Thankful Thursday................

Ever have those days... or weeks.. or months........etc that you just dont feel very thankful?

One of the first things we teach our children is to say, “Thank you”. But do we carry thankfulness into adulthood? I think adults are often the ones who need to be reminded to be thankful.

Philippians 4:4-9
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.(H) The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and(P) the God of peace will be with you.”

1. Forget your feelings.
Now obviously I’m not talking about all your feelings. I’m talking about the ups and downs that can take over our day (the Facebook status feelings). They are fleeting.  And if you just wait it out for a minute, those feelings will change. Don’t put any weight on those. Let them come and go, but don’t let them determine how you truly feel about your day. Don’t wait to “feel” thankful, “be” thankful.
2. Say out loud…or write it out.
I was talking to my sweet friend Mary the other day about my need to be more thankful. She pulled a little notebook out of her purse and handed it to me. “Write down 1000 little reasons your thankful,” she said. It’s been great! When you aren’t feeling very thankful, write down the reasons you are or tell someone about all the things that make you thankful.
3. Leave the negative behind.
Don’t let yourself be negative. Even in bad situations, look for how God could be “working out the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” Choose to be and see the positive.
4. Fight the battle in your mind.
Thankfulness is a state of mind. So what state is your mind in? Are you purely reactionary to life? Are you a glass is half-empty kind of person? Don’t let yourself dwell on fear, worry, anxiety, and what you don’t have. You do not have to dwell on everything thought in your head. A good definition of the word “prudence” is “a humble awareness of God.” I love that. Look at all the promises of a prudent person in Proverbs. You will be amazed. Have a prudent state of mind.
5. Don’t compare.
Women deal with a lot of comparison, for a plethora of reason. We compare everything. There are so many things sinful about comparing yourself to another person. No matter what or why you compare, it will lead you to a heart without thankfulness. Ask yourself why you compare. Ask yourself what you compare. Ask yourself if you seek something more than you seek God. Be thankful for what and who the Lord has given you. Get rid of the sin of comparison.

Thank you God for your continued teachings... patience and LOVE!
Have a very Thankful Day everyone!
God Bless
.::Tam::.