"The Expression of Gratitude"

Psalm 118:28-29

Thou art my God, and I will give thanks unto thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt thee. Oh give thanks unto Jehovah; For he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever.

Happy Thanksgiving! I have so much for which to be thankful... there is no way to really express my thanks, or to list all the things that come to mind when I start counting all my blessings. God is so Good! My Thanksgiving was spent mostly enjoying time with fellow missionaries, meditating on many of my blessings, and enjoying some good food. All around, a very nice day.

A few weeks ago, I came across the idea of a "gratitude journal" and I thought it sounded like a good thing to do. I forgot about the idea for a little while, but it came back to me a couple days ago, so I decided to start my own gratitude journal. See, I was given this gorgeous journal by some lovely, lovely people... Chasity, Aubrie and Rylee Heck (it was a gift given to me on "National Julia Day") and I wanted to use it for something special. This seemed perfect, and so I've begun to fill the beautiful pages with my blessings. Specific things for which I'm thankful.

I love Thanksgiving, and I think it's a wonderful holiday. But starting this new journal really has nothing to do with the holiday... it just happened to coincide nicely, so I thought I'd write a post about it. :) My goal is not just to spend one day per year focusing on my blessings, but to cultivate a life of gratitude.

My first goal is to record one thousand things for which I am thankful. The big, the small... in no particular order... to remind me of God's goodness every day. I don't know how long it will take me to reach 1,000 entries, but I think that it's going to be a very good thing. Once you start noticing the little things, as well as the big things, and making the decision to be thankful for these things, it starts to be a habit - a way of life. And when you incorporate gratitude into your daily life, how can you not be happier, more satisfied, and more aware of the many, many blessings that God pours out on us each and every day?

I think it's all part of learning the secret...

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled
and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.
I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:11-13

Sometimes the key to happiness isn't quite as elusive as some would have us believe. Yes, we have trials, and life can be brutally difficult sometimes. But I know one thing; a lifestyle of thanksgiving will go a long way towards lightening our loads, brightening our faces, and helping us on our way to Heaven. And isn't that what it's all about?

2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

All photos © Julia Jensen