Every day list 5 blessings, in the morning when
you
wake and again before you sleep at night, in a notebook. They should be
as personal and unique, as best as you can, to that day. I would like
to
encourage everyone to keep a praise journal. ( the notebook with your
blessings
written in it) Bring this challenge to your family, friends, and
co-workers.
Read each others praise journals some times. Even young children are
able
to do this, and it is an excellent practice for them to be in the habit
of. Young children may color or cut and paste picture blessings.
Parents
should put the little one's "praise journal" away in a safe place in
between
excersizes... because it will be something you both will treasure as
they
get older.
The blessings are things that you feel have blessed you, or are cause
for
thanksgiving, praise and joy. With counting your blessings, you are
choosing
joy! Soon you will be able to see some good in all circumstances, and
praise
and thank our Lord in all circumstances. Sometimes, things don't SEEM
like
a blessing at the time, they may be painful and difficult - but when it
is
past - you will realize how that circumstance has blessed you. Then, in
the future, when hardship or pain comes your way - you will have the
experience
of being able to see blessings, goodness - in all things - which will
give
you strength to endure and persevere through the present hardship.
From those of us
whom have been doing this for years, we know this practice can
radically
change your life!!! Try, and see!!
RELATED SCRIPTURES:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice! Let your
gentleness
be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything,
but
in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your
requests
to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will
guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever
is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever
is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy,
think about such things. PHP 4: 4-8
A psalm. For giving thanks. Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship
the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that
the
LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people,
the
sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts
with
praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good
and
his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all
generations.
Psalm 100
