A Heart of Gratitude

We heard the best message today in church and and I am choosing to have this be my purpose and hearts desire. As I am nearing the end of my pregnancy-the hormones have really exploded and attacked me emotionally and verbally! Even though I am pregnant,I can not blame my whole attitude on my pregnancy. But it does make sense at times why I am so emotional! I can still find deep joy in my toughest times because of the cross and all that God has done for me.
Thanksgiving Day is not a day that we should set aside as the ONLY day to be thankful-we need to be Thankful each day and have a Heart of Gratitude if we are true follower of Christ.

Here are 5 Key notes that I got from today's message:
I have heard the verse "Do not quench the spirt" (I. Thess 5:19)over and over again growing up-but it had real meaning and purpose today for me!

1.When you do not rejoice in your life and are focused on your daily trials-you are "quenching" the spirit.
-When you rely on your own ability and life trials-you are "quenching" the spirit.
-You miss out on what God is doing when you focus on the negative.
2. Do you see the Power of God @ work on trials in your life or do you only see the trial? (I often focus on the trials and forget to "let go and let God be God!")
3. Are you grateful for the blessings that God has provided?
I really need to focus more on this! God has blessed me above and beyond. It is such a blessing that Mike is hard working and has a great job that allows me to stay home with P. On top of all that, my family and extended family are so encouraging, godly and uplifting whenever we are together or chat. Not only have I been blessed with a wonderful, husband, son family and in-law family. But, I have been blessed beyond measure with some very close friends who are much like "sisters" to me! Living away from our families has been hard-but God has given me some friends that have filled that gap and stepped in to be there for me!
4. Do you meet each situation with a positive outlook or a negative outlook? I can honestly say that I am 50/50 on this. I am really trying (especially being a stay at home mom to try and focus on the positive and not look at things so negatively!) I know that every day is not going to be a bowl of cherries-but I can definitely rejoice in the tough times and be grateful for what God has given me and the best job -even though it is by far the hardest-"Parker's mommy and our new baby on the way!"
5.Are you living with an Eternal perspective or an Earthly perspective?
I pray that I can continue to look to the Cross and not get so caught up in the earthly trials that can weigh me down. It really is a joy to be a child of God and know what it really means to have a Heart of Gratitude!
I hope this is encouraging to you too!
As we prepare for the Christmas Holiday-I am choosing to "Rejoice in the Lord always" and be grateful for all he has done for me!"