Thankful Moments: Seven Things in Life to be Grateful for

cup of coffee in autumn reading book
Photo Credit: RoonzNL Pixabay

In this fast-paced lifestyle of juggling so many responsibilities and daily tasks, it’s easy to rush through life without noticing the small blessings that we take for granted. When we take a moment to pause, we can reflect and capture unlimited opportunities of gratitude.

women laughing with camera and photo
Photo Credit: Yaroslav Shuraev Pixabay

Health is a treasured gift that is often overlooked until we are faced with physical pain or illness. The ability to wake up each day with energy, strength and vitality makes us look at life from a positive perspective and with a deeper appreciation.

woman in bed

man studying with book
Photo Credit: Cottonbro Studio Pexels

Learning never ends as we age. Life is a continuous journey of discovering, exploring, researching, learning, and growing. Life can be our best teacher. Whether a formal education, self-taught, personal experiences or challenges which push us out of our comfort zones, each lesson shapes and molds us into who we are. We are not defined by our circumstances or situations, but we should be grateful for the lessons that will shift our mindset and provide a sense of accomplishment.

mountains and ocean, nature
Photo Credit: Simon Berger Pixabay

Nature is awe-inspiring. From the white, crescent waves crashing upon rocks to sun-kissed sunsets or early morning sun rises to the solitude and serenity of a walk through a cluster of welcoming autumn leaves crunching under your feet, we can embrace every aspect of God’s creation.

woman boots standing on leaves
Photo Credit: Cori Emmalee Rodiquez Pixabay

It always feels good to extend kindness to others. It’s also special when others extend kindness unexpectedly. Spreading positivity, compassion, empathy, and a helping hand provides a sense of community and changes the hearts of others. Never underestimate how your behavior can impact and empower others.

baking muffins
Photo Credit: Jeshoots Pixabay
woman crying laughing expressing emotions
Photo Credit: Liza Summer Pixabay

Life will always present overwhelming challenges, obstacles, and struggles. It’s how we react and respond to life’s difficulties that will change our perspectives. When we look back on everything we have overcome, it can provide a strong sense of achievement and gratitude. It demonstrates our resilience, perseverance, and personal and spiritual growth in the face of adversity. Our faith becomes even stronger and our sense of thankfulness to the Lord grows even deeper. We our strengthen from our experiences as we navigate through life’s unknown and unexpected pathway.

woman praying
Photo Credit: Dee Dee51 Pixabay

Through every moment, the Lord has been the guiding force of protection, grace, mercy, and unconditional love. The intimate moments of prayer, bible study, worship and mediation has provided peace, strength, endurance, provision, and safety during life’s highs and lows. When we dedicate devotional time and honor God with our lives, we will experience a sense of fulfillment that the world cannot provide. It’s the foundation of where a grateful heart resides and where love overflows.

In a world that often emphasizes and indulges in seeking more, taking the time to reflect on our most thankful moments can bring a shift in our perception and perspective. It leads to a sense of contentment. As we express gratitude from our memories of the past, let us carry a fresh mindset into the future, treasuring each moment and finding joy in the little things in life yet profound aspects of life’s journey.

May you have a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving!

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Moments of Mediation and Daily Devotion

Phil 4:11

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Psalm 107:1
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 7:17

I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

I Thess 5:18

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Phil 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Col 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Col 4:2

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

Psalm 69:30

I will praise the name of God with a song,
And will magnify Him with thanksgiving

Psalm 111

I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.

The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
He has declared to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the [b]heritage of the nations.

The works of His hands are verity[c] and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.

Psalm 100:1-5

I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.

The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
He has declared to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the [b]heritage of the nations.

The works of His hands are verity[c] and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.

Psalm 30

I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up,
And have not let my foes rejoice over me.
O Lord my God, I cried out to You,
And You healed me.
O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave;
You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of [b]His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

Now in my prosperity I said,
“I shall never be moved.”
Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong;
You hid Your face, and I was troubled.

I cried out to You, O Lord.
And to the Lord I made supplication:
“What profit is there in my blood,
When I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise You?
Will it declare Your truth?
10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me;
Lord, be my helper!”

11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing.
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Embracing the Peace Within

river stream

Just about everyone is searching for peace – whether in your home, work environment, college campus or schools, community, social atmosphere and throughout the world. Those who are not striving for peace are creating chaos and strife through devious acts of evil. We are in a battle over our mental, emotional, spiritual, psychological and physical state.

There is a secret place where you can reside…in a land of peace. This hidden place is Shiloh – Jesus who is the giver of peace. Come and enter the still waters and rest. Release your burdens, worries, fears, and anxiety and allow the Lord of Shiloh to carry them.

Always worship the Lord in song and thanksgiving.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matt 11:28-30

We are not meant to walk through this life carrying a heavy load on our backs. When you allow Jesus to enter, you can rest knowing the battle is not yours but the Lord’s. If you need direction, He is there. If you need, wisdom, He is there. If you need healing, He is there. Whatever you need, call on the name of the Lord for safety and protection. He is our refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1

He will speak in the silence of your soul. He is the living water and the bread of life. May you hunger and thirst for Him in a dry and barren land. He will pour His love upon you and water you with His glory.

wilderness, Death Valley, dead trees, deserted island

I hear the voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” Make straight in the desert, a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight, And the rough places made smooth; The glory of the Lord shall be revealed. And all flesh shall see it together; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:3-5

And The Glory of the Lord – Produced by Quincy Jones

Related Bible Scriptures

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Phil 4:8

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak. And to those who have no might He increase strength. Even the youth shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31

The joy of the Lord is our strength. Neh 8:10

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah Psalm 46

boat in a storm

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39

For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Isaiah 66:12

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:2-4

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

How to Embrace Missed Opportunity

highway traffic exit sign pointing to good opportunity.

Life is an unpredictable journey filled with so many twists and turns, often presenting us with opportunities that shape our future. Some of these opportunities we excitedly embrace, leading to memorable experiences while others slip through our fingers like grains of sand. Although these missed opportunities can be disappointing, it can play an essential role in our personal and spiritual growth and development. We can learn to use these experiences as steppingstones towards a more resilient and fulfilling life.

Bubble bee stings

The Sting of Missed Opportunities

It’s natural to feel a sense of regret or disappointment when we look back and realize that the chances we didn’t take or the paths we didn’t follow. We often wonder about the “what ifs” or the “could a” “would a” “should a.” It’s not healthy to deal on regrets and it can become an emotional burden that hinders us from fully living in the present.

For a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

1 Corth 16:9

It’s often said that when one door closed, another one opens. Missed opportunities can be a blessing in disguise, redirecting us towards paths we might not have considered otherwise. Perhaps that missed job opportunity led you to discover a passion for a different career, or that failed relationship helped you recognize the importance of self-love.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path.

Prov 3:5-6
One-way direction signs

From Setback to Setup

Our experiences, both negative and positive, shape our character and help us learn valuable lessons. Embracing missed opportunities as opportunities for growth can empower us to adapt and evolve in the face of adversity.

Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise.

Eph 5:15

Every missed opportunity has a lesson to offer. Reflecting on why an opportunity slipped through your grasp can provide valuable insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. Use these reflections to refine your goals and better prepare for future opportunities.

Remember, every successful person has faced failures and missed opportunities. It is how they responded to those setbacks that set them apart. Acknowledge your mistakes, learn from them, and strive to do better.

group of men with one man standing alone

Building Resilience Through Adversity

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, to stand tall after facing adversity. Embracing missed opportunities can be an instrumental step in cultivating resilience. It teaches us that life is full of ups and downs, but we have the power to persevere, change our circumstances and grow stronger from our experiences.

By developing resilience, we become more adaptable and better equip to handle life’s challenges. We also have the ability to become creative problem-solvers.

blackboard plan A B C

Seizing the Moment

As we embrace the concept of missed opportunities, it’s essential not to dwell in regret but to maintain an open mind and heart for future chances. Every new day brings fresh opportunities, and the key is to be proactive and ready to seize them.

Cultivate a growth mindset, focusing on continuous improvement rather than perfection. Seek new experiences, set challenging goals and be open to taking calculated risks. Remember, some of life’s most extraordinary opportunities may arise from the most unexpected places.

Missed opportunities are an integral part of the human experience. While it’s natural to feel disappointed, it’s vital to shift our perspective and recognize the hidden potential within each setback. Embrace these missed opportunities as a valuable learning experience that contributes to your personal and spiritual growth.

Time of change pointing in one direction

Stepping Stones to the Unknown

By accepting things that you can’t change and the unexpected uncertainty that life presents, finding strength to accept the reality of life and maintaining an open mindset, you can transform missed opportunities to steppingstones towards a more enriched and fulfilling life. Remember, the journey of self-discovery and growth is ongoing and forever changing, and the most profound moments of revelation often arise from the unexpected detours of life. So, embrace missed opportunities, for they hold the keys to unlocking your true potential.


How do you handle setbacks or missed opportunities? Share a tip or life lesson below on how you overcame the challenge.

Just in case you missed it, there is a free PDF download “Under the Resource tab” a Bible study guide “Anchored with Hope.” I hope it will be a source of encouragement for you in these challenging times.

Related Scriptures

Prov 16:9

9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

James 1:2-5

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you fall into divers temptations knowing that they trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Eccl 9:10

10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 121:1-4

 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 32:8

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with My eye.

Psalm 37:23-25

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. 25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Rom 8:28

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.