ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

WELCOME TO 2014 OUR YEAR OF EXCEEDING GRACE!

Dear friends,If you are looking for ways to feel more happiness in your life in this new year, try being more grateful. Gratitude brings many blessings, including peace and contentment and strength during hard times.

 

 

 

The season of Thanksgiving is upon us and we all should be sensitive in all our doings to reference God for how far he has brought us to see the new year. Bishop David Oyedepo of faith tabernacle says Thanksgiving is a lifestyle and acknowledging God for his faithfulness. Thanksgiving is must, for you to keep the joy of the Lord flowing in your home and family. It opens up the gates of God and ushers you into His presence, thereby granting you audience.

Gratitude is an attribute that can be developed. The following six ideas about gratitude will help you realize what a gift a thankful heart can be.

1. Contentment. “A grateful person is rich in contentment. An ungrateful person suffers in the poverty of endless discontentment.” Being thankful for what we have, whether it is a roof over our heads or a job that pays the bills, helps keep things in perspective.

Recently my kid sister was complaining that she is tired and angry over the Asuu strike that some of her friends in private university are already ahead of her. I reminded her of many other people that are still home waiting to pass their SSCE, Jamb and praying to be admitted to the university and some that died in the waiting. She immediately realized the opportunities she’s had and felt grateful. Recognizing blessings brings happiness and contentment.

2. The hand of God. True, we often turn to God in times of distress. When life’s challenges ambush and overwhelm us, we seek God for comfort, aid and blessings. But, remembering to seek him when life is rosy is just as important. Giving thanks for his tender mercies — a lovely day, a promotion at work, a new friend, a healthy baby — helps us to humbly acknowledge his presence during the ups of life. When I begin to think about all the things I have been blessed with, I am overwhelmed with a sense of humility and thankfulness for the unspeakable gifts God has given me and my family. Taking time to think about the good things and people in our lives helps us realize we are not alone. I know that God cares about us and wants to bless us.

3. Feel love. We should develop the habit of writing down things we are thankful for not always our prayer points. When we express gratitude, we feel love. Thanking a friend for a birthday card or well-timed phone call increases feelings of love for that person. Acknowledging the sacrifice of a spouse to provide for family needs helps partners grow closer. I feel my love for my family members increase as I thank them for the ways they help me and show me love daily.

4. See beauty and good. I am so thankful for a beautiful earth. Despite the challenges we are facing in Nigeria and each state has one remarkable beauty. As we are thankful for nature, good health, that peanut salary and the things surrounding us, we see more beauty and good in the world. When someone lets me take a parking spot or go first in line at an ATM  stand, I am thankful for their kindness and look for ways to return it. Thankfulness breeds kindness and helps us to see the beauty in life all around us.Technology and modern conveniences, medicine, family and friends, health, education, food and shelter are blessings that most people appreciate but forget to regularly acknowledge and thank God for.

5. Find peace and understanding in hard times. Recently, a friend pointed out to me a facet of gratitude she hadn’t considered much before. She said her life was enriched as she found things to be thankful for during difficult times in life, and even felt gratitude for her trials. This idea intrigues me because most time we focuses on the things we desire from God and forgetting the things we didn't ask that was given to us by God. Dear friends, lets all see the benefit of looking for the good when things seem bad; pessimism doesn’t bring happiness.

Many people have been inspired by those who endured the horrific conditions of life and kept alive by their own determination to stay positive and not give up. Expressing gratitude when times are difficult will help you endure and overcome.

6. Look outward. Thankful people express gratitude by helping others. A cycle of thankfulness and service can begin as we look outward to help others as an expression of our gratitude.

7. Our health is improved

A thankful heart can be a preventative measure against illness. The powers of positive thinking and gratitude play major roles in our emotional and physical health.

In conclusion,  life will never be perfect. We will always have worries and problems. Fortunately, we can be content with our lives and find peace during troubled times if we embrace the gift of gratitude. Don’t wait until Thanksgiving to start living a life full of gratitude. Even if we feel that we don’t have much, dwelling on the blessings God has bestowed helps us to shift our attitudes. We experience happier hearts, recognize God’s hand and enjoy improved health. Start today and begin to feel the blessings a thankful heart can bring.

 

 

GOD BLESS YOU AND I WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY & A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!