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Thankfulness is a Choice...Not a Feeling


Thankfulness is a discipline.  A way of thinking.  A way of living.

A choice.

I choose to live thankfulness or I choose to wallow in self-pity and pout.

Becoming a thankful person is hard work.  It is not for the feint of heart.  It is a battle.  It is creating muscle memory in our brain and our soul!  Part of the character muscle.

Thankful people are more positive and contagious.  Thankful people walk with a different spirit of humbleness and authenticity. 

I have a few ideas to help us all become more thankful!

1.  Memorize scripture.
  
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

2.  Thank God as you wake up and as you go to sleep.

3.  Make a list!  Deliberately and intentionally note people and things we are thankful for.

4.  Reframe!  Reframe the situation.  I'm not a name it and claim it person but I am a "we choose our perception to be based on truth or feeling" type of person.  I don't believe that running around saying it is all good-makes it all good.   BUT I do choose how I see a situation.  How I speak about and think about my husband and my kids usually comes out in my words and actions.  "I am amazed at your persistence and perseverance," instead of "Why do you have to be so stubborn?"

5.  Confess and ask for forgiveness for lack of thankfulness, complaining and whining.  It is a sin.  It can gain a spot in your mind that will poison the spirit.  It takes us away from God and away from truly healthy relationships.

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