It is not happy people who are thankful; It is thankful people who are happy.

Sadly, I think I was in my thirties before I learned what it really means to be thankful.  Really thankful.  And I honestly feel that I still have a lot to learn about being thankful.  But I do know that there is One whom we are to be thankful to.  Even though sometimes it is hard to see, there is always, always, always something to be thankful for.  The thing that gets me, is scripture says that we are to be thankful in all circumstances.  All???  All.  I don't have to like a circumstance or be happy about it, or agree with it, but I know that I can be thankful for it, because although I may not know at the time (or ever), God has a purpose for this, and He will see that something good comes out of it. (Romans 8:28).


The boys and I made a thankful tree.  Every day, or however often we feel led, our family thinks about what/who we are thankful for.  We then pray, thanking God for what it is on our hearts.  I love this idea, and it is my prayer that thankfulness, in any situation, will become second nature to all of us.


After the fall, we plan to use snowflakes to hang on the tree.  Then hearts (Valentine's Day)...then shamrocks...then raindrops...then....  (you get it....giving thanks is not limited to Thanksgiving time.)  When I collect the cards off the tree, I'm going to date and store them.  :)

"Be joyful always; pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thes 5:16-18.