Monday, November 30, 2015

She Has a Thankful Spirit ~ Chapter Three


It is difficult to have a thankful spirit in today's culture. Every commercial reminds us of something we need. Viewing Facebook or Pinterest causes us to be dissatisfied with our lives when others are having such fun vacations, romantic meals and getaways with their husbands, beautifully decorated homes and perfect meals. There is is lot to cause us to be discontent.

However, the Lord commands that we be thankful. Those who walk away from the Lord and His ways begin with an unthankful spirit; For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. {Romans 1}. Therefore, we must train ourselves and our children to have a thankful spirit!

A wise woman sets a joyful mood in her home. Through laughter, music and happy times, she creates a positive attitude in her children. She knows that a lighthearted home relieves her husband of stress.* One of the GREATEST gifts you can give your husband and children is a spirit of thankfulness. Even when you are going through a difficult time, you can always find things to be thankful for even if it is knowing the fact that Jesus loves you, died for your sins and is preparing a mansion for you one day.

Discontentment is not a product of circumstances; it is the state of the soul...Thankful people have a view of life that begins somewhere deep in their souls, and outside circumstances just can't mar their joy.* The way you do this is by changing your thinking; be transformed by renewing your mind with God's Truth. When your husband is doing something that irritates you, makes you mad or you begin comparing him to other husbands thus falling into a big ole' ugly pity party, quickly change your thinking and begin to think of all those things you love about him: he works hard for you; he loves your children; he is faithful to you, etc. It is learning to control your thoughts and emotions rather than allowing them to control you.

Practice makes perfect. Practice having a merry and thankful heart.* Memorize verses on being thankful. Write them on post-its and put them all over your home. Write them on index cards and put them in your Bible and in your purse. We will never understand the power of God's Word, but we must believe for it is sharper than a two-edged sword and does NOT come back void!

Homework: Learn to enjoy life. Be thankful. Smile. When you catch yourself becoming irritated or disturbed at circumstances, stop and laugh at the little things that steal your peace. Count your blessings and learn to be appreciative..."Thanksgiving is good; thanksliving is better."*

In every thing give thanks: 
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

***Please feel free to write quotes that touched you in the comment section or questions and insights you may have!

*Quotes taken from the book.