Choosing 2 Express Gratitude During November

Fear, losing jobs, foreclosures, families splintering because of the stress, making do and doing without. These are things that America has seen before. So, how do you turn the worst of times into the best?

According to the movie Kit Kittredge An American Girl  the answer is “don’t let it get the best of you.” Magic, courage, humour, perseverance, helping others, compassion, gratitude, and best friends and family also make a big difference. 

The economy isn’t as bad as during The Great Depression, but I think the fear is as great. So, which of the following are you choosing to add more of to your life to combat fear?

• Magic
• Courage
• Humour
• Perseverance
• Helping others
• Compassion
• Gratitude
• Best friends and family

During November I’ll be posting about gratitude. Everytime I’ve done this, my fear level goes way down. Plus, it helps me to get a correct view of my world.

This correct view involves acknowledging God – one thing the movie did not mention. “If I keep my eyes on God, I won’t trip over my own feet (Psalm 25:15)” because fear won’t be obscuring my vision. And while I don’t always understand what God does and allows, it gives me great comfort to know “God doesn’t miss a thing – He’s alert to good and evil alike (Proverbs 15:3)”.   

In other words, He’s got my back. See Psalm 3:3-4 for one example: Thou, Oh, Lord, art a shield about me. You’re my glory and the lifter of my head. (Do you know the tune to that?)  What verses would you include here?

Today’s Gratitude item is that I can focus on Someone who is bigger than all fear and problems. And that Someone, God, is able and willing to help me in this life. I”m thankful that because of Who God is, I don’t have to hide from fear. I can hide in God.

Music/Words to Bless You and Me.

• Father, Hear Your Children –  “We’re blind but pray for eyes to see. Where we’re bound, Lord, make us free.
• Warrior Is a Child/Do I Trust you Lord – “People say that I’m amazing, strong beyond my years. But they don’t see inside of me; I’m hiding all the tears. They don’t know that I go running home when I fall down. They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around. . . Deep inside this armour the warrior is a child.”
• You Are My Hiding Place/ As the Deer Panteth – “I am strong in the strength of my Lord.”
• You Are Holy (Prince of Peace) – “You’re my Prince of Peace and I will live my life for You.”
• Breathe – “And I’m desperate for You. And I’m lost without You. . . Your Holy Presence living in me.”

What song(s) encourage you? For what are you thankful for today? Won’t you join me in my gratitude journey this month?

P.S. Be sure to watch this youtube trailer about the movie. It will make you smile.