Gratitude

The world is not always a peaceful place to live. Encounters with fear, worry, and difficult circumstances encroach regularly. But it isn’t Gods desire to allow the negative aspects of life to steal your peace, joy, hope, and confidence. God wants to help you deal with your fears and worries. When you fully understand that the battles and struggles of life are not yours to fight alone, you experience divine peace and gain the strength to live your life fully.

This peace from God is unlike the natural peace you experience in your life. That type of peace fluctuates with circumstances. Divine peace is dependent on your relationship with God, and as long as you are living in close communion with Him, it is a constant in your life, no matter what is going on around you. God’s peace supernaturally calms your fears and serves as an assurance of his presence. What a blessing!

Divine peace in your heart and mind is not subject to the whims of circumstance and fortune. It is a true and lasting peace that grows as you learn to trust God. If your life is filled with turmoil, ask God to fill you with divine peace. Your circumstances won’t necessarily change, but you discover an inner confidence and know that God will be there to see you through whatever life has in store. ~GRQ Inc.

It’s safe to say that I’ve been living under feelings of guilt, fear, depression and anxiety. All of us go through these emotions- I know that. For me, it's a matter of getting rid of these feelings that plague me. I need it to go away. These past few days, I’ve realized that these feelings will not go away on its own. I have to consciously make an effort to deal with what I have on my plate. I have to stop being so independent, and more dependant on God. (Independent in terms of trying to fix things or make them right- on my own, without God's help.) Even if things never change in my favor, I have to make other options to make myself happy.

All of these negative emotions causes extreme lassitude on my entire body. I’m constantly fatigued, worn out and have no desire to do the things I normally love to do. My writing has been suffering and my love for music (playing guitar & song writing) has come to a halt. Usually, this time of year, I look around for a part time job bartending for extra money during the holidays. I have absolutely no desire. I was about to apply for one particular job, which I know pays really well, and I just walked away from it.

There’s so many things in life that some of us take for granted. I know I do. I don’t realize at the time, and then when I’m calm, content and at peace (which is rare), I find myself appreciating all the things I nearly forgot about. Everything seems bad at the time. Things aren’t going right, or things aren’t moving as fast as we want them to. It basically boils down to patience with me. I don’t have an ounce in my body. But, while waiting for God’s gifts to come, I simply forget what’s right in front of me for the meantime and for the rest of my life hopefully.

1. My family. They’re always making me laugh. Laughter is the key to my heart. They have helped me through so much. For that, I am thankful.

2. I sometimes forget the love and support I get from my friends. They always encourage me and lend me their ear when I need to vent. Thank you.

3. When I was about five years old, I always wondered if I’d have my parents when I was in my thirties. I do. And for that, I am very thankful that I have the both of them, healthy and full of spunk.

4. The place I live now. I rant and rave about being too close to comfort to the parental units, but to tell you the truth, it’s truly a blessing that they are so close by. I’m so thankful that I have a roof over my head and a great place to stay.

5. I’m glad I went through all the negative experiences that I’ve encountered. It made me stronger and it definitely had me learning quite a few things about situations…and about myself. God puts you in situations for a reason. If He brings you to it…He’ll see you through it. I totally believe that.

6. I can’t emphasize enough what a joy it is to see the sunrise every single morning outside of my window, beyond the mountains. When I lived in a condo, I didn’t get to see this gorgeous view. It’s breathtaking.

7. My black coffee every morning. I know it’s a small thing to be grateful for, but without it, I’m a grouch! So other people in my life may be grateful for that too.

8. For years, I was legally blind. I decided to get lasik surgery. They told me that my cornea was so thin, that there was a chance they may cut through it by mistake, leaving me blind. I’m so glad I see 20/20 now…and my corneas are just fine! So I am grateful for my beautiful female surgeons who did a fantastic job! (I didn’t know they were that gorgeous until after the operation!)

9. My ability to write and express myself on my blog as well as in my books. I’m so glad I have a few hobbies, like playing guitar, song writing, photography as well as art to keep my mind occupied. These are the gifts that God gave to me, and I’m so thankful for that.

10. People I have met through blogging. Yes, I am extremely grateful for all of you who read me, and give me advice, suggestions, opinions and your thoughts. It’s practically better than therapy! I can’t tell you how much I have learned from all of you through your writings, your comments- even if they were opposing to my thoughts. So thank you for sticking it out with me and still reading my blog!

So, what are you thankful for in your life?

Happy Thanksgiving!