Choosing Gratitude...

I went out to the mail box today to find this book from my sweet friend Mary at Giving Up On Perfect!  Mary has been a dear friend since high school...she is such a sweet gal with a heart for the Lord and a wit and humor that literally sends me into peels of laughter.  Just read one of her posts and I guarantee you will feel as if you've known her forever.

But, back to the book.  I feel like Mary knows me so well. 

When I opened to the first chapter, I just knew this was exactly what I needed to read in addition to my quiet time:

The quote reads: 

'The Power of Gratitude:  Seek to cultivate a buoyant, joyous sense of the crowded kindnesses of God in your daily life.' Alexander Maclaren. 

Speaks for itself don't you think?

There is something about the beauty of life's trials...they either bring gratitude towards our Heavenly Father, or bitterness that life seems unfair.  My prayer is that my heart continues on the path of gratitude.

It's easy to focus on the circumstance and forget about the purpose of trials:

James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything.

NIV

This is at the heart of developing gratitude...understanding that the trials are to draw us near to God, strengthening our faith and reliance on Him and experiencing His provision as He walks us through difficult circumstances.

I am so eager to continue reading this book,  and get to the heart of having an overflowing sense of gratitude toward our Heavenly Father, in whatever His will is for my life.

 

Thank you so much for this book Mar!