chapter 10: Created for Gratitude

In the pursuit of knowing and experiencing the will of God for our life, this chapter addresses a key issue. As part of God’s family, we are created to be thankful. We should pray with thanksgiving, we should worship with thanksgiving, and we should live a life of thanksgiving. We have experienced the goodness of God, and with our heart, our mouth and our life, we should express our thanksgiving to God for all He has done for us. Thanksgiving should be a regular part of our life.

If we want a joy filled life, it is a result of being thankful for what we have. Gratitude results when we have learned to be content in life. So contentment is an enormous key to living a joy filled life. Even in the worst of circumstances we can find something to be grateful for. That doesn’t mean that we don’t believe God to change circumstances, but we can enjoy each day as things improve, and be grateful in the moment.

How can we move from being grateful in our heart, to expressing it with our mouth? I do believe many people have hearts that are full of thanksgiving for the people in their life, but they just have a hard time expressing it. I want to encourage you…..say the words. Let your spouse, your kids, your parents, your friends, know you are grateful for them. If you are in a difficult relationship, Philippians encourages us to look for things to be grateful for….if there is anything praise worthy, if there is any virtue, think on these things, and be grateful for the little things!!!

One of the biggest ways to be grateful in our homes is to just quit complaining. Let’s create a peace filled environment through gratitude. Show and tell your appreciation and gratitude at home!

So true- Statement
“Complaining only leads to more complaining. Gratitude leads to goodwill toward others and good feelings about life. It’s the difference between choosing pure, fresh tasting water or sour-tasting acidic vinegar. One restores and resuscitates; the other stings and leaves a bad taste in your mouth.” Page 173
Highlight Scripture
I Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Discussion Questions – Homework!
1. Why not begin every day with Debbie’s suggestion to write down 5 things that you are thankful for, or even start your own Daily Gratitude Journal.
2. Make your journal a little more specific by making categories like Debbie does. Family, personal, career, spiritual, and simple or ordinary sections or you can choose something to be grateful for daily in each of these categories.
3. Have you ever had a boll weevil moment like the example on page 178? The example showed something that seemed like a terrible problem, that actually turned around to become a great blessing. Explain your situation, and memorize Gen 50:20.
4. We are planning a gratitude tea in November around the theme of this chapter. Can you think of 3-5 women in your life you would invite who you are grateful for? Start your invitation list now!
5. On a scale of 1-10, with one being very little and 10 being the greatest, where you would rate your contentment level. Read Phil 4:12 and Hebrews 13:5. How do those verses speak to you?

Knit Together Challenge
Ponder for a few moments and think about those in your life who you are most grateful for. Does everyone on your list know that you appreciate them? Why not take today to send a text, email or note to at least one of them to appropriately thank them for being in your life.

My Prayer for you
Dear Father, our hearts are filled with gratitude for all you have done for us. Thank you for your love, your compassion and your faithfulness to us. We return our gratitude to you and thank you for sending your Son, for the cross, for your forgiveness, and for your embrace of love around us. Thank you for the Holy Spirit and His marvelous work in our lives. I ask you today to encourage those who read this to come to a new level of appreciation for what a great God you are. Thank you for letting us discover together how important living a life of thanksgiving is to being fulfilled and content. We love and bless you Lord, in Jesus’ Name, AMEN!