Year of Gratitude
In 2014, FUMCR focused on expressing gratitude daily as inspired by the book, 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed my Life, by John Kralik.
Studies have shown that those who live with a sense of thanksgiving report that they are far happier than those who do not. As a family of faith, we know that we have been blessed and that it is important to give thanks to God. It is also essential to our well-being to express our gratitude to one another, and to those who have made a difference in our lives.
The Bible teaches us to “give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
From the Wall Street Journal: "A field of research on gratitude in kids is emerging, and early findings indicate parents' instincts to elevate the topic are spot-on. Concrete benefits come to kids who literally count their blessings. Gratitude works like a muscle. Take time to recognize good fortune, and feelings of appreciation can increase. Even more, those who are less grateful gain the most from a concerted effort."
Beyond just the simple phrase, try to express thanks in a meaningful way to someone every day - family & friends, individuals & groups, loved ones near, far & passed away and even strangers.
Following are the suggestions and insights that were offered to our members and guests each week during the year. To jump to a particular week, enter just the number in the search bar.
Week 1
Who to ThankSomeone you are long overdue in thanking |
ScriptureO give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 |
QuoteWe often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. - Cynthia Ozick |
Week 2
Who to ThankA family member |
ScriptureWe must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 2 Thessalonians 1:3 |
QuoteMamma says gratitude helps us to see what is there instead of what isn't. - Annette Bridges |
Week 3
Who to ThankSomeone who has supported or encouraged you |
Scripture. . . give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5: 18 |
QuoteThe only people you should try to get even with are those who have helped you. - John E. Southard |
Week 4
Who to ThankSomeone who is doing something small to make a difference in your life |
ScriptureAnd whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3: 17 |
QuoteWe pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer |
Week 5
Who to ThankCarry a note with you and thank someone on the spot. |
ScriptureFirst of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for everyone. 1 Timothy 2:1 |
QuoteNo duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks. - Unknown |
Week 6
Who to ThankSomeone who loves you |
ScriptureHow can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? 1 Thessalonians 3:9 |
QuoteLet us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. - Marcel Proust |
Week 8
Who to ThankA coach (athletic, academic, life, career, etc.) |
ScriptureFirst, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world. Romans 1:8 |
QuoteA thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues. - Cicero |
Week 7
Who to ThankAn elected official |
ScriptureAnd let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 |
QuoteCourtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart. - Henry Clay |
Week 9
Who to ThankSomeone whose performance you appreciated |
ScriptureLet us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! Psalm 95:2 |
QuoteI wake up curious every day and every day I'm surprised by something. And if I can just recognize that surprise every day and say, "Oh, that's a new thing, that's a new gift that I got today that I didn't even know about yesterday," . . . it keeps me enthusiastic and grateful. - Michael J. Fox |
Week 10
Who to ThankA civil servant |
ScriptureFor everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving 1 Timothy 4:4 |
QuoteHappiness cannot be traveled to, owned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude. - Denis Waitley |
Week 11
Who to ThankDoctor, nurse or someone who helped in time of illness |
ScriptureAre any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. James 5:13 |
QuoteGratitude is a many-colored quality, reaching in all directions. It goes out for small things and for large; it is a God-ward going. - Faith Baldwin |
Week 12
Who to ThankSomeone who gave you good advice |
ScriptureEveryone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. Matthew 7:24 |
QuoteWe should count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count. - Neal A. Maxwell |
Week 13
Who to ThankA co-worker |
ScriptureWhen I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God Philemon 1:4 |
QuoteThankfulness creates gratitude, which generates contentment that causes peace. - Todd Stocker |
