Gratitude!

As we enter the second half of 2023. I want to express my gratitude for life and health as a starting point. I was rear-ended in the fall of 2022. My knee struck the dashboard twice. I quickly learned that

knees are more important to life than I had previously realized. I know that I exercise and eat healthily, yet I did not fully comprehend how much weight our knees carry. Until something is challenged, we may not comprehend the total value.

I now thank God for ALL steps that I have taken throughout life without pain and the need to concentrate as I ascend or descend the stairs. Since my incident, I have talked with others with knee pain. One MD friend says that she prays for renewed synovial fluid. (It is the clear yellow fluid contained in all joints. Its purpose is to lubricate the joints like WD 40 does door hinges). The consensus is the same. Knees are cherished body parts indeed.

Interesting Point

My friend sent a quick note of relief as I was writing this gratitude blog and gave me permission to mention her incident. There was a fire in the apartment complex next to hers on June 29, 2023. She and her son are fine. They slept in her car most of the night after their building had to be evacuated. Only smoke filled their building. She was appreciative when the firemen told her that they could re-enter after hours in the car and return to bed. She asked for prayer for those who were displaced.

As we enter the third quarter of 2023, what are you grateful for? You may feel that your health is okay. That's fine. How is your family? What could improve friendships? Are there monetary needs for your family or business? If the answer is no in all categories, release gratefulness in your next conversation; this can encourage the listener.

Life is busy. Many things take our time and can distract us from grateful thoughts. I implore you to spend time with those who are important to you. In the last week, six people that we know passed away. One lady stated that she intended to call the person who died because they had a June birthday.

Time ran out.

Gratitude is not forced like air in air ducts. It can be as simple as taking a deep breath after completing a task. Consider these ideas: "Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus," 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - NIV (New International Version).

It can be difficult to always rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances. I know. I ask myself these questions all the time. How did I get here, and can I find something to give thanks for in the

situation? I can share that I ponder the questions to find the answer. I concluded today that I am grateful, even though we have experienced several challenges so far in 2023. You are asking who hasn't?

Let us agree to be intentionally grateful during the second half of the year. I assure you that we will see better outcomes with grateful hearts.

Calls to Action:

1. Share what you are grateful for during 2023.

2. Spend time with those who are important to you.

3. Be intentionally grateful July-December 2023.

4. Feel free to purchase either of my 2 books: "Live Abundantly" captures ways to increase

and hence gratefulness can manifest. "Fully Persuaded Faith" highlights issues that can

raise the gratitude quotient. Visit my website to purchase: https://www.marilynnjames.com