4:8 Principle-- Weeks of gratitude

Believe it or not we are a little more than 7 weeks away from turkey, stuffing, and parades.....Thanksgiving Day is less than 2 months away! Although the holiday is centered around gratitude and taking time to appreciate what we've been given, we can start today offering thanks for how we have been blessed. 

Being thankful, having an attitude of gratitude and recognizing how blessed we are is not just for Thanksgiving. In fact, I think gratitude is the cure for our depression, sadness and melancholy. Being thankful is the secret to a joy-filled life.

So I challenge you to follow me on this mini series -- 4:8 Principle. This series is based on the book by Tommy Newberry, "The 4:8 Principle" and is based on the scripture Phillipians 4:8 --

 "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

What will come from applying the principles found in the scripture above can change your life. It will transform what you focus on and create a more positive way of thinking. One of the great things that I learned from working through this book, is how to be grateful for the little things each day.

Being joy-filled means focusing on your daily blessings. It means focusing on the great plans God has for your life, regardless of what your circumstances tell you. Living with a "joy-filled" focused life means that you have an unshakable belief and rock solid faith in God's blessings for you.

Joy is an outward sign of inward faith in the promises of God. Make the choice to never settle for less than the real joy, real gratitude, real happiness.

So....as we get closer and closer to Thanksgiving, let's work on being thankful each day - turkey or no turkey.