Searching is A Good Way To Review Gratitude
We’ve had 17 days of ideas. That is a lot of information. Let’s take today and do a review about some of the ways we can start, enhance, and grow gratitude in our hearts and minds.
Let’s do a gratitude word search. Each of the words has been mentioned in the past 17 days or will be mentioned sometime this month. As you read each word, see if you can remember the BIG idea associated with it. What did that word have to do with this 30 Days of Thanks Living series?
Go to this link to make your own gratitude word search: shorturl.at/lsK45
Your Turn …
- Did you find all the words?
- Did you remember all the BIG ideas?
- Did you make up your own word search? If you did, be sure to share it here so we can also play along.
Related Posts …
Gratitude BINGO Game Conversation Starter
Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss – a book review
Gratitude BINGO Game Conversation Starter
Next week is Thanksgiving. Many of us are gathering in person or via Zoom to celebrate. Playing games is a great way to pass the time and have fun.
I put together a simple Gratitude BINGO game that is also a conversation starter. Not only is this a fun way to pass the time. We get to know more about each other. And hearing others share what they are grateful for enhances our own gratitude.
If you want to make your own categories, go to this link: https://myfreebingocards.com/bingo-card-generator
Directions
- Put the following categories on slips of paper. Activity … Book … City … Clothing … Friend … Hero … Music … Nation … Tradition
- Put the slips into a bowl.
- Print the needed number of BINGO cards. There are 30 different cards to choose from. The links are down below.
- Gather markers for the cards, like M&M’s or pennies. Or use a pen or a crayon to X out the squares.
- Pull out a slip and read the category. Have one player share why are they grateful for that thing/person.
- Every player puts a marker on that square on their board. Do not put that slip of paper back into the bowl.
- Pull out the next slip. One person answers it. Everyone puts a marker on that square. And so on.
- The game usually lasts for only 3-4 slips of paper.
These are the free Individual Links to the BINGO cards.
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/1
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/2
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/3
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/4
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/5
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/6
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/7
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/8
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/9
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/10
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/11
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/12
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/13
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/14
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/15
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/16
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/17
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/18
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/19
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/20
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/21
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/22
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/23
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/24
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/25
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/26
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/27
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/28
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/29
https://mfbc.us/m/dyzxg8m/30
Your Turn …
- What games do you play when you gather with friends and/or family?
- Tell us your experience if you play this game.
Related Posts …
Grateful 43 – Games
Finding Laughter: 9 More Ideas to Bring on Laughter (day 14 part two)
Making Gratitude Permanent
Quote Note Book Helps Broaden Gratitude Definition
Words hold power. Certain sentences are worth saving.
This is because we are impacted by the feelings, the insight, or the information they impart. Some of us collect quotes.
- We underline them in the material we read.
- We share them on Facebook and Twitter.
- We find the perfect picture to go with the quote and post on Instagram.
- We write them on random pieces of paper.
- The well-organized, collect the quotes in a WORD document or in a notebook.
I like to periodically reread them. That reminds me of WHY I saved that quote. Then I feel motivated, or more healing happens, or I laugh. In the case of a gratitude quote notebook, the sentences help broaden my view of gratitude.
I am usually one of those that writes quotes everywhere. Sometimes, I write them in a WORD document and then my computer crashes. And then, oh, no, no more quote file. I ‘ve written blog posts with quotes. I’ve even used my naked wood TV tray as a place for quotes.
But now, I want to keep a notebook dedicated to gratitude quotes. I will sort them according to the author’s last name. I even have a place to keep the notebook and pen.
Your Turn …
- If you collect quotes where do you keep them?
- Do you have a gratiude quote notebook?
- Please share a favourite quote or a recent in the comments.
Related Posts …
1. Quotes from “A Year by the Sea: Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman”
2. Favourite Quotes from Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers by Anne Lamott
3. Why I Put Quotes With My Signature
Smell Your Way To Gratitude
The other day I was listening to NPR about the effect of smell on our everyday lives. One thing it does is help us remember events from the past. A woman called in to say that every time she had a profound life change, (like getting married or having a baby), she changed her perfume. That way whenever she smelled that particular scent, she would remember the happy event.
Normally I don’t associate scents with much of anything. You could say I have an underdeveloped sense of smell. But I thought I would try something new. During November, whenever I write about gratitude, I am going to burn a cinnamon candle.
I already associate cinnamon with pumpkin pie and Thanksgiving. At the end of the month, I’ll let you know if I also think about gratitude.
Your Turn …
- Tell us if a particular scent brings back memories for you.
- Will you try this cinnamon experiment with me?
Related Posts …
Track Gratitude On The Calendar
Write it down, they say. Most gratitude articles say that writing down what we’re grateful for is a helpful practice. They suggest daily activities like capturing three things from each day in a journal or write one thing on a slip of paper and put it into a gratitude jar and reread them at the end of the year. Even writing a weekly list gratitude list is beneficial.
Too hard or too much work? But sometimes those ideas seem like huge endeavors; at least to me. I need a more manageable idea. I have a friend, Denise, who takes this idea and downsizes it. She turns this writing idea into a baby step that even I can manage.
Tiny Planner to the rescue. Denise buys a dollar store purse-sized planner; you know those ones that are like 6″ x 4″. She writes in the day’s space something for which she is grateful. You know how small those spaces are? You are not able to write much; just a few words to indicate a snap shot of the gratitude.
Convenient spot. Denise keeps this planner with her Bible study materials because she sees it every day. You could …
- Keep it in the visor in your car.
- Stash it in your purse.
- Place it in your gym bag.
- Use a magnet to attach it to the inside of your gym locker door.
- Where else could you put it?
Three Rules. Make sure that wherever you keep it you follow three rules. (1) Clip a pen to the tiny calendar. (2) Put it somewhere you will see it every day. (3) And of course, dedicate 30 seconds to writing.
You have 30 seconds. Writing in this planner would literally take 30 seconds or less. Go ahead and try it. Time yourself. And then let us know how long it took to complete this baby step. What do you think?
Your Turn …
Do you write about thankfulness every day? If yes, in what format?
If no, consider using a tiny planner. …… Where will you keep it?
Related Posts …
Choosing Gratitude And Why It Matters
3 Ways to Get More Gratitude Into Your Life
Set Up Your Environment To Encourage Gratitude
We know that many are impacted by their environment. Clutter and dark colours can be especially distressing. Whereas tidy, bright areas bring joy and peace.
Since our environmnet can be so powerful, why not use decor to influence gratitude?
- Put out throw pillows with “Give Thanks” stitched on them.
- Hang a plaque that says, “Be Grateful.”
- Arrange an item on your fireplace mantle that says, “Grateful. Thankful. Blessed. “
- Use festive paper napkins that say the same.
- Wear a tee shirt that has a similar sentiment.
Robert A. Emmons, gratitude researcher and author, wrote Thanks: How The New Science Of Gratitude Can Make You Happier. In it there is a chapter on Practicing Gratitude. He gives us 10 different techniques for developing and experiencing gratitude. Organizing our environment is one way we can do this.
Emmons says “two of the primary obstacles to being grateful are (1) forgetfulness and (2) a lack of mindful awareness.… Awareness is a precondition for gratitude.” Emmons support the idea of using décor to cue us to gratitude. As we carefully observe what’s around us, these cues can lead to thoughts of gratitude.
I want to purposefully put things in my home, office, and car that prompt me towards thankfulness.
- Recently, I bought a picture for my mantel that says. “Let our lives be full of both thanks and giving.”
- This week I will gather six photos from the past year that highlight God’s faithfulness. I will put them in a collage frame.
- I’d also like to do something with the words from the hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”
Your Turn …
- How does your environment impact you?
- What do you have out that sparks gratitude?
- What will you add to your home/office/car as a visual gratitude reminder?
Related Posts …
9 Environmental Tips to Help Lift Depression
Choosing Gratitude As a Way of Living & Feeling
Be Around People That Model Gratitude
We are influenced by our environment – by what we read, watch, and listen to. And of course, that influence is extended to the people who surround us. We become like each other in our habits, patterns of speech, and ideas especially regarding what’s acceptable behavior.
Jim Rohn, a motivational speaker, said, “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” That is either a scary thought or a wonderful thought.
I want my inner circle to be full of folks who are gratitude generators. That way, we spur each other on to do this even when life is hard. I don’t want to be given a pass on expressing thanks just because there are dark times.
I’m not saying I am grateful for the awful in my life. But there are things I can be grateful for.
· God will never leave nor forsake me no matter what the circumstances look like.
· There are people I can call upon for prayer, help, or a listening ear.
· This is a season in my life.
Your Turn …
· What do you think about the Jim Rohn’s quote?
· Do the five people you are closest to model the types of behaviors you want to emulate?
· What action step will you take this week?
Related Posts …
9 Types of People I Don’t Need When Life Stinks
People I NEED When Life Stinks
Volunteering Boosts Gratitude
Being part of a group that helps others is a must in my life. It reminds me that life isn’t all about me. It reinforces the idea that my energy is renewed and my mood is elevated when I give my time, resources, money, and talents for the betterment of others, animals, and/or nature. Additionally, I find volunteering is more delightful when I can volunteer with others.
I also become more grateful for what I have and what I am able to do.
Today I was part of a Sunday school teacher training. Folks willingly spent their afternoon getting filled with vision, information, and training. Camaraderie was a great side-benefit. So was the delicious homemade pie, whipped cream, and ice cream that others in the church provided.
I am grateful for the people I spent time with today. They were fun, friendly, and attentive. Helpful ideas were shared. I like being with them in ministry settings and outside of church. We motivate each other.
I am grateful that I spent time doing this today. I came away with six points I want to use or think on more. I am more enthused to help in the classrooms, pray for this ministry more consistently, and to grow my own faith more diligently and in a more transparent matter.
Your Turn …
- What impact does volunteering have on you?
- If you attended the training, what was one of your take-aways?
Related Posts …
10 Actions Parents Can Take for a Happier Morning at Church
10 Reasons Why Involvement in Your Church Nursery is Important
ABC’s Form A Gratitude List
Sometimes it is hard to come up with things, actions, people, and/or events to be grateful for. Adding this specific, the word has to start with a certain letter, helps me to come up with ideas more quickly.
A – Adult Children: I am grateful for these relationships. They are more like peers, now.
B – Books: This is the item I have the most of in my home. I probably spend the most time on these as a hobby.
C – Cake4Kids: I am grateful to bake for this organization that pairs bakers with underserved children. We mainly bake birthday cakes.
D – Dirt: This is required in order to have a garden. I love gardening.
E – Eggs: I especially like an omelet with cheese, mushrooms, onion, and ham. Best breakfast
F – French Fries: I like them hot and with salt and catsup.
G – Glasses: If I didn’t have these, I would be so blind.
H – Home office: I am grateful to have an office at home.
I – Inky pens: These are a joy to write with.
J – Juggling: I am proud that I can do this, although not well. It was a fun learning process.
K – Kindness: I most appreciate this trait in people and God. I am learning to be better at this.
L – Libby: An app with my library that lets me check out eBooks, audios, and movies. I appreciate the convenience of check out and check in.
M – Media: I love all social media, FB, Twitter, blogs, and Insta. I like how there can be connection, information sharing, and encouragement.
N – Nutrition: What I eat absolutely impacts my health and how I feel. I am grateful to have access to healthy food.
O – Operation Christmas Child: Shopping and filling up boxes for this ministry, makes me feel like I am helping the poorest of the poor in a concrete way.
P – Psalms journal: This journal has artwork and my reflections. I am slow, so it will probably be a couple more years before I am done.
Q – Questions: I am curious about people, the world, and the Bible. That’s why I ask. Do you think I ask too many questions?
R – Rain: I am grateful for the “nourishment” it provides, the puddles it makes, and the sound on the roof.
S – Sensible Shoes (book) series: These books were well liked by my book club. We learned a lot about spiritual disciplines and each other.
T – To-do lists: I make these for everything. Of course, I enjoy crossing off the completed items. I also get energized making them.
U – Unicorns: I’ve appreciated unicorns since I was a teen. Now my grands like them.
V – Vacation: My next one is at Christmas. I’ll be seeing my East coast family.
W – Worship: By myself at home, in the car, or with others at church, this is something that improves my mood and relationship with God.
X – XO (abbreviation for Hugs and Kisses) – Of COURSE this is a FAVOURITE!
Y – Yahweh: I am grateful to know Him as King, Lord, and Saviour.
Z – Zero emails inbox: Great challenge and great feeling every time I’ve accomplished this.
Your Turn …
- Can you relate to anything on my list?
- Write your own list and share in the comments.
Related Posts …
Reading The ABC’s of My Bookshelves 2018
My ABC’s of Gratitude
Questions, Prompts, & Colouring Pages Help Gratitude Flow
Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal has 151 pages. It is written by Lori Deschene. It is an interactive medium to help remind us and to help us reminisce about the things worth appreciating.
I will complete at least one page a week as part of my daily gratitude practice during November. I will also date the page so when I look back I can see when it was done. I probably will not go through the book in order from page 1-151.
Tonight I am doing page 69. The prompt is as follows: I appreciate sleep because …
What an appropriate page. I spent the last hour shopping for a specific sleep aid. My sleep has been especially horrible and I am getting desperate now. I think writing about sleep will be a good way to wind down.
Your Turn …
- Answer the following: I appreciate sleep because …
- What do you do when you have chronic sleep issues?
- Have you ever used an interactive journal as part of your own gratitude practice?
Related Posts …
April’s New Habit is about Sleep
Walk and Be Grateful for Everything
“Gratitude can pull a person out of a slump.” ~ Max Lucado
Being kind, praying for others, and thanking God for people is one way to change our own moods for the better.
Recently, Max Lucado (pastor, speaker, and best-selling author) felt down because of being diagnosed with a heart condition. So he came up with a plan. As Max took a walk, he determined to thank God for everything and every person he saw.
This worked. Max said, “Not only does being friendly and kind make the recipient feel good, but it’s also a health booster for the one bestowing the kindness.”
Being outside is also a mood booster all by itself. So take a walk outdoors, especially if you are feeling blue. And, like Max, determine to thank God for everything and everyone you see.
I usually walk indoors, around the church sanctuary or in the hall at home. It is safer, free from pollutants, I can do this at night, and the flooring is smooth. But I am going to take at least two walks a week outside. Maybe I’ll see some folks that I can greet and smile at.
Won’t you join me?
Your Turn …
- Have you ever noticed that engaging in gratitude can improve your mood?
- Will you join me in walking, praying, and greeting this week?
Related Posts …
Grateful 43 – Things about Walking a 5K
3 Ways to Get More Gratitude Into Your Life
Ten Ways to Practice Self-Care
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Books Help Grow Gratitude
I am a visual (and kinesthetic) learner. Reading is a way I prefer to get information. I am currently reading The Gratitude Project: Making The Decision To Be Grateful by Christine Martin. As I read books I will add them to the list at the end of this post.
Quotes I Like …
- Gratitude is the key to everything.
- Gratitude – it’s a lifestyle and a choice.
- [Gratitude] is not to be expressed only at Thanksgiving or three times a day in prayer at meals
- Because of my daily [gratitude] practice, I didn’t care about being right, I cared about staying in peace.
- A person I would want in my circle of friends (my influencers) practices forgiveness.
- We have to get out of our comfort zone to become better people.
- Holding onto negativity will kill you.
Action Items to Take
- Gratitude is a spiritual practice that can improve our attitude.
- Unforgiveness (even towards ourself) can block our ability to give thanks. Deal with it today.
Your Turn …
- Which quote or action item is most impactful?
- Have you read this book or other books about gratitude?
Related Posts …
- Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss – a book review
- 5 Items to Include on Every Bucket List: More Gratitude
Gratitude Books
- The Gratitude Project: Making The Decision To Be Grateful by Christine Martin (added 11/3/21)
Fruitful Words 