Level 2 gratitude Archives
Be Joyful
This is the season to be joyful! Break out the holly, the lights, the nativity scene, and the baubles, and get ready to celebrate and rejoice!
You have so much to be happy about. Instead of focusing on what you might not have, wish you had, are missing out on, or any stress that comes with the end of the year, turn that around and make it into a Christmas present for yourself and for Jesus—something you can both be happy about!
Stop for a moment and think about the plusses and the happiness that fill your life. When you do, you’ll not only be expressing your gratitude to Jesus for His care and love, but you’ll be giving yourself gifts too—happiness and contentment!
If something is bothering you, if you can’t get over a negative feeling or emotion, talk to Jesus about it and let His peace fill your heart. As you fill your mind with thoughts of gratitude and look for ways to bring joy to others, you’ll find that in turn, happiness will fill your heart.
Let the joy of Christmas encompass your life with peace, happiness, and anticipation for what lies ahead.
“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” (John 15:11 NLT).
“You will teach me the right way to live. Just being with you will bring complete happiness. Being at your right side will make me happy forever” (Psalm 16:11 ERV).
Based on the writings of TFI. Illustrated by Zeb. Designed by Roy Evans.Published by My Wonder Studio. Copyright © 2022 by The Family International
30 Ways in 30 Days
Are you looking for ways to get more gratitude in your attitude? Incorporate gratitude and positiveness into your life by using this daily plan to help you build the habit.
1
Reset
When you wake up this morning, before you think of anything else, take a few minutes to reset your outlook by thanking Jesus for the new day and what lies ahead of you.
2
“Phone” in
During the day, imagine “phoning” in to give Jesus an update. Talk about the things in your day that are bringing you joy or that you could use His help in.
3
On the go
Jogging to the park? Walking the dog? Doing your chores? Take time to think thankful thoughts every time you're on the move today.
4
Lift up another
Encourage or compliment one of your siblings or friends today. Showing kindness to others through your words can lift your heart.
5
Time travel
Look back down memory lane and write down five things about your past year or two that you remember fondly and are thankful for. Sign your name, and then put the list under Mom and Dad's door.
6
U-turn
When something or someone is bugging you today, use gratitude to turn your negative thoughts around and thank Jesus for something about that person.
7
Fill your heart
Memorize this Bible verse: "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."1
8
Inner child
Think like a toddler today. Stop and take time to check out a cool bug. Inspect your fingers and toes. Feel the grass under your bare feet. Appreciate God’s wonderful creation by taking time for the little things.
9
Spread it ’round
Happiness is contagious. Spread a positive attitude around today by thinking, saying, and doing only those things that express your gratitude. Watch how quickly it catches on with others and makes them happy too.
10
Hello, me!
Tune in to your body today as you exercise. Take deep breaths. Swing your arms. Feel your heart rate go up and down. Check out how well your joints work. Appreciate how wonderfully God made you.
11
What if?
Imagine a bad scenario—falling down the stairs, losing the house keys, spilling juice on yourself in front of someone you’d like to impress. Find something to thank Jesus for despite the calamity.
12
Opportunities
Thank Jesus for the different opportunities that you have in your life, whether with experiences, activities, education, hobbies, etc.
13
Homework
Write a one- or two-stanza gratitude poem today incorporating the words "fluffy," "water," "strong," "green," and "love."
14
Stretch it
Stretch yourself by taking some time alone today to lift your hands in praise and let God’s Spirit speak to your heart and bring you comfort and joy.
15
Peace and calm
Close your eyes and listen to God’s voice in your heart, experiencing a peace that can fill you from spending time listening.
16
La-la-la
Listen to a few songs today that get you thinking about Jesus. Close your eyes and let your mind rest on Him as you listen.
17
Out loud
Praise Jesus out loud. Expressing your gratitude out loud can make it feel more “authentic” than when it’s just in your mind.
18
Blessing showers
Thank Jesus for ten blessings that you have in your life and tell Him how those blessings have enhanced your life.
19
G-R-A-T-I-T-U-D-E
Using the letters of whatever day of the week it is (for example, S-U-N-D-A-Y), thank Jesus for something starting with each letter of the word.
20
Fast-forward
When you begin your day, think of the most pressing, urgent, or challenging thing you're going to have to tackle today. Then thank Jesus ahead of time for how He’s going to help you get through it or get it done.
21
I like me
Take some time today to thank Jesus for five things you like about yourself. Then thank Jesus for how He made you.
22
Messenger
Think about someone who could use encouragement today. Write a short note or send a chat or text to that person to let them know you’re thinking of them and/or of something you admire and appreciate about them.
23
Jesus in you
When someone compliments you today, instead of refuting it, shrugging it off, or answering with a simple "thanks," give Jesus credit and lift Him up.
24
Merry-go-round
Tell each person in your immediate family something you appreciate about them.
25
Tabasco … Tabbies … Tabbouleh
Using the first letter of your name, see how many things you can list that you’re grateful for. Write down your list and post it on the kitchen fridge as a reminder.
26
Dance off
Play a song that makes you feel happy and gets you thinking about Jesus. Close your bedroom door and dance to it.
27
Count it out
Think of five promises God has made to His children in the Bible and thank Him for them.
28
Praise-centric
During your time of prayer today, make a concerted effort to praise and thank Jesus for specific events in the day you are grateful for.
29
Nature recharge
Spend a few minutes outside in nature today. Talk to Jesus about what you like and how it reminds you of Him.
30
Heart to heart
Talk to Jesus, your dearest friend. Tell Him the things that are on your heart and mind. Then take time to hear in your heart what He has to tell you.
Footnote:
1 Psalm 118:24 NKJV
Print this out so you can put it into action and watch your gratitude attitude grow!
Authored by Andrea Gianni, based on the writing of TFI. Illustrated by Evangeline. Designed by Roy Evans.Published by My Wonder Studio. Copyright © 2022 by The Family International
