Gratitude is often overlooked in the pursuit of happiness. People tend to focus on what we lack rather than what we possess. I once read that gratitude is a treasure trove of emotional wealth. It is the art of acknowledging and appreciating the goodness in our lives, a potent elixir that can transform our perspectives and enrich our experiences. Even renowned French Bishop Jean-Baptiste Massieu, created the beautiful French proverb which says, "Gratitude is the memory of the heart."
Like a gardener tending to a delicate plant,
cultivating gratitude requires mindful attention. It involves shifting our
focus from what we lack to what we possess, from problems to possibilities.
This shift, seemingly simple, can be revolutionary. It invites us to see the
world through a lens of abundance, where every sunrise is a gift, every breath
a blessing.
The benefits of gratitude are far-reaching. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can reduce stress, improve sleep, boost our immune system, and enhance overall well-being. It fosters positive emotions, strengthens relationships, and increases our resilience in the face of adversity.
Gratitude is also a powerful tool for personal
growth. It encourages us to reflect on our lives, to appreciate the lessons
learned, and to recognize the role of others in our journey. It helps us to
cultivate humility and empathy, fostering a deeper connection with ourselves
and the world around us.
In a world that often prioritizes material
possessions and external validation, gratitude offers a refreshing alternative.
It reminds us that true fulfillment lies not in acquiring more, but in
appreciating what we already have. It invites us to live in the present moment,
savoring the simple joys that life offers.
I recently stumbled upon Diary ni Gracia’s
Thankful from Within Devotional Diary book. It is the author, Gracia Amor’s gentle
invitation to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness. In a world often consumed by
busyness and negativity, this devotional diary book offers a refreshing oasis
of gratitude, reminding readers of the countless blessings that we receive
every single day.
Gracia Amor’s warm and insightful thoughts are
relatable to anyone and her writing style creates a comfortable atmosphere,
making it easy for readers like me to connect with the devotional diary on a
personal level.
Personally, I think one of the book’s
strengths lies in its ability to explore the biblical foundations of gratitude (without being too preachy about it) and provides not only insightful reading but practical tips for cultivating
thankfulness and offers personal anecdotes that resonate with readers. The
devotional diary features daily readings, journaling prompts with quotes, and
Scripture passages that enhance the reader’s ability to delve deeper into each
topic and apply its teachings to their own personal lives.
Thankful from Within is undoubtedly a valuable resource for spiritual growth, although I think the only downside for this book would probably be some readers might find the book a bit bulky (I wish it were more convenient to carry everyday, but then there’s a downloadable file available for free at DiaryniGracia.com). But then, nothing comes close to being able to really write over the pages of the book. However, this minor criticism does not overshadow the book's overall impact.
What do I love about it?
- Daily scripture readings: Each
day features a specific Bible verse that serves as a springboard for
reflection.
- Short discussions: The book
offers concise explanations and insights related to the chosen scripture,
helping you connect it to your daily life.
- Space for reflection: Ample
space is provided for you to write down your thoughts, prayers, and
reflections inspired by the scripture and discussion.
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| Purple Plum Fairy holds a copy of Thankful from Within |
Strengths:
- Focus on gratitude: This devotional is focused on cultivating a thankful heart, a quality often emphasized
in many religions and spiritual paths.
- Easy to follow: The daily format with
scripture, discussion, and reflection pages makes it easy to integrate
this practice into your daily routine, even with a busy schedule.
- Actionable: The reflection prompts encourage you to go beyond simply reading, prompting you to actively consider how gratitude can be applied in your own life.
Reading each page every day makes gratitude a daily practice.
Let us cultivate a heart full of thankfulness, a mind open to wonder, and a
spirit filled with appreciation. By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives
but also inspire those around us to join in the celebration of life's abundant
gifts.
For many, the pandemic brought a renewed
appreciation for health. It cast a long, ominous shadow over our
world, disrupting lives, economies, and societies. The fragility of life became
painfully evident as we witnessed the devastating impact of the virus. The
simple act of breathing, often taken for granted, became a precious gift. We
also learned to cherish the company of loved ones, recognizing the importance
of human connection. Virtual gatherings and phone calls became lifelines,
reminding us of the enduring bonds that tie us together.
The recent pandemic forced a stark reassessment of our priorities. As we were confined to our homes, stripped of our usual routines, we were compelled to look inward. In this introspection, we discovered a wealth of things to be thankful for.
The pandemic may have passed, but the lessons we learned about gratitude endure. By incorporating gratitude into our daily lives, we can cultivate a deeper sense of happiness, connection, and purpose. Let us remember the power of thankfulness as we navigate the challenges of the future.
Fear, uncertainty, and loss became our
unwelcome companions. Yet, amidst this turmoil, a flicker of hope emerged:
gratitude. This simple yet profound emotion became a beacon, guiding us through
the darkness.
Furthermore, the pandemic highlighted the resilience of the human spirit. Communities came together to support one another, offering a helping hand to those in need. Healthcare workers risked their lives to save others, embodying the true meaning of compassion. Acts of kindness and generosity flourished, creating a sense of solidarity and hope.
Gratitude is not merely a fleeting emotion; it
is a powerful tool for well-being. In the midst of the pandemic, cultivating
gratitude became a vital coping mechanism. By focusing on the positive aspects
of our lives, we were able to find solace and strength.
Of course, the pandemic brought immense suffering and loss. It is essential to acknowledge and grieve these experiences. However, gratitude does not negate pain; it complements it. By finding moments of thankfulness, we can create a counterbalance to the darkness, fostering resilience and hope.
My family went through a lot of hardships early in life. I come from a dysfunctional family. It was difficult growing up longing for stability, security, and a dad to call my own. While my dreams never realized in my childhood, God graciously allowed me to experience them now that I am an adult. Admittedly, it's hard work to nurse back to health our ailing family trees.
Back in 2014, I almost lost my mom. We had a vehicular accident which made mom a disable because she suffered a fracture in her right femur. I knew we were given another chance to live or maybe it's not just our time to go then. We might still have other missions in life to fulfill. I consider myself so lucky to still be alive and have my dear mom at my side.
Reading through Diary ni Gracia's Thankful from Within reminds me that each day that we wake up is already a big blessing. And it's something we should be thankful for each time we start on a new day. The devotional book is easy to follow and provides a practical framework for daily reflection. It also has a page for daily prayers before a reflection page.
One of the best discussion from Thankful from Within was why are we having a hard time doing our tasks? Gracia Amor writes, "It is because our hearts are not aligned with it. If our hearts are not aligned with the things we truly like, then how can we foster a grateful one? There might be experiences in our lives where we try to mold ourselves in one thing when we forget that there are other molds that fit us perfectly. We just have to trust in God's plans for us. The perfect fit is where our heart is found, located with the greatest treasures meant for us in our lives."
In this beautifully crafted devotional diary, Gracia Amor invites readers on a personal pilgrimage of spiritual growth and connection. It offers daily reflections, meditation and prayer pages designed to nourish the soul and foster a deeper relationship with the divine, self-reflection and connect with others.
Each entry is thoughtfully curated, featuring a combination
of Scripture verses, inspiring quotes, and thought-provoking questions. The
author's writing style is both engaging and accessible, making it easy for
readers of all spiritual backgrounds to connect with the material. The
accompanying drawing may be simple ones but complements the text and
creates a visually appealing and inspiring experience.
One of the strengths I particularly liked about this devotional book is its flexibility. Readers can use it as a daily guide, dipping into it whenever they need a moment of peace and reflection. Each page allows individuals to personalize their spiritual journey and explore their own unique relationship with faith.
I appreciate Thankful from Within book because of its more personalized and introspective approach to faith, this devotional diary is a treasure trove of inspiration and guidance. It is a beautifully crafted devotional diary that offers a path to spiritual growth and connection. With its thoughtful reflections, inspiring quotes, and prayers, this book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with the divine. I highly recommend this especially for people looking for Christian-based devotional that focuses on fostering gratitude. It's easy to follow and provides a practical framework for daily reflection.
Gracia Amor does an amazing job by sharing her wisdom with other people and equips her readers on how to cultivate a strong, God-honoring life from which to nurture our soul and brings a hopeful future. Through introspective and probing questions, Thankful from Within guides you to accept your past, understand your present and create a vision for your future with God at the helm. The interactive design includes space to work through journaling prompts, as well as extra wide margins for additional notes. Thankful from Within offers great hope for rooting deeply in Christ--the only one who mends the soul.
Those interested to purchase the book may request by sending an email to diarynigracia@gmail.com. For more info, please follow other Diary Ni Gracia social media pages such as DiaryNiGracia on Youtube, DiaryNiGracia on Facebook, DiaryNiGracia on X (formerly Twitter) and on Pinterest.
Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are based on my own experience and review reading the Thankful from Within Devotional Diary book.
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