Tag Archives: gratitude

A Big Fat Thank-You

It’s Fat Tuesday, a time set aside for over-indulgence. If I have the time, money and opportunity to over-indulge, I owe God a big fat thank-you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) Give thanks in all circumstances … “All circumstances” covers Fat … Continue reading

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Bitter Self-Talk

Envy sneaks into my self-talk. I compare myself to others, and it doesn’t look good. “It’s not fair.” “She doesn’t deserve it.” “I’m better than she is.” Instead of rejoicing in someone else’s success, I plant seeds of bitterness. Hebrews … Continue reading

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Missed Gratitude for New Creations

A name and face kept interrupting my thoughts. It was my difficult, arrogant boss from a short-term job decades ago. Moving on, I’d put those unhappy months out of my mind. A quick internet search led me to my former … Continue reading

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Missed Gratitude for a “No” Answer

“Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered, Thanks for what Thou dost deny!” Thanks to God August L. Storm, 1891 Trans. Carl L. Backstrom, 1931   Yes or No, God is right — He always is.   Good morning, Lord. … Continue reading

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Missed Gratitude for Long Legacies

I’m part of a church established more than a hundred years ago. Folks long dead had the faith to buy the property and build a house of worship. I’ve listened to sermons, vacuumed the sanctuary, taught Bible lessons and served … Continue reading

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Missed Gratitude for Good Discipline

Proverbs 3:11 (MSG) But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this. Discipline isn’t punishment. It’s correction, and sometimes it is uncomfortable. Like it … Continue reading

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Missed Gratitude for Closed Doors

  I’ve bumped up against a few closed doors in my adult life: the great job I didn’t get, the cute house we couldn’t buy, the friendship that didn’t work out. Yes, I was disappointed.   Psalm 23:3 (NIV) … … Continue reading

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Missed Gratitude for Safe Travel

Late for a meeting, I muttered in frustration as I stopped for the yellow light. The dump truck ahead of me sped through the intersection and hit a bump. A rock bounced out and landed right where I would have … Continue reading

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Missed Gratitude for Temptations Avoided

  Matthew 6:13 (NIV) … lead us not into temptation …   Over the years, I’ve prayed those words hundreds of times. I picture God stringing caution tape across my path, setting up a detour or closing a gate. And … Continue reading

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Two Weeks of Missed Gratitude

With Thanksgiving Day a couple weeks away, I want to focus on blessings I’ve never given a second thought. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) Give thanks in all circumstances … All circumstances? I’ve missed more than a few. How about you? … Continue reading

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