Thanksgiving is good for you!

 

Let's open our eyes to the blessings

 

Happy Thanksgiving 2019!

Being Humble And Being Thankful

Real thankfulness requires a measure of humility because thankfulness involves the realization that we are receiving goodness from a source outside of ourselves. After all, if we are responsible for all the goodness in our lives thankfulness is no longer necessary. In this case, the only attitude necessary is a sense of amazement at ourselves for how incredible we are. (I’ve tried being amazed at myself a number of times and it never works very well. I find it disappointing.)

Are we willing to humble ourselves and recognize the wonderful blessings in our lives we did not create?

This humility will lead to thankfulness which will bring yet another blessing: Joy.

I humbly wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, lots of joy and God’s continued blessings!

With much love,

Dan

Much To Be Thankful For

Research has shown that gratitude and thankfulness are good for us emotionally and even physically.  They have an effect on things like energy levels and alertness.  It has been shown that gratitude and thankfulness affect a person’s willingness to help others.  And so, not surprisingly, it turns out that the old idea which encourages us to “count your blessings” really is good advice.

I am a person who is extraordinarily blessed.  In fact, sometimes when I really consider it honestly it’s surprising for me to recall all the good things that have been given to me.  God is good, kind and gracious. 

(By the way, this doesn’t mean I’ve come to the point at which I never complain anymore, it just means I really shouldn’t complain anymore.  But I do, once in a while.  I’m working on being more mature. I should be there any day, now.)

I can, however, say that I am genuinely thankful.  I pray you have much for which to be thankful today, too.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gratitude, Happiness and Thanksgiving

Dear E-Flash Friends;

What makes people happy? 

 

In recent years there has actually been a good bit of research—serious academic research—in the area of happiness.  When people are happy, what is that?

 

What has been discovered is that when people are happy one of the significant factors is gratitude.  Happy people tend to be people who experience genuine thankfulness.  You might say, to quote a Christian concept that I learned as a kid, they are people who “count their blessings.”

 

In fact, psychologists who try to help people based on this research sometimes recommend that the people keep a thankfulness journal where they are encouraged to take a few moments at the end of the day to write down things they are thankful for.

 

Today, we celebrate a holiday in which the focus is Thankfulness.  (And for some of us there is considerable focus, as well, on pumpkin pie.  But let’s put that aside for the moment.)

 

Are you aware of the blessings in your life?  Do you think about your blessings?  Do you have a real appreciation for the good things that God has given you? 

 

Real thankfulness will probably bring a little more happiness to our lives.  That sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

 

I'm hoping that you all have a Happy (genuinely thankful) Thanksgiving! 

Remember that God loves you and that will never change.

 

May you experience God’s rich blessings!

Love,

Dan

Gratitude To The One From Whom All Blessings Flow

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” James 1:17.  Are you able to look around and see many ways in which your life is blessed?  I sure can.  In fact, I just watched about 10 minutes of television news coverage and I was reminded a half dozen times how truly fortunate I am.  I thank God.  I hope you have a wonderful, joyful, Happy Thanksgiving, giving genuine gratitude to the One from who all blessings flow!

I Have Much To Be Thankful For

If I take a pen and paper and actually engage in the process of writing down the blessings in my life, I am stunned by the many, many, many things I have to be thankful for. My friend Greg often says, “God treats me better than I deserve.” This is true. Today, my hope and prayer is that you are a recipient of this kind of incredible goodness, love and grace, too!  Happy Thanksgiving!