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…in my opinion.

The Power of Gratitude

Is it natural for humans to focus on all the good things they have or instead on all the things they don’t have? It is the latter. And it is a recipe for discontent, depression, and despair, per Gregory Jantz. He wrote an excellent article on “The Healing Power of Gratitude” in The Epoch Times this November. It is from that article that several of the following points are made.

So why be grateful in a world that is so depressing at times? Why incorporate it into our daily lives? Gratitude is the antidote for every toxic thing that comes into our lives. It fosters optimism, which strengthens hope, much lacking in our society today. There is a body of research that demonstrates how gratitude enhances our well-being. It improves self-esteem, better sleep, boosts immunity, decreases depression, reduces anxiety, and stronger relationships.

Some people keep a gratitude journal. They record at least three things per day they are thankful for. People who continue this activity score 25% higher on surveys that measure happiness. They also sleep a half-hour longer most nights. Grateful people exercise 33% more every week than unthankful people.

Gratitude is something we can control. It is a deliberate attitude. When we do, we often find that hope, courage, joy, and contentment rise, shifting our focus from negative to positive. Gratitude reveals the bright side in dark times. Today, we live in dark times, don’t we? So how do we start? Here are a few ideas to get started as shared by the article’s author referenced above.

  1. Notice the small moments that bring you joy.
  2. Keep a gratitude journal. List 3 blessings in your life and describe how they enrich you.
  3. Take a fresh look at friends and family. Count your blessings for those who love and support you.
  4. Celebrate creativity. Be grateful you live in such a rich and textured creative culture.
  5. Make daily rituals memorable. Sit and enjoy your morning coffee rather than quaffing it down as you hurry out the door.
  6. Look at the world through a child’s eyes. Don’t fret about the future or dwell in the past. Appreciate the present moment, with all of its opportunities and pleasures. 
  7. Give a compliment to someone. Write down what you appreciate about that individual and the quality you admire.
  8. Pray or meditate. Shut out a noisy world and focus personal thoughts on God rather than yourself.
  9. Mine today for possibility. Every day is an opportunity to steer your life in a new direction and find blessings. 

So what are you waiting for? Get started now!

December 1, 2022 Posted by | advice, Culture, Hope | , , , | 1 Comment

Advice – Disagreements with Neighbors


When a disagreement arises with your neighbor, don’t rush to action in a court of law. First, go to your neighbor and try to reconcile your differences. If you are unsuccessful, then consider the following questions:

  • Is this disagreement trivial? How substantial is this disagreement?
  • How do you intend to manage it before taking him to court?
  • How much will your out-of-pocket expenses be in court costs?
  • What level of certainty do you have of success?
  • How much stress are you willing to endure, and for how long?
  • How will you move forward if the court rules against your charges and in favor of your neighbor?

You might consider prayer. Ask the Lord to change your neighbor’s heart and your heart to do what is best for both parties. God may be gracious to you both with the dispute resolved. Whatever agreement is made in secret, it must never be divulged or made known to others. A man that cannot keep a secret will be forever known as a blabber and gossip and cannot be trusted to do what he says he will do.

November 15, 2022 Posted by | advice, Hope, Life | , , | Leave a comment

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