Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights . . . ~James 1:17
I don't know how many times I've thought, written, and said the words, "I wonder why, when I got so much benefit from doing that, I stopped doing it." The acts of writing and reading about what I, myself, and others are grateful for is one of those things that brings such benefits to my life and those around me that I really don't understand how or why I allow myself to fall out of the habit of doing it.
So, what better time to begin again a habit that I hope will become a regular part of my living a life of intentional thanks giving, than November, a month (in America) traditionally associated with giving thanks for our blessings.
The kids and I have been reading, discussing, and digesting Ephesians 1:3-8. I can't think of a better way to begin my gratitude list or a better way to express what I am most grateful for than this:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. ~Ephesians 1:3-8
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.*
*Words: Thomas Ken, 1674. Music: Old 100th, Genevan Psalter, 1551
