Being Grateful Drives Away Fear

With Thanksgiving just around the corner and the decorations and music beginning to fill the stores around us it is a little easier to have thoughts of thankfulness and express gratitude.

I was reading a devotional email I get daily today and realized that it was not too long ago that our family was going through such stressful times that I was filled with thoughts of  fear and feelings of overwhelming despair.  I see today the season is fresh and hopeful and I read these tips on keeping fear away by driving it out with gratitude and it is something I want to practice to be prepared. As we all know those seasons can come repeatedly in our lives because it is through those seasons we learn and grow.

I post this to share with you in case you are in a season of fear yourself...in case you are feeling loss or pain and find hope and gratitude a strange thought to grasp.

Look over the tips I have copied from the email I recieved and see if there is something here that can help you today to find strength as you go through your own season.

If you are interested I get these emails from a wonderful site where you can sign up for daily emails and inspirations - they have been so necessary on some days that I have been part of this for almost 2 years now.

http://alivenow.upperroom.org/2011/11/07/gratitude/
I love this description of what they are about you will find on the lower left of their site page ~

Daily life can seem out of control — too busy, noisy, overflowing with demands. Yet we’re called to make room for the Holy. That’s where Alive Now fits in. We’re about helping you make a little space for God in the midst of the chaos. Take 5 minutes — open up a spread in the magazine, light a candle and read today’s email, sit for a few minutes and gaze at a photograph. God is right here ... with you. Nurture your spirit.

Cultivate Gratitude

1. Make a gratitude list. Write down 7-10 things on the list each day. Download a Gratitude app to your mobile device or purchase a blank book specifically for keeping your gratitude list.
2. Say a grace before each meal. Also say a grace before you engage in a new activity.
3. Each time you pick up the phone, receive or send a text, or look at an email or letter, give thanks for that person.
4. If you are struggling with fear, sadness, or hopelessness, stop what you are doing and jot down a list of 5 things for which you are grateful.
5. Say a prayer of thanks at the end of the day.

Enjoy your day, be filled with peace!
BettyK