What Does It Take for You to Have a Heart of Gratitude?

By the time most people have reached 50 years of age, enough history has been experienced to cover the pages of a book. Making the transition can be joyful simply because children have become self-reliant – have left home for college or work and basically are supporting themselves.

However, making the transition into the next half-century can be disruptive due to unavoidable changes. Looking in the mirror portrays a mature person. Making a healthy transition depends on accepting who you have become and what you will become.

Looking back over the past, is your heart filled with gratitude for how you’ve been blessed by God and how you are a blessing to others? If not, please take the Apostle Paul’s advice “not to conform any longer to the patterns of this world but be transformed by renewing your mind.” 

Then you will please God by being in his perfect will and serving him. 

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Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

~1Thessalonians 5:16-18 New International Version

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What Are the Triggers for Your Anger?

It’s impossible to avoid experiencing anger, whether it comes from within yourself or from others. Anger may appear as discontentment about a minor issue that needs an explanation and clarification. Everyone has faced razor-sharp anger when their physical well-being was questionable.

Anger is triggered when the emotional fiber that stitches us together appears fragile. Anger can be triggered by inconvenience, but it’s usually triggered by the perception of endangerment. It’s normal to respond with anger when frightened by uncertainty. Misinterpreting someone’s attitude and behavior also is a trigger for anger.

We live in a world overflowing with stress that steals away our joy. Therefore it’s incredibly important to focus on the joy Jesus Christ gives to those who seek his righteousness and peace. So why not focus on this gift of joy from Jesus as you celebrate Thanksgiving.  

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Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.

~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Contemporary English Version 

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Happiness Equates to Contentment

Recently I asked a man on the elevator how he was doing. "I am blessed because God has given me this day," came his reply. That made me realize how thankful we should be for all God provides. We enjoy our work and loved ones and all who bring blessings and joy.

During World War II Anne Frank wrote in her diary: "Whoever is happy will make others happy. He who has faith and courage will never perish in misery." It’s amazing that this young girl, who later died in a concentration camp, possessed such wisdom. She was content with the little she possessed in her hiding place.

Anne Frank was thankful for trivial things like writing in her diary. We can be at peace when we’re thankful for what God continues to provide. Ecclesiastes 5:19 reminds us, "When God gives a man possessions and enables him to enjoy them, he should be thankful, for they are gifts from God." So rejoice and be thankful for God’s goodness and kindness.                        

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Give thanks to the Lord because he is good; his love is eternal.

~1 Chronicles 16:34 Good News Bible

 

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Make it a habit to give thanks for everything, for this is God’s will for you through Christ Jesus.

~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

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The Unsurpassed Will of God

The two things everyone will experience, according to conventional wisdom, are death and taxes. Beyond these are an array of needs that test the creativity of the most gifted person. A personal goal should be to express our gratitude to God for our nation, our freedom, our family and friends.

The phrase, "No man is an island unto himself," confirms our need for companionship. In the movie Cast Away Tom Hanks portrays a man marooned on a deserted island who creates an imaginary friend to talk to. No one is entirely self-sufficient, so God created the family to fulfill our need for bonding.

God’s name El Shaddai portrays him God Almighty, fully capable of meeting our needs. However, God does not promise to provide everything we want. When Jesus asked God, his father, to take away the suffering he would face on the cross, he added, "Not my will but yours be done." God's will is always unsurpassed.    

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Always be joyful. Always keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 The Living Bible

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.