Posts filed under 'Gratitude List'

40 More Ways to Cultivate Gratitude

“The longer I live, the more that I recognize that cultivating an attitude of gratitude is the key to living from an open heart, that is, living in a spirit of joyful expectation.”  M.J. Ryan, Attitudes of Gratitude: How to Give & Receive Joy Everyday of Your Life

So, how does one cultivate an attitude of gratitude? A life full of gratitude comes by doing and thinking gratitude enhancing actions. I compiled a list of 21 ways here. Go here for 13 Ways to Get Your Gratitude On. Below are 40 more ideas on how to express and cultivate gratitude.

  1. Choose to be grateful.
  2. Keep a gratitude journal noting specific others and specific events.
  3. Say gratitude prayers at meal time and bedtime.
  4. Keep a journal of answered prayers.
  5. Create a gratitude paper chain that counts down to a holiday or birthday.
  6. Look around the world and notice how good you have it.
  7. Reflect on how much God loves and accepts you.
  8. Meditate on/memorize gratitude verses.
  9. Begin the day by listing 3 blessings.
  10. Sing your gratitude – I.e.  Base your song on These Are a Few of My Favorite Things.  Do a Powerpoint or your own slide show to this song
  11. Make a gratitude poster.
  12. Seek out and spend time with grateful people.
  13. Don’t complain or listen to complaints.
  14. Don’t watch or at least limit exposure to advertising.
  15. Write out your ABC’s of Gratitude.
  16. Determine and write down your gratitude strategy.
  17. Don’t gossip or listen to gossips.
  18. Practice gratitude everyday. Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald, founder of the National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP), says we should be grateful everyday, but gratitude is especially underscored during the holidays. Rabbi Buchwald suggests a few Jewish customs to help families remember to be thankful on a daily basis. One custom is putting a few coins in a charity box each day. The small amount of change will add up to help someone less fortunate. Another custom is to leave a morsel on your plate at every meal to remember those who are without food
  19. Write a gratitude letter to your children now and then every year.
  20. Share your gratitude list with the world via the internet – Go to this link to post your list.
  21. Create an “I Spy” Gratitude quilt.
  22. Celebrate other people – not just on birthdays and at the holidays.
  23. Create a gratitude crossword puzzle.
  24. Make a gratitude wreath with a wire wreath form and clothespins. On each pin write words that finish this sentence, “I am grateful for . . . “
  25. Walk through the rooms of your house noting what you are grateful for in each room. Post that list in each room.
  26. Listen to a praise song and then verbally or in writing tell God what you are grateful for
  27. Collect gratitude stories.
  28. Establish a Gratitude Book at Thanksgiving.
  29. Study God’s attributes.
  30. Play Gratitude  ”I Spy.”
  31. Host or join a gratitude blog carnival.
  32. Gratitude on the hour – every time the clock chimes, recite something you are grateful for.
  33. Watch what you call yourself – internal self-talk can make you feel good or bad about yourself. When you feel badly about yourself, it is harder to be grateful.
  34. Find gratitude in every situation.
  35. Simplify  your  schedule, possessions and relationships. It’s harder to be grateful if you are overwhelmed  in any one of these areas.
  36. Don’t deny yourself the basics – sleep, healthy food, exercise, solitude, simplified schedule, etc.
  37. Wear silky underwear – or least something that makes me feel special. When you feel good it is easier to be grateful.
  38. Practice The 4 Secrets to Contentment.
  39. Ditch the clothes horse mentality. Be content with fewer, but good quality clothes.
  40. Say “Thank You” every time it is appropriate. ”If the only prayer you ever say in your life is thank you, that would suffice.” Mystic Meister Eckhart

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November 30 – Photo of the Day = Gratitude

I am grateful for the hope that is within me.

I have hope in . . .

  • God’s word (Psalm 119:114). He is my refuge and my shield.
  • God’s love (Psalm 147:11). His love is unfailing.
  • A future (Proverbs 23:18). This future is positive and it will happen.
  • Renewed strength (Isaiah 40:31). Teach me, Lord, to wait on you.
  • Eternal life (Titus 1:2). God has promised this to us before the beginning of time.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5

Now, that’s something on which to base our hope and gratitude!____________________________________________________

 Previous Photos from November’s Photo-a Day.

Other Related Posts:

P.S. Ann Tatum is hosting 30 Days of Thanksgiving. She encourages us to daily share our gratitude. Click here and be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post and click on Mister Linky. Then you’ll be able  to read other participants on this thankful journey.

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November 29 – Photo of the Day = Gratitude

Time is a mixed blessing.

  • Time Flies and it is slow as molasses.
  • You can buy time and you can lose it.
  • There’s crunch time and all the time in the world.
  • You can have no time or time on your hands.
  • High time, time machine, lambing time and time warp are available.
  • Peak time, prisoners of time and peace time are all possibilities. 
  • You can have a time-out and spare time.
  • You can be a small time criminal or your works can stand the test of time.
  • Your snatches of time can be smashing & splendid.
  • Or your time can be wasted.

“Whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times, it’s the only time we’ve got” (Art Buchwald).

And even though contradictory, I am grateful for time. I am grateful because my time on earth is not a cosmic accident.  ”Time began at creation and becomes the agency through which God continues to unveil his divine purpose for it” (W. A. Elwell). God has a plan for my time and has equipped me to spend it well.

How do you spend your time? Please share why you are grateful for time.

“Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other “people spend it for you.” Carl Sandburg

Previous Photos from November’s Photo-a Day.

Other Related Posts:

P.S. Ann Tatum is hosting 30 Days of Thanksgiving. She encourages us to daily share our gratitude. Click here and be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post and click on Mister Linky. Then you’ll be able  to read other participants on this thankful journey.

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November 28 – Photo of the Day = Gratitude

I am grateful that God is in the details. Of course I’m tremendously grateful for the enormous stuff like salvation, creation of the world, and that He holds all things together. But today, I’m quite endeared to Him because of the details.

Look, no hole!

Look, no hole!

My favorite pair of shoes is black and shiny and goes with every outfit, fancy or casual. This past week a hole wormed its way into the left shoe by my pinkie toe. Black electrical tape nor crazy glue mended the hole. I’ve been sad because I have a hard time  finding comfortable shoes. And to find them at a reasonable price is doubly hard.

Today I shopping for shoes. I found a replacement pair at the first store I went to! Amazing, yes? Even more amazing is that I found the EXACT pair that have the hole. And lastly, the price was a steal!!!

Yes, today I am very grateful that God is in the details.

 Previous Photos from November’s Photo-a Day.

Other Related Posts:

P.S. Ann Tatum is hosting 30 Days of Thanksgiving. She encourages us to daily share our gratitude. Click here and be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post and click on Mister Linky. Then you’ll be able  to read other participants on this thankful journey.

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November 27 – Photo of the Day = Gratitude

I am grateful for places. Places occupy a special  spot in my mind. Since I don’t have pictures of  most of them, the only place I’ll see them is in my mind.

Below are 5 of my special places  . . .

  1. Any trip to any beach. Going to the ocean is one of my all time favorite places. It is relaxing, invigorating, and a health tonic for my mind and body. I always feel close to God there.
  2. The one room church in Levington, England that was open any time I wanted to visit (1988-1993). It even had an old graveyard. I have special memories of me borrowing the key from Mrs. Clarke so I could walk the aisle singing and praying. I also remember times when my 2 kiddos along with neighborhood kiddos put on Christmas plays there.
  3. School. For the past 7 years I have been in school getting my BA and MA. Both William Jessup University and Western Seminary have been special places. Lots of learning, healing, and relationship building went on there.
  4. Visiting the Garden Tomb (in Jerusalem) was  a highlight from this year (2009). We even had communion there. Visiting the place where Jesus was buried

    Garden Tomb

    and rose again made my faith more real and made me more grateful.

  5. 5. Mignionette’s Home. Mignionette was a friend of my mother’s when I was 7 years old.  She was French, liked to entertain and liked to talk even more. Mignionette was so gracious that she let me do all the talking when I was around. I’d even follow her to the bathroom and continue the conversation through the closed door. Because Mignionette really listened to me, it gave me the feeling that what I had to say was worth something, that I was worth something. Who was your Mignionette? Who are you a Mignionette to?

What are some of your favorite places? Why? What can you do to make your home a favorite place?

Previous Photos from November’s Photo-a Day.

Other Related Posts:

P.S. Ann Tatum is hosting 30 Days of Thanksgiving. She encourages us to daily share our gratitude. Click here and be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post and click on Mister Linky. Then you’ll be able  to read other participants on this thankful journey.

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November 26 – Photo of the Day = Gratitude

 Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.  ~Victor Borge

I am grateful for laughter. The kind of laughter that comes from  . . . safe relationships  . . . gentle teasing . . . silly humor . . . anecdotes of the absurd and/or slapstick . . . unintended meanings . . . clean jokes . . . and stories with surprising endings.

This is the kind of laughter we experienced today at our 2009 Thanksgiving Feast at Ocean Beach. 

I cannot remember the specifics for our laughter, but I DO remember laughing within the cocoon of loved ones.

Click here to take the Laughter Quiz.

Previous Photos from November’s Photo-a Day.

Other Related Posts:

P.S. Ann Tatum is hosting 30 Days of Thanksgiving. She encourages us to daily share our gratitude. Click here and be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post and click on Mister Linky. Then you’ll be able  to read other participants on this thankful journey.

 

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November 25 – Photo of the Day = Gratitude

I am grateful for delicious smells. This time of year simmering potpourri and baking cookies scent the air.

Michelle and I spent a nice morning making 3 batches of Mexican Wedding Cake cookies.

Previous Photos from November’s Photo-a Day.

Other Related Posts:

P.S. Ann Tatum is hosting 30 Days of Thanksgiving. She encourages us to daily share our gratitude. Click here and be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post and click on Mister Linky. Then you’ll be able  to read other participants on this thankful journey.

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5 Reasons to be Grateful to God

gratitude [ < Latin grâtitûdô < grâtus (pleasing < favorable)] The state of being grateful. Grateful: appreciative of some sort of benefit you receive from someone; esp. to the point of doing something in return to please your benefactor. Gratitude is a frame of mind rooted in grace. In the same word-field: thankful, appreciative. (By Robert Longman Jr. at SpiritHome)

I like this,”Gratitude is a frame of mind rooted in grace.” Gratitude definitely is a choice, although one that is not always easy to make. But the reason I can make this choice is because of what God has given to me.

What are some of these things God has given to me out of His grace and His love for me?

  1. Rescue, Forgiveness, Freedom: “God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of His dear Son, who forgives our sins and sets us free” (Colossians 1:13-14).
  2. Eternal Life, Eternal Protection: “I [Jesus] give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me,  for my Father has given them to me, and He is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.” (John 10:28-29)
  3. Unearned & Undeserved Salvation: “You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
  4. Weaving of Bad into Good: We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves Him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose…” (Romans 8:28)
  5. Empowerment & Desire to Follow God: “God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey Him” (Philippians 2:13).

What would you add to this inexhaustible list? What are you grateful to God for today?

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November 24 – Photo of the Day = Gratitude

I am full of gratitude for the generosity of people. In particular, the people of CNC. Below are just two examples of this generosity.

Bob Clark created this stained glass cross. The glass came from windows that used to be part of the church. When Rudat Hall was renovated, the glass was removed, but kept safe for such a project as this. Gorgeous work, Bob. Thank for your time and talent!

This sign has generous news. Our church turned in 143 boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Thanks everybody. Thanks also to Kathy, Dan and Dona for organizing this.

Previous Photos from November’s Photo-a Day.

Other Related Posts:

P.S. Ann Tatum is hosting 30 Days of Thanksgiving. She encourages us to daily share our gratitude. Click here and be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post and click on Mister Linky. Then you’ll be able  to read other participants on this thankful journey.

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November 23 – Photo of the Day = Gratitude

I’m following Ann Tatum by participating in her 30 Days of Thanksgiving. 17 have signed up to share a daily thanksgiving. Reading these blog posts gets my “grateful thoughts a flowin.”  Click here to reach these blogs and read their entries.

I am grateful for feelings.

The Fierce . . .                        The Silly. . .                                                                                        And those that are in between.

  • While I don’t always appreciate my downcast moments, they sure do make the sweet moments sweeter in comparison.
  • Feelings alert me when I’ve crossed a boundary or allowed someone to cross one of my boundaries.
  • Feelings help me stay motivated.
  • They also help me to show actions of affection and dedication.
  • Feelings help me to take care of me.
  • Feelings help me to maintain relationships.
  • Feelings give me a clue as to what’s going on inside.

Feelings are valuable. They are not always logical. And I wouldn’t want to live without the full spectrum of feelings counter-balancing my logic and volition.

 Read on to see what some of the 30 Days of Thanksgiving participants are grateful for on this 23rd day of November. I can related to all of these. How about you?

  1. Ann is grateful for Family, Facebook, Freedom to Travel, & Work.
  2. Sara is thankful for peace. The kind of peace that is “a thing of rest, and restoration… [a] PEACE [that knows] things are working out for our good,” even when the circumstances seem to say the opposite.
  3. Lynette is “Thankful for the infallible, inspired Word of God.”
  4. Here’s BJ’s gratitude list: (1) I am VERY thankful for my wonderful FREEZER. and (2) I am thankful for very thoughtful, loving children. Go have a peek at BJ’s blog. You’ll be captivated by her pictures and homey words.
  5. Jennifer gives thanks to the Lord with her whole heart. Read Psalm 111 to give thanks with her. Read to the end of the post for a scrumptious cornbread dressing recipe.
  6. The author of What’s He Up to Now is thanking people who are helping her care for her children. Today’ s honoree is grandma.
  7.  Mimi is counting her Monday blessings, a list of 5 “little” things . . . the internet, UPS pick up from home, full-service gas stations, fruit, and microwave popcorn.
  8. Knitty is grateful that her grandson (in utero) and his mom are healthy and that his parents are mostly moved into their house now.”

 Previous Photos from November’s Photo-a Day.

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