things. Help us to avoid being conceited and self-centered and help us to be grateful for the support we receive from friends and family. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 48

DAY 36 Our thankful thought for today is this: No matter how busy we are, we can always take a minute to say a prayer. Our prayers don’t have to be long; in fact, they can be just a few sentences. The wonderful thing about prayer is that God is always listening. He’s not just listening, but He is actively listening — meaning He is going to do something about our prayer request. We can and should be thankful that God hears and God answers prayer. Our quote of thanks is from Israelmore Ayivor. He said, “Sometimes, we wait on God for special things to happen extraordinarily in our lives before we understand that ‘God is working.’ Meanwhile, there are ‘super-special’ things that fill our life barrels in minute drops, but they go unappreciated!” Our Bible verse of thanks is Romans 7:25. It reads, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You that we can come to You in faith and ask for whatever we need. No matter what we are doing or how we are feeling, help us to always take time to say a prayer, knowing that You are there to not only hear but to answer our prayers. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 49

DAY 37 Our thankful thought for today is this: A heart that finds it difficult to be delighted and grateful for the simple everyday gifts that come with living life will find it equally as difficult to be delighted and grateful for the bigger gifts that come every now and then. If we are not thankful for what we have right now, there is no guarantee that we will be thankful for what is coming our way. Our quote of thanks is from G.G. Renee Hill. She said, “Work filled with inspiration is worship. A heart filled with courage is unbreakable. A life filled with gratitude is fulfilled.” Our Bible verse of thanks is I Corinthians 15:57. It reads, “But thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

PRAY Holy Father God, give us hearts that find the good in everything, that see the blessing of everything, and that aim to be grateful for everything. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 38 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is so much more than an action; it is a lifestyle, a mentality, and a discipline. It is easy to say ‘thank you’ with our lips, but so often we fail to live those ‘thank yous’ out in our lives. We can and should be grateful for life and everything that goes with it. When we really look at it, we deserve absolutely nothing, and that is why how we live, not just what we say, is important. Our quote of thanks is from Henri J.M. Nouwen. He said, “Gratitude goes beyond the ‘mine’ and ‘thine’ and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift. In the past I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realize that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Daniel 2:23. It reads, “I thank Thee, and praise Thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of Thee; for Thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to not only be aware of the gifts we receive in life but to be genuinely thankful; for nothing we have is deserved but is all of your amazing grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 51

DAY 39 Our thankful thought for today is this: We can’t see into the future and there is a reason for that. Perhaps, one reason is that we would be fearful of what we see happening that it would cripple us from living life now. Some people are unable to live due to bad events. Other people are unable to move forward due to past successes. We can be thankful that everything happens for a reason and that because we can’t see everything now, we are forced, in a way, to live by faith. Faith is the bedrock for a life of gratitude. Our quote of thanks is from Melody Beattie. She said, “Gratitude isn’t a tool to manipulate the universe or God. It’s a way to acknowledge our faith that everything happens for a reason even if we don’t know what that reason is.” Our Bible verse of thanks is II Corinthians 2:14. It reads, “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we can’t see into the future, but You can and we are grateful for that. Deliver us from worry and fear. Help us instead to have faith and to live our lives in accordance with Your plan for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 52

DAY 40 Our thankful thought for today is this: In life, it is very important that we focus our attention on the right things. Too often, we focus on the wrong things and get distracted, depressed, and defeated. Whatever we focus on will become front and center in our minds and our lives will be dictated by it. Therefore, we should focus on things that are good, pleasant, hopeful, loving, and positive. When we choose to focus on such things, we open our eyes to see the many beautiful things and people that we would not otherwise see. We also invite ourselves to sit at the blessed table of gratitude. Our quote of thanks is from Silvia Hartmann. She said, “One minute of sincere gratitude can wash away a lifetime’s disappointments.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Romans 6:17. It reads, “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.”

PRAY Holy Father God, today, we choose to focus on things that are good instead of bad, positive instead of negative, hopeful instead of despairing. Have our renewed minds to create in us a renewed heart and a renewed life that seeks to live in gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 53

DAY 41 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is easy to live for special days — birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, parties, celebrations, and so forth. But those days only come every now and then. Only living for special days strips us of the joy we could experience during the other parts of life that are not so special. The point of life, however, is to be able to see what is special in each and every day. The things we miss in anticipation of something more can force us to realize our blessings and express more gratitude than we ever thought we could. Our quote of thanks is from Rasheed Ogunlaru. He said, “In life one has a choice to take one of two paths: to wait for some special day — or to celebrate each special day.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Luke 17:13-16. It reads, “And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we thank You for this day and for all the blessings and opportunities that it holds. Help us not to live through one day without realizing the vastness of joy, peace, and hope that it offers. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 54

DAY 42 Our thankful thought for today is this: How wonderful it is to remember that we are all a part of God’s wonderfully created, vastly enriching, spiritually enthralling world. Wrapped in the little cracks and crevices of this amazing universe are things we take for granted but couldn’t live without. Everything we have and everything we are is the endowment of a grace-filled and merciful God who longs to know us, lead us, and fill us with His power to do great things. Let us never forget to be thankful to such an unselfish Giver. Our quote of thanks is from Richelle E. Goodrich. She said, “Gratitude is medicine for a heart devastated by tragedy. If you can only be thankful for the blue sky, then do so.” Our Bible verse of thanks is II Thessalonians 1:3. It reads, “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth.”

PRAY Holy Father God, when we realize that life is not about us, we grasp an important lesson that often goes unlearned. In the rush of our day, help us to realize that the world we live in is really amazing and that everything we have is a gift that comes from Your graceful hand. For this and many other things, we thank You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 43 Our thankful thought for today is this: We should learn to enjoy life. So often, we travel through each day just enduring what is and hoping nothing bad happens. That isn’t the way things are supposed to be. Enjoying life does not mean everything is easy and you are free of trouble and problems. It means that we have the power to choose to live each day to the fullest. God would not give us a life that He did not want us to enjoy. Life is to be enjoyed, not endured. We can learn to be grateful for the moments we have and enjoy every bit of it. Our quote of thanks is from Erica Goros. She said, “Thank God I have seen an orange sky with purple clouds. How easy it is to forget that we have the privilege of living in God’s art gallery.” Our Bible verse of thanks is I Corinthians 1:4. It reads, “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we thank You that You have given us life not to endure, but to enjoy. Deliver us from going through the motions of everyday living, but to really, truly live on purpose, in gratitude, to the fullest. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 44 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is very easy for us to want to be in control of our lives. We think we know what is best and often follow our own line of thinking to our success at times and to our failure at other times. While we are in control, we can experience a great deal of unrest, despair, and discomfort because we really don’t have all the answers. But when we enter into God’s rest, we allow Him to invade our lives and bring us to a place of peace, comfort, and safety. We can trust God completely because after all, He made us and He knows us. And that’s a wonderful thing for which we ought to be thankful. Our quote of thanks is from Elizabeth Goudge. She said, “In a world where thrushes sing and willow trees are golden in the spring, boredom should have been included among the seven deadly sins.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Philippians 1:3. It reads, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”

PRAY Holy Father God, our finite human wisdom and ability is not compared to your infinite wisdom and ability to do the impossible. As much as we want to be in control, we know deep down that we shouldn’t. So, we give You our lives and ask that You guide us and help us to learn what it means to trust You completely. Give us grace to live our lives trusting, not controlling, so You can work in us, through us, and for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 57

DAY 45 Our thankful thought for today is this: Many times, our expectations of situations and people cause us to experience stress and disappointment in life. Expectations often cause us to feel entitled to how a situation should turn out or in how someone should act toward us. When things don’t work the way we think they should, then we react in ways that are less than grateful. Once we drop our expectations, we have more room to experience life as it is, not as we wish it to be, and the more gratitude we can express in the process. Our quote of thanks is from Dennis Prager. He said, “Because gratitude is the key to happiness, anything that undermines gratitude must undermine happiness. And nothing undermines gratitude as much as expectations. There is an inverse relationship between expectations and gratitude: The more expectations you have, the less gratitude you will have.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 118:24. It reads, “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from expectations — some that are too high and many that are not even realistic. Help us to embrace life as it is — as a wonderful gift — not as we hope or wish for it to be. We choose to decrease our expectations and increase our gratitude for everything. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 46 Our thankful thought for today is this: The people who are truly grateful are those who are joyful in every situation. Real joy does not depend upon whether or not something good happens or something bad happens. It is instead a deep-seated internal satisfaction and peace in whatever situation one is in. Joy is not based on the circumstances. It is based on a choice. Gratitude is the same way. It is not based on circumstances. It is based on a choice. Our quote of thanks is from Anne Lamott. She said, “Gorgeous, amazing things come into our lives when we are paying attention: mangoes, grandnieces, Bach, ponds. This happens more often when we have as little expectation as possible. If you say, ‘Well, that’s pretty much what I thought I’d see,’ you are in trouble. At that point you have to ask yourself why you are even here. Astonishing material and revelation appear in our lives all the time. Let it be. Unto us, so much is given. We just have to be open for business.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Colossians 3:17. It reads, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

PRAY Holy Father God, give us deep joy that comes from being truly grateful and hopeful peace that comes from pure appreciation of life and all that goes with it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 59

DAY 47 Our thankful thought for today is this: If we want to get to a place of gratitude in our lives we must choose to walk in that direction. Two paths lie before us in our minds and hearts. One is a place of negativity that keeps us depressed, worried, and anxious. The other is a place of gratitude that causes us to experience peace, joy, and abundance of life. What we choose to focus on and choose to feed in our lives will grow. An attitude or lifestyle of gratitude is not just a clichï¿½; it’s a choice. Our quote of thanks is from Bronnie Ware. She said, “Life doesn’t owe us anything. We only owe ourselves, to make the most of the life we are living, of the time we have left, and to live in gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Colossians 3:15. It reads, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for giving us the power to choose better. We lack for nothing and are anxious about nothing because we are choosing to feed gratitude and we realize that all we have is all we need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 48 Our thankful thought for today is this: We all have different experiences. Some are bad and some are good. But every experience, no matter what it is or how we come across it, should be seen as an opportunity to grow, develop, and mature. We tend to shun negative experiences and embrace positive ones. But what we really want is to be thankful for each experience, for if it didn’t kill us, it is bound to teach us something we can use every day of our lives. Our quote of thanks is from Julie Anne. She said, “Without darkness, we may never know how bright the stars shine. Without battles, we could not know what victory feels like. Without adversity, we may never appreciate the abundance in our lives. Be thankful, not only for the easy times, but for every experience that has made you who you are.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Romans 8:28. It reads, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for experiences, every last one of them. Help us to embrace all of them and learn the lessons we need to learn to make us better people. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 61

DAY 49 Our thankful thought for today is this: Life gives us challenges at certain points in our lives, not as a game for us to play, but as a way to test our faith, our hope, our will, and our willingness to make the right decisions and to change. We can complain that we are not ready or act as if the challenge isn’t there. We can play hide and seek or run away from the voice of the challenge that calls us to experience it. Challenges don’t wait for us to become ready; they are the very things that make us ready. We should be thankful for challenges that force us to try harder, to gain wisdom, and to pursue and succeed in our God-given destiny. Our quote of thanks is from Andy Andrews. She said, “Remember, whatever you focus upon, increases... When you focus on the things you need, you’ll find those needs increasing. If you concentrate your thoughts on what you don’t have, you will soon be concentrating on other things that you had forgotten you don’t have — and feel worse! If you set your mind on loss, you are more likely to lose. But a grateful perspective brings happiness and abundance into a person’s life.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 118:28. It reads, “Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.”

PRAY Holy Father God, challenges cause us to either give up or to fight and overcome. You are the ultimate overcomer of challenges. Never once did You give up on us or on the purposes and plans You have set for us. Encourage our hearts to face challenges as they come, to never give up, and to be willing to make the changes that we know we should make in order to live the life You have created us to live. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. Amen.

DAY 50 Our thankful thought for today is this: We all have flaws. Some of us are quite good at hiding them; others of us, not so much. However much we dislike the little ticks and idiosyncrasies about ourselves, we should learn to embrace them. These are the things that help to make us who we are. If we weren’t flawed in some way, we would be perfect and probably useless to ourselves and to others. Flaws are little blessings that keep life interesting, help us stay humble, and should keep us grateful. Our quote of thanks is from Steve Maraboli. He said, “I am so grateful for the many times God has shown me the mercy of not giving me what I want.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Lamentations 3:22-23. It reads, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to embrace the flaws in our lives the imperfections, the weaknesses, the shortcomings, and the deficiencies. Deliver us from becoming hung up on such things and help us instead to be grateful and to live our lives in accordance with Your grace-filled plan. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 64

DAY 51 Our thankful thought for today is this: We can be an example of generosity for every person we meet in life. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” When people see that your life is characterized by giving instead of taking, it will only be a matter of time before they want to be around you because your attitude is developed by something they are not used to. Giving brings joy, thanksgiving, and happiness. The more we give, the more we find we have to be grateful for. Our quote of thanks is from Stephen Richards. He said, “Gratitude also opens your eyes to the limitless potential of the universe, while dissatisfaction closes your eyes to it.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Matthew 11:25. It reads, “At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.”

PRAY Holy Father God, give us a heart that wants to give more than receive. Let our lives be characterized by our thankful heart, our generous spirit, and our joyful attitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 65

DAY 52 Our thankful thought for today is this: Everything we have experienced, God has given us strength to overcome because Christ already overcame it on the cross. Every loss, every heartbreak, every hurt feeling, every doubt, every difficult situation — Jesus Christ already dealt with it on the cross. He took our past, present, and future upon His shoulders and got the victory for us when He stretched out His arms and died for us. We can have joy because Christ overcame on our behalf. We can be grateful because joy begets gratitude and gratitude begets joy. Our quote of thanks is from John Patrick Hickey. He said, “Nothing builds up your attitude like gratitude. You cannot be depressed, negative, and grateful at the same time.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Chronicles 16:4. It reads, “And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel.”

PRAY Holy Father God, make our hearts and souls endless wells of love, grace, and gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 53 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is often hard for some people to appreciate the good times in life because they are too concerned that they will end. The point of life is to be satisfied in the bad times because they don’t last forever and to be satisfied in the good times because they don’t last forever either. As Job asked, “Should we accept good from God and not also accept bad?” We become balanced individuals when we learn the discipline of contentment — finding satisfaction in every situation. Our quote of thanks is from Christine Pohl. She said, “Gratitude and wonder are squeezed out when our lives are packed full of busyness and responsibilities. There is simply no room, no time to notice.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Chronicles 29:10. It reads, “Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from offering up our busy lives as an excuse for not discovering wonder, being amazed at daily blessings, and being grateful. Help us to leave space in our hearts to notice, to think, to reflect, and to see all of the wonderful things around us. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 67

DAY 54 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is joy because it helps us to put life in perspective. Without a proper perspective, we can become focused on what we don’t have, while failing to realize what we do have. When we put life in perspective, we allow our minds and hearts to focus on the things that are really important. We must let go of the anxiety that comes with trying to get more, the rush to constantly add to what we have because someone else seems to have more. Embrace the fact that what you have right now, whatever it is, is enough—more than enough. We find joy in being grateful at every moment of life. Our quote of thanks is from Zig Ziglar. He said, “Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Revelation 7:12. It reads, “Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”

PRAY Holy Father God, give us the right perspective on life — a Godshaped and God-centered perspective. Help us to focus on the right things and release anxiety, worry, and fear from our lives. Make us grateful in the knowledge that what You have given us is more than enough and let our hearts express that in every way. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 68

DAY 55 Our thankful thought for today is this: The decisions we make in life will either develop us or destroy us. What we choose to do, how we choose to act, what we choose to say, and the attitude we choose to have define who we are. Decisions shape us into better people or bitter people. We will often be judged by the decisions we make. If we approach life with fear and anxiety or bitterness and frustration, we will get what these things bring. However, if we approach life with joy and hope or gratitude and grace, we will receive the wonderful things that await us. So for a better life let’s start making better decisions. Our quote of thanks is from Stephen Levine. He said, “Gratitude is the state of mind of thankfulness. As it is cultivated, we experience an increase in our ‘sympathetic joy,’ our happiness at another’s happiness. Just as in the cultivation of compassion, we may feel the pain of others, so we may begin to feel their joy as well. And it doesn’t stop there.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 2 Chronicles 31:2. It reads, “And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD.”

PRAY Holy Father God, give us wisdom and understanding to make the right decisions in life. We embrace Your will, Your grace, and Your strength to grow, to develop, and to define who we are. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. Amen.

DAY 56 Our thankful thought for today is this: Before you can change your life, you must first change your thought life. Every behaviour, action, attitude, and direction is preceded by a thought. The first step to growing, developing, and being a better person is to consciously change the way you think. The first step to being grateful is to choose to start thinking gratefully. If you think gratefully, you will feel grateful, and you will act in a grateful manner. Our quote of thanks is from Barry Neil Kaufmann. He said, “Gratitude is one of the sweet shortcuts to finding peace of mind and happiness inside. No matter what is going on outside of us, there’s always something we could be grateful for.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Hebrews 12:28. It reads, “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”

PRAY Holy Father God, transform our minds so that we may think in a manner that is consistent with Your plan and purpose for us. Give us grace to change our negative self-centered thoughts to thoughts that are grateful and focused on serving and giving to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 71

DAY 57 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude amply replaces discontentment, because it opens up our eyes to see that what we have and are thankful for now is greater than what we cannot see. In a strange way, gratitude strips us of our attitude of entitlement and causes us to realize that we are not as great as we think we are. It shows us that what we do have is really all a gift given to us by our merciful Creator, and not a result of any fine achievement or ingenuity of our own. Our quote of thanks is from Shakti Gawain. He said, “Whatever our individual troubles and challenges may be, it’s important to pause every now and then to appreciate all that we have, on every level. We need to literally ‘count our blessings,’ give thanks for them, allow ourselves to enjoy them, and relish the experience of prosperity we already have.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 9:2. It reads, “I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to pause each day to realize, acknowledge, and appreciate all of the blessings we have and to enjoy the experience of being grateful. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 72

DAY 58 Our thankful thought for today is this: Most of the challenges we face in life can be overcome, most of the mountains we come to can be climbed, and most of the obstacles we encounter can be defeated if we accept the situation with gratitude and choose to have the attitude that every situation we are in is worth it. We make our lives the way we want it to be by the attitude we choose to have and the appreciation we show for every lesson and every blessing. Our quote of thanks is from Robert Braathe. He said, “Gratitude and attitude are not challenges; they are choices.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Revelation 11:17. It reads, “We give Thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art, to come: because Thou hast taken to Thee thy great power, and hast reigned.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we thank You for challenges that make us better, stronger, and wiser. Help us to choose to face life forwardly and to live it gratefully. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 59 Our thankful thought for today is this: Paul said in Philippians 4:12, “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.” Contentment is never based on stuff or people. It can never be about such things because stuff can easily be lost, stolen, or destroyed; and people can be taken from us through death or sickness, and some will simply walk out of our lives. Real contentment is about having the inner peace and satisfaction that where we are, what we have, and who we are at this very moment are the perfect conditions for us right now. Our quote of thanks is from A.W. Tozer. He said, “Perhaps it takes a purer faith to praise God for unrealized blessings than for those we once enjoyed or those we enjoy now.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Nehemiah 9:5. It reads, “Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us today to be content with such things as we have, such situations as are present, and such friends and family that we have among us. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 74

DAY 60 Our thankful thought for today is this: There are times when situations, circumstances, and people will cause us to despair, feel overwhelmed, and life itself will seem to stop altogether. At these times, we are forced to take a moment to contemplate our environment, our decisions, and the overall course of our life. It is in these difficult moments that we often come to realize that without God and His grace, strength, and mercy, life does not make sense. When we realize that without God we are nothing and we can be nothing, we can live in a spirit of gratitude and walk in the light and love God has set before us. Our quote of thanks is from Steve Maraboli. He said, “Forget yesterday — it has already forgotten you. Don’t sweat tomorrow — you haven’t even met. Instead, open your eyes and your heart to a truly precious gift which is today.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Thessalonians 5:18. It reads, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

PRAY Holy Father God, when we try to understand life on our own we run into problems that are often too numerous for us to bear. Help us instead to turn to You and to realize that You are the source of everything — our past, present, future, and every moment in between. Open our eyes to Your love and light. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 61 Our thankful thought for today is this: When you discover the purpose for your life, and you realize that life has meaning, significance, and value, you will be able to face anything, at any time, in the bravest of ways. When you have the strength and the courage to face anything in life, you can be grateful for any situation that comes your way. Nothing is unbearable when hope is present and thankfulness is evident. Our quote of thanks is from Ralph Waldo Emerson. He said, “You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Hebrews 13:15. It reads, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thanks for the strength to endure, the courage to press on, the grace that carries us, and the gratitude that keeps us hoping, living, and overcoming. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 62 Our thankful thought for today is this: At the end of our lives, we will be rewarded according to how well we handled what we were given. If we didn’t take care of our blessings, then we should not expect any reward at all. But if we handled everything with gratitude and joy, eternal rewards abound even for the simplest of blessings. What we appreciate and show our appreciation, blessings will come back to us in the strangest but most wonderful ways. Our quote of thanks is from Elif Shafak. She said, “Whatever happens in your life, no matter how troubling things might seem, do not enter the neighborhood of despair. Even when all doors remain closed, God will open up a new path only for you. Be thankful!” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 100:4. It reads, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him and bless His name.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to see everything we are given as a blessing. Help us to handle our blessings with care, love, and gratitude. Deliver us from complacency and despair because we choose to trust You and Your power in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 63 Our thankful thought for today is this: What we say to ourselves and to others can have a positive or a negative impact. When and how we say something can also influence the decisions we make and the decisions that other people make around us. It is important to watch what comes out of our mouths. What we need is more people who choose to speak with wisdom, grace, goodness, and gratitude. If we do this, whatever we say will be sure to have a positive impact on ourselves and on someone else because it will be the right words for the right times spoken in the right way. Our quote of thanks is from Tecumseh. He said, “When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Isaiah 12:4. It reads, “And in that day you will say, Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name and by means of His name in solemn entreaty; declare and make known His deeds among the peoples of the earth, proclaim that His name is exalted!”

PRAY Holy Father God, teach us what to say, when to say it, how to say it, and when to say nothing at all. Let our words be seasoned with grace, wisdom, and gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 64 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is an arrogant person who thinks that he or she already knows everything about life. No single person knows absolutely everything. That is why we have schools, teachers, coaches, mentors, training camps and so forth because life is an ever-present lesson. We should always be learning and progressing. We can be thankful when we don’t know something because it gives us the opportunity to learn. When we stop growing physically, we must never allow ourselves to stop growing in other ways. We should all be students of life and be thankful for the opportunity to learn at any given opportunity. Our quote of thanks is from Oscar Wilde. He said, “Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Ephesians 5:4. It reads, “Let there be no filthiness (obscenity, indecency) nor foolish and sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting or becoming; but instead voice your thankfulness to God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from arrogance and pride, from thinking that we are smarter or better than everyone else. Give us humility and help us to find joy in and be grateful for the lessons we learn each day on this journey we call life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 65 Our thankful thought for today is this: It isn’t the tangible things that we get that make us happy; it is the intangible things that we get that we really can’t live without that make us happy. When we grasp that concept, we will find that everything else we have means so much more and should be the impetus for us to express our thanks. Our quote of thanks is from Lenny Kravitz. He said, “None of those material possessions do anything to make your life any better… I know a lot of people who have a lot of everything, and they’re absolutely the most miserable people in the world. So it won’t do anything for you unless you’re a happy person and can have peace with yourself.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 2 Corinthians 4:15. It reads, “For all [these] things are [taking place] for your sake, so that the more grace (divine favor and spiritual blessing) extends to more and more people and multiplies through the many, the more thanksgiving may increase [and redound] to the glory of God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we often hold on to stuff that we think we need thinking it will bring the things we really want in life. Deliver us from seeking eternal blessings in temporary material matters. Help us to seek those things that last forever and therein find reasons to be thankful forever. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 66 Our thankful thought for today is this: Everything we go through in life is an opportunity for us to learn, to grow, and to become a better person. If we choose growing bitter over growing better, we will find ourselves going through some of the same situations with seemingly no end to it. However, if we choose to be grateful and allow such situations to make us better, we open a door to learn valuable lessons we may not have otherwise learned and gain wonderful blessings that we may not otherwise get. Our quote of thanks is from Robert Tew. He said, “Everything you’ve gone through in your life has made you into the person you are today. Don’t hate on the past or the people that have been left there. You are stronger because of all the challenges and circumstances that you’ve endured. Be thankful for everything because as you become stronger...life becomes easier.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 59:16. It reads, “But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let us never become weary of situations that teach us lessons and open up doors for greater blessings. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 81

DAY 67 Our thankful thought for today is this: We should be thankful because God deserves our thanksgiving. He deserves credit for all the gifts and blessings He gives to us. When we choose to be thankful, we shift our focus from ourselves to something higher and more noble. Showing appreciation and expressing gratitude helps us to remember that God is in control. If we release the driver’s seat to Him, He will jump in and take us on a wonderful journey of blessing, peace, and abundance. Our quote of thanks is from Thomas S. Monson. He said, “We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Ephesians 1:3. It reads, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for all the gifts You give to us. Thank You for being in control and planning our lives before we were even born. Help us to learn to trust You and enjoy the journey. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 68 Our thankful thought for today is this: We must teach ourselves to think the best about other people. If we let our thoughts remain unchecked all the time, they usually lead toward negativity. Like water, our thoughts will take the path of least resistance. It is easy to think the worst about others, but it takes making a choice to think the best. When we choose to allow God’s power in our lives, we will be able to see the best in others. We can be thankful for others, their gifts, talents, and aspirations and we can choose to think positive thoughts about them. Our quote of thanks is from Walter Anderson. He said, “Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have — life itself.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 100:4-5. It reads, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to choose to think the best about other people. Deliver us from negative thoughts and help us to be led by your Spirit in our words, deeds, and thoughts. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 83

DAY 69 Our thankful thought for today is this: There is a mighty difference between grumbling and gratitude. When we choose to grumble and complain, we forfeit blessings that would otherwise come our way. We distance the many good things and sometimes, even good people, that could come into our lives because we choose grumbling over gratitude. When we choose gratitude, however, not only do we find blessings, but strangely, blessings find us. Our quote of thanks is from Epictetus. He said, “We need to regularly stop and take stock; to sit down and determine within ourselves which things are worth valuing and which things are not; which risks are worth the cost and which are not. Even the most confusing or hurtful aspects of life can be made more tolerable by clear seeing and by choice.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 68:19. It reads, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. Selah.”

PRAY Holy Father God, in the milieu of everyday life and the busyness of things that must be done, help us to choose gratitude so that we not only find blessings but blessings will find us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 70 Our thankful thought for today is this: God has given each of us the ability to choose our response to all circumstances. The choice to be grateful is always present before us. In every situation, whether good or bad, we are given the ability to choose how we respond. Choosing to be grateful involves not only our actions, but our reactions to other people and situations. It is easier to base our life on the immediate situation, but it is never better. Many times, we don’t see things work out because our reaction is wrong, our perspective is distorted, and our thoughts are negative instead of positive. But we can begin to see more things work out for our good if we take the right attitude, the positive reaction, and a perspective of happiness and joy. Our quote of thanks is from John Wooden. He said, “If we magnified blessings as much as we magnify disappointments, we would all be much happier.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 2 Corinthians 9:11. It reads, “Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, our problems in life may be great, but help us to see that our blessings are greater still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 85

DAY 71 Our thankful thought for today is this: People generally tend to think that happiness is based on chance, fate, or luck. We often imagine happiness as a special thing that comes along when the sun is shining and the birds are singing. But that is not how happiness works. Happiness is the result of our choices. We choose to be happy. We make a decision in the midst of all that is going on around us. We take chances, we take risks, we fight, we overcome, we work, and we play. We create the happiness we want to experience by taking the road less traveled of personal choice. Our quote of thanks is from Marcus Aurelius. He said, “Do not indulge in dreams of having what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess, and then thankfully remember how you would crave for them if they were not yours.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 7:17. It reads, “I will give to the Lord the thanks due to His rightness and justice, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.”

PRAY Holy Father God, today, we choose to be happy no matter what, to be grateful in every situation, and to find peace and hope right where we are. Help us to make these choices and to be resolute in our decisions. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 86

DAY 72 Our thankful thought for today is this: Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive, grateful spirit. Although our spirit is unseen, it influences everything we do. It can be felt in our actions, our words, our attitude, and our presence. Our work, our play, our communication, our socializing, our education is supported by what we have developed on the inside. A smile in our heart is more important than a smile on our face. An attitude of optimism travels much longer than a few words. When we face difficulty, our spirit, the inner part of us, will determine whether to give up or to press on. It is wonderful to have a good brain and a good work ethic, but it is more important to have a good spirit. When everything else fails, your spirit will be strong and shine. Our quote of thanks is from Joel Osteen. He said, “I believe if you keep your faith, if you keep your trust, if you keep the right attitude, if you’re grateful, you’ll see God open up new doors.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Timothy 1:12. It reads, “I give thanks to Him Who has granted me [the needed] strength and made me able [for this], Christ Jesus our Lord, because He has judged and counted me faithful and trustworthy, appointing me to [this stewardship of] the ministry.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to cherish our spirit, to feed it with positive and good things so that the same can come from it, and we can shine in all we do. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 87

DAY 73 Our thankful thought for today is this: No matter where we find ourselves or what situation we are in, we can make the choice to be grateful. The more we are grateful for our situation as it is, the faster the door will open for our situation to get better. Acts 16:26 says, “Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” Paul and Silas were freed not because they fought for it, but because they made a decision to praise God in the good times and in the bad times. Gratitude opens up opportunities for good things to come into our lives. Our quote of thanks is from Paul Bloom. He said, “We are constituted so that simple acts of kindness, such as giving to charity or expressing gratitude, have a positive effect on our long-term moods. The key to the happy life, it seems, is the good life: a life with sustained relationships, challenging work, and connections to community.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 66:8-9. It reads, “Bless our God, O peoples, And sound His praise abroad, Who keeps us in life And does not allow our feet to slip.”

PRAY Holy Father God, whatever situation we are in right now, we thank You for it. Help us not to focus so much on getting out of unfavorable situations as much as we should focus on learning the lessons we should learn and being grateful in the here and now. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 88

DAY 74 Our thankful thought for today is this: Everything we do, everything we experience, every person we meet along our journey is for a purpose. Nothing of significance happens by chance. God’s divine plan does not allow for accidents; He does not make mistakes. If we are willing to open our hearts and minds, we can learn valuable lessons, not fear taking risks, be patient for things to happen, use what is in our hand, avoid throwing away miracles dressed in disguise, and be grateful for everything and everyone that crosses our path. Our quote of thanks is from Philip Yancey. He said, “What I see in the Bible, especially in the book of Psalms, which is a book of gratitude for the created world, is a recognition that all good things on Earth are God’s, every good gift is from above. They are good if we recognize where they came from and if we treat them the way the Designer intended them to be treated.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Colossians 3:17. It reads, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we are thankful that there are no mistakes, no accidents, no chance encounters because everything You allow us to do, experience, and meet is a part of Your divine purpose for our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 75 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is a universal law that we will reap what we sow. Whether we sow good things or bad things, it will all come back to us in some way, shape, or form. It is important that we ask ourselves daily if we are bringing peace with our words, showing compassion with our actions, or offering love with our hearts? Or are we doing the opposite? As we answer these questions, we can determine what kind of fruit we want to get back in our lives from what we choose to sow. Our quote of thanks is from Patch Adams. He said, “At the age of eighteen, I made up my mind to never have another bad day in my life. I dove into an endless sea of gratitude from which I’ve never emerged.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 107:1. It reads, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to choose to sow good things in our own lives and in the lives of other people. Let our gratitude be endless for the opportunity to love, serve, and live. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 76 Our thankful thought for today is this: Nothing helps us remember our finiteness and our vulnerability more than being thankful. If we were the source of everything, we would not have anyone to show appreciation to but ourselves. It is a very good thing that that is not the case. We have nothing of which to be proud or to boast about on our own credit. Since we are dependent upon God for many things and oftentimes upon others as well, gratitude should be a continuous cycle, something that never gets old, something that pushes its way into our lives at every opportunity. Our quote of thanks is from Joseph B. Wirthlin. He said, “The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in his own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 97:12. It reads, “Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.”

PRAY Holy Father God, as much as we would like to think that we can do things in our own strength, daily life reminds us that we are weak human beings who continually need Your strength, mercy, love, and grace. We ask for these things and know that if we are humble enough to receive them, You are gracious enough to give them. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 91

DAY 77 Our thankful thought for today is this: So often we tend to give up the essential for the superficial. For example, being more concerned with obtaining popularity than being an honest, good-hearted person, eager to obtain more stuff than developing an attitude of gratitude for what we have, exchanging class and respect for sensual, provocative behavior. When we look deeply at our lives and take note of the important things, we find that we are less in need of external validation by internal satisfaction. Our quote of thanks is from Henri Nouwen. He said, “Perhaps nothing helps us make the movement from our little selves to a larger world than remembering God in gratitude. Such a perspective puts God in view in all of life, not just in the moments we set aside for worship or spiritual disciplines. Not just in the moments when life seems easy.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 31:19. It reads, “How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.”

PRAY Holy Father God, in a world that lives for the moment, it is easy to fall for surface pleasures. But You know our hearts because You created us and You hold our hearts in Your hand. Give us discernment and wisdom to be able to tell the difference between the external and the internal, what our hearts desire and what our hearts really need. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 92

DAY 78 Our thankful thought for today is this: Suffering is rarely ever seen as a necessary, significant part of life. It’s seen as an intrusion, as a break in the regular flow of how life is supposed to be in a perfect world. But we don’t live in a perfect world. Pain, distress, trouble, hardship, hurt — whatever you wish to call it — exists, sometimes to unimaginable degrees. Suffering at its core does not take away from life; it adds to life. It forces us to stop, think, contemplate, and examine ourselves. It is in these moments of suffering that we experience the greatest comfort in knowing that God is with us and for us. Jesus led the way on traveling the path of suffering. Strangely, we find our greatest joy in our greatest sorrow, our greatest peace in times of great despair, and our greatest reasons to be grateful when we walk through the fires of life with strength and grace. Our quote of thanks is from Brennan Manning. He said, “The dominant characteristic of an authentic spiritual life is the gratitude that flows from trust — not only for all the gifts that I receive from God, but gratitude for all the suffering. Because in that purifying experience, suffering has often been the shortest path to intimacy with God.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Judges 5:3. It reads, “Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.”

PRAY Holy Father God, as much as we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like it, suffering exists in the world and we are not exempt from it. Instead of running from it or complaining about it, help us to remember that Your Son, Jesus, was the ultimate sufferer and He bore our burdens well. In our moments of suffering and pain, help us to remember that You are with us and for us and You will use this experience in our lives to make us better. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. Amen.

DAY 79 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude does not determine our situation. Gratitude determines how we respond to our situation. When we express gratitude for all things, we open a doorway for joy and peace to come into our lives. The small things are often the most important things. They should never be taken for granted because when we appreciate the small things we make way for even bigger things to come into our lives. Our quote of thanks is from Chip Conley. He said, “Social scientists have found that the fastest way to feel happiness is to practice gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Ezra 3:11. It reads, “And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to learn to see every small thing, however insignificant or unimportant it seems, as a blessing and a reason for us to be grateful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 80 Our thankful thought for today is this: Being grateful attracts what we want in life. It is the universal law of attraction that says we attract what we think about. What we think about often becomes our reality. Though there is really no scientific basis for the law of attraction, the truth of it plays out in everyday life. If we choose to be thankful, we will see ourselves receiving more of what we are thankful for. When we are consciously aware of our blessings on a daily basis, meaning we are thinking about them, and are grateful for them, we will attract more of those blessings into our lives. Our quote of thanks is from Kristin Armstrong. She said, “When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Hebrews 13:15. It reads, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we are grateful for the ability to attract into our lives good things by focusing on our blessings way more than our problems and finding gratitude at every opportunity. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 96

DAY 81 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude has a freeing effect on our minds, souls, and spirits. When we are complaining all the time, we feel a kind of sadness or depression in our lives. On the other hand, when gratitude is our foundation, we open the door to a world of opportunities and innumerable blessings to come our way. When we express gratitude, we experience freedom. Our quote of thanks is from James E. Faust. He said, “As with all commandments, gratitude is a description of a successful mode of living. The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 118:24. It reads, “The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for freedom — not only the kind we talk about in terms of patriotism, but the kind that releases us from the grave of grumbling to the grace of gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 82 Our thankful thought for today is this: Growth is often timeconsuming and painful. It’s a process of change, releasing old habits and negative thoughts and embracing new habits and positive thoughts. It’s not comfortable. Neither is it familiar because we’ve never traveled the path it takes us. But when we allow ourselves to grow and learn, we eventually become the people we were meant to be. As we grow in certain areas of our lives, we should also grow in gratitude. Finding the good and counting your blessings daily are all a part of the growth process. Our quote of thanks is from Kevin DeYoung. He said, “The kind of experience of humility and happiness that comes with gratitude tends to crowd out whatever is coarse, or ugly, or mean.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Chronicles 29:12-13. It reads, “Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, We thank You and praise Your glorious name.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the ability to change, the process of growth, the lessons we learn, and the time that it takes to get us from where we are to where we ought to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 83 Our thankful thought for today is this: There are many ways to cultivate gratitude. One way is to begin taking notice of your world, your everyday tasks, and familiar people. Be amazed at the good things that take place without our notice and even the good things we take for granted. Embrace the wonder of the world and of everyday life. Having a good day begins with getting into the right frame of mind. Having the right frame of mind can begin with gratitude. Our quote of thanks is from Richard J. Foster. He said, “Our God is not made of stone. His heart is the most sensitive and tender of all. No act goes unnoticed, no matter how insignificant or small. A cup of cold water is enough to put tears in the eyes of God. God celebrates our feeble expressions of gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 138:1. It reads, “I will give You thanks with all my heart; I will sing Your praise before the heavenly beings.

PRAY Holy Father God, You have created a world that is vast and wonderful and You have given us lives to live in an amazing way. Help us to begin and end each day with gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 99

DAY 84 Our thankful thought for today is this: A second way to cultivate gratitude is to keep a running tab of things you are grateful for. This is often called a gratitude journal. On a daily basis, take note of one, two, or more things, people, and situations that you are grateful for. Just one will get you started. You don’t need anything fancy or complicated. You can put this in a notebook, in a document on your computer, or the notes app on your phone. Gratitude often begets gratitude. The more you make notes of what you are grateful for, the happier you will become. Our quote of thanks is from John Piper. He said, “Anger devours almost all other good emotions. It deadens the soul. It numbs the heart to joy and gratitude and hope and tenderness and compassion and kindness.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 138:2. It reads, “I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.”

PRAY Holy Father God, each day presents something amazing or wonderful, someone to whom we can be a blessing, or some important lesson we need to learn. Help us not to miss these moments and to remain thankful for everything. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 100

DAY 85 Our thankful thought for today is this: A third way to cultivate gratitude is to refocus your attention on positive traits instead of negative traits, positive thoughts instead of negative thoughts. Negative thoughts flow through our minds at any given opportunity. They will stay there if we let them. Our job is to not fight negative thoughts, for the more we fight them the more they will invade our minds. The key to refocus our attention on positive thoughts. Instead of fighting the urge to complain, we should refocus our energies and our brain power on finding things for which we can be grateful. Our quote of thanks is from John Ortberg. He said, “The single dynamic that helps people be most aware of God and most experiencing the fruit of the Spirit is gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Ephesians 5:4. It reads, “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to take control of our minds and to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts for a fuller and more productive life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 86 Our thankful thought for today is this: A fourth way to cultivate gratitude is to be humble. When we say humble, we do not mean that you think of yourself as less than everybody else, but you have an honest view of yourself that is not accompanied by pride or vanity. Humble people realize that they actually have blessings for which they are indebted to God and to others for. Therefore, there is less of a need to be noticed or given credit. Humility allows us to serve others better, to be empathetic, to be more helpful, and to have a simpler life that is framed by our appreciation. Our quote of thanks is from Margaret Heffernan. She said, “All businesses and jobs depend on a vast number of people, often unnoticed and unthanked, without which nothing really gets done. They are all human and deserve respect and gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Philippians 4:6. It reads, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, by nature, we are proud individuals content to take credit in competitive situations and eager to be noticed by others. Help us to be humble in our attitude and behavior and learn to show appreciation often. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 102

DAY 87 Our thankful thought for today is this: A fifth way to cultivate gratitude is to give a compliment daily. It can be verbally in person, it can be a message on social media, it can be a note sent to a family member or friend in pictures. It can even be a smile, a cheery ‘Good morning’, or coming alongside someone to help them out. Show your appreciation and allow others to share in your appreciation of the wonderful things in life. Our quote of thanks is from John G. Whittier. He said, “No longer forward nor behind I look in hope and fear; but grateful take the good I find, the best of now and here.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 54:6. It reads, “With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let the people who cross our path never leave us without being encouraged, inspired, or empowered in some way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 88 Our thankful thought for today is this: A sixth way to cultivate gratitude is to focus on the positive in every negative situation. When you find yourself in a situation that you don’t particularly like, ask yourself: What can I learn? What can I be grateful for? What can I do better next time? When you turn your attention from the negative to the positive, you open up your life to have more positive, happier experiences. Our quote of thanks is from Iyanla Vanzant. She said, “We think we have to do something to be grateful or something has to be done in order for us to be grateful, when gratitude is a state of being.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 69:30. It reads, “I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.”

PRAY Holy Father God, change our focus and our attitude toward negative situations, help us to find the good in everything and find that one thing for which we can be grateful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 89 Our thankful thought for today is this: A seventh way to cultivate gratitude is to make a promise to yourself to not complain, grumble, whine, gossip, murmur, or criticize for seven days straight. Of course, we’re not perfect, so when you fall, you’ll have to choose to get back up and keep going. At the end of each week, evaluate how the previous week has gone for you. Were you happier? More positive? Did you find you were less stressed and able to handle difficult situations with clarity and peace? Each week, you’ll want to experience those same feelings and this will help you to keep your promise each day, week, month, and eventually for years to come. When we refocus our energy from negative thoughts and actions to positive ones, we find greater peace of mind, strength, and power to do the things that really matter. Our quote of thanks is from Albert Schweitzer. He said, “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.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 28:7. It reads, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”

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PRAY Holy Father God, give us the strength to keep our promises to ourselves to not complain or criticize, grumble or gossip. Help us to refocus our energy on what is good and wholesome and on the things that really matter. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. Amen.

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DAY 90 Our thankful thought for today is this: A eighth way to cultivate gratitude is to express genuine happiness when you meet new people and when you hear from old friends and family. People want to be valued and appreciated. Even if they don’t say it or you don’t sense it in their voice, deep down, they will be happy to know you thought about them and you are taking the time to speak with them. Our quote of thanks is from Bryan Clay. He said, “In happy moments, praise God. In the difficult moments, seek God. In the quiet moments, trust God. In every moment, thank God.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 9:1. It reads, “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to remember that we are all wonderfully created by You and let us treat people with the same heart, love, and consideration that You have for all of us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 91 Our thankful thought for today is this: A ninth way to cultivate gratitude is to get involved in a cause that is important to you. We learn to be grateful for the things we have by actually getting our minds off of ourselves and on to other people and other situations that matter. You don’t always have to donate money; you can give your time, your prayers, your skills, and your gifts. The biblical promise that it is more blessed to give than to receive will ring true to you. By participating in important causes, you gain more appreciation for the cause and for what you have to give and the organization or the people you help are blessed and will be grateful for your consideration. Our quote of thanks is from Zig Ziglar. He said, “Look back in forgiveness, forward in hope, down in compassion, and up with gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Jonah 2:9. It reads, “But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the LORD!”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us not to miss opportunities to give, serve, love, and grow. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 92 Our thankful thought for today is this: A tenth way to cultivate gratitude is to be creative, which means making the most out of opportunities and situations including the ones we do not like. When you’re faced with an unpleasant task, choose to look at it from a different perspective. Instead of asking, Why do I have to do this? Ask yourself, What can I learn from doing this? When we creatively look for opportunities and situations in which we can gain or give some benefit, we activate that muscle of gratitude. Our quote of thanks is from an inscription on a tombstone in Great Britain. It reads, “In moments of discouragement, defeat, or even despair, there are always certain things to cling to. Little things usually: remembered laughter, the fact of a sleeping child, a tree in the wind — in fact, any reminder of something deeply felt or dearly loved. No man is so poor as not to have many of these small candles. When they are lighted, darkness goes away — and a touch of wonder remains.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Corinthians 1:4. It reads, “ I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus.”

PRAY Holy Father God, created in Your image, we are all interesting, unique, creative beings. Help us not to lose our creativity by allowing negative situations to overwhelm us, but to use it as an impetus for good. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 109

DAY 93 Our thankful thought for today is this: An eleventh way to cultivate gratitude is to remember negative or unpleasant experiences. In order to be grateful in the here and now, it is often helpful to reflect on hard times or difficult situations that we once experienced. The contrast of life then and now is a firm basis upon which gratitude can be cultivated. When we look back on the past, it is important to look back, not with regret and worry, but with gratitude and joy. If we did not have a past or experience difficult times, and life was just always easy and went our way, then you can imagine how easy it is to become smug and feel entitled. Remembering the bad reminds us of how far we have come and keeps us grateful and humble. Our quote of thanks is from Rick Warren. He said, “God smiles when we praise and thank him continually. Few things feel better than receiving heartfelt praise and appreciation from someone else. God loves it, too. He smiles when we express our adoration and gratitude to him.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 75:1. It reads, “We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You that everything we have experienced in life, even the bad stuff or things we thought were bad, is for our good and for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 110

DAY 94 Our thankful thought for today is this: A twelfth way to cultivate gratitude is to ask yourself the three questions that make up the Naikan method of self-reflection. Naikan is a Japanese word which means “introspection” or “inside looking.” It is a technique developed by Japanese businessman, Yoshimoto Ishin. The three questions upon which this technique rests are: (1) What have I received from ___? (2) What have I given to ___? and (3) What troubles and difficulties have I caused to ___? A fourth question, What troubles and difficulties has another person caused me? is largely ignored in this method, for we can all easily find a multiplicity of answers to this one. How we answer the Naikan’s three questions will help us to focus on our responsibilities in life, to practice self-reflection, to see where our gratitude or lack thereof lies, and to view our relationships with others as a mirror in which we see our true selves. Our quote of thanks is from Kay Arthur. She said, “God is in control, and therefore in EVERYTHING I can give thanks — not because of the situation but because of the One who directs and rules over it.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 79:13. It reads, “But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.”

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PRAY Holy Father God, help us to reflect on what we have received, what we have given, and what troubles or difficulties we ourselves have caused. In so doing, help us to view our lives in connection to You and in connection with others. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. Amen.

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DAY 95 Our thankful thought for today is this: A thirteenth way to cultivate gratitude is to take a break from your daily routine and do something different. Doing something different can cause you to be more appreciative of the daily things you do in life. We all know that, over time, routine can get boring, thus causing us not to pay attention and not to put the proper amount of time and heart into it. A break from the regular will give you a breath of fresh air and help you to be more grateful for the everyday tasks of life. Our quote of thanks is from Marie Forleo. She said, “When it comes to gratitude, the dividends are in the details.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Hebrews 13:5. It reads, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for routine and for the breaks in between. Help us to use every experience as a means to realize and express gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 96 Our thankful thought for today is this: We use just as much energy if not more to respond negatively to difficult situations as we would use if we responded positively. Everybody can be happy when things are wonderful, but it takes a conscious decision to choose happiness in times that are not so favorable. The power and the ability we have to choose never changes, therefore, our ability to be grateful should never change. Gratitude is for all times. There are no higher levels of gratitude in good times and lower levels in other times. The choice to be grateful is ours to make each day at all times. Our quote of thanks is from Mick Ukleja. He said, “Gratitude lifts us above our own demands and becomes the best antidote to that haunting feeling of discontent. It broadens our peripheral vision so that we take delight in the gifts surrounding us.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Isaiah 25:1. It reads, “Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the power of choice. Help us to make those necessary, often difficult, decisions in life and to find peace and appreciation for both moments of pleasure and pain. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 97 Our thankful thought for today is this: A fourteenth way to cultivate gratitude is to pray prayers of gratitude on a regular basis. Prayer is a common way by which many people express their appreciation for life and all that comes with it. Some consider prayers of gratitude to be the most powerful form of prayer. This is because when we pray a prayer of thanks, we acknowledge that we are not the source of everything but that God is, and that it is because of Him we are able to live, move, and have our being. All that we are and all that we have ultimately comes from a higher power which is God. It would behoove us to thank the One who gave us life and gives us daily strength to live each day. Our quote of thanks is from Alicia Keys. She said, “Breath and life, and the opportunity to try. If you have nothing more, you always have that.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 50:23. It reads, “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”

PRAY Holy Father God, we acknowledge that everything we are and everything we have and everything we are able to do is ultimately because of You. You give us strength, courage, confidence, and grace. For this and many, many other things, we give You thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 98 Our thankful thought for today is this: A fifteenth way to cultivate gratitude is to take a moment and recognize your senses. Yes, acknowledge the ability we have to taste, to hear, to smell, to touch, and to see. Imagine if we did not have one of these senses or all of these senses. It would be nearly impossible to function in life without these five wonderful gifts. It is a beautiful thing to be human, a miracle to experience life, and a wonder to be alive. God made us all so wonderfully, uniquely, intrinsically, and beautifully. When we take the time to recognize this, we allow gratitude to live in and through our lives. Our quote of thanks is from Alan Cohen. He said, “Appreciation is the highest form of prayer, for it acknowledges the presence of good wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Chronicles 29:13-14. It reads, “And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we often take our senses for granted. The ability to hear, taste, touch, smell, and see are all gifts from You. Help us to recognize them as such and be inspired towards gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 99 Our thankful thought for today is this: A sixteenth way to cultivate gratitude is to use visual reminders. Oftentimes when things are not directly before us, we have a tendency to forget them. But we don’t want to ever forget to be grateful. Visual reminders help motivate us toward expressing gratitude on a regular basis; they help us to focus on the meaning in everything. Visual reminders can assist us in our quest to develop a lifestyle of gratitude by helping us to remember the things we have and should appreciate in life. Our quote of thanks is from Grenville Kleiser. He said, “Be grateful for the joy of life. Be glad for the privilege of work. Be thankful for the opportunity to give and serve. Good work is the great character-builder, the sweetener of life, the maker of destiny. Let the spirit of your work be right, and whether your task be great or small you will then have the satisfaction of knowing it is worthwhile.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Isaiah 51:3. It reads, “For the LORD comforts Zion; he comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the prompts that help us to remember the things we have in life to be grateful for. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 117

DAY 100 Our thankful thought for today is this: A seventeenth way to cultivate gratitude is to create your own promise to be grateful. If we are in tune with our conscience and with our heart, when we promise to do something, more than likely we will do it. Keep your promise to yourself each day. To help you, you can share it with friends and family, post it somewhere in your home or office where you will be reminded of it, make an audio or video recording into your phone, or anything you can think of that will help you remember to be grateful. Our quote of thanks is from Steve Maraboli. He said, “Those who have the ability to be grateful are the ones who have the ability to achieve greatness.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 2 Corinthians 9:11. It reads, “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to remember that each day is a gift in which we ought to promise ourselves to live, live fully, and live gratefully. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 101 Our thankful thought for today is this: If we allow ourselves to become self-absorbed, we will always be bound by our present circumstances. People who are bound in this way cannot see the good that can come out of bad situations, or even the stars that shine brightest when it is dark. Complaining often compounds our problems and binds us to our own short-sighted, finite thinking. Nothing buries us more than ingratitude. Our quote of thanks is from Daniel C. Potts. He said, “Where there is gratitude, there must also be freedom...Gratitude is the key which unlocks the door for freedom’s expression.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 145:7. It reads, “They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.”

PRAY Holy Father God, You are always good, always watching over us, always keeping us, and always holding us in the palm of Your hands. It is these backyard blessings through which we experience the greatest freedom and joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 102 Our thankful thought for today is this: An eighteenth way to cultivate gratitude is to watch your words. Grateful people are quick to use words such as blessed, service, giving, abundance, goodness, thanks, and so forth. These words echo the spirit and heart of a person. It shows that person is perpetually focused on the things of life and on the things in people that are good. Grateful people do not focus on their own abilities and gifts; but rather they possess an attitude that helps them to bring out the best in others and show appreciation for what has been and is being done for them. Our quote of thanks is from Robert Emmons. He said, “Gratitude implies humility — a recognition that we could not be who we are or where we are in life without the contributions of others.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Colossians 2:6-7. It reads, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our language reflect the goodness, grace, and gratitude for all the people in our lives, for all that we have, all that we are, and all we are able to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 103 Our thankful thought for today is this: A nineteenth way to cultivate gratitude is to put gratitude into action. We trigger the emotion of gratitude when we smile, give a helping hand, say thank you, and show appreciation verbally and in writing, and have an overall disposition of thankfulness. We never want to just go through life, we want to enjoy life and being grateful sets us on the path to doing that. Our quote of thanks is from Pablo. He said, “We only live once. We all have an expiration date after which we will never come again. I am not saying that to make you sad. I am saying that so you can cherish each moment in your life and be grateful that you are here and you are Special.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 2 Corinthians 9:12. It reads, “For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our path in life also include the path of living gratefully, hopefully, and joyfully. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 104 Our thankful thought for today is this: A twentieth way to cultivate gratitude is to be creative. Seek out opportunities in which you can be grateful and show your appreciation. Look for situations that require you to give, serve, love, or help in some other way. No opportunity in life should ever be wasted for we can always learn and grow in some way. We increase our own level of gratitude when we intentionally seek ways in which we can feel and express our thanks. Our quote of thanks is from Dan Buettner. He said, “Gratitude always comes into play; research shows that people are happier if they are grateful for the positive things in their lives, rather than worrying about what might be missing.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 2 Chronicles 7:3. It reads, “When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, ‘For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.’”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to be aware of every opportunity and situation before us in which we can be grateful and serve others in some way. Help us to use our creative gifts to make a difference in the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 105 Our thankful thought for today is this: A sense of gratitude in our lives enables us to receive things from others. It also inspires us to give things to others. To keep the cycle going, what we receive, we have a tendency to want to give because the memory and feeling of receiving triggers something within us that wants someone else to experience the same memory and feeling. When we receive something good, we feel appreciated and valued; we are thankful that someone thought about us in this way. Likewise, we want the next person to feel appreciated and valued in the same way. Thus, gratitude becomes a cycle of paying it forward which makes the world more beautiful and everyone happier. Our quote of thanks is from Jim Fargiano. He said, “Gratitude and love are always multiplied when you give freely. It is an infinite source of contentment and prosperous energy.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Mark 8:6. It reads, “And he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd.”

PRAY Holy Father God, You have given so much to us and are our first example of being appreciated, valued, and loved. Help us to pay it forward and return the favor to You by giving it to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 123

DAY 106 Our thankful thought for today is this: Choosing gratitude saves us from doubt, fear, depression, and all such negative feelings. It holds us back from falling into these attitudes that our human nature pulls us to — attitudes of entitlement, pride, and greed. Gratitude causes us to see the best even in the worst situations. It gives us joy for the journey, contentment beyond measure, and a wonderful perspective on life. It is easy to say with our mouth, ‘I’m going to be grateful’, but it is a consistent, mindful, heartfelt decision that actually causes us to live life in a grateful manner. Our quote of thanks is from Joseph Hall. He said, “There be three usual causes of ingratitude upon a benefit received — envy, pride, and covetousness; envy, looking more at other’s benefits than our own; pride, looking more at ourselves than at the benefit; covetousness, looking more at what we would have than at what we have.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Matthew 26:27. It reads, “And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, Drink of it, all of you.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to replace negative feelings and emotions in our lives with joy and gratitude not for things as we wish them to be but for the way things are. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 107 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is important to find your purpose in life and to do all you can to fulfill it. Nothing will bring more joy to you than finding meaning and significance in doing what you were born to do. When joy enters your life you will find many things to be grateful for. Purpose keeps us joyful and keeps us grateful because we are doing something that cannot be taken away. When the gift has been given, the Giver will not take it back, instead He will give strength and grace to you to do what you have been called to do and that makes Him proud. Our quote of thanks is from Harold Klemp. He said, “If we want to keep the blessings of life coming to us, we must learn to be grateful for whatever is given.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 145:10. It reads, “All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you!”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the purpose You have given to us and the strength You give us to press on each day. Let our lives be filled with everlasting joy and thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 108 Our thankful thought for today is this: Multiple research studies and reports show that being grateful has a positive effect upon our lives. Gratitude improves our health, personality, career, and, yes, our very happiness. Gratitude causes us to feel more gratitude. For example, when you start thinking of the things you have to be grateful for, the thought may only be for a few minutes, but the emotions left by the thought often trigger an overall mood of gratefulness. When we are grateful, we are happy and we feel grateful for everything at every opportunity. Happiness does not produce gratitude but gratitude produces happiness. Our quote of thanks is from Pablo. He said, “Gratitude means to recognize the good in your life, be thankful for whatever you have, some people may not even have one of those things you consider precious to you (love, family, friends etc.). Each day give thanks for the gift of life. You are blessed.” Our Bible verse of thanks is from Psalm 7:17. He said, “I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.”

PRAY Holy Father God, in every opportunity, every chance, every moment of the gift we call life, help us to be grateful, to think grateful thoughts, and to allow our emotions to trigger a mood of thankfulness within. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 109 Our thankful thought for today is this: In the world of positive psychology, hedonic treadmill or hedonic adaptation can work both for us and against us. Hedonic adaptation means that we often quickly return to a relative level of happiness despite the circumstances of our lives after we have been exposed to a certain stimulus; meaning we experience less of the emotion through which we were first stimulated. For example, if you give a child an ice cream cone every day of the year, the first few times he will be excited, but, over time, that child is going to begin taking it for granted. Another example is those who have disabilities often have a wonderful way with resilience and overcoming. At first, negative feelings may ensue, but over time, people with disabilities prove to be just like everyone else in terms of happiness and well-being. Hedonic adaptation can work for us by keeping us motivated and inspired toward our goals. But it can also work against us by causing us to fail to see the positive in every situation and thus we start expressing ingratitude. We can overcome hedonic adaptation by being grateful no matter our situation, the length of time, or the people involved. Our quote of thanks is from Sarah Wendell. She said, “Being in the habit of saying ‘Thank you,’ of making sure that people receive attention so they know you value them, of not presuming that people will always be there — this is a good habit, regardless…make sure to give virtual and actual

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high-fives to those who rock and rock hard.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 28:7. It reads, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us never to become so familiar with the simple everyday blessings such as water, food, shelter, work, family, and friends that we fail to see what’s good about it and express our thanks. Deliver us from succumbing to the negative effects of hedonic adaptation and to instead keep an even level of positive vision and gratitude in our hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 110 Our thankful thought for today is this: Being grateful increases the likability factor in our lives. Several studies show that, on average, people who are ten percent more grateful are twenty percent more liked. We all want to be liked; at least, most of us do. Now that you know, you can increase your chances by being grateful. Grateful people are nice, considerate, kind-hearted, willing to serve, and appreciative for what they get and what they give. This gratitude leads to more positive friendships, happier marriages, long-lasting business partnerships, and an overall well-balanced life. Our quote of thanks is from Jane Kenyon. She said, “I got out of bed on two strong legs. It might have been otherwise. I ate cereal, sweet milk, ripe, flawless peach. It might have been otherwise. I took the dog uphill to the birch wood. All morning I did the work I love. At noon I lay down with my mate. It might have been otherwise. We ate dinner together at a table with silver candlesticks. It might have been otherwise. I slept in a bed in a room with paintings on the walls, and planned another day just like this day. But one day, I know, it will be otherwise.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Isaiah 12:1. It reads, “You will say in that day: I will give thanks to you, O LORD, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me.”

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PRAY Holy Father God, You are concerned about every aspect of our lives including our relationships, how we treat others, and how others treat us. Help us to treat others the way You would with kindness, love, and appreciation. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. Amen.

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DAY 111 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is no secret that grateful people are healthier and live well-balanced lives over people who choose ingratitude. In a 2003 study titled “Counting Blessings Versus Burdens”, researchers found that of those who kept a gratitude journal, 16% experienced fewer physical symptoms, 10% experienced less physical pain, and 25% experienced an increase in sleep quality. Studies have shown that gratitude can decrease depression and lower symptoms of depression up to 35%. In addition, being grateful reduces stress, boosts the immune system, helps us cope with loss and tragedy, and keeps us from becoming entangled in the bondage of money and materialism. Overall, gratitude is a better way to live life. Our quote of thanks is from Elie Wiesel. He said, “For me, every hour is grace. And I feel gratitude in my heart each time I meet someone and look at his or her smile.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Isaiah 12:4. It reads, “And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for this life and the benefits that come with it. Help us to improve our lives and the lives of those around us by choosing to walk on the path of gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 131

DAY 112 Our thankful thought for today is this: Being grateful extends into our careers and places of work. Employers and employees create a happier work environment when they choose to show appreciation for each other and for the opportunity to work together on a daily basis. Companies increase their productivity and effectiveness when they show appreciation for their customers and customers are what make companies grow because when they feel appreciated they will keep coming back for more of what you offer and for that special feeling of being appreciated. Our quote of thanks is from Sarah Ban Breathnach. She said, “All we have is all we need. All we need is the awareness of how blessed we really are.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Isaiah 51:3. It reads, “For the LORD comforts Zion; he comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.”

PRAY Holy Father God, whether we own a business or work for a company, help us to be grateful for the work before us and the people around us and the opportunity to work, learn, and grow. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 113 Our thankful thought for today is this: Being grateful has a profound impact upon our emotions. We are emotional creatures and can often experience a wide range of emotions on any given day. When we are not grateful, we tend to be unhappy, stressed out, envious of others, and focused on the dark side of life. Gratitude, however, causes us to be happier, peaceful, content, and focused on the bright side of life. When we are this way, we accomplish more, give more, experience better feelings and create happier memories for ourselves and for others. Our quote of thanks is from Suze Orman. She said, “When you lose something in your life, stop thinking it’s a loss for you… it is a gift you have been given so you can get on the right path to where you are meant to go, not to where you think you should have gone.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Daniel 2:23. It reads, “To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king’s matter.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our heart of gratitude and appreciation for life and all that it brings stabilize our emotions and produce peace, love, and happiness in our world. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 133

DAY 114 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude helps to form our character, disposition, and overall personality as a human being. Research shows that grateful people are more optimistic about life and even about the difficult situations they encounter. Grateful people are less selfcentered and more concerned with the needs of others; they are also less materialistic and more concerned with giving than receiving. Grateful people feel confident in their abilities, and they are able to encourage those around them and help build the self-esteem of others. Being grateful transforms us into better people all the way around. Our quote of thanks is from George Bernard Shaw. He said, “Life is no ‘brief candle’ to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Daniel 6:10. It reads, “When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let the life we live and the light we hold in our hand shine brightly until the very end. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 134

DAY 115 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude increases our optimism in life. Optimism is the hope, confidence, and positive attitude that our future is bright and will be the best that it can possibly be. Research shows that people who express gratitude on a daily basis and are consciously aware of their blessings have increased optimism by up to 15%. Optimism makes us happier, makes the people around us happier, improves our health, gives off positive energy, increases our motivation, and research has shown that it helps to also increase our length of life by several years. Those who are optimistic about life will focus more on the good in life and being grateful for it because being grateful trumps anxiety, worry, fear, and all other negative emotions. Our quote of thanks is from Simone de Beauvoir. She said, “This is what I consider true generosity: You give your all, and yet you feel as if it costs you nothing.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Jonah 2:9. It reads, “But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the LORD!”

PRAY Holy Father God, the power of optimism is something You have given us the ability to have and to display in life. Help us to embrace an optimistic lifestyle of hope and confidence channeled by a grateful heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 135

DAY 116 Our thankful thought for today is this: Being grateful lessens the pursuit of wanting more. In other words, gratitude reduces desires for materialism and increases mental stability and contentment. Materialism causes us to feel less competent and confident in life because we are solely focused on keeping up with the latest fads and fashions which are ever changing, thus putting us on a never-ending cycle that is detrimental to our state of mind and well-being. Being grateful for what we already have causes us to appreciate the good in life, generates positive emotions, and helps us to give more, live more, and be more. Our quote of thanks is from Christiane Northrup. She said, “Feeling grateful to or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Matthew 11:25. It reads, “At that time Jesus declared, I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children...”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from the pursuit of stuff, the mentality that we always need to get something or buy something or keep up with someone else. Create in us a spirit of contentment and a heart of gratitude that sees the good in life and chooses to delight in simple blessings. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 136

DAY 117 Our thankful thought for today is this: The continuous pursuit of money, fame, power, and accolades has proven to be very ineffective in increasing happiness and wellbeing. There are people who have all the money, and power, and friends, and status they could ever ask for, yet, they are deeply unhappy and dissatisfied with their quality of life. There is nothing wrong with having these things, but if these things make up the foundation of your life, you will be sure to struggle with low self-esteem, depression, worry, and all the things that money can’t pay to fix. Instead of applying your energies to the pursuit of stuff, you can apply them to more positive, meaningful aspects of life such as developing good relationships, giving and serving at every opportunity, doing what you love to do, and being grateful for the life you get to live. The pursuit of gratitude, compassion, purpose, and love are all worthy goals that will transform your life. Grateful people are happy people and happy people are grateful people. Our quote of thanks is from Robert Holden. He said, “The miracle of gratitude is that it shifts your perception to such an extent that it changes the world you see.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Matthew 15:36. It reads, “Jesus took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.”

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PRAY Holy Father God, in a world that is on the fast track to obtaining money, power, and status by any means necessary, help us to slow down and ensure that we focus on the things that really matter. Thank You for the life we get to live and the wonders that come with each new day. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. Amen.

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DAY 118 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude ultimately is the enjoyment of life, every little bit of it – the good, the bad, and the in between. It is recognizing that the moments—every second—is what makes up life as a whole. We should live in anticipation of milestones and big achievements, but in between those times, there are seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years that we should also be living, enjoying, and appreciating. Our quote of thanks is from Rachel Naomi Remen. She said, “Most of us lead far more meaningful lives than we know. Often finding meaning is not about doing things differently; it is about seeing familiar things in new ways.” Our Bible verse of thanks is John 6:11. It reads, “Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to live in every moment, to be grateful for it, and to enjoy it for each moment is unique, special, and a once in a lifetime experience. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 119 Our thankful thought for today is this: We often miss out on the joy of living when we miss the moments of recognizing the little things we have. For many people around the world, bare necessities are hard to obtain, and if they are easy for you and me to obtain, we should express gratitude and walk out our gratitude by giving and serving. Life is about advancement and progress. Yes, we should strive to reach big goals and accomplish great things. But, on our journey to get to where we want to go, we will enjoy the destination far better, if we learn to first enjoy the small stuff. Our quote of thanks is from Cheng Yen. She said, “Gratitude is the world’s most beautiful language and the most genuine way for people to interact. If we always face all people and situations with a grateful heart, we will be happy and at peace every day.” Our Bible verse of thanks is John 11:41. It reads, “So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me.’”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for every little moment, for every big moment, for all the little blessings we encounter on the road to greater blessings. Let our hearts never be far from expressing our thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 140

DAY 120 Our thankful thought for today is this: When we are grateful, we have a sense of feeling closer to God. God is the source of everything we are and everything we have, thus, it is only wise that we have someone to whom we can direct our thanks. A belief in God gives rise to grateful behaviour, appreciative thoughts, and heartfelt actions in everyday life. Gratitude is more likely to cause us to believe in a benevolent God, to feel connected to others, and to be less self-sufficient and more dependent on Someone who is mighty, powerful, and who can do all things. Our quote of thanks is from Nancy Leigh DeMoss. She said, “Worship is a believer’s response to God’s revelation of Himself. It is expressing wonder, awe, and gratitude for the worthiness, the greatness, and the goodness of our Lord. It is the appropriate response to God’s person, His provision, His power, His promises, and His plan.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Romans 1:8. It reads, “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.”

PRAY Holy Father God, in our moments of gratitude help us to consider the fact that You are the source of everything; nothing or nobody can touch the power and might that You have. Help us not only to thank You but to trust You to supply our every need. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 141

DAY 121 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude causes us to be less focused on ourselves and more focused on others. The very nature of gratitude is such that we focus on the benevolence and help of other people and we show our thanks for what other people have done for us and what has been given to us. When we intentionally focus on being grateful, we intentionally refocus our minds off ourselves and on to other people. After all, the very act of gratitude is about someone else. How would it feel if we were always giving thanks to ourselves? Gratitude helps us to focus on others, lessens our need for competition, and pulls us toward a more beautiful, enjoyable life. Our quote of thanks is from Anthony Robbins. He said, “Trade your expectations for appreciation and your whole world changes in an instant!” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Corinthians 1:4. It reads, “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from falling into the trap of focusing on ourselves all the time, thinking about our needs, and doing things in excess that could well be used for others. Let our attitude of gratitude grow into a beautiful, abundant life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 142

DAY 122 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude heightens our self-esteem. Many times, people attempt to build selfesteem by focusing on the individual person: I am smart or I am powerful or I am successful. This can actually have a reverse effect on the human psyche because a primary focus on ourselves causes us not to build self-esteem but to lessen it by turning us not into a confident, well-balanced individual but into a narcissistic, self-absorbed individual. Gratitude keeps us humble which causes us to give generously and to accept thankfully. Gratitude creates a world in which everyone is worthy and valued of being helped and loved with no strings attached, which helps to develop and increase self-esteem. Our quote of thanks is from Harold Kushner. He said, “When you give and carry out acts of kindness, it’s as though something inside your body responds and says, ‘Yes, this is how I ought to feel.’” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Corinthians 15:57. It reads, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from having a low view of ourselves and a low view of others. Give us confidence, balance, humility, and a heart that sees the value and worth in every single person we encounter. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 143

DAY 123 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude helps to create a more supportive, engaging, positive social process. Many studies show that grateful people are friendlier, more helpful, more kind, more benevolent, and more approachable. Because of this attitude and outlook, grateful people are more likely to be given help when they need it. Grateful people are also better at recognizing benevolent acts, receiving help and gifts with humility, and believing that they are valued and deserving of such kindness and that other people are worthy and deserving of such kindness as well. Our quote of thanks is from Joel Osteen. He said, “Seeds of discouragement cannot take root in a grateful heart. Take time today to find at least one thing to be grateful for.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 2 Corinthians 1:11. It reads, “You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we are all social beings even the quietest and most reserved among us. You put us in a social world to live, work, play, and engage with people. Help us to appreciate the human experience, to be grateful for all we are privileged to meet, and to see everyone as valued and worthy of kindness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 124 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude has a profound impact upon our quality of sleep, the length of time we sleep, how we interact with our subconscious while we sleep, and the time it takes for us to fall asleep. What is on our minds at the time of sleep often dictates the depth and peacefulness of our sleep. If we go to bed worrying about situations and fearing the next day, more than likely our sleep will be disrupted. However, if we go to bed thinking about things we are grateful for and the good things we experienced in the past day and the opportunities that await us upon sunrise, our sleep will be more calm, continuous, and peaceful. When we wake up, we will be rested, relaxed and ready to tackle the day. This is why it is recommended to end each day by writing down or reflecting upon blessings of the past day. It sets your mind at ease and is a wonderful, inexpensive aid to sleep. Our quote of thanks is from Timber Hawkeye. He said, “Jealousy is the result of counting others’ blessings instead of your own.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 2 Corinthians 2:14. It reads, “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.”

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PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the gift of sleep and the ability to rest and relax after a long day. Help us not to hinder our sleep by worrying and fretting about things that we often cannot control. Let gratitude rule our minds for a better, more peaceful life. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. Amen.

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DAY 125 Our thankful thought for today is this: A study was done of 400 healthy individuals on the correlation between sleep and gratitude. Those who scored higher on the gratitude test also had a remarkably better sleep experience. They went to sleep faster, stayed asleep longer, were less likely to have interruptions in their sleep throughout the night, felt rested when they woke up, and were able to stay awake throughout the day. These individuals did not necessarily have a better life or an easier life; they simply were more grateful for the everyday aspects of life and it resulted in a more positive personality and outlook on situations. Gratitude benefits both our conscious and subconscious minds and is something we can practice anytime and anywhere. Our quote of thanks is from Betty Smith. She said, “Look at everything as though you were seeing it for the first or the last time, then your time on earth will be filled with glory.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 2 Corinthians 4:15. It reads, “For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, the benefits of gratitude and its correlations with sleep are amazing. Help us not to attempt to succeed at living life without giving thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 126 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is a universal law that we reap what we sow. How we treat or don’t treat people will be the way people treat or don’t treat us. What we give, we’ll get back and oftentimes, we’ll receive more than we originally gave. Jesus said as much when He said in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” We will find amazing opportunities to express gratitude when we replace getting with giving. The blessings that come our way as a result of our willingness to give, sacrifice, and serve in any capacity, are innumerable. Our quote of thanks is from Jennifer Gayle. She said, “When you look at life through the eyes of gratitude, the world becomes a magical and amazing place.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 2 Corinthians 9:11. It reads, “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our lives be defined by more giving than receiving, more compassion for others than selfservice, and more gratitude than complaining. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 127 Our thankful thought for today is this: By giving to others, to important causes, to meaningful endeavors, we create reasons for us to be and feel grateful. When we give, we express our appreciation for all the things we do have and the ability to give back in whatever way we choose adds hands and feet to our attitude of gratitude. When we acknowledge how full our own life is, we can display a heart of selflessness and service in our community and in our position in the world. Our quote of thanks is from Adrian Corday. She said, “Sometimes you have to stop and be grateful for what you have even when you don’t have everything you want.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 2 Corinthians 9:12. It reads, “ For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. “

PRAY Holy Father God, opportunities to give and serve abound all around us. Open our eyes and our hearts that we may see the need and fill it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 128 Our thankful thought for today is this: Being grateful has a profound impact upon our overall health. Nearly 150 different studies confirm that the positive emotion of gratitude improves our health and increases the likeliness that we will not get sick. If we do get sick, we are more likely to recover more quickly than those who do not express gratitude in their lives. Gratitude is not a cure for heart disease, brain tumors, or cancer, but it is a healing aid that can cause you to be stronger and give you courage to handle the physiological dysfunctions that sometimes occur. It is a very simple fact that in order to improve your overall health and well-being, you must start improving your thinking. And you can begin by being grateful. Our quote of thanks is from Steve Maraboli. He said, “Your ability to see beauty and possibility is proportionate to the level at which you embrace gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 2 Corinthians 9:15. It reads, “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!”

PRAY Holy Father God, take our minds and make them whole, take our bodies and make them well, take our spirits and make them brave, and take our hearts and make them grateful. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 150

DAY 129 Our thankful thought for today is this: When we reach that place where all we have left to do is give and not take, we have reached a very powerful place. When we become conscious of the gifts we have received—life, health, shelter, food, work—and we feel gratitude in our hearts for these things, we can keep the chain of gifts going by joyfully paying it forward. Giving is not just about the action, it’s about the heart and soul behind it that makes it worth it. Our quote of thanks is from Bryant McGill. He said, “If you want more from life – start by counting your blessings instead of counting your losses, deficits and wants.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Ephesians 1:16. It reads, “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”

PRAY Holy Father God, make us aware of our blessings, conscious of our gifts, and filled with joy to always pay it forward. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 130 Our thankful thought for today is this: When we give, we automatically begin to experience a life where our cup is always overflowing. We may not live in a mansion or drive a Jaguar or be a millionaire, but when we give of our time, attention, resources, presence, whatever we have at our disposal, we will find that we will never lack for anything. True giving and service comes from a heart that goes much deeper than material, transitory things. People lose material things all the time, but the memory of what you did for them and how you did it will be with them forever. Our quote of thanks is from Zig Ziglar. He said, “The greatest source of happiness is the ability to be grateful at all times.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Ephesians 5:4. It reads, “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.”

PRAY Holy Father God, You have given us the power to experience a life where our cup is not only half full but is overflowing. Wherever we are, whatever we have, help us to be grateful and always willing to help, serve, love, and give in some way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 131 Our thankful thought for today is this: Life’s mountaintop experiences are few and far between. Ask any person who has lived well for any length of time and you will find that everyday is not a celebration. We have those celebratory moments sometimes, but most of life is made up of doing routine basic stuff every single day. The point is not to run through a daily routine without giving a second’s thought as to why and how we are able to do it. It is to do routine stuff knowing full well the difficulties we would face if such things could not be done. Even when routine gets boring and life gets tough, there is still joy to be found in simply being alive, taking a breath, and realizing the gift of another day. Our quote of thanks is from Joseph B. Wirthlin. He said, “Gratitude is a mark of a noble soul and a refined character. We like to be around those who are grateful. They tend to brighten all around them.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Ephesians 5:20. It reads, “Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

PRAY Holy Father God, even though our bodies may tire of doing routine stuff each day, let our souls and hearts be grateful for the ability to do routine stuff for this is the stuff that makes life easier and more enjoyable. Help us to find sweet satisfaction in the gift of life and being able to live another day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 153

DAY 132 Our thankful thought for today is this: Being grateful for life and everything that goes with it has proven effective in reducing stress, balancing healthy body functions, lowering blood pressure, and helping us to manage the daily pressures of life without throwing in the towel and giving up. When our bodies are healthy and our minds are strong, we are better able to handle the curve-balls life throws our way, and in turn gratitude causes us not only to be appreciative of the balls we catch, but even the ones we miss. Our quote of thanks is from Robert A. Emmons. He said, “If we consciously remind ourselves of our blessings, it should become harder to take them for granted and adapt to them.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Philippians 4:6. It reads, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, the pressures of life are practically unavoidable. Give us grace and strength to handle each situation that comes our way, and to create more positive, favorable outcomes by the attitude we choose to have. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 154

DAY 133 Our thankful thought for today is this: Even though some people attempt to do this, it is nearly impossible to naturally lengthen or shorten our lives. However, we all have the ability and the responsibility to increase and enhance the quality of the life we live. Quality of life has nothing to do with status, careers, wealth, popularity, or power. It has everything to do with our inner functioning, how we treat the life we have been given, and how we treat others. Proper inner functioning the mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, and social aspects of our lives work together to make us who we are. Learning how to live is what many people strive for; learning how to live well is the fuel that makes life go. Our quote of thanks is from Abraham Hicks. He said, “If all you did was just look for things to appreciate you would live a joyous, spectacular life. If there was nothing else that you ever came to understand other than just look for things to appreciate, it’s the only tool you would ever need to predominantly hook you up with who you really are. That’s all you’d need.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Colossians 1:3-4. It reads, “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus...”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to learn not only how to live but how to live well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 134 Our thankful thought for today is this: Several studies find a strong correlation between gratitude and physical strength and mental energy. Gratitude increases our overall well-being which in turn increases our energy levels which in turn can make us more productive, optimistic, and happy in life. In addition, higher energy levels cause us to be more approachable, more social, and more willing to bring out the good in others even on their worst days. Our quote of thanks is from Deepak Chopra. He said, “The expression of gratitude is a powerful force that generates even more of what we have already received.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Colossians 1:12. It reads, “Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the benefits of gratitude that cause us to be better human beings to ourselves and to others. Help us to make good use of the information we find. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 135 Our thankful thought for today is this: Besides the fact that gratitude makes us healthier, being thankful for our health causes us to want to safeguard ourselves from illness and disease. Thus, we take certain measures to keep ourselves healthy and strong. If we are grateful for life and health, we will want to exercise more, control our weight, watch what we eat, get regular check-ups and all the simple but important things that we should do to keep ourselves fit, strong, and able to complete our goals in life. Our quote of thanks is from Robert Louis Stevenson. He said, “The man [or woman] who forgets to be grateful has fallen asleep in life.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Colossians 2:7. It reads, “Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

PRAY Holy Father God, our bodies are amazing gifts from You. Help us to protect and take care of what You have given to us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 136 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude helps us to be more resilient. Resilience is the ability to recover or bounce back quickly from a difficult situation. It is the ability to return to a place of strength, happiness, and success after something bad has happened. Resiliency can also be defined as one’s ability to adapt to stress and adversity in life without becoming overwhelmed or giving up. Resilience is one of the most beautiful qualities that exists in the human spirit. When we learn to show gratitude for everything, even the difficult situations, we are more likely to develop a positive attitude to the stress or adversity that exists around us and are more likely to grow as a person during these times. Our quote of thanks is from Marcus Aurelius. He said, “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, and to love.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Colossians 3:17. It reads, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the gift of resilience, the wonderful ability to bounce back from life-transforming events and come out stronger and better than we were before. Let the lessons we learn in life stay with us and let us never forget to be thankful for every situation we experience. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 158

DAY 137 Our thankful thought for today is this: We often tend to run to prayer when we need something, when we or a loved one is sick, when bills need to be paid and no money is in sight, when we’re stuck and don’t know what to do, when our children are struggling, or our hearts are breaking. But how about we go into frequent prayers of gratitude for all the things that don’t need healing, for the loved ones who are not sick, for the bills that are paid, for the moments we’re not stuck, for our children when they’re doing just fine, or for our hearts when they’re not breaking. God loves to hear these prayers too. He treasures them and finds it amazing when His children don’t just come to Him when things seem to be going wrong, but when everything’s going right. Our quote of thanks is from Joan Borysenko. She said, “Gratitude is indeed like a gearshift that can move our mental mechanism from obsession to peacefulness, from stuckness to creativity, from fear to love. The ability to relax and be mindfully present in the moment comes naturally when we are grateful.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Colossians 4:2. It reads, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”

PRAY Holy Father God, it is so easy to recognize when things are not going our way and certainly these are times to come to You. But help us to learn to recognize when things are just the opposite and to remember to give thanks and show our appreciation to You, our Creator and King. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 159

DAY 138 Our thankful thought for today is this: If your life seems to not be working the way you think it should, give a quick check to that gratitude barometer. It could be that it needs a little adjusting. When you adjust it, you will find your life begin to turn around and go in a more positive, effective direction. When we choose gratitude over complaining, we open the door for wonderful gifts and blessings to come to us. The more willing we are to express our thanks, the more abundance we will see in our lives, not just in material terms but in immaterial terms, the things we can’t see like peace, hope, and joy. Our quote of thanks is from Louise L. Hay. She said, “Gratitude brings more to be grateful about. It increases your abundant life. Lack of gratitude, or complaining, brings little to rejoice about. Complainers always find that they have little good in their life, or they do not enjoy what they do have.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Thessalonians 1:2. It reads, “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the gift of life and the many blessings that are available to us if we would simply open our hearts to grace and gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 160

DAY 139 Our thankful thought for today is this: A truly grateful person knows far more than just the sweetness of having nice material things. We know that having such things must be based upon something that is sustainable and strong, and it cannot be built on more of the same. A truly grateful person knows what it means to have love, joy, peace, hope, and a heart that finds blessings in giving and serving. It is these things that make gratitude sweeter. Our quote of thanks is from Alan Cohen. He said, “Gratitude is not the result of things that happen to us; it is an attitude we cultivate by practice. The more we are thankful for, the more we will find to be thankful for.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Thessalonians 2:13. It reads, “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. “

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude on a daily basis and be willing to grow, give, love, and fill our place in the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 140 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude feels good. It makes us feel good. It makes other people feel good. Gratitude gives us this feeling because it is good to be grateful. The positivity and joy that we feel when we are grateful causes us to want to do good things because we want to keep experiencing that good feeling. Gratitude not only brings joy, it is joy itself. It not only brings good feelings, it is the good feeling. Our quote of thanks is from Sri Daya Mata. He said, “Gratitude is a quality that can contribute immeasurably to our happiness, for it is an essential aspect of love. Indeed, it draws us closer to the ultimate Source of all love.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Thessalonians 3:9. It reads, “ For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to never let a day go by that we do not express our thanks for some blessing no matter how small, and that we do not let the good feeling of gratitude overwhelm us and envelop us in joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 141 Our thankful thought for today is this: We all like positive, happy memories, don’t we? Thankfully, some memories are not always permanent and over time, they change. We remember more of the good experiences of the past and have a tendency to change some of the bad experiences into good experiences. This is the power of memory and memory transformation. Experiencing gratitude, expressing gratitude, and cultivating gratitude each and every day helps keep our mind in a positive state. Therefore, we avoid the path of depression which comes from dwelling on the negative and stay on the path of resilience and joy which comes from being grateful for every experience, and keeping positive memories beautifully painted on the wide open spaces of our minds. Our quote of thanks is from Jack Doueck. He said, “What would you say the biggest blessing in the world is? What is the greatest attribute anyone can have? What is the #1 thing that will guarantee human happiness? I would say the answer to all the questions is ONE THING: gratitude. If there is only ONE THING I could teach my kids to do every day and every minute of every day – that would be to thank God and appreciate their abundant blessings… that guarantees happiness. Thus – the ability to appreciate and thank and be grateful is the GREATEST blessing of all.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Thessalonians 5:18. It reads,

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“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the memories of life. Without them, we would not be able to manage or be able to make changes for a better future. Help us to wrap our memories whether good or bad in the wonderful cloak of gratitude and live the amazing life we were meant to live. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 142 Our thankful thought for today is this: The less we pursue stuff, the more time and energy we have to express gratitude for what we have. Take a moment to realize what you have right now. Take a few minutes to contemplate your situation, whether good or bad. The more satisfied we choose to be with what we have, the more we will realize how much we actually have. Our quote of thanks is from Michael Josephson. He said, “At home, be grateful. At work, be appreciative. Gratitude is a gift we give ourselves. Appreciation is a gift we give to others.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 2 Thessalonians 1:3. It reads, “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.”

PRAY Holy Father God, while we pursue many things in this life, help us to also pursue a grateful heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 143 Our thankful thought for today is this: A person who is content is a person who is grateful. Contentment will produce gratitude. I have never met a grateful person who was not content or a contented person who was not grateful. Contentment, in the truest sense, not only breeds gratitude, but it breeds joy. If there is always something to be thankful for, there is always something to be happy about. Every moment of our lives is a cause for joy. Our quote of thanks is from Frank Clark. He said, “Persons thankful for little things are certain to be the ones with much to be thankful for.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 2 Thessalonians 2:13. It reads, “But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let the joy that comes from an abundant and grateful life cause us to live in a spirit of contentment and joy for all that we have, all that we are, and all we are able to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 144 Our thankful thought for today is this: Being content with what we have now brings immediate joy and peace. It also opens up the door to experience more of what we want and gain more of what we need. We will be as grateful as we are content and we will be as content as much as we are grateful. Gratitude is the surest pathway to contentment. If we choose to find and live in the place of contentment, we can enjoy the joyous journey of gratitude. It is a lifelong experience that pushes us in the direction of fulfillment, hope, and joy. Our quote of thanks is from Ruth Smeltzer. She said, “You have not lived a perfect day unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Timothy 1:12. It reads, “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service.”

PRAY Holy Father God, regardless of where we may journey or how we get to our final destination, help us to seek to be content in everything, with everything. Fill us with power and strength to overcome every obstacle and celebrate every moment of victory. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 167

DAY 145 Our thankful thought for today is this: Being grateful eliminates feelings of jealousy, envy, and the need to compare ourselves and what we have with other people and what they have. Envy or jealousy is not healthy for our hearts or our minds. It produces insecurity, unhappiness, bitterness, anxiety, and drives us on an unnecessary and unfulfilled pursuit of materialism. The more grateful we are, the less likely we are to express envy. The more focused we are on benevolence, the less room we have to focus on being desirous of the achievements and possessions of other people. Just like sadness and happiness can’t co-exist, likewise being envious and being grateful cannot possibly happen at the same time. Our quote of thanks is from Oprah Winfrey. She said, “The single greatest thing you can do to change your life today would be to start being grateful for what you have right now. And the more grateful you are, the more you get.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Timothy 2:1. It reads, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from envy and jealousy -- things that tear at our hearts and souls and ultimately leave us feeling unhappy and anxious. Make us content, healthy, happy, and grateful individuals who celebrate others and are happy for the good that exists in our own lives and in the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 168

DAY 146 Our thankful thought for today is this: The opposite of turmoil is peace. The opposite of stress is relaxation. The opposite of anxiety is gratitude. All of the ups and downs, and ins and outs of life can cause us to be depressed and worried. We tend to live our lives to the beat of the rush of traffic on a busy day. Without much thought, we push gratitude to the side to wrestle with the “uncomfortability” of what occurs in life. But at certain moments, we must pull ourselves away from everything and relax and loosen up from life’s tight grip. Learning to be grateful is a powerful relaxant. The rush of life makes us thankful for the peace, the stress makes us thankful for the serenity, and the need to always go makes us thankful for the call that urges us back towards home. Our quote of thanks is from Alan Cohen. He said, “Gratitude, like faith, is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it grows, and the more power you have to use it on your behalf.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Timothy 4:4. It reads, “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to never let the noise of the world drown out the quiet voice that calls us to peace, joy, serenity, relaxation, and thankfulness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 147 Our thankful thought for today is this: Friendliness is a byproduct of gratitude. When we perceive kindness or generosity, we have a tendency to want to reciprocate the action or at least the feeling. Expressing gratitude for life causes us to be better equipped to handle friends, to be more likable and to perceive other people as likable. Research shows that people who are ten percent more grateful than average have nearly twenty percent more friends and social activity. The social part of all of us is on alert when people need help with a problem or need emotional support to get through a difficult time in life. Being grateful helps us to understand the power of giving and serving long before we ever give anything or serve anyone. Our quote of thanks is from Tecumseh. He said, “Live your life so that the fear of death can never enter your heart. When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light. Give thanks for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. And if perchance you see no reason for giving thanks, rest assured the fault is in yourself.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Revelation 7:12. It reads, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

PRAY Holy Father God, give us a heart to give, a mind to serve, and a soul that connects with others to help bring meaning and significance to their lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 170

DAY 148 Our thankful thought for today is this: In every major religion and most cultures of the world, gratitude is considered a great virtue. Ingratitude on the other hand is right up there with pride, deception, rudeness, and unkindness. No one wants to be around a person who takes things and people for granted and is always complaining about what isn’t right or what they don’t have. On the other hand, people always opt to be around those who continuously and joyfully acknowledge kindness with thanks and aim to reciprocate the blessings whenever possible. It takes humility to admit we are here by the collective efforts of other people and that’s why gratitude is one of the desirable and stimulating traits of humanity. Our quote of thanks is from Kevin Eikenberry. He said, “Every dark cloud has a silver lining. Behind every problem lies an opportunity. Being grateful for our situation - even if we don’t like everything about it - allows us to be thankful for the opportunity to learn something new.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Revelation 11:17. It reads, “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign.”

PRAY Holy Father God, in a world that is often void of thanks, help us to allow it room to grow, be embraced and be expressed in our own lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 149 Our thankful thought for today is this: We think of joy as a transitory object or an interchangeable piece of clothing, something to be worn at certain times and not at other times. Real joy, however, is neither transitory nor tied to externalities. It does not come only when we feel like it. Real joy for a person of gratitude is ever present and does not leave based on the ups and downs of life. People who choose gratitude also choose joy. It is impossible to be grateful and not be joyful. Our quote of thanks is from Brene‘ Brown. She said, “Joy is a spiritual way of engaging with the world that’s connected to practicing gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 105:1. It reads, “Oh give thanks unto Jehovah, call upon his name; Make known among the peoples his doings.”

PRAY Holy Father God, fill our lives with joy and let it lead to gratitude for the heart that is filled with joy will also be filled with much thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 150 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is joy because it is an act of worship, praise, and an expression of appreciation. Joy inside of us shines through us at any point in life. Some people have this rosy, skip through the tulips, very unrealistic view of life. This view often brings with it problems and unfortunate situations that can be overwhelming to deal with. Trying to live an unrealistic, fairytale life in a very realistic, harsh world opens the door for disappointment and failure. Thus, one is always in a cycle of being happy and sad, up and down. People have this unrealistic view of gratitude too. If everything is going our way just perfectly, then we are thankful for that moment. But the very second our plans are interrupted or we’re stuck in traffic and five minutes late for work, we start grumbling and complaining. In these moments when our joy has seemingly evaporated, we fail to remember the many days when things went well and the millions of other blessings we have experienced even though we don’t deserve them. Our quote of thanks is from an Unknown Author. He said, “Never let the things you want, make you forget the things you have. If you are truly rich, count the number of things that you have that money can’t buy.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Colossians 3:16. It reads, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching

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and admonishing one another with Psalm and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, every single moment of life is an opportunity to give thanks and to express our appreciation for who we are, what we have, and what we are able to do. We really don’t deserve any good thing so let our hearts reflect that fact and our attitudes fall in line with the reality that everything is a gift. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 151 Our thankful thought for today is this: Joy is a mirror by which gratitude is reflected. When we choose joy in our present reality, we choose to leave behind what we wish or what we want in order to appreciate what is. True joy is not here today and gone tomorrow; it is a deep-seated expression that grows out of a heart of gratitude, grace, and goodness. Our quote of thanks is from Mike Krzyzewski. He said, “Happiness comes when we stop complaining about the troubles we have and offer thanks for all the troubles we don’t have.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 107:31. It reads, “Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”

PRAY Holy Father God, let us always be found in the center of joy, love, and gratitude. Help us to appreciate the goodness and grace of life that urges us to open our hearts and give and receive wonderful blessings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 152 Our thankful thought for today is this: True permanent joy is part of the essence of life – “singing and making melody in our hearts with thanksgiving.” It is impossible to have gratitude without joy and likewise joy without gratitude. When we are grateful, we will find joy in the small things; and when we are joyful, we will find a reason to be grateful. Our quote of thanks is from Michael Feeley. He said, “Being grateful, practicing gratitude, will benefit your life if you want it to and let it. That’s your choice at any moment. It’s either gratitude or resentment — anger or happiness — pleasure or disdain. One choice builds you up; it’s constructive, positive, healthy. The other weakens you; it’s destructive and negative.” Our Bible verse of thanks is I Corinthians 15:57. It reads, “But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three—sin, guilt, death—are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God!”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to choose to practice gratitude so that it can change our lives and the lives of those around us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 153 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude has a way of deepening our friendships with others. When we take the time to talk, to listen, to celebrate, and to cry, we will find multiple reasons and multiple instances in which we can be thankful. True friends, although they may be few, should not be taken for granted. They are there when we need them and still there when we think we don’t. They appreciate us and we in turn ought to return the favor. Our quote of thanks is from Marelisa Fabrega. She said, “Once you become oriented toward looking for things to be grateful for, you will find that you begin to appreciate simple pleasures and things that you previously took for granted. Gratitude should not be just a reaction to getting what you want, but an all-the-time gratitude, the kind where you notice the little things and where you constantly look for the good even in unpleasant situations.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Ephesians 5:4. It reads, “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for being our forever friend. Help us to follow Your example and be a true friend to those in need. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 177

DAY 154 Our thankful thought for today is this: When we give to others and serve others, we will begin to realize how much we really do have in life. Gifts, talents, time, resources, everything we have becomes something we should be grateful for. When we start giving based upon what we have and what we choose to be grateful for, we not only experience the joy of giving, but the blessings that come from giving as well. Our quote of thanks is from Anne Lamott. She said, “Gratitude and service are the two best paths to joy. I mean, I’m not stupid - if you want loving feelings, do loving things. Period.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 136:4. It reads, “To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we are blessed to be a blessing. Help us never to forget that. Give us hearts to love, minds that choose to give, and hands that are willing to serve. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 155 Our thankful thought for today is this: Criticism comes in many different forms. Sometimes it is gentle and meaningful, other times it is scathing and harsh. At times it is needed and in order, at other times it is inappropriate and only given to make someone else look bad or the source of it look good. No matter how we view it, criticism is a part of all of our lives at some point or another. The beauty of criticism for those on the receiving end is to accept it with grace and gratitude. Not one of us is perfect, and we are susceptible to the approval or disapproval of others. The thing is to be open to all criticism but not to allow it to affect you. Never let criticism get to your heart, or compliments get to your head, for that matter. In all its forms, we are subject to growth, to learning, to being better. And in so doing, we can be grateful for the criticism we encounter along the way. Our quote of thanks is from Marianne Williamson. She said, “Blessings, mercy, tenderness, nature, forgiveness, and compassionate relationships exits in our world, yet they compete with the noise and obsessions of video games, computers, greed, and peer pressure. We know we’re off balance, yet we often struggle to realign ourselves. Rarely do we realize that if we simply take time to marvel at life’s gifts and give thanks for them, we activate stunning opportunities to increase their influence in our lives.”

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Our Bible verse of thanks is 2 Chronicles 31:2. It reads, â&#x20AC;&#x153;And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the Lord.â&#x20AC;?

PRAY Holy Father God, so often we assume that all criticism is bad when that is not the case. Some of it is good and forces us to grow and to become better people. Deliver us from becoming conceited in our attitude that we become resentful of the judgment we encounter. Let us be thankful for the good and the bad, when it is not needed and when it is most appropriate. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. Amen.

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DAY 156 Our thankful thought for today is this: Envy is counterproductive to God’s will for each of our lives. When we envy others and covet what others have, we spend our energy comparing and contrasting ourselves to them instead of living our lives in the best way possible. Envy flies in the face of appreciation, acceptance, and satisfaction all of which are traits closely connected to gratitude. Just like antibiotics can be prescribed to fight bacterial infections, gratitude is the prescription to fight greed, envy, and jealousy. We can’t be grateful and envious at the same time. When we allow gratitude to rule, it stamps out envy and replaces it with joy, love, and commitment to give and serve. Our quote of thanks is from Viktor Frankl. He said, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 40:16. It reads, “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from getting caught in the dangerous web of envy and jealousy. Help us to choose to practice gratitude and to allow thankfulness to rule inside of us to the point where we become happy not only for ourselves but for others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 181

DAY 157 Our thankful thought for today is this: Sometimes, we fail to choose gratitude. Oftentimes, our situations are not ideal. We may think others have it better than we do. In truth, that’s not the case, but we think it is. Getting more stuff or going more places will never make us grateful, just like those things can never make us happy. When we fail to choose gratitude, we forfeit the life of joy and peace that is available to all of us. This is the life God has created for us to live. If we don’t choose gratitude, we will, by default, choose ingratitude. We can be as grateful as we make up our minds to be. Our quote of thanks is from Angeles Arrien. She said, “Of all the universal themes that have been transmitted through perennial wisdom, the expression of gratitude continues to be the glue that consistently holds society and relationships together; its oppositeingratitudecontributes to societal dissolution and separation. The expression of gratitude is essential to humankind’s sustainability and survival.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Ephesians 1:3. It reads, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to choose gratitude to live it, to speak it, to express it, and to carry it with us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 158 Our thankful thought for today is this: With all the things that could go wrong, and that often do go wrong, and with all the tragedy, heartbreak, suffering, and pain, it can be hard to focus on the good of life. However, this is where reality comes in. Everything is not all bad, or all good, or all neutral. Because we have brains that relatively struggle to develop inner strengths that can deal with such difficult times in life, we must focus on the good and on turning each situation into something good. Let every experience sink in because we can always learn something new and grow in a way that we may not have otherwise grown. Our quote of thanks is from Michael Josephson. He said, “The world has enough beautiful mountains and meadows, spectacular skies and serene lakes. It has enough lush forests, flowered fields and sandy beaches. It has plenty of stars and the promise of a new sunrise and sunset every day. What the world needs more of is people to appreciate and enjoy it.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 118:19. It reads, “Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD.”

PRAY Holy Father God, teach us to make every situation into a learning experience for which we can grow, become better, and be grateful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 159 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is contentment. It is a state of happiness and satisfaction in life and with life. It delivers us from developing an apathetic attitude and causes us to appreciate everything we are given and every situation we find ourselves in. When we begin to express gratitude for every little thing in life, we have begun to experience contentment. Our quote of thanks is from Abraham Hicks. He said, “Appreciation is the purest vibration that exists on the planet today.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 30:12. It reads, “To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our lives be marked by both contentment and gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 160 Our thankful thought for today is this: The point of life is not to land at death’s door safely having been on a years long pursuit of people, plaudits, prosperity, and promotions. We will never fill our inner void with outer things. The point of life is to live each day in such a way that our contentment results in peace, love, and joy. Contentment allows us to understand where we are, and even if it’s not the best of situations, we would and should still be thankful for it. Our quote of thanks is from Khalil Gibran. He said, “You pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might pray also in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 28:7. It reads, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from the useless pursuit of things and people that can never fill us or make us happy. Let our lives be a passionate reflection of Your abundance and joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 161 Our thankful thought for today is this: You can tell a happy person from an unhappy person by their level of gratitude for life and everything that comes with it. Happiness is not just positive emotions and feelings, it is a state of continuous intense joy. So even when we don’t feel so happy, we can still be happy by finding joy in gratitude. Grateful people embrace happiness and embody happiness, meaning that it is both within and without. Wherever we are, whatever we are doing, whomever we are with, we are able to see the good, the positive, the present moments no matter what. Our quote of thanks is from John F. Kennedy. He said, “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Daniel 6:10. It reads, “But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let happiness invade our lives at every opportunity and let our hearts be overwhelmed with gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 186

DAY 162 Our thankful thought for today is this: There is a great deal of difference between intention and habit. Intention is the ability to consciously choose what we do and don’t do; it is also an objective, a purpose, or a plan about life and for life. Habit is a settled practice or routine, one that is usually hard to break or give up. Gratitude should be both an intention and a habit. We want to consciously choose to be thankful for every situation, but also to make gratitude part of our second nature. We are already victims of habit in other areas, less victims of intention. But in the case of gratitude, it is good to be victims of both. Our quote of thanks is from Mandy Hale. She said, “A great attitude becomes a great day which becomes a great month which becomes a great year which becomes a great life.” Our Bible verse of thanks is II Corinthians 1:11. It reads, “And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let us wake up each morning with the intent to be grateful and to carry that attitude with us by making it a part of our very nature. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 163 Our thankful thought for today is this: Peace is something that cannot be bought or taught. It cannot be borrowed or given by people; and when we have true peace, it certainly cannot be taken away. When we choose to be grateful for everything, we welcome peace into our lives. Peace forms a firm foundation for living. Real peace gives us a reason not to worry about anything, not to want for anything, and helps us to be able to deal with everything that comes our way. Gratitude is peace because when we are truly grateful for anything and everything, we can sing “it is well, it is well with my soul.” Our quote of thanks is from G. K. Chesterton. He said, “The aim of life is appreciation; there is no sense in not appreciating things; and there is no sense in having more of them if you have less appreciation of them.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Colossians 3:15. It reads, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

PRAY Holy Father God, give us peace that passeth all understanding in every situation in our hearts, in our souls, and on our faces. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 164 Our thankful thought for today is this: Everything around us should be a daily reminder of the vast blessings that have been bestowed upon us. When we look at the world through the lens of gratitude we see that every day can be an opportunity to give thanks. Expressing gratitude puts us in a better place a place of beauty, good health, a positive outlook, healthy relationships, and overall goodness and grace in everything. Never let a day go by that we don’t find some way in which to realize and express gratitude. Our quote of thanks is from Carol Giannantonio. She said, “Experiencing and expressing gratitude is an important part of life. It opens the heart and activates positive emotion centers in the brain. Regular practice of gratitude allows your brain neurons to fire into positive automatic patterns. The positive emotions we evoke soothe distress and broaden our thinking patterns so we develop a larger, more expansive view of our lives. Gratitude is an emotion of connectedness, which reminds us we are part of a larger universe with all living things.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 136:4. It reads, “To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for every opportunity, every privilege, every blessing, and every situation we encounter. Help us to give and to receive with thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 189

DAY 165 Our thankful thought for today is this: When it comes to cultivating a lifestyle of gratitude, we need a great deal of help. To us, imperfect, sinful people, thanksgiving does not come naturally. Instead grumbling and complaining come as naturally as waking up in the morning. Gratitude, however, is the conscious response to and realization of the grace and goodness that exists all around us. It is easy to see the rough patches in the world, but we must intentionally look for grace and goodness. Ingratitude fogs the lenses of our heart and blinds us from seeing what we ought to see. This is why we must be intentionally grateful and consciously aware of our blessings. Our quote of thanks is from Israelmore Ayivor. He said, “Ingratitude to God does not rely only on our refusal to give the verbal thanksgiving due to Him, but also resides in our inability to appreciate his gifts and potentials in us by leaving them untapped.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Ephesians 5:4. It reads, “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to develop a lifestyle of gratitude by becoming consciously aware of the grace and the goodness that exists all around us. Remove the fog from the eyes of our hearts and let every blessing we are given become a reason to give thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 190

DAY 166 Our thankful thought for today is this: When we discover that all of life is filled with wonderful, abundant grace and goodness, we will begin to see things change. Not just in our surroundings, or in people, or in situations, but in us. The whole thing about being thankful is that it points us to the ultimate source of everything and shows us why we have everything that we do have. The abundant grace of God that is all-sufficient and everlasting allows us to express appreciation and is the prescription for our worry, our anxiety, and our never-ending pursuit of having more. When we focus on this grace and goodness, we will find multiple occasions to give thanks. Our quote of thanks is from Steve Maraboli. He said, “A sense of entitlement is a cancerous thought process that is void of gratitude and can be deadly to our relationships.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 136:5. It reads, “To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let Your all-sufficient grace abound in our lives and may goodness abound in our lives as a reflection of our grateful hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 167 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is impossible to pay God back for all of His grace and goodness. We will forever be in a state of debt to God for the blessings He has bestowed on our lives. Gratitude should never become an act of returning favors. For when it comes down to that, it becomes legalistic and unhelpful. The fact that God has an overflowing storehouse of blessings that He willingly and freely gives to all of His creation is reason enough to pause to think and to thank. We don’t give God anything, but He gives us everything. Ponder this thought and we will want to attempt to pay God back, but we will never be able to do so. Debt to man is a curse, but debt to God is the best way to live. Our quote of thanks is from Todd Stocker. He said, “The value we place on what we’ve been given correlates to our depth of gratitude for it.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Revelation 7:12. It reads, “Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we will forever be indebted to You for all of the riches of Your mercy and gifts of grace that overflow into our lives. If we never receive anything else from You, we have been blessed more than enough to thank You from eternity to eternity. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 192

DAY 168 Our thankful thought for today is this: We must be careful to not just be thankful for gifts without showing equal appreciation to the giver of those gifts. God feels slighted and people feel used when we make the sole focus of our thanks on what they have done or what they have given instead of on them. We should be thankful for the giver, captured by his personality, joyful for his character, and in so doing, show the true measure of our appreciation. Our quote of thanks is from Bronnie Ware. She said, “Gratitude for every day along the way is the key to acknowledging and enjoying happiness now. Not when the results come in or when you retire, or when this or that happens.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Romans 1:21. It reads, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let us never receive a gift without being genuinely thankful for the giver. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 169 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is so easy to separate daily blessings into categories of big and small. What we consider to be small are really necessities. The rain, sunshine, water, food, and shelter are all blessings that we could not live without, but yet we think of these things as small until they are taken away. What we ought to remember is that there is no such thing as small grace or small mercy or small blessing. And therefore, there should be no such thing as small thanks. Everything is large when it comes to blessings and gratitude. When we treat each blessing as such, we find our lives enlarged to receive more of the abundance that our hearts crave. Our quote of thanks is from an Unknown Author. He said, “A grateful heart is one that finds the countless blessings of God in the seemingly mundane everyday life.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Chronicles 23:30 (NIV). It reads, “They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord. They were to do the same in the evening.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let us never receive a blessing that we consider small but to consider every blessing as significantly large and worthy of our gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 194

DAY 170 Our thankful thought for today is this: We can learn to be thankful in every situation by trusting God and believing that everything we experience is for our good. If God is truly in control of the world and in control of our lives, then there is nothing we will experience without His knowledge and His permission. We can be grateful for both good and bad situations because when we are, we end up with joy in our souls and victory every time. When God is for us, no one can be against us and for that promise, we can be thankful. Our quote of thanks is from C.H. Spurgeon. He said, “It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 40:16 (ASV). It reads, “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: Let such as love thy salvation say continually, Jehovah be magnified.”

PRAY Holy Father God, so many times in life we allow ourselves to get angry over situations that we deem as unfavorable or unnecessary. Help us to learn to trust You and to believe that everything is for our good because when we do, we can be grateful and experience victory. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 195

DAY 171 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is not just something we do; it offers us something in return. It changes our lives, our minds, and our perspectives if we let it. Firmly planted in God’s grace, gratitude changes our response to everything in life. Even when things are not the best, gratitude beckons us to sing “it is well, it is well with my soul. Our quote of thanks is from Jack Canfield. He said, “Gratitude is the single most important ingredient to living a successful and fulfilled life.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Hebrews 12:28 (ASV). It reads, “Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service wellpleasing to God with reverence and awe:”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our lives be reflective of the blessings we have been given and the gratitude that follows for every good and perfect gift. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 172 Our thankful thought for today is this: One of the best things we can do is be thankful for work. If we’re normal people, most of our days will be spent working doing something we have been trained, educated, or called to do. Many people dread work. They consider Mondays to be the worst day of the week and can’t wait to thank God for Friday. One of the best ways to build a lifestyle of gratitude is to praise God throughout the day for the work that You have been given to do. You may not like your job, you may want a different position, or wish to move up the corporate ladder. Whatever stage you are at in life, you can worship God as you work, through your work. God is glorified when we are thankful for the gift of work. Our quote of thanks is from Joyce Meyer. She said, “Each moment that we’re given is a precious gift from God. We can choose to have a thankful attitude and live each moment full of joy…simply because God is good.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Chronicles 16:35 (ASV). It reads, “And say ye, save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together and deliver us from the nations, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for work, for the ability to do something with our lives. Help us never to complain about work but to be thankful for each day that we get to serve in whatever capacity we find ourselves in. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 197

DAY 173 Our thankful thought for today is this: Every word that comes out of our mouths and every thought that enters our minds has the power to give life or to destroy life. If it is positive, it will have a good impact on our lives and the lives of others. If it is negative, it will have a bad impact on our lives and the lives of others. What we think and what we say feeds our mind, heart, soul, body, and spirit. Complaining and gratitude are on opposite ends of the spectrum of life. It is easy to find things to complain about, but truly grateful people spend so much energy and time being grateful that they do not have any energy or time to complain about the things they could find wrong. The best way to start each day and end each day is with gratitude. And when we are grateful, it is impossible to complain. Our quote of thanks is from Tony Robbins. He said, “Trade your expectation for appreciation and the world changes instantly.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 95:1-2. It reads, “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let every word that comes out of our mouths and every thought that enters our minds be filled with life, laced with gratitude, and abounding with power to benefit others and ourselves. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 174 Our thankful thought for today is this: Joy, a byproduct of gratitude, causes us to do things that show how thankful we are. It opens up our heart to love and the goodness of life. When and how we express thankfulness becomes very important because it is tied to our level of joy. Like two sides of a coin, we can choose joy or sadness, grumbling or gratitude. Expressing gratitude helps us to understand that every little thing is a blessing. When we express thanks to others, we extend our own blessings in life to them, and we experience joy in return. Our quote of thanks is from Robert D. Hale. He said, “In some quiet way, the expression and feelings of gratitude have a wonderful cleansing or healing nature. Gratitude brings warmth to the giver and the receiver alike.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 69:30. It reads, “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to choose joy, to embrace joy, to live in joy, to reflect joy, to hope in joy, and to surround ourselves with joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 175 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude for what we have brings fullness of peace and contentment to our souls. This peace and contentment allows us to not burden our minds and hearts with concern for what we don’t have. Gratitude gives us grace to overcome adversity, failure, guilt, and shame. A recognition of and appreciation for the gifts, skills, abilities, and talents we have been given causes us to use them to the fullest for our benefit, but mostly for the benefit of others. And when we realize the uniqueness of others, we are willing to receive assistance and motivation from the gifts, skills, abilities, and talents that they have to offer. For what we have and for what others possess, we can be thankful. Our quote of thanks is from Wallace Wattles. He said, “The value of gratitude does not consist solely in getting you more blessings in the future. Without gratitude you cannot long keep from dissatisfied thought regarding things as they are.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 34:1. It reads, “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the peace, contentment, and grace that comes from being grateful. Let the past not overwhelm us and the future not worry us in place of the gifts and talents we possess and the blessings we have before us right now. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 176 Our thankful thought for today is this: At the end of your day, no matter how tough your day was, write, remember, reflect, or verbalize something or someone for which you are thankful. Gratitude offers a sweet relief from the day’s troubles and quiet calm upon which to rest. Our quote of thanks is from Wally Amos. He said, “For me, giving thanks is a sign of appreciation and gratitude that also brings about a deep sense of peace.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 30:11-12. It reads, “Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let all mourning be turned to dancing, all sadness to joy, all worry to hope, and let our hearts ever sing of Your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 177 Our thankful thought for today is this: Many people strive for this and that, try to get here or there, and are always looking for the greatest excitement or the next big thrill to throw them into an air of ecstasy so they can feel good about themselves. We can’t live on a roller-coaster forever. At some point, what goes up must come down, and we must get back into the flow of everyday life. We never want to be responsible for only living for the big moments while failing to enjoy the small ones. Our quote of thanks is from Brian Tracy. He said, “You have to put in many, many, many tiny efforts that nobody sees or appreciates before you achieve anything worthwhile.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 20:4. It reads, “Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.”

PRAY Holy Father God, give us the maturity to live in the moment and to celebrate the big ones and the small ones. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 178 Our thankful thought for today is this: In life, we can be murmurers or we can be magnets. We can choose to look at the bright side or the dark side of every situation. If we sift through the sand of life, complaining that we can’t find anything or we can’t do anything, then we will get exactly that — nothing. But if we choose to be grateful for the sand we have in life, we will find a way to accomplish wonderful things. We will not only find blessings, but blessings will find us. Often when we’re not looking for something, our gratitude for everything we already have will bring blessings in our direction. Our quote of thanks is from Ann Voskamp. She said, “I know there is poor and hideous suffering, and I’ve seen the hungry and the guns that go to war. I have lived pain, and my life can tell: I only deepen the wound of the world when I neglect to give thanks for early light dappled through leaves and the heavy perfume of wild roses in early July and the song of crickets on humid nights and the rivers that run and the stars that rise and the rain that falls and all the good things that a good God gives.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 9:1. It reads, “I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to choose to be magnets that attract good things into our lives and find wonderful grace in every situation because of our gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 203

DAY 179 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is the key to unlock many of the wonderful blessings in life. It can be the strength that carries us through the day seeing the good, the useful, the beauty in everyone and every situation. It causes us to see that what we have right now at this very moment is really enough and more than enough. It turns problems, not into frustrations, but into opportunities to learn a lesson. It turns bitter disappointments into blessings in disguise. It turns coincidences into necessary appointments. Gratitude fills life. Gratitude is life. Our quote of thanks is from Damaris Pierce. She said, “Gratitude is the ultimate drug! It feels wonderful, is free, legal and has no negative side effects.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Chronicles 29:10. It reads, “Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the beauty of life, the grace that carries, the lessons that come in the form of problems, the blessings that hide behind disappointments, and the chance meetings that point us toward destiny. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 204

DAY 180 Our thankful thought for today is this: Some people really do feel that showing appreciation is below them. They have an attitude of entitlement that causes them to think that they deserve what they have and that what they do have is a result of themselves and only of themselves. They give credit to no one, not even to God, for any part of their life. The ungrateful are under the illusion that expressing thanks belittles their own value and worth as a person. This is not at all true. It is in showing gratitude to others and for everything that we experience life at an elevated and abundant level. A lack of gratitude shows a serious belief in one’s own self-importance and is actually proof of one’s arrogance and blindness to grace. Our quote of thanks is from Sarah Ban Breathnach. She said, “Authentic success is being so grateful for the many blessings bestowed on you and yours that you can share your portion with others.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Chronicles 29:14. It reads, “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us never to yield to the temptation to have an attitude of entitlement and conceit. Soften our hearts to express appreciation and experience life on an abundant level. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 205

DAY 181 Our thankful thought for today is this: There are times in life when doors will close to us for various reason. Sometimes it is because of what we did; other times it is because of what others did. But most times it is because the Creator of life and the One who gives us purpose for living has much better plans for us. It does no good to yield to regret and stand gazing at a closed door. For always, when one door is closed, another door is almost certain to open. The possibilities and opportunities behind this door will be exactly what we need. So the next time a door closes, don’t drop off into sadness and disappointment, but start being grateful and anticipating the new door that is bound to open. Our quote of thanks is from Ralph Waldo Emerson. He said, “The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Nehemiah 9:5 (AMP). It reads, “Then the Levites...said, Stand up and bless the Lord your God from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be Your glorious name which is exalted above all blessing and praise.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for closed doors, for the people who said no, for the chances we couldn’t take, for the opportunities that didn’t work out, and for the light that did go out. We know You have something much better in store for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 206

DAY 182 Our thankful thought for today is this: We can give thanks freely and wonderfully because there is a good God who rules and reigns in the world. Even in the midst of much turmoil, heartbreak, and grief, God still leads, guides, protects, and provides. In all of our broken lives, He is the glue that holds us together. He sits in Heaven and busies Himself with working all things out for our good and for His glory. It is safe to trust in this God and sweet to give thanks to Him. Our quote of thanks is from Henri Nouwen. He said, “Gratitude is the most fruitful way of deepening your consciousness that you are...a divine choice.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Chronicles 16:8 (AMP). It reads, “O give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known His doings among the peoples!”

PRAY Holy Father God, in our fallen world and with our broken lives, we take comfort in the fact that You are alive and You still make beautiful things possible. Let our hearts be grateful that You are the one person in the world who we can fully trust and put our hope in. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 183 Our thankful thought for today is this: It doesn’t take much effort to recognize what is not going well in the world. After all, hate is blatant, violence is obvious, suffering is undisguised, and terror is right in our faces. But when we strive to be grateful, we will have an eye to find beauty amidst the rubble, peace in the middle of turmoil, comfort in times of grief, and grace that trickles down in small, but powerful amounts until it covers every corner of earth and touches every life in some way. Our quote of thanks is from Arianna Huffington. She said, “When you live life with an eye towards gratitude, you will give yourself even more reasons to track your other habits. Be grateful for the time you have found to move, sleep, meditate, and work on your priorities today.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Jonah 2:9 (AMP). It reads, “But as for me, I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that which I have vowed. Salvation and deliverance belong to the Lord!”

PRAY Holy Father God, open our eyes and heart to the good that is often hidden behind the bad and the grace that steadily, slowly flows into our lives when we most need it and when we least expect it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 208

DAY 184 Our thankful thought for today is this: Ingratitude is a prison that holds us back from experiencing and expressing gratitude. Many times, we feel a sense of entitlement to the things we have or think we should have. When we lose what we have or never get what we want, we begin to feel anger or frustration, and thus, feel a right to complain. Freedom is the absence of constraint in choice or action. There is nothing at all that can hold us back from expressing gratitude in life unless we allow it. We can choose at any point, in any place, at anytime, and anywhere to live in appreciation, and we have the freedom to do so. The freer we are, the more we have to be grateful for. It is necessary for our own well-being that we do not constrain ourselves in being grateful for all that we have and are able to do in this life. Our quote of thanks is from Valerie Elster. She said, “Expressing gratitude is a natural state of being and reminds us that we are all connected.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Chronicles 29:11 (AMP). It reads, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and the earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and Yours it is to be exalted as Head over all.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let us always be thankful for freedom, for truth, and the power to overcome. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 209

DAY 185 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is freedom because in this life, we all are given the opportunity to do great things. We were not created as robots, moving at the command of another person. Many talents and gifts exist among humanity that are too numerous to name and too complicated to describe here. No two people are the same; and no one can do the same thing exactly the same way someone else can do it. We are the same in physicality, yet different in every other way. With all of our colors and combinations, we are free to express ourselves in a multiplicity of ways. God has never created any duplicates and yet God loves us all the same, unequivocally, unconditionally, and unapologetically. What makes us special as individuals is our differences, our diversity, and how we can and should love one another, help one another, and inspire one another. We should be grateful for our differences and freedom allows us to be that way. Our quote of thanks is from Ellen Goodman. She said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are told that people stay in love because of chemistry, or because they remain intrigued with each other, because of many kindnesses, because of luck. But part of it has got to be forgiveness and gratefulness.â&#x20AC;? Our Bible verse of thanks is Philippians 4:6 (AMP). It reads, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and

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petition, with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.â&#x20AC;?

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to see the good in being ourselves and in others being themselves. Thank You for our differences. Let it inspire us to love, help, and be grateful for each other. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. Amen.

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DAY 186 Our thankful thought for today is this: People are often afraid of quietness or of being by themselves because it is too close to loneliness. We are social beings. This means we thrive off of being connected to each other. With our busy schedules, it can be difficult to make time to be by ourselves. But we must come to appreciate solitude on a daily basis, for therein we find time to think, to contemplate, to reconsider, to rest, and to plan our moves for a brighter future and a better life. Our quote of thanks is from Aldous Huxley. He said, “Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Hebrews 13:5 (ASV). It reads, “Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to learn to appreciate quietness and surrender to solitude in our lives. It is in these moments that we find guidance and peace to live our busy lives in joy and appreciation for life’s precious gifts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 187 Our thankful thought for today is this: The story is told of a harried minister who was given an assignment by the Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Jung, to be alone with himself. After some time, the minister reported back about his experience reading books and listening to classical music. Dr. Jung replied, “You didn’t understand. I didn’t want you with Herman Hesse or Thomas Mann or even Mozart or Chopin. I wanted you alone with yourself.” It is important to set aside time to be with yourself -- no people, no books, no music, no computers, no buzzers and beepers -- just you. In being by ourselves, we will come to realize the good that exists all around us. We will also come to appreciate the people, the books, the music, the computers, the buzzers, and all the things that make life go. Our quote of thanks is from M.J. Ryan. She said, “Gratitude helps us to return to our natural state of joyfulness, where we notice what’s right instead of what’s wrong. It makes us feel complete, that we have everything we need, at least in this moment.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 34:8 (ASV). It reads, “Oh taste and see that Jehovah is good: Blessed is the man that taketh refuge in him.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to appreciate the beauty and joy of quietness and solitude. It is in You that we find peace in the midst of turmoil, and balance when life seems harried and demanding. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 213

DAY 188 Our thankful thought for today is this: Practicing gratitude on a daily basis can help us get unstuck, stay unstuck, and avoid getting stuck in the first place. It helps us to put situations into perspective and to show appreciation for the seemingly difficult people in our lives. We aren’t genetically compelled to be grateful which is why we have to make the choice to do so. If we were hardwired to be grateful, everyone would be doing it. Gratitude isn’t just an attitude or a virtue, it is a way of life that makes us stronger, healthier, and happier. Our quote of thanks is from Ruth Benedict. She said, “Virtue begins when we dedicate ourselves actively to the job of gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Numbers 6:24-26 (ASV). It reads, “Jehovah bless thee, and keep thee: Jehovah make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: Jehovah lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our lives be a daily prayer of thanks and an eternal expression of gratitude for all that we have, all that we don’t have, all that we are, all that we aren’t, and all the blessings that show up in disguises. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 214

DAY 189 Our thankful thought for today is this: We are all so blessed, far more than we take time to realize. God’s blessings are so abundant and so full of grace. It would take ages and ages to remember every single blessing that has been given to us. Perhaps, that would be a noble goal for each of us to attempt. So often we approach God with requests. There is nothing wrong with that. However, what would happen if we dropped the requests, at least for a while, and began to thank Him for being so good to us? Maybe some of our requests would turn into moments of thanks, some of our worries would turn into peace, and some of our burdens would be disguised as necessary lessons on life’s journey. We are blessed beyond measure, far more than we could ever imagine. It’s time we open our hearts and let the thanks come out. Our quote of thanks is from Oprah Winfrey. She said, “I live in the space of thankfulness – and I have been rewarded a million times over for it. I started out giving thanks for small things, and the more thankful I became, the more my bounty increased. That’s because what you focus on expands, and when you focus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it. Opportunities, relationships, even money flowed my way when I learned to be grateful no matter what happened in my life.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 18:3 (AMP). It reads, “I

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will call upon the Lord, Who is to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.â&#x20AC;?

PRAY Holy Father God, we just want to thank You for all the blessings You have bestowed upon our lives. It would be ages before we finish our thanks, if ever. But right now, let our hearts and our lives be reflective of the mercy and grace that carries us. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. Amen.

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DAY 190 Our thankful thought for today is this: It can be said that we are truly alive in those moments when grace not only abounds in our lives but is extended to the lives of others. Gratitude is an extension of grace because wherever grace can be found gratitude is not far behind. Grace allows us to receive every situation we experience and every person we encounter with the knowledge and appreciation that it is for our good. Our quote of thanks is from Joseph F. Cook. He said, “It is the will to be grateful which constitutes gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 18:46-49 (AMP). It reads, “The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted, The God Who avenges me and subdues peoples under me, Who delivers me from my enemies; yes, You lift me up above those who rise up against me; You deliver me from the man of violence. Therefore will I give thanks and extol You, O Lord, among the nations, and sing praises to Your name.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let both grace and gratitude abound in our lives to the extent that is stretches out to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 191 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude has not only personal implications and spiritual implications, but it has social implications as well. When we are grateful, we are more likely to be courageous, kind, and giving. We are also able to see abundance instead of lack, and act out of a sense of more than enough instead of just enough. It is hard for a person who is unthankful for life to really see how much more is available if one would just flip the coin. An attitude of thankfulness causes us to open ourselves up to the good opportunities that we encounter and to create good memories and experiences for others. It shows up in how we treat people and also how we treat ourselves. Our quote of thanks is from Therese J. Borchard. She said, “One of the hardest acts of gratitude is to graciously accept a gift, to believe in the goodness of the person who gave it to us, and to believe in ourselves enough to receive it.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Jeremiah 33:11 (AMP). It reads, “[There shall be heard again] the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voices of those who sing as they bring sacrifices of thanksgiving into the house of the Lord, Give praise and thanks to the Lord of hosts, for the Lord is good; for His mercy and kindness and steadfast love endure forever! For I will cause the captivity of the land to be reversed and return to be as it was at first, says the Lord.”

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PRAY Holy Father God, help us to learn to think and operate from a place of courage, kindness, faith, and service. Help us to understand that when we think in terms of more than enough, we actually do have all that we need. Make us givers and blessers who find life in giving thanks. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. Amen.

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DAY 192 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is impossible to be joyful without being grateful and it is impossible to be grateful without being joyful. Both joy and gratitude engage with each other. When joy exists, gratitude is not far behind and when gratitude is present, joy is also nearby. Joy allows us to be grateful because it opens up our hearts and minds to see the world around us from a different perspective and to appreciate it as it is, not as we wish it to be. Gratitude causes us to be joyful for all the small moments of grace that appear in our lives, many times when they are least expected or noticeable. Both joy and gratitude allow us to recognize the interrelatedness of life and humanity and to believe everything is because of God for “in Him we live and move and have our being.” Our quote of thanks is from David Steindl-Rast. He said, “If you’re grateful, you’re not fearful, and if you’re not fearful, you’re not violent. If you’re grateful, you act out of a sense of enough and not out of a sense of scarcity and are willing to share.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 116:17 (AMP). It reads, “I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call on the name of the Lord.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let both joy and thanks abound in our lives now and forever. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 193 Our thankful thought for today is this: You never know what kind of impact you can have on someone’s life simply because you gave them a hug, a smile, a kind word, or food to eat, shelter, and clean clothes. The person you help may in turn help someone else. UCSF School of Medicine Professor, Rachel Naomi Remen said, “When you help, you see life as weak. When you fix, you see life as broken. When you serve, you see life as whole.” Each gift you give becomes a gift that can multiply because each person feels the obligation to pay it forward. Our quote of thanks is from Michael Hyatt. He said, “You can never be too generous. You can never be too grateful.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 136:2. It reads, “O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to serve not out of obligation, but out of a willing, grateful heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 194 Our thankful thought for today is this: When we realize that we can give and serve wherever and with whatever we have, new opportunities open up for us to do so. Giving delivers us from focusing on “me” and turns our attention to focusing on “we”. We replace questions such as “what can I get?” with questions such as “what can I give?” When we change our mentality from consumption to contribution, we open up doors for opportunities, joys, and freedoms that we never had before to come our way. Our quote of thanks is from Charles E. Jefferson. He said, “Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 140:12-13. It reads, “I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our lives be defined not by how much we get but by how much we give and how grateful we are for everything. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 195 Our thankful thought for today is this: When we choose to be grateful for every situation in life, we will find peace in our lives. For the peaceful person, it does not matter whether they lose material things. Those who have real peace know that everything happens for a reason, and whatever that reason is, they accept it as good and make the best out of it. A person at peace is unshaken when tragedy strikes because he or she knows that what goes on in the world is ultimately orchestrated and controlled by a Person who is mightier than all of us. Peace is not the absence of sorrow, sickness, and sadness, but the knowledge that all these things exist, and life can still be appreciated as it has been given. Our quote of thanks is from Roberto Benigni. He said, “It is a sign of mediocrity when you demonstrate gratitude with moderation.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 136:25-26. It reads, “Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, give us peace that surpasses our understanding and the ability to appreciate life as it is right here and right now. Let our minds be overcome with peaceful thoughts that guide us into paths of goodness and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 196 Our thankful thought for today is this: There isn’t a more pleasing attitude to have in life than one of gratitude. Gratitude is both an outward and inward satisfaction with and appreciation for life and everything that goes with it. In an ever changing world, one of the greatest things we can ever do is embrace the gift of the moment and express gratitude that we get to live it. Our quote of thanks is from Thomas Jefferson. He said, “I have but one system of ethics for men and for nations - to be grateful, to be faithful to all engagements under all circumstances, to be open and generous, promoting in the long run even the interests of both.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Thessalonians 5: 18 (AMP). It reads, “Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for every moment of every day in which we get to live. Make us ever aware of our eternal gifts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 197 Our thankful thought for today is this: When we are truly in the flow of life, we are profoundly aware of both the goodness and the suffering that exist in the world. The goodness causes us to see the brilliance and beauty that if evident to those who are seeking it amidst the dimness and dirt of an imperfect world. The suffering causes us to open our hearts and minds to those who cannot dream, hope, or do for themselves. And not just open in sympathy, but do something about their suffering when we can. Gratitude makes us appreciative of our situation and willing to indulge in the blessing of service. Our quote of thanks is from Robert Emmons. He said, “Gratitude is the truest approach to life. We did not create or fashion ourselves. We did not birth ourselves. Life is about giving, receiving, and repaying. We are receptive beings, dependent on the help of others, on their gifts and their kindness.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 68: 26 (AMP). It reads, “Bless, give thanks, and gratefully praise God in full congregations, even the Lord, O you who are from [Jacob] the fountain of Israel.”

PRAY Holy Father God, make us aware of both the goodness and suffering that exists in the world and help us to be compassionate and willing to serve. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 198 Our thankful thought for today is this: Contentment has become such a forgotten way to live that we don’t even realize how discontented we really are. We’ve pushed and fought for all of this stuff and all of this freedom, and still, we have come up short. All of our stuff has put us in bondage, making us slaves to our own discontented minds. And the only way we seem to think we can get out of it is by seeking more of the same. Discontentment can be thought of as the mother of all sins. We don’t do things we should and do things that we shouldn’t simply because we are not satisfied with who we are, where we are, and what we are doing. Maybe it’s time we changed that. Our quote of thanks is from Kak Sri. He said, “Gratitude is an art of painting an adversity into a lovely picture.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Isaiah 12:4 (AMP). It reads, “And in that day you will say, Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name and by means of His name [in solemn entreaty]; declare and make known His deeds among the peoples of the earth, proclaim that His name is exalted!”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to pursue things that matter, to be content in mind and heart, and to be grateful for the past, present, and future. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 226

DAY 199 Our thankful thought for today is this: Many people falsely believe that they should base their lives on their circumstances or their environment or their social status. These things, in the larger view of life, are relatively non-essential. If we based our lives strictly on our circumstances, it is more than likely that we would be in a perpetual state of sadness and disappointment most of the time. We shouldn’t trust in our circumstances to bring us satisfaction and joy. Instead, we should be grateful for our circumstances, whatever they are, and in doing so, we find joy, fulfillment, and happiness. Being grateful in our circumstances changes everything. Our quote of thanks is from Ann Voskamp. She said, “Being grateful is what makes you joyful. Gratitude in our circumstances is what changes our circumstances.” Our Bible verse of thanks is I Thessalonians 2:13. It reads, “For this cause also, thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we face circumstances that are both favorable and not too favorable at times in our lives. Help us to avoid basing our lives just on what we can see or what we feel. Help us to choose gratitude in our circumstances, whatever they are, and in doing so, we find the joy and satisfaction we desire. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 227

DAY 200 Our thankful thought for today is this: The story is told of a young boy who was trained by a tribal elder. The boy went away for a few days, and on his way back to the community, he filled up a leather canteen with water as a token of his appreciation to the elder. Upon arriving at the elder’s house, the boy presented him the water-filled canteen. The old man looked up in surprise, graciously took the canteen, and drunk what he could. He thanked the young student-boy for thinking of him and bid him farewell. A couple days later, another young student-boy entered the tribal elder’s home from a trip of his own. The elder gave him the canteen of water and the boy took a sip. After a few seconds, the boy gave the canteen back to the elder and exclaimed, “How could you drink that water and give it to me?” The water was quite old and stale by now. The old tribal elder looked at the boy and said, “You just tasted the water. I tasted the gift.” How often we receive small, simple things and fail to give thanks. We have all been given gifts—sunshine, rain, air, water, life—the simplest things we take for granted but couldn’t do without. Only when we understand that the gifts we have been given are not to be taken at face value, but are to be appreciated for what they really are, then we can experience freedom in our souls. Our quote of thanks is from Zig Ziglar. He said, “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you

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express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Revelation 11:17. It reads, “We give Thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art, to come: because Thou hast taken to Thee thy great power, and hast reigned.”

PRAY Holy Father God, give us grateful hearts for the big and the small gifts we are given in life. When we give thanks, we realize that nothing at all is small but that everything is from Your goodness and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 201 Our thankful thought for today is this: Many people have become experts in sadness and suffering. They have this profound ability to always see what is wrong in society and actually keep track of the times people have offended them, when they did it, and for what reason. In all my days, I have never found a person who specializes in misery who is also happy, peaceful, fulfilled and content at the same time. It just doesn’t work that way. These people expect to be treated perfectly in an imperfect world, to be treated with kindness and respect in a world of people who only regard themselves and their interests. When we complain, we open the door for destructive attitudes to invade our lives. But when we are grateful, the door automatically opens not to a perfect world, but for our eyes to see more perfectly. Our quote of thanks is from Francis Frangipane. He said, “It does not matter what your circumstances are; the instant you begin to thank God, even though your situation has not changed, you begin to change. The key that unlocks the gates of heaven is a thankful heart. Entrance into the courts of God comes as you simply begin to praise the Lord.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 79:13 (AMP). It reads, “Then we Your people, the sheep of Your pasture, will give You thanks forever; we will show forth and publish Your praise from generation to generation.”

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PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from dwelling on misery and misfortune, sadness and suffering. While all these things exist, You are the God of eternal, infinite life and joy. Help us to embrace the spirit of gratitude and to let all the good things it brings invade our lives to the point where we are always more thankful than we were yesterday. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. Amen.

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DAY 202 Our thankful thought for today is this: When you’re in a dark corner, don’t blame God or the people around you for being in that place. Nothing really improves by expressing our dissatisfaction and disappointment every time something doesn’t go our way. Instead, start thanking God for putting you in a dark place so you can have the opportunity to bring light. Express gratitude for the moment of difficulty because it is a chance for you to find a solution or to experience a miracle. Everything happens for a reason. We may not know that reason at the start and may never know it until years down the road. But it is our attitude to every situation and experience that makes the difference for us. Our quote of thanks is from Richelle E. Goodrich. She said, “Be thankful for your allotment in an imperfect world. Though better circumstances can be imagined, far worse are nearer misses than you probably care to realize.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 75:1 (AMP). It reads, “We give praise and thanks to You, O God, we praise and give thanks; Your wondrous works declare that Your Name is near and they who invoke Your Name rehearse Your wonders.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let every situation we encounter, every opportunity that is presented before us be a chance for us to learn, to grow, to improve, and to give thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 232

DAY 203 Our thankful thought for today is this: Sometimes life places us in situations that force us to make a decision between embracing it or complaining about it. When we complain, we find that situations do not turn out as favorably as we would like them to. In fact, sometimes, they turn out worse. But when we embrace each situation as necessary or at least as a lesson from which we can learn, we find that life has opened a door or provided an opportunity that we would not have otherwise gained or noticed. Our quote of thanks is from C. Neil Strait. He said, “Attitudes sour in the life that is closed to thankfulness. Soon selfish attitudes take over, closing life to better things.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 100:1 (NIV). It reads, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to learn to embrace every situation we encounter with gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 204 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is sometimes confused with indebtedness. While both emotions often follow a time of being helped or offered assistance, they are not the same thing. Indebtedness comes from feeling as though or being under obligation to repay someone for help or assistance. Gratitude is simple acknowledgement and appreciation for something one has received. Indebtedness often causes the recipient of some kindness to avoid the giver until the debt is repaid, but gratitude causes the recipient to look for the giver to personally express thanks. Indebtedness is not always a good feeling, but gratitude is beautiful and sweet. Our quote of thanks is from H. Norman Pell. He said, “I praise God because he not only guides my directions but overrules my mistakes.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 100:2 (NIV). It reads, “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from feeling or being indebted to anyone for anything. Help us instead to sow seeds of gratitude in our words and actions. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 205 Our thankful thought for today is this: We can get lost in the maze of seeing people just as people, faces without names, bodies without souls. When we view people this way, we don’t really see them. When we don’t really see them, it is easy to take them and what they do for granted and to not show proper appreciation and respect for them. All people are deserving of appreciation and respect. When we cease seeing people just as faces and bodies, we can begin to see their souls, hearts, and minds and treat them with love and kindness. Our quote of thanks is from Anthony Chavez. He said, “The best antidote to today’s prevalent cynicism – misguided by apathy and ignorance – is to ensure that service and learning are our highest civic virtues. That’s what grateful living means to me today.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 100:3 (NIV). It reads, “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us never to see people just as people but as special hearts, souls, and minds that are worthy of love, respect, kindness, and appreciation. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 235

DAY 206 Our thankful thought for today is this: The joy of gratitude requires a shift in our perception of reality. The drama of life can cloud our view of what is really going on, causing us to focus on things that are of little to no importance. Instead of focusing on the drama and negativity of life, we can choose to view life from the perspective of joy regardless of our reality. Joy is a mirror by which gratitude is reflected. When we choose joy in our present reality, we choose to leave behind what we wish or what we want in order to appreciate what is. Our quote of thanks is from T.D. Jakes. He said, “In addition to our praise; we must have an attitude of worship that says no matter what season I am in, I am still thankful.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 100:4 (NIV). It reads, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our hearts overflow with the joy of gratitude and the attitude that says no matter what, we will still be thankful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 207 Our thankful thought for today is this: Think of how sad life would be if we could only be joyful in good times. Most of the time life does not go as we plan. It is during these times that we grow and mature by making choices to accept what is and be grateful for it. The Bible says in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Jesus is effectively saying here that in spite of all the problems and hardships we will inevitably face in life, we can still have joy because real joy is not based on the tribulation in the world, it is based on the overcoming victory and power we have in Jesus Christ. Our quote of thanks is from Paulo Coelho. He said, “When you’re washing up, pray. Be thankful that there are plates to be washed; that means there was food, that you fed someone, that you’ve lavished care on one or more people, that you cooked and laid the table. Imagine the millions of people at this moment who have absolutely nothing to wash up and no one for whom to lay the table.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 100:5 (NIV). It reads, “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let joy invade our lives to the uttermost and let thankfulness rule in our hearts forever. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 237

DAY 208 Our thankful thought for today is this: We’re all very busy. The world itself is booming with activity every day, all day. Sometimes, we can find ourselves so busy that we forget to be thankful for the things we have in life and for what we are able to do. We also can forget to be thankful that we have something to be busy about. It is at these times that we must train ourselves to be in the moment and express appreciation for the little things of life that are mostly small and simple but really when we think about it, mean so much to us. Training ourselves to take notice of simple blessings can increase our happiness and our fulfillment in life. Our quote of thanks is from T.D. Jakes. He said, “Your praise is not just your action, but it is the attitude of praise. It is more than saying, ‘I thank you’; it is being thankful.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 103:1-2 (NIV). It reads, “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us not to be so busy that we don’t take time to notice the simple blessings of life. Let our lives be lived in humble reflection and in sweet gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 238

DAY 209 Our thankful thought for today is this: When we encounter real tragedy, real suffering, real heartbreak in life, we can respond to it in one of two ways. We can fall into the depths of despair, lose hope, and resort to habits of self-destruction and chaos. Or we can choose to be thankful, find the hidden blessings of grace, and carry on as best we can. For what really matters is not what happens to us, but whether we have the inner strength to fight through what happens to us, not with moans and groans, but with thanks. Our quote of thanks is from John Wooden. He said, “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.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 104:33-34 (NIV). It reads, “I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord.”

PRAY Holy Father God, the situations we face are often seemingly too much to bear and we feel like giving up and asking Why. Help us to remember that no matter what happens to us, we can face life with joy and thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 239

DAY 210 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is the essence of humanity. It helps to make us who we are and assists us in seeing the world from a compassionate, connected point of view. Everything comes together at the apex of our thanks. When we don’t show appropriate appreciation, we descend into chaos and dysfunction. We take things for granted and we end up treating people in ways that are unbecoming of humanity. But when we encounter every person we meet with a sense of awe and wonder, we elevate the human experience, and it is a cause for joy and celebration. Our quote of thanks is from Joseph B. Wirthlin. He said, “I give thanks to my Creator for this wonderful life where each of us has the opportunity to learn lessons we could not fully comprehend by any other means.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 105:1-2 (NIV). It reads, “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let all things we do today be done with joy and every person we encounter be treated with appreciation and respect. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 240

DAY 211 Our thankful thought for today is this: There is simple joy in reflecting on life with appreciation. A sense of gratitude for what was whatever it may have been touches every part of our human feelings. Life is not given to us to live in regret, but to live in full freedom and knowledge of our blessings and our place in the world. Take gratitude out and life itself may as well go with it. Our quote of thanks is from Kristin Armstrong. She said, “I write about the power of trying, because I want to be okay with failing. I write about generosity because I battle selfishness. I write about joy because I know sorrow. I write about faith because I almost lost mine, and I know what it is to be broken and in need of redemption. I write about gratitude because I am thankful - for all of it.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 105:3-4 (NIV). It reads, “Glory in [the Lord’s] holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to realize our lives as wonderful gifts to live to the fullest doing what matters and reflecting in gratitude. Let us not approach the end of our lives lost, confused, and with regrets. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 241

DAY 212 Our thankful thought for today is this: There are two ways we can spend our lives by living in fear or living in faith. When we live in fear, we have a sense of scarcity, of lack. We really don’t live because we hold ourselves back, peeking out from under the sheets, waiting for the worst to happen, for the world to fall apart. But when we live in faith, we discover that life is precious and that while it is not perfect, it is worth living. So we keep going, courageously, victoriously, with wholehearted abandon and grace. We stand at the crossroads of faith and fear nearly everyday. Fear keeps us depressed and complaining. but faith leads to joy and joy leads to trust and trust leads to gratitude. Our quote of thanks is from Brenï¿½ Brown. She said, “It seems that gratitude without practice may be a little like faith without works it’s not alive.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 106:1 (NIV). It reads, “Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, as we stand at the crossroads of fear and faith in our everyday lives, help us to choose the latter. It’s easy to recoil and wait for the sky to fall, but it’s much more courageous to get out of bed each morning and embrace what life has to offer. Give us the grace and the faith to do just that. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 242

DAY 213 Our thankful thought for today is this: It it easy to be thankful for big things such as when we’ve gotten that long-awaited job promotion, gotten married, graduated from college, had our first child, received a pay raise, or experienced some other level of success in life. That is good and we should be grateful for these big moments. But we must understand that while life is made up of big moments, it is made up of a lot more smaller moments. You will have more small moments than big moments. If you’re only grateful for the big stuff, you’ll miss out on the joy of living life. We all have to learn to express gratitude for the small stuff too. Our quote of thanks is from Jack Canfield. He said, “Gratitude and acknowledgment are essential components in creating and attracting what you want in your life. Through the expression of gratitude on a daily basis, you align yourself to receive all the good the universe has to offer.” Our Bible verse of thanks is I Thessalonians 5:18. It reads, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to be thankful and acknowledge both big and small blessings in our lives, for really when we look at it, nothing is too small for our gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 214 Our thankful thought for today is this: When we think of being grateful, we often think we have to receive something from someone, or experience something, or even feel something before we engage in the act of giving thanks. This is a false notion. Gratefulness should precede any gift we receive, any experience, and any feeling. Some people receive things and the thanks does not follow because it is not things or people that make us grateful. It is our permanent attitude and choice to be grateful that causes us to appreciate and to show appreciation for what we receive, for the people in our lives, and for what we are able to do. Feelings don’t necessarily produce gratitude either, but gratitude produces a good feeling. Our quote of thanks is from Wendy Meg Siegel. She said, “If you try to count your blessings you are likely to find that they are too numerous to count, and your troubles are relatively few in comparison.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Colossians 2:7. It reads, “Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let a conscious acknowledgement of all our blessings be the sunshine by which we get up in the morning, the grace that carries us through the day, and the peace that gives us rest at night. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 215 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is easy to respond to positive situations positively and to negative situations negatively. But sometimes we tend to see things from one of these views because we are looking inward instead of outward. When we focus our attention on ourselves (inward) there will always be something that we can find to complain about. However, when we focus our attention on the world around us and on others (outward), we tend to have a more positive view of what we have. When we choose to make ourselves aware of the good that does exist and the good we can make happen, we open our lives to a new and infinitely better reality. Our quote of thanks is from Robin Madell. She said, “Your attitude plays a large role in determining whether you can feel grateful in spite of life’s challenges.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Revelation 11:16. It reads, “And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to learn to focus on what is good, fulfilling, and meaningful in life and to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 216 Our thankful thought for today is this: Psychologist Carl Rogers was a believer in gratitude. He believed that gratitude causes your self-concept to be elevated. Self-concept consists of how you see yourself, how much you feel you are worth, and how you wish to be. Self-concept can be wrapped up in the question: Who am I? When we practice gratitude, the way we see ourselves expands and it shows up in our attitude, our belief systems, our life goals, and in how we treat others. If we are grateful for who we are and we embrace our true value in life, we will make special efforts to make others feel the same way. Our quote of thanks is from Ellen G. Goldman. She said, “Although we may acknowledge gratitude’s benefits, it can still feel difficult to feel grateful when we are going through a difficult time. That’s why it makes so much sense to practice gratitude, in good times and bad. If we give ourselves the chance on a regular basis to notice all of life’s gifts and blessings, we can increase our sense of well-being, and create hope and optimism for the future—no matter what is going on.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 9:2. It reads, “I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You that we can learn about ourselves, embrace our value, and improve our skills, talents, and abilities. Help us to be who You made us to be and to increase our impact in the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 246

DAY 217 Our thankful thought for today is this: Sometimes we assume that if we have more, we will be more grateful, but if we have less, we will be less grateful. Research, however, suggests that is often not the case. Edward Diener, a University of Illinois professor did a study of the level of affluence in correlation with life satisfaction for people in Japan and India. He found that many of those who claimed affluence in Japan were dissatisfied with their level of life satisfaction. Such was the case with those who lived in poverty in India. It’s often not what we have or how much we have, but how grateful we feel and actually are for what we have, no matter how much or how little it is. Our quote of thanks is from Robert A. Emmons. He said, “Gratitude is not easy. It’s not something that comes naturally, but has to be worked at. It has to be cultivated. It goes far beyond saying ‘thank you.’ It’s deeper than that; it can be a really fundamental way of viewing life, an orientation toward life itself.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 118:19. It reads, “Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our lives not be defined by how much we have or by what we have, but by how grateful and appreciative we are for whatever it is we have in life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 247

DAY 218 Our thankful thought for today is this: Wherever we have peace, we can be grateful. We can be grateful when the storms of life are raging, and we can be grateful for peace in the middle of the raging storms. Storms challenge us to be grateful for the calm days and the calm days can prepare us to be thankful when the stormy times come. Peace is not the absence of trouble, it is the acceptance of it. And when we accept such things in life, we can be grateful for the experiences. Our quote of thanks is from Anne Lamott. She said, “I do not at all understand the mystery of graceonly that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 30:11-12. It reads, “Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for peace in the middle of life’s toughest moments and grace to live through each experience with gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 219 Our thankful thought for today is this: Look yourself in the mirror and thank God for making you just the way you are. With all your flaws and blemishes and seeming imperfections, be thankful for your life, your heart, your soul, your mind, and your body. You are you. There is no one in the world just like you. Sometimes, we are wounded, mistreated, hurt, and broken, but we must remember that we are specially made strong and beautiful by the hand of God. When you feel as though you are running short on gratitude, look at yourself as proof that you are enough and everything you possess is glorious and full of wonder and potential. Our quote of thanks is from G.K. Chesterton. He said, “Gratitude is the power of getting out of any situation all that there is in it.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 16:11. It reads, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, it’s a bit easier to be thankful for things and even other people, but help us to learn to be thankful for ourselves. We are reminders to ourselves of why You think of us with love and redeemed us to Yourself. Let us always be in gracious remembrance of Your imagination and creativity in making us who we are. We are thankful for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 249

DAY 220 Our thankful thought for today is this: Every morning when we are blessed to awake and see the light of day, we should be thankful. There are many people who thought they would see this day, but didn’t get to do so. Life is a precious gift. Those who remain consciously aware of the blessings behind, the blessings ahead, and the blessings in the here and now are the ones who often live it to the full and get to bask in sunshine that warms the heart and hope that excites the soul. Our quote of thanks is from Todd Stocker. He said, “ Thankfulness creates gratitude which generates contentment that causes peace.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Luke 2:38. It reads, “And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”

PRAY Holy Father God, give us grateful hearts, give us contented lives, and give us peace beyond our understanding. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 221 Our thankful thought for today is this: A cause for rejoicing is ever present. Even the small things can be a reason to celebrate the goodness of life and the abundance of joy that it brings. Many people go through life looking through a darkened lens where everything is covered in despair. But it is those who walk through each day viewing life through a clear lens that get to live in the abundance of joy; they create moments to rejoice and celebrate. It’s important that we pay attention to our environment, to people, to things because they often provide unsuspecting moments that are causes of joy and thanks. Our quote of thanks is from Warren W. Wiersbe. He said, “The Christian who walks with the Lord and keeps constant communion with Him will see many reason for rejoicing and thanksgiving all day long.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Colossians 3:15. It reads, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

PRAY Holy Father God, every day, every moment of every day, help us to realize the gift of life and the abundance of joy. Help us to embrace abundance over lack, joy over despair, and celebration of life and all it has to offer. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 251

DAY 222 Our thankful thought for today is this: A grateful heart is like a magnet hidden in the sand that lies along the beach. As we run our hands through the sand, we will run into these little things. These magnets are the reasons behind our gratitude and our heart attaches itself to the beauty, goodness, and grace that these magnets represent. These are the types of magnets that run through life and if we are looking or at least sensitive to it, we will find such things and they will find us. When we attract such things to our lives and attach ourselves to such things from the output of God’s abundance and the love of others, we find ourselves putting some of these good things back into the world, giving it a reason to give thanks. vsOur quote of thanks is from B.B. King. He said, “I’m not the holiest person you’ve ever met, but I thank God for what I’ve had and what I’ve got. I’m grateful for it all – the windows, the light, the street, and the cars. I know I’ve been looked after in this life.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 2 Corinthians 4:15. It reads, “For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our hearts be attracted to that which is good, beautiful, and full of grace and wonder. May such things be reflected in our lives and flow out from our lives in gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 252

DAY 223 Our thankful thought for today is this: Your heart beats approximately 100,000 times a day. Your brain contains billions of nerve cells that send and receive information throughout your body. You breathe around 11,000 liters of air each day. If you could stretch all the blood vessels in your body, it would be about 60,000 miles long. Each step you take requires the movement of 200 muscles. If we never thanked God for anything else, we should thank Him every day for the wonder and awesomeness with which He made our bodies. Our quote of thanks is from Arianna Huffington. She said, “It’s easy to remember to practice gratitude when things are going well, but much harder when things are going badly. When I look back, I realize that it was often the biggest heartbreaks that gave room to some of the best things that happened to me.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Philippians 2:14-15. It reads, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for making every single part of us, intricate, unique, and special. We are walking miracles. If there were no other blessings in life, the magnitude and magnificence with which we have been created, would keep us both humble and grateful. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 253

DAY 224 Our thankful thought for today is this: One way to experience freedom in life is to accept truth. Sadly, much of what we see in the world is built upon lies. From media to government to schools and to families, a culture of lying and dishonesty has taken root in our society. We have lost our moral selves and have suffered a great deal for succumbing to deception. Dishonesty is the antithesis of freedom. Without honesty, we have nothing left, nothing at all with which to believe, to dream, to learn, to hope for, or to do what matters in life. It is the inevitable, proverbial prison without bars. Held hostage by the untruths we choose to believe, we erase gratitude. Our quote of thanks is from Deepak Chopra. He said, “I can say with certainty that the simple act of thanking everybody, keeping a gratitude journal and feeling the emotion in your heart can change everything that happens in your biology.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 107:22. It reads, “And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to tell the truth, to think the truth, to believe the truth, and to reflect the truth in our lives so we can live unbound, wholehearted, and free. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 254

DAY 225 Our thankful thought for today is this: The world is not a perfect place. We don’t have to look far to notice that. Not everything is going to go our way. In fact, most times, it doesn’t. Disappointment, loss, tragedy, and the questions of when and why persist. But Jesus said in John 16: 33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” This is an affirmation that Jesus will be with us in the midst of every storm in life. This is a message of comfort that in the end, everything will be alright, and for that reason, we can be grateful. Our quote of thanks is from Laura Andreessen. She said, “Giving is an expression of gratitude for our blessings.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 140:12-13. It reads, “I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.”

PRAY Holy Father God, while trouble and disappointment, heartbreak and suffering abound around us and even within us, we take comfort in knowing that You have overcome the world. In this fact, we find courage to face our fears, light for every dark path, and wisdom to guide us day by day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 226 Our thankful thought for today is this: There is this continuous race to get more of everything - more cars, more houses, more money, more power, more friends, more stuff. People think this and that will make them happy. It doesn’t; in fact, it seems to have left us more unfulfilled and discontent. This push to gain what is better, faster, bigger, and prettier causes us to move further toward the proverbial slough of despond and despair faster than we ever imagined. Much of what we are looking for can’t be found in obtaining things. It can be found in the realization of the ever-present wonder of grace and our gratitude for what was, what is, and what will be. Our quote of thanks is from Lewis Carroll. He said, “One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 136:26. It reads, “O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from the pursuit of stuff. Deliver us from the mentality that more is needed to be happy and fulfilled. Help us to realize that life is made up of grace that carries us each day, and that our thanks actually causes us to be content and to even gain more of the good things we want in life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 227 Our thankful thought for today is this: It doesn’t matter what your circumstances are. Neither does it matter what the weather’s like outside or whether it’s Monday or Friday. The key thing is to give thanks. The moment you start being thankful and expressing your appreciation even though your circumstances remain the same, you will see your perspective and your attitude and your heart change. When you approach everything with an attitude of gratitude, you will begin to find situations more favorable than you ever imagined. Our quote of thanks is from Francis Frangipane. He said, “The very quality of your life, whether you love it or hate it, is based upon how thankful you are toward God. It is one’s attitude that determines whether life unfolds into a place of blessedness or wretchedness. Indeed, looking at the same rose bush, some people complain that the roses have thorns while others rejoice that some thorns come with roses.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 147:7-8. It reads, “Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us not to be defined or controlled by our circumstances. Instead, help us to be courageous and full of faith, and define the outcome of our situations by the attitude we choose to have. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 257

DAY 228 Our thankful thought for today is this: Contentment, I think, is the apex of life. It is where everything collides—past, present, and future. We learn contentment when we are able to learn from our past but not allow it to hold us hostage; live in our present but not allow it to be defined by temporary situations; and anticipate our future and not be shocked when it arrives. How high we go in life is not defined by how much money we make, how big our house is, or how many friends we have. How high we go or don’t go is often defined by our level of contentment. The question is, Have we reached capacity? Have we allowed ourselves to get to a point where we are grateful for everything and content with everything? Our quote of thanks is from Gaylord Nelson. He said, “The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Thessalonians 3:9. It reads, “For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we run very short on contentment. Because of that, we run past joy, peace, hope, and all the things that really make life. Help us to reach capacity of gratitude in everything, for everything, and with everything. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 258

DAY 229 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is much more than good manners. It is a positive response to what one has received. We are all in a cycle of receiving things even if we don’t realize it. This is why it is important for children to learn to be thankful at the youngest age possible because it will ignite a lifelong motivation and passion to give back to the community, their family, their school, and throughout their life. A child inspired to give, to serve, and to love makes for a more compassionate and full-hearted world. Our quote of thanks is from Cindy Keating. She said, “May God give you perspective on the things that frustrate you. May your heart of compassion grow for those who suffer in unimaginable ways. May you pray as passionately for them as you do for yourself. May God protect you from a small, selfish mindset. May He renew your resolve to be a grateful and humble soul.” Our Bible verse of thanks is II Corinthians 9:15. It reads, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let us be examples to the young of what it means to live, to live well, and to help others to live as best they can. Fill us with compassion, courage, and the willingness to connect with others in community. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 230 Our thankful thought for today is this: Choice is a powerful tool in the arsenal of humanity. It is a mighty weapon on the battlefield of life. Our survival and success in the world hinges upon the choices we make each and everyday. What we choose, how we choose, when we choose, and why we choose are important factors to determining our strengths, our actions, and our reactions in life. Every experience is an opportunity for us to learn, grow, and become a better person both inside and out. Our quote of thanks is from Melissa Michaels. She said, “A perspective of gratitude builds our contentment with what God has provided.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 97:12. It reads, “Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to make good decisions that empower us to do what is right even when it’s hard, even when it hurts. Let us learn every lesson and grow at every opportunity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 231 Our thankful thought for today is this: For many of us, if we’re not too selfish, we prefer to be on the giving end more than the receiving end. While it’s always good to give, a hard time receiving can be a sign of a much deeper problem — a problem that involves pride and power mixed with the need to control or always be in control. Being able to receive with our whole hearts is just as important as being willing to give. There is humility, joy, and blessing in doing both. When we give, we allow the receiver the opportunity to feel gratitude in his or her heart. When we receive, we allow ourselves the opportunity to feel and to express gratitude in our own heart. Our quote of thanks is from Kristi Nelson. She said, “Gratitude — truly felt in all its glory as gratefulness — is a humbling, vulnerable state of being, which arises in equal measure to our capacity to be truly receptive.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Ephesians 1:15-16. It reads, “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.”

PRAY Holy Father God, give us a heart that is willing to give and that is also able to receive for both giving and receiving are important keys to abundant living. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 232 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is a great way to end your day. No matter how tough your day was, write, remember, reflect, or verbalize something or someone for which you are thankful. Gratitude offers a sweet relief from the day’s troubles and quiet calm upon which to rest. Our quote of thanks is from Miriam Ava. She said, “Gratitude has opened me up to the beauty of life. Big time! Being able to see the sun rise, hear kids play, taste summer’s first basil, smell the salty ocean air, touch someone’s heart — those are simple, profound pleasures ushering in more of what lets you thrive.” Our Bible verse of thanks is I Timothy 4:4. It reads, “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the simple pleasures, the profound blessings, the undeniable abundance of life, grace, mercy, purpose, and hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 233 Our thankful thought for today is this: In this topsy-turvy world, there is justified reason to be worried and upset about many things. But when we take our minds off of ourselves, people, situations, or what we may or may not have, and turn our concerns and worries over to Jesus, we open the door for real peace to come into our lives and give us the rest we want and desperately need. When we have real peace on the inside, nothing at all can disrupt it or take it away, and we can be grateful for that. Our quote of thanks is from T.D. Jakes. He said, “God’s blessings are evident every day. Yet, there are people who are blessed and don’t know it.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 107:1. It reads, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, fill our lives with peace, our minds with love, and our hearts with hope that we may focus on accomplishing the tasks You have set before us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 234 Our thankful thought for today is this: Sometimes, we can compare ourselves to the raging sea that Jesus had to speak to and calm, and to the worried disciples who Jesus had to comfort. While the rest of the world fights and wars for what is oftentimes not necessary or needed, God offers peace to those who turn to Him and put their minds on Him. Wherever we have peace, we can be grateful. Our quote of thanks is from an Unknown Author. He said, “Bend your knees somewhere today and tell the Lord ‘thank you’.” Our Bible verse of thanks is II Corinthians 2:14. It reads, “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.”

PRAY Holy Father God, comfort us in our grief, rescue us from the storms of life we encounter, deliver us from following an unproductive path, and let our lives speak to the power and grace that works in us each day of our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 235 Our thankful thought for today is this: Our circumstances should never have any bearing upon our peace of mind. Tough times do not determine our peace or lack thereof. Our peace determines how we deal with the tough times that we will inevitably face. Outside of the power of a sovereign God, there is no explanation as to how people can have true peace in the middle of very difficult times. God extends His peace to all who genuinely want it. When we embrace peace in our hearts, it leads to gratitude which leads to an abundance of so many things. Our quote of thanks is from Dianna Booher. She said, “Dissatisfaction, unchecked, is contagious. Like watered weeds, it grows until it overtakes a marriage, a workplace, or an organization. Perspective paves the way for gratitude, negotiation, and ultimately happiness.” Our Bible verse of thanks is II Thessalonians 1:3. It reads, “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we don’t always face the best of situations and sometimes feel as though life isn’t fair. In these moments, help us to hold our heads up, keep our minds open, and remember that everything works out for our good. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 265

DAY 236 Our thankful thought for today is this: When I think of Job in the Bible, I think of not only the peace he expressed in the midst of his raging life storm, but also his attitude of gratitude. He said, “The Lord gave and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” In Job’s situation, he could have chosen to forget about all his past fortunes and the many good things he previously had. But he didn’t do that. He didn’t immediately take out a charge against God for allowing this situation in his life. He chose instead to express gratitude, to thank God for all that He had done for him and even for his sad predicament. Our quote of thanks is from Juliana Park. She said, “Seeing the world through the eyes of gratitude is one of the most powerful ways to transform your life.” Our Bible verse of thanks is I Corinthians 1:4. It reads, “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ.”

PRAY Holy Father God, when the odds are stacked against us, and there seems to be no way out of our present situations that are shrouded in grief or pain or heartbreak or loss, help us to turn to You and remember that everything we have and experience in life will make us stronger, wiser, better, and more thankful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 237 Our thankful thought for today is this: In our rushed, selfabsorbed, selfie-taking world, thank you is simply not on the minds of most. It’s safe to say that it is not as important as perhaps it should be. In fact, a Templeton Foundation survey of 2000 people found that many Americans feel as though gratitude is declining. Being thankful and expressing it is a rare action that has the ability to cause us to pay attention. Being thanked by others for simple acts of kindness and being thankful to others in return opens up a path for us to enjoy a more meaningful, connected, and beautiful life. Our quote of thanks is from Randy Kamen. She said, “I take none of life’s gifts for granted and know that there is no such thing as permanence for any of us. It is now. It is one day at a time. If we are lucky or if we decide to cultivate our own unique sense of gratitude — we know that there are no guarantees. Taking in the beauty, the preciousness of each new day is the ultimate gift. And for this I feel deep gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 75:1. It reads, “Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.”

PRAY Holy Father God, nothing is permanent. Nothing is perfect. Most things are fleeting and far from the flawless state we dream of it being. Help us to embrace the preciousness of today and deeply feel gratitude for all that we have and all that we are. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 267

DAY 238 Our thankful thought for today is this: What if we all chose to be thankful for our imperfections, our flaws, our not-soperfect moments and lives? What would happen if we began embracing these things instead of avoiding them or hiding them? After all, these are some of the things that make us unique, special, and different. If all of us did this, we would find ourselves becoming more appreciative of other people their gifts, their talents, their abilities, their lives. And in becoming more appreciative of others, we will learn to accept ourselves. We are all pilgrims on this journey called life, attempting to do something great in a not-sogreat world. We could all use a little encouragement and inspiration along the way. Our quote of thanks is from Kristi Nelson. She said, “Being grateful reflects our ability to recognize and nurture the tender threads of our interdependence. It connects us in the cycle of reciprocity which nourishes and balances all life. It orients us toward awe and grace.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Romans 14:6. It reads, “He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.”

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PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for our imperfections, our flaws, our not-so-great moments. Even though we not flawless, thank You for giving us life anyway. Help us not to attempt to get out of it, but to embrace who we are and who others are now and for as long as we live. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. Amen.

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DAY 239 Our thankful thought for today is this: Many times, it takes experiencing loss before we realize the wonderful gift of remembrance. Reflecting on past blessings of which we all have some and on past losses of which we all have some too, will cause us to encounter a heightened level of appreciation. A daily practice of remembering makes us grateful for the here and now because our past brings us to a point of realizing that all we have and are right now is more than enough. Our quote of thanks is from Danielle Diamond. She said, “The more we can appreciate what we have in this moment, the happier we, and the people we surround ourselves with will be. I am so grateful to have learned that less truly is more.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Timothy 4:4. It reads, “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to learn to appreciate all we have right now, in this very moment of life. Make us joyful knowing that our abundance comes not from stuff, but from a full heart and a whole life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 240 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is important to monitor our self-talk. The inner conversation in our heads and in our hearts can impact our lives directionally and non-directionally. We can easily change our mood and outlook with positive or negative self-talk. If you would say kind things to others, make sure you can say them to yourself as well. If you would avoid saying negative things about others or to others, make sure you do the same for yourself. Choosing to be grateful includes not just grateful words, but grateful thoughts and actions. Our quote of thanks is from Neale Donald Walsh. He said, “The struggle ends when gratitude begins.” Our Bible verse of thanks is I Timothy 2:1. It reads, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from negative self-talk and from acting in ways that are inconsistent with who we are and what we should believe. Help us to choose to think positive thoughts, to color our hearts with joy, and our world with acts of gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 241 Our thankful thought for today is this: Being grateful is not a natural activity like breathing. Being grateful is a choice, and like most anything else, it takes practice. There are dozens of choices that we make each day in an attempt to make our lives better and more fulfilling. Choosing to remember that what we have right now is enough, who we are right now is more than we imagined, and the life we’re living is better than we deserve, is one of the best realizations we will ever come to and the most significant decisions for our lives and the lives of those we love that we can ever make. Our quote of thanks is from Karrie Sundbom. She said, “Waking with an attitude of gratitude can help color, in the most beautiful of ways, your daily life and bring renewed hope even to those who are feeling hopeless.” Our Bible verse of thanks is II Corinthians 9:11. It reads, “Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our thoughts be ones of positive meaning and our hearts be open to appreciating what we have, who we are, and the life we’re living right now. Give us grace to make choices that are fulfilling and empowering. And let our lives reflect hope, joy, and inspiration. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 242 Our thankful thought for today is this: On the journey of living a lifestyle of gratitude, it can be easy to get sidetracked without social support. So like in other endeavors, such as exercise for example, choose to surround yourself with people who support your choice to be positive and grateful. Pessimism is contagious and allowing people who always see the glass as half-empty can affect your outlook on life. To help keep a positive, grateful mindset, surround yourself with people who are also positive and grateful, and you will maintain your perception and view of life. Our quote of thanks is from Oprah Winfrey. She said, “Every night list five things that you are grateful for. What it will begin to do is change your perspective of your day and your life.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Philippians 4:6. It reads, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, fill our days with light, love, laughter, and life. Help us to replace worry with prayer, chances with choices, and complaining with thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 273

DAY 243 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude has a pull and an appeal that is connected to our brains and our bodies that causes us to be healthier and happier. Like the need for love, respect, and belonging, we also have a need to give thanks and show appreciation and to be thanked and shown appreciation. However easy it is to forget, we are never far from being able to fulfill that need in our lives and in return, it brings so many great dividends. Our quote of thanks is from Marie Forleo. She said, “Gratitude is simply a deep and genuine sense of appreciation for what you have in your life. For things big and small. For the air you breathe; the unconditional love of your pet; for the blessing of someone who loves you. And this shouldn’t just be an intellectual or mental exercise, it should touch you and fill you up emotionally. When you genuinely fill yourself up with the emotion of appreciation, it changes how you feel and it completely alters the actions you take and, therefore, the results you’ll create.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Thessalonians 5:18. It reads, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

PRAY Holy Father God, like all other inborn needs that we have, help us to give thanks, to show appreciation for life and to the people in it, and to experience the benefits and blessings of a grateful heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 274

DAY 244 Our thankful thought for today is this: When we give with our whole heart, we experience more blessings than we can imagine. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Many relationships turn sour over time because each person is in it for himself or herself. It’s about “what can I get out of this?” instead of “what can I give?” or “how can I help or benefit this person’s life?” Giving begets giving. When we choose to give more, we will find more blessings coming our way, not because we seek them, but because they seek us. Our quote of thanks is from Robert Emmons. He said, “There is a magnetic appeal to gratitude. It speaks to a need that’s deeply entrenched.” Our Bible verse of thanks is James 1:17. It reads, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our lives be constituted by giving more than we receive, loving more than is required, serving where we can whether asked to or not, and embracing the joys and blessings that come from doing so. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 275

DAY 245 Our thankful thought for today is this: When we flip our minds from a focus on “me” to a focus on “we”, we replace our ego and attitude of entitlement with a new focus on others and how we can make a difference for them. We eventually find what we are looking for when we give to others who are often looking for something more necessary than we are. Not only is it “more blessed to give than to receive”, it is guaranteed that the more we give, the more we will receive. We should not give for that reason, but the universal principle of this fact is certain to happen. Our quote of thanks is from Tom Hopkins. He said, “Keep your eyes open and try to catch people in your company doing something right, then praise them for it.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Hebrews 12:28. It reads, “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”

PRAY Holy Father God, give us grace to follow Your example and be salt and light, hope and peace, love and life in the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 246 Our thankful thought for today is this: A grateful attitude towards life is largely immune to good and bad. In every situation, a grateful person will choose to find something worthwhile in it — a lesson to be learned, a positive thought, a new perspective or outlook. When we take notice of the kindness and appreciation that is in the world, our brains begin to seek the positives, the good, the abundance that exists in the midst of any type of situation. We see love, not just hate; peace, not just turmoil; good health, not just sickness; and blessings, not just curses. Gratitude makes us more resilient which in turn gives us strength and grace to keep moving forward. Our quote of thanks is from Raheel Farooq. He said, “Gratitude is more of a compliment to yourself than someone else.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Colossians 3:15. It reads, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our minds and lives be colored by gratitude so that we see the good in every situation no matter how bad the situation may be. Deliver us from fear and worry. Turn our focus on things above, and on the people who make up this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 247 Our thankful thought for today is this: Businessman and self-help author, W. Clement Stone, is credited with creating the term “inverse paranoid”. Instead of believing the world and the people in it were planning to do him harm, he believed that the world and people were going to do him good. This positive belief often creates the fact. Instead of seeing every experience as bad and every obstacle as negative, we can choose to see things from the perspective of how it can benefit us, inspire us, and help us to do amazing things. When we take on this perspective, it becomes easier to accept what comes our way — good or bad — with gratitude because it can be used in some way for our good. Our quote of thanks is from Marianne Williamson. She said, “Gratitude is the opener of locked-up blessings.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 136:1. It reads, “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, give us power to choose to believe that what we face and who we encounter is for our good through which we can learn a lesson, be inspired, grow, and achieve. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 278

DAY 248 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is important to give thanks in everything, but it is equally important to give thanks for everything. Many of us find it easy to give thanks when we have experienced grace, or love, or some kind of good thing in our lives, but find it difficult to do the same for the problem that precedes the good experience. When we learn to give thanks for both, our souls rejoice and our hearts are made glad for we begin to truly understand that everything has a purpose. Our quote of thanks is from Nancy Leigh DeMoss. She said, “Gratitude is a lifestyle. A hard-fought, grace-infused, biblical lifestyle.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 106:1. It reads, “Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, show us the importance of giving thanks not only in everything, but for everything. Let our souls rejoice and our hearts be glad for every experience we encounter. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 249 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude that is infused with grace and overwhelmed with joy gives us strength to face even the most difficult days. When we know every situation we face is for our good, we can be thankful for it. When we fall short on the answers we need, we receive hope from gratitude that causes us to look ahead and to press on. Gratitude, in its most simplest form, makes us victors, overcomers, and winners. Our quote of thanks is from Joan Chittister. She said, “Darkness deserves gratitude. It is the alleluia point at which we learn to understand that all growth does not take place in the sunlight.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 107:31. It reads, “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”

PRAY Holy Father God, let gratitude be the source from which we gain strength, hope, and grace to face each day, and embrace it no matter what it brings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 250 Our thankful thought for today is this: It seems much easier to express gratitude at a party or while on vacation than through the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In some respects, it is. But true gratitude that is heartfelt and consciously embraced is not based on the whims of life, but on the steady beat of everyday decisions. Anyone can dutifully keep a journal, but gratitude is much more than journaling. It requires a change in heart, a change in attitude, and ultimately a change in life. When those changes are evident, joy will be present. Our quote of thanks is from Denis Watley. He said, “Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is a spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 108:1. It reads, “O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.”

PRAY Holy Father God, surround us with grace and fill us with joy that is multiplied millions of times over because of our gratitude. Help us to march to the steady beat of an everyday decision to be grateful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 251 Our thankful thought for today is this: In a world contaminated with bitterness, resentment, and frustration, a grateful person is a breath of fresh air. What really matters is not that we have problems, but how we respond to those problems and embrace them as disguised blessings. The world — our world — would be much better if we stopped complaining about our problems, and instead saw them as instruments of grace and paths to joy. Our quote of thanks is from Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. He said, “A single grateful thought toward heaven is the most complete prayer.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 108:5. It reads, “Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to yield our hearts to the grace that freely flows down from Heaven to us, and to punctuate our actions with appreciation for all that we have, who we are, and what we are able to do in life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 252 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is important that we find ways to increase our expression and experience of gratitude. Gratitude is not just something we do, it is something we are. Increasing our conscious awareness of gratitude within us and around us may require that we change our line of thinking. Keeping a gratitude journal, making mental notes, and engaging the world around us are some ways to do this. We must intentionally think about what we do and say as well as what others do for us and say to us so we will not miss opportunities in which to express and experience gratitude. Our quote of thanks is from Robert Emmons. He said, “A grateful stance toward life is relatively immune to both fortune and misfortune.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 95:6-7. It reads, “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our minds remember, our lives experience, and our hearts express the wonder and beauty of gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 283

DAY 253 Our thankful thought for today is this: People all around us possess free will. They can hate us or love us, be courteous or rude, express appreciation or resentment. Nothing holds us back from doing good or doing evil but our own choices. Both the good and bad we experience in life is almost always a result of our interactions with fellow human beings. Much of what we are grateful for many times does not involve physical interactions with people, but it should. We should be careful not to just express gratitude in mind, heart, and spirit, but with words and deeds. Our quote of thanks is from Marelisa Fabrega. She said, “Start bringing gratitude to your experiences, instead of waiting for a positive experience in order to feel grateful.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 33:1. It reads, “Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to let our appreciation for fellow human beings not just be sent up in silent prayers, affirmations, journals, and mental recollection, but also in our words and deeds. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 254 Our thankful thought for today is this: The best things in life never come through haste, but through patience. There is no need to be in a hurry or to be so busy that we don’t feel the grace that carries us and guides our lives. There is more than enough time to breathe, to laugh, to love, to experience goodness, to embrace grace, and to express gratitude to God for the gift of time and the ability to use it in this very moment of life. Our quote of thanks is from Daisaku Ikeda. He said, “Those who always have a sense of appreciation and gratitude never reach an impasse in life.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 34:1. It reads, “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

PRAY Holy Father God, every now and then, let us take a moment to stop and consider the beauty that surrounds, the ability within us, and the grace that carries us. Remind us to take moments to breathe, to laugh, to love, and to truly experience and be thankful for life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 255 Our thankful thought for today is this: Psalm 23 begins with the affirmative words, “The Lord is my shepherd”. Not only is this an affirmation, but it is a prayer, a declaration, and an expression of gratitude that God is everything we need and we can depend on Him. God tends to us like a shepherd tends to His sheep, gently leads us to green pastures, wraps us in His arms of love, and holds us close to His heart. We can be thankful that we are sheep and that we are led by the Good Shepherd who is God. Our quote of thanks is from Ashley Smith. She said, “Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 40:1-3. It reads, “I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we are grateful that we can call You our Shepherd and that You can call us Your sheep. Resting in this affirmation, we are confident that we can depend on You because You love us, care for us, and hold us close to Your heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 286

DAY 256 Our thankful thought for today is this: When the holidays, special events, or celebratory occasions come around, it’s important to remember to consciously enjoy the season, the spirit, the rush, the madness, the family, the friends, and the gifts. Most gifts in life come unwrapped, and all of these things are gifts that often only come during this time. Stop a minute and think about all the things you have to be grateful for and all the things you have to enjoy. Forget about what you don’t have or what you think you’re missing for a minute and thank God for all the blessings bestowed upon you. Be grateful for family and friends, no matter what their habits or personality types are. Create happy memories that will last. The gifts of gratitude and enjoyment are priceless, and they keep giving for a long time. Our quote of thanks is from Steve Maraboli. He said, “A grateful mind can set you free from the prison of disempowerment and the shackles of misery.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 41:13. It reads, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the special events that come into our lives. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by the rush and madness that often characterize these times, help us to choose to enjoy them, to live in the moment, and to express and experience gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 287

DAY 257 Our thankful thought for today is this: One of the best ways to let go of worry is to start thanking and praising God for what He is about to do because of the faith you placed in Him to handle your situation. It is impossible to be worried and grateful at the same time. Looking forward and expecting God to work on your behalf will fill you with hope, joy, and gratitude. Being thankful is a sign that you are choosing to trust God. Our quote of thanks is from Elbert Hubbard. He said, “I would rather be able to appreciate things I cannot have than to have things I am not able to appreciate.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 42:11. It reads, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from worry, give us faith, help us to anticipate good, and to be thankful because we trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 258 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is a lot like having faith. The more you use it — even though you probably can’t see it and don’t feel it — the more it grows. The more gratitude we express, the more things we find we have to express gratitude for, and the more strength and power we gain to do just that. Our quote of thanks is from Jonathan H. Ellerby. He said, “Gratitude and wonder are two of the most empowering and healing perspectives.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 44:8. It reads, “In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to grow in both faith and gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 259 Our thankful thought for today is this: When our minds stay in the space of gratitude, we encounter everyday wonders that we often do not notice. These moments of inspiration and fascination with everyday life and everyday encounters have the power to change how we think, what we do, the way we live life, and how we experience the world. Our quote of thanks is from Ellen DeGeneres. She said, “Gratitude is looking on the brighter side of the life, even if it means hurting your eyes.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 48:1. It reads, “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.”

PRAY Holy Father God, grant us strength to keep our minds in the space of gratitude so that we can encounter everyday experiences not as ordinary but as wonders. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 260 Our thankful thought for today is this: There is nothing in the world greater than to live the life that God has given us to live. It is incumbent upon all of us to live life to the fullest — completely, wholly, and abundantly — everyday, with joy, gratitude, contentment and hope. Our quote of thanks is from Charles Schwab. He said, “The way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 48:10. It reads, “According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to live the life You have given to us wholly and abundantly with joy, gratitude, and hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 261 Our thankful thought for today is this: Learn to show appreciation. Show someone how much you appreciate them. Do a random act of kindness such as paying for lunch for the next two people behind you, buying flowers for someone in the hospital and taking it to them unexpectedly. Kindness and gratitude go a long way. Our quote of thanks is from Anne Morrow Lindbergh. She said, “One can never pay in gratitude; one can only pay ‘in kind’ somewhere else in life.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 50:14. It reads, “Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the people You have placed in our lives and for placing us in the lives of others. Help us to show appreciation and recognition of those who make our lives better. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 262 Our thankful thought for today is this: Some things in life are not meant to be understood; they’re only meant to be accepted. We may not understand every situation we go through or obstacle we face, but when we accept it with gratitude we save ourselves the headache of becoming angry over things we cannot control and begin to find meaning in the midst of accidents, mistakes, and coincidences. Our quote of thanks is from Axel Koster. He said, “Be thankful for every day in your life even with all the obstacles.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 50:23. It reads, “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, for the things we don’t understand, help us to accept them; and for things we can’t control, help us to find meaning and peace in them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 263 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is a way for us to express appreciation for what we have instead of always striving for something new or something more in hopes that happiness and fulfillment will be the outcome. With gratitude, we focus on what we have, not on what we lack; and we realize that whatever we have is more than enough if we make it so. When we enact gratitude as mandatory in our lives, our minds and hearts will gradually become more sensitive to moments in which we can express our thanks. Our quote of thanks is from Stacey Kramer. She said, “The next time you’re faced with something that’s unexpected, unwanted and uncertain, consider that it just may be a gift.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 51:15. It reads, “O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to focus on what we have, not on what we lack or perceive is lacking. Let our happiness and fulfillment be found, not in material things, but in the things of eternity. Give us grace to incorporate gratitude in our lives so that we consider everything a gift. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 294

DAY 264 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is the responsibility of every parent to teach their children to be thankful. One way parents can do this is by setting an example. Emotions and actions are contagious. More often than not, children will do what they see, not what they hear. Let your children see you say grace over food, express thanks to family and friends, and show appreciation for the blessings of life. It will change their lives mightily. Our quote of thanks is from Matthew McConaughey. He said, “He [God] has shown me that it is a scientific fact that gratitude reciprocates.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 52:9. It reads, “I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let us not only speak of the virtue of gratitude but help us to set an example for our children of what it means to be a grateful human being. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 265 Our thankful thought for today is this: Another way parents can help their children develop an attitude of gratitude is by encouraging thankful thinking. If a child wins a ball game or first place in a talent show, help him identify all the people who helped him get to where he is. Help them to personally or in a group tell those people “thank you” for their time, encouragement, gifts, or whatever it is they may have done. Doing so will help your children to think gratefully about their accomplishments in life and to include others in the celebration. Our quote of thanks is from Albert Schweitzer. He said, “In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 56:10. It reads, “In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word.”

PRAY Holy Father God, guide us in helping the young ones around us learn to show appreciation to the people who help them along life’s journey. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 266 Our thankful thought for today is this: Parents can help their children become grateful individuals by making special efforts to share something for which each person is grateful for each day. Sharing thanks daily can be balanced with sharing something that was tough to overcome, such as a difficult day at school. Starting with gratitude helps children to remember to be positive and to develop a sense of goodness and meaning even in difficult experiences. Our quote of thanks is from Miriam Ava. She said, “Gratitude is a lifestyle. When we’re grateful, we’re graceful. We’re more conscious, inspired, and powerful. We change, and thus we change the world.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 57:7. It reads, “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to teach our little ones to be grateful for each day of life, for every blessing that comes their way, and for every moment a lesson must be learned. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 267 Our thankful thought for today is this: When your kids express gratitude in language or behavior, be sure to notice it, point it out, and reinforce it. We’re often quick to jump and show our disapproval when kids show disrespect or a negative attitude. However, when kids do well and are kind and considerate, we should do the opposite and show our approval. This identification of positive behavior reinforces that behavior so the child is more likely to repeat the action because of the result. Our quote of thanks is from Danielle Laporte. She said, “Gratitude vibrates very close to the frequency of miracles.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 57:9-10. It reads, “I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our own language and behavior be an example to our children of what it means to be kind, considerate, loving, and thankful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 268 Our thankful thought for today is this: While children may have a tendency to forget what you said, they won’t forget what you put in front of their eyes. Use visual reminders to keep your children on the path of gratitude. Write notes reminding your kids to be grateful. Staple it to the inside of their backpack, put it in their lunchbox, write it in the front of their notebook, label it across their pencils or markers. Whatever it takes, make sure your kids don’t forget to count their blessings. If they learn to do so now, they will remember to do so later in life. Our quote of thanks is from Chris Winfield. He said, “Gratitude is a gift. One of the greatest joys that we get to experience in this world is giving gifts and making people’s lives better. When you express your gratitude for someone or something, you are sharing that gift.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 63:3. It reads, “Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.”

PRAY Holy Father God, our children are precious gifts given to us to light up this world. Help us to equip them with everything they need to succeed and live a life of meaning, wholeness, and gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 299

DAY 269 Our thankful thought for today is this: Make gratitude a monthlong activity for your kids and even your family. Post a chart to your refrigerator or to the wall in your kitchen or hallway, somewhere everyone can see it, and write “I Am Grateful For”. Let everyone in your household fill it out with one or two things each day throughout the month. This exercise will help everyone, but kids in particular, realize that gratitude is not a singular occurrence but something we choose to experience everyday. Go over that chart periodically, helping everyone to remember what they are grateful for. Our quote of thanks is from Tony Robbins. He said, “If you’re gonna make a change, you’re gonna have to operate from a new belief that says life happens not to me but for me.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 66:8-9. It reads, “O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our minds and hearts never forget that we are all so very blessed, and we can realize the abundance in our lives if we only took time to notice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 270 Our thankful thought for today is this: Too often, many people spend their time and energy trying to control things they can’t control, fixing things that are wrong, worrying about something going wrong, trying to change people who aren’t listening, dwelling on past misfortunes, and replaying negative thoughts and emotions from some past failure or mistake, that they don’t have any time or energy to enjoy the life that they have been given at this very moment. Instead of focusing on what’s gone wrong, what’s about to go wrong, why someone is mean to you and so forth, switch your focus to what’s going right and be grateful for life and all the blessings that come with it. Our quote of thanks is from Oprah Winfrey. She said, “No gesture is too small when done with gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 67:1. It reads, “God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we often fill our time and waste our energy on things and people that are beyond our control. In the midst of what’s not going well, we forget to be grateful for what is. Help us to stop, refocus, and take notice of what we have, who we are, and what we are able to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 271 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is always easy to notice what’s going wrong, even for young children. You can help your child notice what is going right and good in his life while at the same time creating an attitude of gratitude by helping him or her keep a journal of things that go well. When times get tough, let your child pull that journal out and read it. Going over good events and how they impact us can create an environment that opens the door for more good things, cultivates gratitude, and promotes a consciousness of blessings. Our quote of thanks is from Sarah ban Breathnach. She said, “While working to make your dream a reality, feel the joy of your accomplishment and savor it with celebration and thanksgiving.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 67:3. It reads, “Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.”

PRAY Holy Father God, make us aware of the good events in our lives, the good things we possess, and help us to be conscious of the blessings that exist around us and in us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 272 Our thankful thought for today is this: Each day, set aside time to reflect on the day’s journey. Each day is one which we have never seen before and one which we will never see again. It is important not to rush through life and then end up on the other side wondering where the time went. The opportunities that abound in each day we are given are presented before us to take advantage of them. However they are disguised, we can learn from every event whether good or bad and take special care to live life in a full, abundant way. Our quote of thanks is from Robin Sharma. She said, “Some of life’s best pleasures are its simplest ones. Enrich your life with them and your heart will be happy.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 68:4. It reads, “Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, and rejoice before him.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let us never rush past an opportunity because it is disguised as something we think we don’t want or need. Help us to live every day to its fullest, with joy and abundance of gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 273 Our thankful thought for today is this: Life offers gifts. Many times they come in varying shapes and sizes. Sometimes we expect them, most times we don’t. It is not for us to know everything or to plan for every eventuality. However, we can prepare our hearts to receive whatever comes our way and find peace through contentment and gratitude. Our quote of thanks is from Brene Brown. She said, “Mindfully practicing authenticity during our most soulsearching struggles is how we invite grace, joy, and gratitude into our lives.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 68:19. It reads, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.”

PRAY Holy Father God, open our hearts to the gift of life and to being receptive of everything that comes our way. Lead us to peace by the way of contentment and thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 274 Our thankful thought for today is this: Instead of wondering why everything is so bad, gratitude causes us to take a step back and be amazed at how much good we are actually surrounded by. Choosing gratitude helps us to avoid wasting time being negative, and to instead spend time focusing on positive, good, and noble things. And when we focus on the latter, we realize that we really do have much for which to give thanks. Our quote of thanks is from Andy Lacroix. He said, “When you decide to bring your own sense of gratitude to your conscious awareness and to make gratitude part of your daily routine, it is a humbling experience.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 68:35. It reads, “O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from worrying about everything that may be going wrong and help us to allow ourselves to become amazed at the good that does exist, the courage we can possess, and the abundance of positive things to do, to see, and to become. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 275 Our thankful thought for today is this: Before we start to complain and murmur, we should remind ourselves that things could always be worse. Nothing and nobody in this world is perfect. As much as we don’t want to admit it or believe it, we aren’t perfect either. As long as the world is turning, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and we have air in our lungs, we should be giving thanks. Our quote of thanks is from David Steindl-Rast. He said, “The root of joy is gratefulness.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 72:18. It reads, “Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.”

PRAY Holy Father God, while many things in life don’t go as planned, help us to remind ourselves that it could be worse. Give us grace to avoid the road of complaining and find joy on the road of gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 276 Our thankful thought for today is this: Sometimes, we think we need a change of pace or change of direction or a break from the daily grind. There are times when that is very much needed. But when we really look at it, what we need more is a change of perspective. Gratitude is not just about being thankful for good things. It is about being thankful for the good and the bad and opening our minds and hearts to see how the not-so-favorable situations make us kinder, more loving, and whole-hearted people. Our quote of thanks is from Ruth Logan. She said, “The practice of gratitude is about consciously taking time to be grateful for all the good things in our lives, and altering our perspective to focus on that gratitude in our day to day lives.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 75:1. It reads, “Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.”

PRAY Holy Father God, give us a change of lens, a change of perspective whereby we can view life as it is in the here and now with positivity and joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 277 Our thankful thought for today is this: We often spend money on stuff, seeking to gain some happiness by the activity. And at that moment, we may express some appreciation for the material item. But a meaningful life doesn’t lie in possessions; it’s in the experiences we have and share with others. Our possessions may make us thankful temporarily, but our experiences — all of them — will cause us to give thanks for a lifetime. Our quote of thanks is from Robert Emmons. He said, “Consciously cultivating an attitude of gratitude builds up a sort of psychological immune system that can cushion us when we fall.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 75:1. It reads, “Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the experiences we have and the ones we share with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 278 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is essential to our survival as a human race. It is a quality that holds us all together no matter how different or distant we are. It stabilizes, sustains, and secures much of what we hold dear. When it is absent, we can be sure that joy, contentment, and inner peace are also gone. But when it is present, blessings, acknowledgement of gifts, and new perspective on humanity is ours. Our quote of thanks is from William Wordsworth. He said, “All that we behold is full of blessings.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 79:13. It reads, “So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to see the need for not only speaking gratitude and thinking gratitude, but for living gratefully everyday. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 279 Our thankful thought for today is this: When showing gratitude to others, be specific. Many times, we use general phrases like “I appreciate your help.” But it goes a long way if we note specifically how someone has helped us accomplish a goal or succeed in some other way. If a friend inspires you, tell them so and how. Such an action will be remembered for a long time and can serve as a great motivation to do it again and again. Our quote of thanks is from Adam Toren. He said, “Adopting a gratitude practice takes you out of your problem and toward a solution.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 84:4. It reads, “Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let us be as specific in our gratitude as we are in our requests. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 280 Our thankful thought for today is this: Laughter is gratitude. It offers relief from daily worries and allows us to experience the joy that comes with living and leading a wholehearted, connected life. When it is hard for us to see past some certain difficulty, laughter comes alongside us to push us or pull us through. Laughter leaves us with a comforting feeling that while everything may not be okay now, it will, eventually, be okay. Our quote of thanks is from Michael Feeley. He said, “Judgment is ingratitude because when you focus on the flaws of people you wipe out their meaning.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 86:12-13. It reads, “I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to refuse to allow the circumstances of life to rob us of the gift of laughter and the gratitude that forms the foundation of a spirited soul. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 281 Our thankful thought for today is this: If we never felt the cold of winter, it’s doubtful we would ever truly enjoy and appreciate the warmth of summer. In order to truly live and appreciate the journey just as much as the destination, it is important that we turn every stumbling block into a stepping stone, every curse into a blessing, and every mistake into a powerful lesson. Our quote of thanks is from Steve Maraboli. He said, “Although time seems to fly, it never travels faster than one day at a time. Each day is a new opportunity to live your life to the fullest. In each waking day, you will find scores of blessings and opportunities for positive change. Do not let your TODAY be stolen by the unchangeable past or the indefinite future! Today is a new day!” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 89:1. It reads, “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let us be open to truly living and to truly appreciate the journey of life equal to the destination. Give us perspective, power, and peace to not only seize the day, but to enjoy what we get to do in it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 282 Our thankful thought for today is this: When we are mindful of our blessings, we don’t live life as if it is a burden neither do we feel entitled to anything. Instead, we are highly aware of the fact that life is a wonderful miracle and we get the privilege to live it. Life is not some type of right, but an opportunity to love, to serve, and to live intentionally. Our quote of thanks is from Brenï¿½ Brown. She said, “What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 89:5. It reads, “And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O Lord: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from an attitude of entitlement and help us to embrace the fact that we get to live life with purpose and good intent. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 283 Our thankful thought for today is this: The practice of gratitude lies on a continuum. We are not born grateful; we reach this level by deliberate choices. From greed to entitlement, to appreciation and contentment — we realize that wanting more doesn’t always lead to better things. We cease to compare and covet and begin to open up to the greatest possibilities. In traveling along our journeys, we reach gratitude which is the highest level of life. Our quote of thanks is from Victor Hugo. He said, “The poor man shuddered, overflowed with an angelic joy; he declared in his transport that this would last through life; he said to himself that he really had not suffered enough to deserve such radiant happiness, and he thanked God, in the depths of his soul, for having permitted that he, a miserable man, should be so loved by this innocent being.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 89:7. It reads, “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let gratitude be our daily practice and let us allow joy and peace to overflow in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 284 Our thankful thought for today is this: Being grateful correlates with having hope in life. It is impossible to be hopeful and not be grateful, and to be grateful but not have hope. Hope is not an emotion as it is often described; it is an intentional mindset that gives us confidence that no matter what, everything will work out the way it should for us. We learn hope in the context of being and thinking gratefully. Our quote of thanks is from Sonja Lyubomirsky. She said, “There are multiple ways to practice the strategy of gratitude and it would be wise to choose what works best for you. When the strategy loses its freshness or meaningfulness, don’t hesitate to make a change in how, when, and how often you express yourself.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 92:1. It reads, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High.”

PRAY Holy Father God, invade our lives with hope, empower us with the ability to set goals and pursue them, and infuse us with confidence to live life with grace and gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 285 Our thankful thought for today is this: We rarely realize that we receive so much more than what we give — even for the most charitable among us. It is only with gratitude for what we have and gratitude we receive in kind for what we give that life becomes meaningful and significant, rich and abundant. Our quote of thanks is from Yogi Bhajan. He said, “An attitude of gratitude brings great things.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 92:2. It reads, “To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night.”

PRAY Holy Father God, what we receive at every second of life pales in comparison to what we give. Let us find in the receiving, but more so in the giving, the blessings that await us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 286 Our thankful thought for today is this: When we encounter obstacles in life’s path, we can respond by grumbling or we can respond with gratefulness. We can’t be grateful without expressing appreciation for the difficulties we encounter. For if we never encounter such circumstances, we’ll never know the measure of our strength and the extent to which we can fight and overcome. Our quote of thanks is from Albert Schweitzer. He said, “He who does not reflect his life back to God in gratitude does not know himself.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 92:4. It reads, “For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let obstacles and problems never overwhelm us to the point of ingratitude. It is in these times, You make us stronger, give us perspective, and show Your best work in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 287 Our thankful thought for today is this: We only live once. We all have a start date and an end date. We don’t get to come back and do life over. I’m not saying that to make you sad or to make you worry. I’m saying that so you can begin to appreciate every moment of life, so you can cherish the fact that you get to be here and live a wonderful life, and so you can do the things that will help you realize your dreams and reach your goals. This is life and we only get to live it once, but if we live it wholeheartedly, confidently, and gratefully, once is all we need. Our quote of thanks is from Steve Maraboli. He said, “A grateful mindset can set you free from the prison of disempowerment and the shackles of misery.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 95:1. It reads, “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for this one life we get to live. Help us to appreciate each moment and live it with our whole hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 288 Our thankful thought for today is this: We never develop without learning. And it is impossible to learn without growing. When we make special effort to learn something, we challenge ourselves to stretch, get outside of our comfort zone, and rise above what is current. It is interesting to notice that when we look back over our lessons in life, we tend to see them, not as challenges necessarily, but as blessings in disguise, as necessary stepping stones to our present life. Our quote of thanks is from Chris Brown. He said, “Gratitude is the key that unlocks wonder; Generosity is how we keep wonder.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 95:2. It reads, “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for challenges, for obstacles, for lessons, and for the ability to grow, to go farther, and to rise above them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 289 Our thankful thought for today is this: Each day we live is a learning experience. We are continually learning about ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Learning helps to bring meaning to our lives. When we seek to hear and to understand, we derive a free open space that inspires gratitude for the ways in which we grow, learn, hear, and understand. Our quote of thanks is from Robert Emmons. He said, “Gratitude is the way the heart remembers — remembers kindnesses, cherished interactions with others, compassionate actions of strangers, surprise gifts, and everyday blessings. By remembering, we honor and acknowledge the many ways in which who and what we are has been shaped by others, both living and dead.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 95:6-7. It reads, “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice.”

PRAY Holy Father God, give us ears to hear, hearts that seek to understand, and minds that are unafraid to grow and explore challenges. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 320

DAY 290 Our thankful thought for today is this: Blessings are both tangible and intangible. We can see some and feel others. The house we live in and the experiences we encounter are both blessings which affect us in one way or another. Blessings transform us and help us to find meaning and connection. They also allow us to recognize the existence and presence of grace in our lives. Without blessings, life would be callous and the world could not survive. Our quote of thanks is from John O’Donahue. He said, “The word blessing evokes a sense of warmth and protection; it suggests that no life is alone or unreachable. Each life is clothed in raiment of spirit that secretly links it to everything else. Though suffering and chaos befall us, they can never quench that inner light of providence.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 96:1. It reads, “O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.”

PRAY Holy Father God, whether we realize it or not, everything we have, who we are, and what we are able to do is a blessing. Help us to live like that is the case. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 291 Our thankful thought for today is this: Choosing to cultivate gratitude in our lives helps to develop character and good sense. When character is cultivated, it expands our mentality and attitude of thankfulness. We realize that we are not the source of all things, neither are we the beginning or the end. This in and of itself is wisdom which leads to an acute awareness of the blessings that surround us. Our quote of thanks is from Alexis de Tocqueville. He said, “Gratitude is a habit of the heart.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 96:1. It reads, “O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to make good choices and possess virtues that reflect what is good, noble, positive, and full of grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 292 Our thankful thought for today is this: Being merciful gives rise to gratitude. As we travel through life, we will discover that that is one of the greatest qualities we can possess and the greatest element of compassion we can foster. Mercy reduces stress, engenders kindness, and overflows with a million other blessings into and out of our lives. When we want to feel and express gratitude, we need to only look so far as the nearest unexpected gift. Our quote of thanks is from Maddy Malhotra. She said, “Road accidents, psycho killings, plane crashes abound we don’t know which day will be our last, so why not make today the happiest day and be thankful for all that we have?” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 96:2. It reads, “Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let mercy fill and overflow from our lives, reduce stress, engender kindness, and cultivate gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 293 Our thankful thought for today is this: Whether we are happy or hurting, smiling or suffering, we remember past kindnesses and acts of compassion through gratitude. We understand how deep and how wide the power of gratitude extends because when we remember our blessings, we realize a strong connection to God and to others. When we are intentionally thankful, our deepest needs and wants are realized and we can experience wholeness and healing. Our quote of thanks is from Miya Yamanouchi. She said, “Gratitude is the antidote for misery. When you are counting your blessings you are too busy to be counting your problems.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 96:4. It reads, “For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we never know what the day brings. Give us courage to face each day with boldness, an open heart, and a will to reach our goals while helping others who are also attempting to reach their goals as well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 294 Our thankful thought for today is this: Both positive and negative thoughts and emotions affect us and those around us for good or ill. Both are contagious. What and who we are around eventually rubs off on us in some way. Like joy and love, being thankful can transform our lives and the lives of those around us for good. Being positive produces positive thoughts, positive emotions, and an all-around positive outlook on life. Our quote of thanks is from Patience W. Smith. She said, “The greatest of blessings can come from what appear to be the smallest and most insignificant of things. Don’t discredit anything or anyone. One person, one tiny thing, one little shift can change your life in enormous ways.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 96:8. It reads, “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to be positive at every point and turn in life. Let our positivity and attitude of gratitude transform our lives and the lives of those around us for good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 295 Our thankful thought for today is this: A person wrapped up in himself is bound. Such a person feels entitled and deserving of what he is given in life. When we allow ourselves to feel entitled and deserving, we will never be satisfied because the want for more will be increasingly great. If we focus solely on ourselves, our heart will be void of gratitude. In the pursuit of making ourselves happier, we attempt to gain more material things. This rat race erases any chance of expressing appreciation because we have predetermined that we deserve such abundance at any cost, when in fact, we don’t. Our quote of thanks is from Erwin Raphael McManus. He said, “What is the path to wholeness? We will see this path more clearly if we recognize that greed’s ugly stepsister is ungratefulness. Greed always wants more. When we are greedy, we are never satisfied. Whatever we receive from others, we conclude we deserve. And in whatever quantity it may come, it is never enough. Lack of gratitude is a manifestation of an abundance of greed. From the vantage point of the taker, it is his or her justification for always demanding. He is endlessly disappointed in others. No one ever comes through for him. No one ever keeps his promises. Everyone always falls short of his expectations. There is no need for thanks, except thanks for nothing. No truth, no matter how profound, will find its way into a heart that is absent of gratitude.”

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Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 96:9. It reads, “O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to choose gratitude over greed and a truly abundant life over a life of entitlement and justifying demands. Open our hearts to truth so endless opportunities to express our thankfulness and appreciation for everything can invade our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 296 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is a fountain of life. Out of this fountain flows hope that takes the edge off of life, happiness that overwhelms our view with bounty instead of lack, and grace to live through every day knowing that God has our back. Each day is an opportunity to become stronger, braver, wiser, and more courageous. Our quote of thanks is from Janet Rebhan. She said, “Gratitude is a divine shift in your perspective from one of separation and lack to one of unity and right mindedness. It is a choice not made from guilt but rather from a higher level of consciousness.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 96:11. It reads, “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for hope, happiness, and grace, and for the ability to do and be better each new day we live. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 297 Our thankful thought for today is this: We must always be consciously aware of our character development and growth in spiritual disciplines. When we are, we tend to focus more on what is working in our lives, building on our strengths instead of trying to fix our weaknesses. Our contributions to the lives of others and to society as a whole become more effective and valuable when our character and spirituality aligns with our kindness and generosity Our quote of thanks is from Luci Swindoll. She said, “Wherever you are now is God’s provision, not His punishment. Celebrate this moment and try very hard to do it with conscious gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 97:1. It reads, “The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.”

PRAY Holy Father God, may we live a life that is charactered and disciplined not by our own strength but by our dependence on You and our willingness to follow Your plan and purpose. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 298 Our thankful thought for today is this: If we are ever to be free from the dysfunction and pain of our past, we must learn to see God in the midst of every experience in our lives. When God is in the picture, nothing goes unnoticed or unaccounted for. We can only move forward when we choose to stop holding grudges and embrace every situation as a part of God’s plan for our greater good. Our quote of thanks is from Erwin W. Lutzer. He said, “Thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness in our pain is the indisputable proof that we believe God is a part of our pain.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 97:12. It reads, “Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let every experience be used in our lives for some greater good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 299 Our thankful thought for today is this: If you pay close attention, you’ll realize that life isn’t that bad. It’s full of ups and downs, ins and outs, sunshine and rain, smooth travels and traffic. But without these challenges and periodic bumps in the road, life wouldn’t be interesting or worth living. It is not how many obstacles we face, but how we handle our business when we come to those obstacles. Do we sit, stare, and give up, or do we stand, square our shoulders, and keep moving forward? Our quote of thanks is from Steve Maraboli. He said, “The more I understand the mind and the human experience, the more I begin to suspect there is no such thing as unhappiness; there is only ungratefulness.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 98:1 (NLT). It reads, “Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power!”

PRAY Holy Father God, make our moments count, our days worth living, and our lives meaningful and fulfilling. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 300 Our thankful thought for today is this: Once we take a few moments of each day to review and reflect on our lives and we allow gratitude to transform us, we begin to take the next steps in our journey naturally. When we appreciate all we have and can do, we feel the urge to get back to what is necessary and important for true happiness and contentment in life. We find that what is necessary and important is not always work, but the simple things like setting the table, getting together with friends, attending Little League and PeeWee football games. Much of what we deeply desire is found in the quiet, simple moments of everyday life that transform us. Our quote of thanks is from Sarah ban Breathnach. She said, “Whatever we are waiting for — peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance — it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 98:4. It reads, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.”

PRAY Holy Father God, it is quite easy to give thanks for a big breakthrough or some other great accomplishment. But let us never cease to give equal thanks for the simple everyday moments that hold the power to take our breath away. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 332

DAY 301 Our thankful thought for today is this: Faith in God brings us joy, contentment, hope, and peace. It doesn’t lessen our troubles but it gives us certainty of His hand in our lives and His glorious mercies that are new every morning. The knowledge of God’s greatness brings light to our souls and spirits. By acknowledging every new mercy with gratitude, we bring strength and grace into our lives to perform every task with joy. Our quote of thanks is from Dale Carnegie. He said, “By talking to yourself every hour of the day, you can direct yourself to think thoughts of courage and happiness, thoughts of power and peace. By talking to yourself about the things you have to be grateful for, you can fill your mind with thoughts that soar and sing.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 98:7. It reads, “Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for new mercies, glorious blessings, and the ability to acknowledge the light within our souls. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 302 Our thankful thought for today is this: Worry can be beneficial if it causes you to take a positive action. But worry can destroy you if your mind is consumed with worst-case scenarios. Gratitude is one of the greatest antidotes to worry. Constant worry can be paralyzing, but gratitude is freeing. You can only take life one day at a time, one moment at a time; not all at once. When you do that, you train yourself to be calm and view life from a positive and uplifting perspective. Our quote of thanks is from Jonathan Harnisch. He said, “How simple it is to acknowledge that all the worry in the world could not control the future. How simple it is to see that we can only be happy now, and that there will never be a time when it is not now.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 99:9. It reads, “Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from worry and spur us on to gratitude that defeats worry and gives us positive perspective and freedom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 303 Our thankful thought for today is this: At some point in life, no matter what we do, we will face criticism, and sometimes it will hurt and we will feel like quitting. But we can be grateful for such criticism by knowing we are in God’s hands and He will not let anything come our way that He has not already given us grace to handle. We may not do everything right, but God knows our heart and His love and affirmation are all we need. Our quote of thanks is from Akosua Dardaine Edwards. She said, “Amidst all the confusion in your life, find something to be grateful for, even if it is the air that you breathe, and trust me, this will transform you in some small way. Gratitude is really really the great multiplier.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 100:1. It reads, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You that we don’t have to listen to criticism. While it is unavoidable at times, we are grateful that You know our heart and we can rest in Your love and affirmation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 304 Our thankful thought for today is this: Life is happening right now. What are you going to do with the time you’ve been given? Whatever it is, now is the time to make a decision and do something. The truth is, most people die having never lived their lives. They went through the motions of life, but never really lived. If tomorrow were the end, would you be proud of your life, of what you accomplished, of the people you helped, and of the difference you made? If you can’t answer that question, now is your chance to start living. Our quote of thanks is from Alexander McCall Smith. He said, “It is so easy to thank people, and most people don’t bother to do it. They don’t thank the person who does something for them. They just take it for granted.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 100:2-3. It reads, “Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

PRAY Holy Father God, tomorrow is not promised to us. The very next moment, in fact, is not promised to us either. Let us truly live each day in humble recognition that one life is all we get and it is our responsibility to live a life we will be proud of. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 305 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is a privilege to love and to be loved. Much of what we see in life is wrapped in hate and unkindness. It can be difficult to see the tenderness and gentleness of love, not just to receive it, but also to give it. We should consider ourselves blessed that we possess the capacity to receive love and to give love. And even when that love is not returned to us, we can be grateful that our heart is in the right place and the beauty and joy of love and light can be experienced. Our quote of thanks is from John F. Demartini. He said, “Whatever we think about and thank about we bring about.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 100:4-5. It reads, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let love reign in our hearts and give us grace to receive it and to give it unconditionally. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 306 Our thankful thought for today is this: If we practice being appreciative of who we are and what we have, we will never run short on positive thoughts. Opening our hearts and minds to the good within and without allows our lives to unfold in amazing and powerful ways. Our quote of thanks is from Brene Brown. She said, “I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 101:1. It reads, “I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing.”

PRAY Holy Father God, keep us graceful, keep us joyful, and keep us grateful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 307 Our thankful thought for today is this: Let joy be the foundation of your life. Express happiness at every chance you get. We can be joyful and live a happy life not because everything is perfect or easy or goes according to plan, but because without joy, we wouldn’t be able to bear the stones that come hurling our way. We can choose to be full of joy and gratitude for all the good things we do have and all the problems we know we wouldn’t want. Our quote of thanks is from Dean Koontz. He said, “Then the clarifying thing happens, and what you need to do, what you must do, is not a question, not demand more revelation than what is given, be quiet in the face of it, quiet and grateful that it has been given to you to see this, to be for even a short time aware of the extraordinary layered depths and profound beauty of the world to which we mostly blind ourselves.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 103:1. It reads, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”

PRAY Holy Father God, fill our lives with joy and our hearts with the grace to choose to be happy and grateful for every experience and every opportunity that comes our way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 308 Our thankful thought for today is this: Stress and anxiety are a normal part of everyday life for many people. We feel stressed in many ways and respond to it differently. Taking a few moments to unplug, to breathe, and to relax can help to refocus our attention on what’s important. Practicing gratitude in these moments when life becomes overwhelming can be a mind-changer and a life-changer, and can affect our health in positive ways. Our quote of thanks is from Jon Gordon. He said, “Throughout the day, anytime you find yourself feeling stressed or wanting to complain, stop for 10 seconds and breathe. Count your breaths and your blessings.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 103:2. It reads, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let us not be overwhelmed by the pressures of life but instead to intentionally pay attention to moments in which we can recognize the beauty of living and express gratitude for blessings that are all around us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 309 Our thankful thought for today is this: Next time you go outside, instead of checking your phone or reading a book or going over your to-do list as you rush to your car, take a moment to enjoy the beauty of nature. Give thanks for the sunshine that finds its way through cracks, the rain that gives a sense of refreshment, and the trees that swing back and forth. God has given us nature to experience and to enjoy a bit of His presence in the earth. It is incredibly overlooked and underappreciated. Our quote of thanks is from Terry Crouson. He said, “Optimism is found where gratitude abounds.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 103:22. It reads, “Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.”

PRAY Holy Father God, it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives - running to and fro attempting to get somewhere or do something that we think is significant. Help us to take time to appreciate the beauty of Your created world and to relish in the fact that You love us and care for us unconditionally. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 310 Our thankful thought for today is this: If we rejoice in and are grateful for every day and receive it as a gift from God, no day will seem typical or boring. For a grateful person, every day is full of possibility, opportunity, wonder, and adventure. It is our responsibility to enjoy life fully and abundantly. No one else can enjoy life for us. When we own our lives and embrace this responsibility, we lean in to connection, grace, and joy. Our quote of thanks is from Edmond Mbiaka. He said, “With full appreciation, count your blessings no matter how small they might seem. Gratitude and unconditional selflove are the best gifts that you could ever give to your innerself.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 104:1. It reads, “Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.”

PRAY Holy Father God, teach us to look forward to each day with wonder and excitement, to take responsibility for our lives, and to live in abundance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 311 Our thankful thought for today is this: There is no such thing as erasing pain in order to feel joy. When we attempt to avoid pain or numb its effects, we also avoid comfort. It is by way of suffering and heartbreak, oftentimes, that we are vulnerable enough to allow ourselves to feel discomfort. In recognizing that life is not always a bed of roses and that sometimes bad things happen, we lean in to the realities of life and learn how to live with grace and gratitude. Our quote of thanks is from Christopher Dines. He said, “Like gratitude, authentic appreciation in the workplace is a realization that can be nurtured and accessed with daily mindful practice. By and large, people who are grateful, happy and enthusiastic are going to demonstrate better performance than those who are unhappy and unappreciative. There is increasing evidence that a grateful mindset amplifies happiness and mental and emotional well-being.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 104:33. It reads, “I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let us not run so fast from the pain we experience in life that we also escape the wonder, delight, and peace that often follows a period of discomfort. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 312 Our thankful thought for today is this: We allow joy to enter and infuse our lives when we choose to recognize how good and wonderful things really are. Instead of anxiously waiting for the sky to fall or inaccurately assuming that our joy will somehow disappear as soon as we encounter difficulty, we need to be grateful today like there is no tomorrow for all the wonder, simple pleasures, victories, goodness, and grace that exists in our lives. Our quote of thanks is from J.R. Wirth. He said, “Getting lost in the ‘big picture’ often prevents us from cherishing the ‘small moments’ that make it all worthwhile.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 105:1. It reads, “O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we choose to let joy overwhelm us and we choose to be grateful for the abundance and grace, wonder and victories that exist around us and within us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 313 Our thankful thought for today is this: Intentionally forgetting about ourselves and our wants and needs and doing something meaningful for someone else is one of the most powerful and life changing things we can do to overcome feelings of negativity and ungratefulness. Purposely fighting against selfishness and choosing to walk in love and grace is the expression of a well-ordered life. We become connected to others not by judging and rejecting, but by loving and showing compassion. Our quote of thanks is from Elizabeth Gilbert. She said, “…Most of my prayers are expressions of sheer gratitude for the fullness of my contentment.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 105:2. It reads, “Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to make the choice to put the needs of others before our own, to shine our light in some dark corner, and to show Your love to those who need it most. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 314 Our thankful thought for today is this: Choosing to be content in a world that is very much discontented is not only benefiting to the self, but is also helpful to those around us and to the world. In turning our attention from our own problems and periodic dysfunction, we gain more time and energy to expend on others. When we remove ourselves out of the way of ourselves, we are open to love, serve, give, help, and embrace others. Our quote of thanks is from Nikki Rowe. She said, “This morning I woke up, how blessed I am — eyes to see, a voice to speak; words to read and love to feel — If this isn’t something to be thankful for, I’m not sure what is.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 105:3. It reads, “Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from becoming an obstacle to ourselves by focusing on ourselves. Help us instead to be content with such things as we have and with who we are and spend more time and energy in service to and love of others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 315 Our thankful thought for today is this: There are people in the background of our lives who work exceptionally hard to make our lives a little easier. These people include the grocery store clerk, the bank teller, the waste management driver, the lawn worker, the barista, and so many others. They often go unnoticed and what they do for so many is more than likely taken for granted. Take a minute to give thanks for them and to express thanks to them for the things they do to make your life run like a well-oiled machine. Our quote of thanks is from Richelle E. Goodrich. She said, “The road to happiness starts with a deep breath and an awareness of the many blessings tied to that single breath.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 106:1. It reads, “Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for all the service people in our lives, who fill in gaps we couldn’t manage without, and make our lives a little bit of heaven on earth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 316 Our thankful thought for today is this: We were not made to carry guilt. When God made us, He made us to be free, joy-filled children of His. As children of God and believers in Jesus, we can be thankful that we can receive forgiveness when we confess our sins and that guilt has no power over us. Only when we stop holding hands with guilt can we begin to live a life of peace, joy, hope, and thanksgiving. Our quote of thanks is from Shauna Niequist. She said, “I want to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude, of groundedness, of enough, even while I’m longing for something more. The longing and the gratitude, both. I’m practicing believing that God knows more than I know, that he sees what I can’t, that he’s weaving a future I can’t even imagine from where I sit this morning.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 106:47. It reads, “Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to let go of our past, drop the bags of guilt and shame, and make progress in life with the freedom, joy, forgiveness, abundance, and grace that is available to all Your children. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 348

DAY 317 Our thankful thought for today is this: We don’t take life all at once. We take it one day at a time, one moment at a time. The secret to climbing any mountain begins with taking the first step right in front of us. Sure, we’ll encounter difficulty, maybe an avalanche or two on the way up. But if we don’t give up and focus on the immediate progress we can make, we’ll eventually get to the top of the mountain. Our quote of thanks is from Dana Arcuri. She said, “The more you are grateful for what you have the more you can live fully in the present. When you live in the present moment the greater you can build stepping stones for a brighter future.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 106:48. It reads, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to live life one day at a time, to not give up when we encounter difficulty, and to keep pressing on until we get to the top of wherever it is we aim to go. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 318 Our thankful thought for today is this: Recognize one ungrateful thought that crosses your mind each day and choose to replace that thought with a grateful one. Learning to think about what we think about and choosing to change our thoughts to align with our values gives us the power to change our minds and our lives. When we replace ungrateful thoughts with grateful ones, we open doors for blessings, abundance, goodness, and grace. Our quote of thanks is from Edmond Mbiaka. He said, “Be grateful for the gift of life on earth. Not all who saw yesterday were lucky enough to see today.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 107:1. It reads, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let us embrace the power to change our minds and our lives by changing what we think about and focusing on good and grateful thoughts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 319 Our thankful thought for today is this: Practicing gratitude and choosing to have a grateful outlook on life delivers us from wanting to have a pity party for ourselves. It frees us from the “poor me” mentality and gets us into the “blessed me” mentality. This doesn’t mean we don’t have problems, but making it a point to feel sorry for ourselves on any given day is energy that could be well spent choosing to acknowledge blessings, appreciate others, and give and receive love. Our quote of thanks is from Christina Hibbert. She said, “Gratitude teaches us to appreciate the rainbow and the storm.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 107:8-9. It reads, “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let us spend the time and energy we have been given not throwing pity parties for ourselves, but choosing to accept and appreciate all the good that exists and the blessings that are bestowed upon us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 320 Our thankful thought for today is this: People who choose gratitude live a fuller, happier, more joyful, and more interesting life. They bring forth beauty and wonder in all they do. Living in this way causes one to see simple joys as the greatest blessings and opens our hearts to the bigness, boldness, and bravery that is ours. Our quote of thanks is from Dana Arcuri. She said, “Cultivating an attitude of gratitude begins with counting your blessings. In simpler terms, gratitude is expressing thanks for gifts we receive. Genuine gratitude helps us to see the little things in life that are often overlooked, yet so precious.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 107:21. It reads, “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to expend energy being grateful, realizing simple blessings, and opening ourselves up to bigness, boldness, and bravery. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 321 Our thankful thought for today is this: We each have a huge reservoir of blessings and miracles which we can draw upon at a moment’s notice. Just the simple fact that we are alive to bear witness to another unique day, makes life meaningful. When we are fully alive and in the moment, all things are possible and opportunities are endless. Life doesn’t tend to be easy, but it does tend to become worth it when we open up to the spirit of gratitude and let it reside in our daily thoughts and sit at the table of our everyday lives. Our quote of thanks is from Paul Gibbons. He said, “Feeling entitled is the opposite of feeling grateful. Gratitude opens the heart, entitlement closes it.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 108:1. It reads, “O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.”

PRAY Holy Father God, Your promises are yes and amen, Your mercies are new every morning, Your blessings upon us are full and overflowing. Let us be fully alive and open to all possibilities and opportunities before us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 322 Our thankful thought for today is this: Sometimes, we miss the forest for the trees. In the case of gratitude, it’s much easier to express and experience gratefulness when we stop to really see the pieces of our lives that make a beautiful whole. Often, we see the whole first and we don’t like it very much. But when we recognize the long journey, the pit stops, the setbacks, the breakdowns and the breakthroughs, we begin to appreciate the pieces that make the whole. Everything comes together into something more amazing than we ever imagined. Cultivating a lifestyle and mentality of gratitude adds significance and meaning to life. Life’s meaning and value increases the more we express and experience gratitude. Our quote of thanks is from Unarine Ramaru. He said, “You cannot define success and do that exceptionally well without a mention of gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 108:3-4. It reads, “I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to learn to appreciate the pieces of our lives, however they came about, that make up the whole. Each piece is necessary and beautiful. And when a bunch of beautiful pieces come together, You have the power to shape and transform them into a thing of wonder and joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 354

DAY 323 Our thankful thought for today is this: Nothing can be more disturbing and be a source of great time wasting than trying to be someone else. We often cover our flaws and hide our imperfections in a useless attempt to gain attention, approval, and affirmation. Doing this may work for a little while, but it always leads to limited authenticity and crushed vulnerability. We should never be thankful for a false version of ourselves, only for a true one. When we are our true selves, we have the confidence and hold the power to live a life of satisfaction, contentment, and joy. Our quote of thanks is from Bob Proctor. He said, “Let’s start with what we can be thankful for, and get our mind into that vibration, and then watch the good that starts to come, because one thought leads to another thought.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 108:5. It reads, “Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth”

PRAY Holy Father God, make our greatest aim in life not to be like someone else, but to be who You have made us to be and reflect Your glory and goodness in the earth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 324 Our thankful thought for today is this: Many of the problems that exist in the world stem from the fact that people expend too much energy and waste too much time trying to fix what is wrong with their lives instead of choosing to be grateful for what is good and right. Nothing can dim your inner light and impede your growth more than trying to fix your weaknesses to the neglect of your strengths and trying to fix people to your specifications than allowing them to do and be who they are and loving them for it. Our quote of thanks is from Richelle E. Goodrich. She said, “There are still blue skies and rainbows and days bathed in sunlight. There are colorful shade trees filled with sweet bird songs. And there are wishing stars in the heavens as well as angels in God’s service. So lift up your eyes. Refuse to be unhappy.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 109:30. It reads, “I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude.”

PRAY Holy Father God, empower us, energize us, enlighten us, and fill us with gratitude for the good, the wonder, the amazement, the hope, and the light that resides around us and within us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 325 Our thankful thought for today is this: Work can sometimes become boring and mundane. But for people who practice gratitude, they find the good in everything, including work and everyday tasks. When we are grateful, our work, no matter what it is, becomes more meaningful and fulfilling. It also becomes more enjoyable because when we approach our work with an “I get to…” mentality instead of an “I have to…” mentality, we give ourselves the power to direct our thoughts and the direction of our lives. Everything is a choice and we can choose thankfulness for work, purpose, meaning, and significance. Our quote of thanks is from Solanus Casey. He said, “Gratitude is the first sign of a thinking, rational creature.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 111:1. It reads, “Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for work and for the fulfillment and meaning we gain from it. Help us to approach our work with an attitude of thankfulness for the opportunities that are before us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 326 Our thankful thought for today is this: There are many serious and sad things happening in the world. We need to be aware of those things and do what is in our power to alleviate suffering in the lives of others. At the same time, however, we must learn to relax and enjoy life, and not allow anxiety and worry to take up residence in our hearts. God makes it possible for us to live the good life and we live it best in joy and thanksgiving. Our quote of thanks is from Brene Brown. She said, “A joyful life is made up of joyful moments gracefully strung together by trust, gratitude, inspiration, and faith.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 111:2. It reads, “The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.”

PRAY Holy Father God, despite all that is going on in the world around us, thank You for making it possible to live, love, and enjoy life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 327 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is so easy to express thanks after the storm has passed, or after we’ve gone through a major test, or after we’ve experienced some other relief from a period of discomfort and instability. But God urges us not to worry about anything but to give thanks in everything — not after every problem or heartbreak but during every problem and heartbreak. When we do this, we learn to appreciate the experience more and truly learn what we need to learn. This ensures we don’t just come out of another pit, but that we remember what we learned while down under. Our quote of thanks is from Gillian Deacon. He said, “There is no prescription for finding moments of gratitude in every day; there is simply the choice.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 111:2. It reads, “The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to learn to give thanks not just after the victory has been won, but while we’re going through the battle. May the battlefield teach us the lessons we need to learn and may we push through to joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 359

DAY 328 Our thankful thought for today is this: Life is far too important to just “get through”. This is what many people do much of the time and it is a revolving cycle of one step forward, two steps back, running fast and getting nowhere. You must live through — and really, truly live. When you get to the end of your life, do you want to just have lived the length of it? Or would you have rather lived the width of it as well? The one main thing that is really going to matter is not that you lived, but that you lived well. Our quote of thanks is from Avra Amar Filion. She said, “The shortest road man walks, is sadly the road of gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 111:10. It reads, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us not to just get through life and not to just live, but to live well with all the abundance and blessings, hope and joy, courage and commitment we can. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 329 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is necessary for connection. We develop relationships by who we are and by how we act and by what we say, but we maintain relationships by connecting hearts, souls, and spirits through gratitude and appreciation for each other. When we are grateful, we are more likely to be kind, to be open, to help others, to feel less depressed, less anxious, less lonely, and more wonderful to be around. Our quote of thanks is from Clement of Alexandria. He said, “All our life is a celebration for us; we are convinced, in fact, that God is always everywhere. We sing while we work, we sing hymns while we sail, we pray while we carry out all life’s other occupations.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 112:1. It reads, “Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for connections, for relationships, for the opportunity and ability to be in community with other people. Help us to empower, inspire, and bless those we come in contact with each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 330 Our thankful thought for today is this: Life isn’t always comfortable or pretty. Sometimes, it hurts. Sometimes, it brings pain. Sometimes, it breaks our hearts. Sometimes, it makes us cry. Sometimes, it causes us to grow weary and feel like quitting. But that is all okay; it’s part of what it means to live. The journey of life is just as important as the destination because it is the journey that transforms us. It is along the journey that we become better, wiser, and stronger. The journey tests us, tries us, pulls us, and pushes us. If we are paying attention, we will take many things with us, learn important lessons, and embrace wholehearted and intentional living. If we are responsible enough, we’ll also leave something of significance and value behind. Our quote of thanks is from Angelica Hopes. She said, “Grow in a way without losing much of our inner childlike deep senses embracing truthful, pure, simple relief of appreciation and gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 113:1. It reads, “Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord.”

PRAY Holy Father God, the journey of life is full of twists and turns, pain and pleasure, lessons and second chances. Help us to learn to enjoy the journey equally as much as the destination and to allow the journey to transform us into better people. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 362

DAY 331 Our thankful thought for today is this: Change begins on the inside of each and every one of us. It starts with a decision in our minds and a personal revolution in our hearts. External forces may attempt to provoke change, but many times, it is only temporary. True transformation comes from within and it is more long-lasting. Change on the inside leads to many other things happening on the inside such as overcoming fear, embracing grace, and seeing life through the lens of gratitude. Our quote of thanks is from Jennifer Sparks. She said, “Being happy on purpose is about making a conscious decision in each moment to move towards happiness. It is not about a perfect life. It is not about having things. It is about creating YOUR experience and being open to the beauty, joy, and abundance that already exists in your life and calibrating yourself to recognize it with ease.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 113:2 (NLT). It reads, “Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.”

PRAY Holy Father God, wherever we seek change in the world, let us first seek it from within. Let revolution start in our hearts and let it extend to our work, to our communities, and to our everyday lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 363

DAY 332 Our thankful thought for today is this: Intentionally filling your mind and heart with gratitude and appreciation for blessings both realized and unseen elevates your soul and spirit to a higher state, separate and apart from the pain and suffering that often consumes the human body, and connects you to the Highest of all power, that is, God. When we express gratitude and thanksgiving to God, He causes us to feel love, hope, joy, and faith on the inside. He helps us to be level-headed and stable, gives us strength to endure, and causes us to be true to who we really are, and true to who He made us to be. Our quote of thanks is from Steve Maraboli. He said, “Gratitude is the bridge that merges your love with longevity. It is the vital ingredient for a lasting relationship.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 113:3 (NLT). It reads, “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”

PRAY Holy Father God, may the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart be filled with expressions of gratitude and grace, and may they be pleasing in Your eyes. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 333 Our thankful thought for today is this: It is ignorant to think that we have arrived where we are by our own strength and power. While we may have had to do a good deal of work and overcome many obstacles to get to where we are, there are people both known and unknown whom God has placed in our lives to help us walk along life’s journey. The moments in which we encounter these significant people in our lives may seem small, but we realize our gifts, abilities, and potential many times by the power of their own interest and influence upon us. Our quote of thanks is from Albert Schweitzer. He said, “I look back upon my youth and realize how so many people gave me help, understanding, courage – very important things to me – and they never knew it. They entered into my life and became powers within me. All of us live spiritually by what others have given us, often unwittingly, in the significant hours of our life. At the time these significant hours may not even be perceived. We may not recognize them until years later when we look back, as one remembers some long-ago music or a boyhood landscape. We all owe to others much of the gentleness and wisdom that we have made our own; and we may well ask ourselves what will others owe to us.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 115:1 (NLT). It reads, “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory,

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PRAY Holy Father God, when we look back over our lives, help us to be quick to thank those who helped us face life, engage with each day, and make wise decisions to reach our goals and realize our dreams. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. Amen.

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DAY 334 Our thankful thought for today is this: God blesses us to bless others. He meets our needs so we can meet the needs of others. He gives us the ability to dream so we can not only realize our dreams but dream for others who don’t have the courage to dream for themselves. God provides everything we need for life — for the good life and for life more abundantly. It is our responsibility to be generous to others. Simple generosity and gratitude takes the edge off life and leaves all of us experiencing a little bit of Heaven on earth. Our quote of thanks is from Ann Voskamp. She said, “If the heights of our joy are measured by the depths of our gratitude, and gratitude is but a way of seeing, a spiritual perspective of smallness might offer a vital way of seeing especially conducive to gratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 115:14-15 (NLT). It reads, “May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to open our eyes to the needs of the people around us and to do our part to meet those needs, to bless others as You would, and to be salt and light. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 367

DAY 335 Our thankful thought for today is this: There is a big difference between feeling grateful and living gratefully. Gratitude is often described as an emotion and it is. We feel it when we express appreciation to someone; it follows after something good or amazing happens in our lives. But living gratefully is different. It is not an emotion. It’s a mindset. When we live gratefully, we intentionally keep the goodness and grace of life in the forefront of our minds. What we focus on in our minds will eventually play out into every part of our lives. Living gratefully goes beyond a feeling or a daily practice. It becomes a part of who we are in our hearts and in our spirits. Even on our worst days, we continue to be thankful. When we can’t see the light, or feel comfort, and be hopeful, or experience happiness, we still choose to see the good in life and express gratitude for every situation. Our quote of thanks is from Gordon T. Smith. He said, “Nothing is so fundamental to the spiritual life as learning to give thanks.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 116:7 (NLT). It reads, “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let gratitude become not just a part of who we are, but who we are at the core of our hearts and souls. Help us to live gratefully every day, in every situation and keep the goodness of life before us. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 368

DAY 335 Our thankful thought for today is this: God gives us gifts on occasion and He wants to give us many more. However, He can’t and won’t do so until we stop shaking the same old box we have in our hand that we’re expecting something great to come out of, and open our hearts and our hands to the new gift of grace He is trying to give us. God wants us to have His gifts so much that if we keep shaking that box long enough, He will eventually cause it to break so our hands will be forced to receive the good He has in store for us. Our quote of thanks is from Millen Livis. She said, “Practice appreciation for who you are and what you have… and allow your life to unfold in the most amazing way.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 116:12 (NLT). It reads, “What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me?”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us not to miss the new gifts and blessings that You have for us because we’re holding on to an old gift that may have been beautiful, but is now empty. Let us be reminded of the moments in which grace and mercy are poured down upon us in abundance if we simply open our hearts and hands to receive it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 369

DAY 336 Our thankful thought for today is this: It’s hard to feel both joy and sadness at the same time, in the same mind and heart. But it’s important that we do simply because life and death can and do co-exist together. It’s terrible to experience loss but it can be beautiful too — all at the same time. When we have the right perspective on life and death, we can be grateful for the ability to breathe, sleep, wake, grow, go, and the ability to feel the love of God and others flowing through our very beings. Our quote of thanks is from Bruce Weinstein. He said, “Practicing gratitude in the moment of frustration can really be a game changer.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 116:17 (NLT). It reads, “I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.”

PRAY Holy Father God, to us, life and death are mere mysteries. We know of them but we do not understand them. We shield ourselves from experiencing joy because we fear the grief that loss brings. Help us to see these two things — life and death — as terrible, for they are, but beautiful too. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 337 Our thankful thought for today is this: When was the last time you took the opportunity to thank God for blessing you, for allowing you to find what you sought, for giving you what you asked for, and for opening doors when you knocked? He opens door when we’re not even looking, guides us to find things in places we never thought they would be, and answers our prayers no matter how weak we pray them. When was the last time you took a minute to give thanks to God for His goodness? Our quote of thanks is from Chris Matakas. He said, “You have become more and therefore expect more, but never become too purpose-driven to step back and realize just how far you have progressed.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 117:1 (NLT). It reads, “Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You that we can ask and receive, seek and find, and knock and the door will be opened to us. Thank You for Your goodness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 338 Our thankful thought for today is this: We are all different. Be thankful for your differences and that you are unlike anyone else in the world. God has made us this way and we can be thankfully secure in who we are, in our abilities, and in loving and accepting ourselves without worry and without struggle. Our quote of thanks is from Tracey Jackson. She said, “Feeling good is the gateway to gratitude. The better we feel about ourselves, the more grateful we are. The more grateful we are, the better we feel about ourselves.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 117:2 (NLT). It reads, “Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth.”

PRAY Holy Father God, You have created us all to be unique, special, and different. Let us bask in Your love and security and instead of comparing ourselves to others, let us celebrate who they are and who we are. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 339 Our thankful thought for today is this: We need to get into the habit of seeing beauty everywhere we go. When we can see beauty, we can see potential. And when we can see potential, we know that anything is possible. And when anything is possible, we connect, we create, and we cultivate what is around us into positive energy. Being thankful coupled with potential and possibilities leads to open doors, bright futures, and best days. Our quote of thanks is from Malti Bhojwani. She said, “Life is not a maze where you have your eyes on the gaps, life is a beautiful journey. Stop looking for the gaps.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 118:1 (NLT). It reads, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, teach us to see beauty everywhere we go, open our minds to potential, and open our hearts to possibilities around us whereby we can connect, create, and cultivate. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 340 Our thankful thought for today is this: There is really no such thing as grateful people and ungrateful people. There are only people who choose to express their thanks at every given opportunity and people who don’t. The things for which one can express appreciation never go away. They are always there. The thought that we should be grateful for such lies within our hearts and our minds until we either express the thanks or die from holding it all in. Our quote of thanks is from Angie Karan Krezos. She said, “The power of Thank You goes a very long way! Its healing embodiment of gratitude is a key element to living a happier life.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 118:14 (NLT). It reads, “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let us express our appreciation at every given opportunity for a reason to do so it always before us. Help us not to overlook it or neglect it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 341 Our thankful thought for today is this: We are all born with creative juices flowing through us. Whoever we are and with whatever talents we have been given, it is our responsibility to cultivate creativity in our lives. Instead of living a meaningless, boring life, take the time to develop a new skill, to make art, to paint, to cook, to scrapbook, or to take pictures. When we cultivate creativity in our lives, we also cultivate gratitude and doing so leads to appreciation, meaning, and significance. Our quote of thanks is from Roy Bennett. He said, “Gratitude builds a bridge to abundance.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 118:19 (NLT). It reads, “Open for me the gates where the righteous enter, and I will go in and thank the Lord.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for creating us and giving us all the ability to express our creativity in different ways. Help us to cultivate and actively pursue a creative life and in so doing find meaning and significance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 342 Our thankful thought for today is this: Comparison and competition are the thieves of gratitude. When we let go of comparing ourselves to others and competing with others, we open our hearts and minds to the beauty of our individuality. We’re often constantly aware of what others are doing or what others have that we neglect what we could be doing and what we have around us, in front of us, and within us. Nothing can blind us more to our blessings than comparison and competition. Our quote of thanks is from Valerie Rickel. She said, “Every day of life is a gift! Be sure to unwrap it. Play with it. And, most importantly, give thanks for it!” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 118:21 (NLT). It reads, “I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory!”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from attitudes and thoughts of comparison to and competition with others. Instead, help us to celebrate and embrace our individuality and be consciously aware of our own blessings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 343 Our thankful thought for today is this: Sooner or later, you will get to a point in life where you realize you can’t change the situation you’re in, but you can stand on the edge of perspective and allow it to push you in a new direction. Life is like a boomerang. If you put out positivity and gratitude, joy and courage, naturally it will all come back to you and a whole lot more will come with it. Our quote of thanks is from Suze Orman. She said, “When you are grateful—when you can see what you have—you unlock blessings to flow in your life.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 118:24 (NLT). It reads, “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

PRAY Holy Father God, allow us to reach the wonderful point in life where we realize it isn’t our situations that should change us but how we handle our situations that transform us into better, wiser, and more grateful people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 344 Our thankful thought for today is this: Play is a very important part of life. Yes, play — doing something fun, transformative, and invigorating that does not involve work, but in the long run impacts our work and our daily lives. In a world that is largely overworked and overstressed, taking time to do fun things in life can help you deal with problems, bring back excitement for work, and open up a path for wholeness and appreciation for the process and progress in life. We have been given the opportunity to both work and play. In so doing, we show respect for our brain, our biology, our imagination, and our soul. Our quote of thanks is from Maya Angelou. She said, “I work very hard, and I play very hard. I’m grateful for life. And I live it—I believe life loves the liver of it. I live it.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 118:29 (NLT). It reads, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for fun, for vacation, for relaxation, for refreshment, and for the ability to live life in a careful balance of work and play. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 345 Our thankful thought for today is this: The journey toward greatness in life is ultimately a journey toward humility. Humility doesn’t necessarily run parallel with never being in the spotlight. And it doesn’t mean living in obscurity or experiencing loneliness. True humility is derived from understanding the source of your strength and being free from self-centeredness, self-conceit, and self-focus. When we get on the path of gratitude, we also choose to walk the path of humility. Our quote of thanks is from Marshawn Daniels. She said, “When you focus on the things from above, you allow heaven to flush out the stuff that is beneath you.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 119:7 (NLT). It reads, “As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to choose to live in true humility and gratitude, understanding where our real strength lies, and allowing ourselves to be free to focus on the needs of others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 346 Our thankful thought for today is this: Service to others is the foundation for a well-lived life. We may fight for position, privilege, prominence, prestige, and power in this life. While these things offer many perks, they come with a set of tricks and trappings also. If they are not used properly, first and foremost for the benefit of others, it is doubtful that they can be of any real benefit to us. When we serve, we give ourselves a reason to give thanks. Our quote of thanks is from Iyanla Vanzant. She said, “Remember, acknowledge, trust and express gratitude to God for being present right where you are.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 119:175 (NLT). It reads, “Let me live so I can praise you, and may your regulations help me.”

PRAY Holy Father God, while much of the world fights and wars for prominence, prestige, power, and position, let us not define our lives by these things. Help us instead to define our lives as you defined yours — in humble, loving service for others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 347 Our thankful thought for today is this: We are put on this earth to bless, to inspire, and to encourage others. To help someone else become more than what they are, or have been, or thought they could be is part of our purpose in life. When we enter into someone’s life, we should strive to leave them better off than they were before we met them. It is part of the lifestyle and attitude of gratitude because at the core of gratitude is doing good to and for others. Our quote of thanks is from Brene Brown. She said, “If we’re not practicing gratitude and allowing ourselves to know joy, we are missing out on the two things that will actually sustain us during the inevitable hard times.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 134:1 (NLT). It reads, “Oh, praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, you who serve at night in the house of the Lord.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to live out our purpose, not only striving to be all we can be, but assisting others to be all they can be as well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 348 Our thankful thought for today is this: While we must avoid being selfish, we should strive to practice self-awareness. We don’t arrive at self-awareness all in one day or all at the same time, and for many of us, we don’t fully arrive one hundred percent at all. That’s because self-awareness is a lifelong journey and process. When we are aware of who we are, what we can do, why we are alive, and what we believe, we can avoid becoming self-absorbed, be mindful of our motives and of how we treat others. Being grateful is part of practicing self-awareness. We become aware of not just who we are and what we believe, but also of the blessings and gifts we have been given. Our quote of thanks is from C. Neil Strait. He said, “He who forgets the language of gratitude can never be on speaking terms with happiness.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 134:2 (NLT). It reads, “Lift your hands toward the sanctuary, and praise the Lord.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to avoid selfishness and strive for self-awareness. It is common to be aware of what is not going right to the neglect of things that are well and wonderful. Help us to be aware and thankful for our gifts and blessings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 349 Our thankful thought for today is this: To cultivate and practice self-awareness, we must truly understand who we are and the process toward becoming who we are. Inspection of ourselves is often risky and dangerous, but necessary to understand our identities. When we understand our origin, our past, and our personal experiences, we put ourselves in position to be the best person we can possibly be at this very moment. However dysfunctional or painful it is, we don’t trash everything behind us. We respect it, grow from it, embrace it, and let some things go. This is part of becoming self-aware — learning from our past, living in the present, and looking forward to the future — without regrets and with gratitude. Our quote of thanks is from Charles Simmons. He said, “Gratitude to God should be as habitual as the reception of mercies is constant, as ardent as the number of them is great, as devout as the riches of divine grace and goodness is incomprehensible.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 135:1-2 (NLT). It reads, “Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord! Praise him, you who serve the Lord, you who serve in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for our past, for where we come from, and for our experiences. These are the things that help to shape who we are today. Let us not seek to forget it, but to build upon it in the most positive way possible. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 383

DAY 350 Our thankful thought for today is this: For many people, the past life is marked by shame, guilt, hurt, and regret. Going back through the past to find meaning and intentionality is often painful and spoken of negatively. However, when we look back through our past, the purpose is not just to look for deficits and minuses but to also identify assets and pluses. Our quote of thanks is from Jerry Bridges. He said, “Giving thanks to God for both His temporal and spiritual blessings in our lives is not just a nice thing to do - it is the moral will of God. Failure to give Him the thanks due Him is sin.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 135:3 (NLT). It reads, “Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; celebrate his lovely name with music.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for every aspect of life — the past, the present, and the future. Help us to grow from the things that we go through and make good on the investments we have been given. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 351 Our thankful thought for today is this: Learn to be thankful in ALL things. That may seem difficult to do. But there is a way to do it. We learn to give thanks in ALL things but first giving thanks for one thing, and then another thing, and then another thing. As you go about the day, giving thanks for the air you breathe, the family you have, the friends you love, the sun that shines, the beauty all around you, the wonder within you, the work set before you, and the ability to live and move and have any being at all, you will find yourself giving thanks in ALL things. Our quote of thanks is from Robert G. Lee. He said, “We never approach God without cause for gratitude. Thankfulness, a duty and delight greatly prominent in the Bible, is the declarative mood of gratitude - a bright fire in the world’s frigid zone, the memory and homage of the heart, a master force in soul-building, the greatest tonic faith has. Be ye thankful.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 136:1 (NLT). It reads, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to learn to be grateful for ALL things, in ALL things, whether we have ALL things or not. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 352 Our thankful thought for today is this: It can only be said that we are living a full, complete life when we choose to live in each moment. Each moment, no matter how small, means something. It can teach us something, grow us in some way, give us a new perspective, or open the door for us to help someone else. We might as well stop living if we are just rushing through life giving no thought to the intricacies and the delicacies interwoven throughout each moment of each day. If we can learn to be grateful in particular and specifically, we will create a life of gratitude as a whole. Our quote of thanks is from Shakespeare. He said, “I hate ingratitude more in man than lying, vainness, drunkenness or any taint of vice, whose strong corruption inhibits our frail blood.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 136:2 (NLT). It reads, “Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us not to miss the moments that make up the whole of life. We think beauty and wonder show up only at special times, but they don’t. You cause them to show up right before our eyes each day. Help us to take time to notice it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 353 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is the antithesis to pride. You will never find a proud person who is also a grateful person. Gratitude forces us to be humble because it helps us to realize that we are not the source of all things. Since we are not the source of all things, we must have someone else to which we direct our thanks. The mere fact that we must point our appreciation to Someone higher, greater, and more powerful than we demands our humility. Our quote of thanks is from John Henry Jowett. He said, “Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion. Hope without thankfulness is lacking in fine perception. Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 136:3 (NLT). It reads, “Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let our blessings keep us humble and life keep us grateful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 354 Our thankful thought for today is this: Many of us roll right out of bed in the morning and straight into a busy schedule. Taking a little extra time to think and to thank in the morning can make all the difference for the rest of the day. No one is too busy to take just a minute to reflect, to remember, to recognize, and to review the abundance that exists in our lives. Our quote of thanks is from Jerry Bridges. He said, “Taking for granted all the temporal provisions and spiritual blessings that God has so richly bestowed on us, and so failing to continually give thanks, is one of our ‘acceptable sins’.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 136:4 (NLT). It reads, “Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, while we are all busy, which is itself a blessing that we have anything to be busy about, help us to not forget that we also have many things for which we should be busy about giving thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 355 Our thankful thought for today is this: Learn the power of quiet and stillness. Many of us long for these two important things to take hold in our lives. But the truth is, we never pursue it. If we stop long enough to be quiet and embrace stillness, the reality and truth of our lives will catch up with us. Staying busy and always being on the move does not mean we’re productive or doing anything of any particular significance. It could mean that we are hiding something or running from something, and both are dangerous. We must learn to take time to be quiet and still, reflect on our lives, and see where we need to change, grow, and be clear about who we are and what we were made to do. Our quote of thanks is from Henry Melville. He said, “Praise is the best auxiliary to prayer; and he who most bears in mind what has been done for him by God will be most emboldened to supplicate fresh gifts from above.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 136:5 (NLT). It reads, “Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully. His faithful love endures forever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, help us to learn to be quiet, to choose to embrace stillness, and to allow You to fill our hearts with perfect peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 356 Our thankful thought for today is this: We think we’ll find God in the brightest of places, when all is well and perfect in our lives. We will find Him there sometimes, but it is more likely that we’ll find Him and see Him in the darkest of places, when terror and heartbreak has become the norm, and there is nowhere else to go. Light is beauty, but dark is glory. God is closer than He appears, patiently weaving His perfect will into the world and into our lives. In a world that is seemingly spinning out of control, God is still here. He’s still in control and His presence is made known to those who seek Him in every moment. Our quote of thanks is from Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe. He said, “If we meet someone who owes us thanks, we right away remember that. But how often do we meet someone to whom we owe thanks without remembering that?” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 136:6 (NLT). It reads, “Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters. His faithful love endures forever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for being with us, near us, and around us, even when we can’t feel You or see You. In the darkest moments and the bleakest times, help us to remember that You are busy, patiently working Your good plan for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 390

DAY 357 Our thankful thought for today is this: When we grumble, it is hard to see grace at work in our lives. When we feel as though we’re not getting what we deserve or what we think we want, grumbling is often the outcome. We blind ourselves to the wonder and hope that is in front of us and around us because we’re so fixated on getting our desires fulfilled. Limited vision or no vision at all is evident when grumbling is present. Grace is present at all times in our lives. We couldn’t live without it. But it only makes a difference when we embrace it. It leads us to see, to experience, and to embrace opportunities of thanksgiving. Our quote of thanks is from William Law. He said, “If anyone would tell you the shortest, surest way to happiness and all perfection, he must tell you to make it a rule to yourself to thank and praise God for everything that happens to you. For it is certain that whatever seeming calamity happens to you, if you thank and praise God for it, you turn it into a blessing.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 136:26 (NLT). It reads, “Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, deliver us from grumbling and complaining and lead us to gratitude and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 391

DAY 358 Our thankful thought for today is this: Being grateful creates an abundance of everything — time, space, optimism. With an attitude of gratitude, there is never “not enough” of something; there is always more than enough. Abounding in gratitude, we lack for nothing. Our quote of thanks is from E. J. Conrad. He said, “One distinguishing mark of an unregenerate man is ingratitude.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 145:1 (NLT). It reads, “I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for the abundance of everything and the opportunity it is to see and experience more than enough. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 359 Our thankful thought for today is this: Wherever there is joy, there is thanks. There can be no thanks without joy or joy without thanks. We all want joy and we can have it right now, right here. There is no certain location, or situation, or special feeling or thought that has to precede joy. When we start up the mountain giving thanks instead of anticipating an avalanche, joy — radiant, unbelievable joy — will be the outcome. Our quote of thanks is from Ann Voskamp. She said, “Count blessings and discover Who can be counted on. Can God be counted on? Count blessings and find out how many of His bridges have already held.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 145:2 (NLT). It reads, “I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for joy — the kind that never leaves us when everything and everyone else does. Let us not die without experiencing this joy through Your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 360 Our thankful thought for today is this: We can give thanks freely and wonderfully because there is a good God who rules and reigns in the world. Even in the midst of much turmoil, heartbreak, and grief, God still leads, guides, protects, and provides. In all of our broken lives, He is the glue that holds us together. He sits in Heaven and busies Himself with working all things out for our good and for His glory. It is safe to trust in this God and sweet to give thanks to Him. Our quote of thanks is from Henri Nouwen. He said, “Gratitude is the most fruitful way of deepening your consciousness that you are...a divine choice.” Our Bible verse of thanks is 1 Chronicles 16:8 (AMP). It reads, “O give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known His doings among the peoples!”

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DAY 361 Our thankful thought for today is this: It doesn’t take much effort to recognize what is not going well in the world. After all, hate is blatant, violence is obvious, suffering is undisguised, and terror is right in our faces. But when we strive to be grateful, we will have an eye to find beauty amidst the rubble, peace in the middle of turmoil, comfort in times of grief, and grace that trickles down in small, but powerful amounts until it covers every corner of earth and touches every life in some way. Our quote of thanks is from Arianna Huffington. She said, “When you live life with an eye towards gratitude, you will give yourself even more reasons to track your other habits. Be grateful for the time you have found to move, sleep, meditate, and work on your priorities today.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Jonah 2:9 (AMP). It reads, “But as for me, I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that which I have vowed. Salvation and deliverance belong to the Lord!”

DAY 362 Our thankful thought for today is this: We don’t normally think of pain in connection to gratitude. There are many different kinds of pain — somatic pain, visceral pain, neuropathic pain, acute pain, and chronic pain. Stubbing a toe, smashing a finger, bumping your head, losing a loved one, or being passed over for a job promotion are examples of pain. But what would life be like, what would we be like if we never got hurt, never lost something or someone valuable, never failed a test, and never lost our way? We would be perfect, but we would also lack purpose, passion, and all understanding of life. We would never know what it feels like to be promoted, to pass an exam, to graduate, to marry, or to bring forth life. So next time you experience pain, be grateful. You wouldn’t be the person you are without it. Our quote of thanks is from an Unknown Author. He said, “Thank you, dear God: For all You have given me, For all You have taken away from me, For all You have left me.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 145:3 (NLT). It reads, “Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.”

PRAY Holy Father God, thank You for creating us with the ability to experience pleasure and to feel pain. Help us to remember that pain comes into our lives for a reason and in the middle of it, we can experience joy and gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 396

DAY 363 Our thankful thought for today is this: Pushing joy out in order to understand those who suffer doesn’t relieve the suffering. Joy, and the hope of joy, is the very thing that is needed during these times. Those who are courageous focus on the goodness and the wonder, and give thanks for it amid the suffering. Underneath the rubble and the dark night sky, we discover joy, we bring joy in, and with it comes healing, hope, and help. Our quote of thanks is from Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat. They said, “Often instead of rejoicing in what we have, we greedily want something more, better, or different. We can’t be grateful because we are making comparisons and coveting other possibilities. When this happens on a personal level, when it’s our ego that is dissatisfied, then we are ungrateful. But when we want something more, better, or different for the glory of God or for the benefit of the community, this greed may be a manifestation of our devotion, our love, or our yearning for justice. And then we are grateful for these commitments.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 145:9-10 (NLT). It reads, “The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you.”

PRAY Holy Father God, let us never reject joy in an attempt to understand suffering. Let us be the light and the joy and the grace in the midst of the suffering so that we may see the wonder that is hidden in the cracks. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 397

DAY 364 Our thankful thought for today is this: There are thousands of gifts right here and right now that we don’t realize because we’re too preoccupied with what is to come tomorrow or at some indefinite time in the future. Staying in the present is a choice, and it is where the real beauty and joy and wonder is. Gratitude requires immediacy without regard to the past or anticipation for the future. We rob ourselves of joy, abundance, and opportunities when we live every day of our lives in search of what is next to the neglect of what is now. We imprison, blind, and deafen ourselves when we can’t join the fun and experience the wonder of the gifts that are right in front of our eyes every morning when our feet hit the floor. Our quote of thanks is from Gary Amirault. He said, “If you know someone ungrateful and thankless, pray for them! They are in prison and are blind to the bars and chains that hold them in darkness.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 145:21 (NLT). It reads, “I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever.”

PRAY Holy Father God, we’ve been given thousands of gifts in thousands of ways that we often are too busy or too blind to see. Help us to choose to open up to the wonder and opportunities right in front of us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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DAY 365 Our thankful thought for today is this: Gratitude is necessary for a full, whole, beautiful life. Thanksgiving is transformational. It saves us from discontent, worry, resentment and anger; it pushes us to count blessings in the midst of doing laundry. It causes us to feel grace while making breakfast and the bed. It moves us out of the way of ourselves and makes us stumble upon wonder in the most humble way. We rediscover life through thanks. We learn to appreciate cracks, crevices, and holes because these little spaces allow the joy and the light and the love to flow in. In the flow of thanks, we no longer seek control; we willingly give it up. The place of joy is the place of thanks and it is far deeper than feelings or emotions. Gratitude offers us not perfection, but a little bit of Heaven on earth. Our quote of thanks is from Jon Bloom. He said, “Gratitude is the accent of the language of heaven because there everything is undeserved grace.” Our Bible verse of thanks is Psalm 150:6. It reads, “Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.”

PRAY Holy Father God, give us vision in the dark, purpose in work, wisdom in judgment, courage in tests, perseverance in adversity, passion in life, gratitude in difficulty, hope in suffering, joyous abundance in grace, and a little bit of Heaven on earth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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www.DaniellaWhyte.com Listen to each audio devotional for this book at EverydayThanks.buzzsprout.com, a devotional podcast that inspires us all to cultivate and live a lifestyle of gratitude. Listen on Itunes, Buzzsprout, Stitcher, Soundcloud, Clammr, and Youtube.