George Washington (1732–1799), the first President of the United States, was a deeply religious man. The famous portrait of Washington kneeling in prayer at Valley Forge captures his religious zeal and the role faith played in his personal and political life. He famously proclaimed in his 1796 Farewell Address, “Of all the dispositions and habits,…
Teaching Children Gratitude – My Extreme Measures
Teaching my children to be thankful and have an attitude of gratitude has been one of my greatest challenges as a parent. Like many children in our Western culture, my kids are very privileged and they don’t always appreciate the things that they have, from the food in the fridge to the abundant toys in…
Helping Kids Express Everyday Gratitude
Finding ways to grumble and complain is easy. Choosing to look for ways to express gratitude can seem like one of those dreaded last chance workouts on the hit series, The Biggest Loser. And for kids, giving thanks in all things can be like eating their peas before the can enjoy dessert! So parents, how do we…
Grateful Even When Bad Gets Worse
Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet… I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! — Habakkuk 3:17-18 Habakkuk described…
Thanks, Just the Word Lifts the Spirit
I’m thankful for… Andy. He’s the dog Denalyn rescued from the shelter. Rangy as a coyote when we got him. He’s chubby now. He jumps into bed with us every morning and scampers through the yard like a deer in the pasture when we come home. Bald spots. I was standing in line at…
Giving Thanks in the Small Things
Some days I pick up a camera and it’s a hammer. The lens is my ink, for cameras have sensor eyes, and pixels record. I slide it into a pocket, a thin point-and-shoot, and find another way to chronicle, to force the lids open; another way to receive the moment with thanks reverential. When he comes in from…
He Is Worthy of Your Praise
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you. He makes peace in your borders, and fills you with the finest wheat. — Psalm 147:12-14 Several years ago, as I traveled through New York, I came upon…
5 Gratitude Devotions You Just Might Need This Week
Editor’s note: What a week we’re about to embark on! We thought you could use a few quick devotions to get your mornings started. Despite the chaos surrounding us right now, let’s remind ourselves that it is the season of thankfulness. We hope this season will be the catalyst into a life of thankfulness.…
Thanksgiving and the Path to Peace
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. James 1:2 NIV God promises no easy life or days without troubles, trials, difficulties, and temptations. He never promises that life will be perfect. He does not call His children to a playground, but to a battleground. Some people have a…
3 Prayers for Joy and Gratitude
Thank You for Joy! The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. — Psalm 19:8 Dear Jesus, Sometimes I crave the unbridled joy of childhood. I remember how it felt to pedal my bike fast, wind whipping through my…