30 Days of Joyful Gratitude

 

Do you long for calm in the chaos?  Do anxiety and worry control your thoughts?

Studies show that adding the practice of gratitude into our lives changes the way our brains work.  It has also been shown to improve sleep and lessen anxiety and depression.

You are invited to join me for a Gratitude Challenge and a scripture writing plan.  I’ve created a special journal page for you to print out as many copies as you would like.  If you prefer not to print out copies, I’ve created a journal for purchase, and you can order it by clicking on this sentence.

Last year I decided to keep a gratitude journal, and I discovered if I was in a hurry, I would write down the first ten things that popped into my mind.  As I looked back through my journal, I realized I was writing the same thing over and over again.

I’ve created an acronym using the word joyful to help us with prompts, to use for a daily gratitude list.  When I began to implement this into my journal, I discovered I was looking for the blessings in each day and not focusing as much on the challenges.  Studies show our brains will begin to notice details when we change our focus and become more intentional in our thinking. For example have you ever noticed how when you are shopping for a new car you suddenly see it everywhere?  Did everyone start buying that car? No, your brain is now alerting you and bringing it into focus.

Here is a fun example from my life, my boys love sports cars.  When we are out driving around, they will point them out to me.  Guess what?  Even when they are not in the vehicle with me, I now notice the sports cars too. Before my boys love affair with cars, I never observed them; it wasn’t on my radar.

[clickToTweet tweet=”A grateful heart is anchored in joy.      ” quote=”A grateful heart is anchored in joy.  True joy comes from knowing Jesus.  ‘In your presence, there is fullness of joy!’ Psalm 16:11    “]

Let’s break down the J.O.Y.F.U.L acronym, so you can know how to use it on the journal page, I’ve created for you.

Jesus:  I am thankful for Jesus because_____________

Others:  I am thankful for_______ because___________

You: I am thankful for the gift or blessing of_______________

Fun:  What made me laugh today or brought delight to my heart and soul?

Understand:  What did I learn today?

Love: A favorite moment with a loved one.

You can choose to use things that happened during the day, or you can record favorite memories.

 

If you fill out this form, you will receive a printable form of the scripture writing plan, and a journal page you can print out as many times as you need too. Take the time to print out 30 of them and put them in a three-ring binder, it will make it easier for you to use each day.  I would encourage you to write out the Bible verse for each day on the journal page; it helps to plant God’s Word deeper into your heart.  May you find joy in each day and may your heart be filled with gratitude.  I am praying for each of you.