“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:15-17
Gratitude Journal - March 22, 2021 Today, I am grateful for the green plants poking up through the ground after a long, cold winter. Seeing things go from stark and cold to green and warm is my favorite indicator of seasonal change. It also signifies a sort of renewal that is both physical and spiritual. For this, I am grateful.
““Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”” Matthew 22:36-40
Gratitude Journal - March 21, 2021 Today, I am grateful for my family. Love and support are the common themes that bind us together. While we each have our unique interests, we are always there for each other in all we do. For this, I am grateful.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalms 23:3
Gratitude Journal - March 20, 2021 Today, I am grateful for people who approach life with a positive attitude. Being positive in the face of adversity is not always easy. Knowing people who are always able to smile in the face of defeat and laugh at complex challenges helps make my day better. For this, I am grateful.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalms 23:1
Gratitude Journal - March 19, 2021 Today, I am grateful for mobile banking. The fact that I can check my balance, dispute a charge, transfer money to my son, and make a deposit all from my phone is something I would have never dreamed of when I was young. The convenience and ease of these services make these routine tasks so much simpler. For this, I am grateful.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James 1:19
Gratitude Journal - March 18, 2021 Today, I am grateful for my warm, cozy, and comfortable bed. Let’s face it, after a long day of work, there is nothing better than an excellent bed to go to sleep in. A good night’s rest is the cure to almost any problem. For this, I am grateful.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31
Gratitude Journal - March 17, 2021 Today, I am grateful for owning a reliable vehicle to get around. For many years I drove cars that I serviced myself, fixing what I could and keeping them on the road. While this saved us lots of money, it was also nerve-racking and challenging at times when things would go wrong. Given this, I enjoy having a truck that is reliable and relatively new. For this, I am grateful.
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”" Mark 8:34-35
Gratitude Journal - March 16, 2021 Today, I am grateful for modern medicine and the smart men and women that take the time and make an effort to become excellent medical doctors. During my lifetime, there have been numerous advances in treatments and medications for disease and injuries. These improvements have saved and improved the quality of many lives. For this, I am grateful.
“His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” Luke 1:50
Gratitude Journal - March 15, 2021 Today, I am grateful for open and honest conversation. I love people who don’t just tell you want you to want to hear. People who are willing to tell you the truth, even when it might hurt, are needed in everyone’s life. These are the people that care for you; these are the people that want to see you succeed. I’m working on being more honest and caring in my conversations. I do this for my benefit and to help those to whom I am talking. For this, I am grateful.
“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” Psalms 34:10
Gratitude Journal - March 14, 2021 Today, I am grateful that I have the skills, opportunity, and drive to help others when they need help the most. I’ve spent most of my adult life as a firefighter and EMT, and as such, I’ve seen my fair share of tragedy and pain. Last night was no different. However, I always try to leave these scenes happy that I was there, ready, and able to help. For this, I am grateful.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2
Gratitude Journal - March 13, 2021 Today, I am grateful for my Concept2 Rowing Machine. What a solid and fun piece of exercise equipment. One of the best investments I’ve made in my home gym. It gives me a great, full-body, low-impact workout in a short amount of time. For this, I am grateful.
