Giving Thanks

It's usually pretty easy to give thanks for things when life's going well and you're happy with situations in your lives.  But what about the times when things aren't going so well or when you're feeling kind of 'blah'?

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)

When bad things happen, you might feel cranky and crabby.  You might not feel like giving thanks.  You might have been hurt by a good friend, or gotten into a fight with your parents.  Maybe you got a bad grade on an assignment that you worked really hard on or bombed a test on which you thought you did well. You might want to ask God why He's allowing these bad things to happen if He really loves you.

When you look at all the ways God blesses you, it might help you reevaluate your overall situation.  God gives great and amazing gifts.  He does amazing things.  Do you remember to thank Him?  Maybe you can focus more on praising Him for the good and less time sulking in hard times.  

We all like it when people show appreciation when we do something nice for them.  So does God. He loves it when we praise Him!

 Action Plan to help make you more thankful: 

**Purchase a package of thank-you notes.  

Write a random note of appreciation and/or

gratitude to someone, especially when they

do something nice for you or someone you love. 

Send the cards out until they're all gone.**

Memory Verse: 

**For you created my inmost being; 

you knit me together in my mother's womb. 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 

your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 

(Psalm 139:13-14)**