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 40
Who to ThankGrocery or restaurant worker |
ScriptureSing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name. Psalm 30:4 |
QuoteGratitude bestows reverence ... changing forever how we experience the world. - John Milton |
Week 41
Who to ThankSomeone who helped you accomplish something |
ScriptureEvery generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 |
QuoteDevelop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation. - Brian Tracy |
Week 43
Who to ThankCounselor/confidant/trustworthy friend |
ScriptureHis master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:23 |
QuoteWe must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives. - John F. Kennedy |
Week 42
Who to ThankA child or teenager |
ScriptureAs you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:7 |
QuoteI believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. - Whitney Houston |
Week 44
Who to ThankSomeone who has passed away |
ScriptureO give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 |
QuoteThe highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude. - Thornton Wilder |
Week 45
Who to ThankA veteran |
ScriptureWe always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly 1 Thessalonians 1:2 |
QuoteGratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift. It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation. - John Ortberg |
Week 46
Who to ThankSomeone who helped you turn a challenge into a blessing |
ScriptureThen one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Luke 17: 15-16 |
QuoteGratitude is a form of worship in its own right, as it implies the acceptance of a power greater that yourself. - Stephen Richards |
Week 47
Who to ThankA Thanksgiving host or guest |
ScriptureThe grateful heart sits at a continuous feast. Proverbs 15:15 |
QuoteNot what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. - W.T. Purkiser |
Week 48
Who to ThankA family member |
ScriptureMay the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 |
QuoteThe real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become. - Robert Holden |
Week 49
Who to ThankSomeone who is helping you experience Advent more fully |
ScriptureDo not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 |
QuoteBeing grateful in our circumstances is an act of faith in God. - Dieter F. Uchtdorf |
Week 50
Who to ThankA store clerk |
ScriptureGive thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Epheisans 5:20 |
QuoteA grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. - James E. Faust |
Week 51
Who to ThankChristmas Eve worship leader/musician/usher/altar guild/tech crew |
ScriptureFrom the ends of the earth we hear songs of praise, of glory to the Righteous One. Isaiah 24:16 |
QuoteThe best gift around the Christmas tree is the presence of family wrapped in love. - Burton Hills |
Week 52
Who to ThankSomeone who gave you a Christmas gift |
ScriptureAnd the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 |
QuoteGifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas. - Peg Bracken |
