Thankful Moments: Seven Things in Life to be Grateful for

cup of coffee in autumn reading book
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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
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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.

By His Stripes: Healing and Wholeness for the Body, Mind and Soul

cross Jesus Forgiveness Healing

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes, we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

On my way to work earlier this week, I noticed a long, rusty nail on the sidewalk. The first thing that came to mind was how painful it must have been for Jesus physically and emotionally to be nailed to the cross. I cannot even imagine the enormous pain He endured. The sacrifice that He paid for our sins was so great and overwhelming. His love is everlasting and unconditional.

I cannot imagine the people who simply do not believe in Jesus. People who choose to live on their own terms and take credit for their own success in life without giving honor and praise to God. People who acknowledge the universe but deny the creator of the universe.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. John 3:17

The world is a scary place, and it is ten times worse for those who do not take refuge in Him. It has always been unstable and full of uncertainty but in a shaken world God’s Word is unmovable and unchangeable.

Through His selfless act on the cross, healing is one of His greatest gifts to us through His love. When we call on Jesus, we call on Jehovah-Rapha our healer. In Hebrew, raphe means to heal, to mend, to cure and to make whole. Wholeness requires health in your body, mind, and soul.

self care health and wellness healing

In our culture, much of our time is dedicated to work. In the past couple of years, there’s been a shift to work, life balance and self-care but without Jesus you cannot sustain your peace, energy, or strength. We live in a physical world and our health is the top priority. Jesus came to save us from our sins, but He also came to heal us from sickness and disease and make us whole.

Exercise Health Wellness

The Body: Embracing Physical Energy

Our temple (body) which houses our soul and spirit, our emotions and mental capacity is the vessel that we have a responsibility to care of. From our diet, to getting enough sleep to exercise and everything in-between, we must and should take care of our body with the utmost care. Our body carries us through every stage of life.

Daily exercise plays a crucial role in how we feel. Physical activity not only maintains our weight and flexibility, but it also releases endorphins which releases positive feelings. Finding exercise that you enjoy will help you become consistent because it’s something that you look forward to doing. Some to try would be swimming, sporting activities, dancing, or walking.

Through all the recent challenges with Covid and other diseases that are impacting the population, there is so much focus on health and wellness. Subliminally, we are absorbing toxic news and information daily that’s affecting our mental and emotional health. Depression and anxiety are at its utmost high.

woman eating popcorn watching TV

Advertising agencies are consumed with promoting pharmaceutical advertisements that fill us with fear about sickness and disease like diabetes, heart attacks and strokes. The quick fix is popping medications into our system without considering the adverse effects. In some cases, eating a balanced diet, getting more rest, releasing stress by connecting to nature, and participating in physical activities will decrease health issues.

Although there are medical procedures and medications that aid and cure the body, the Word of God speaks life and abundance to our body, mind, and spirit. There’s healing power in the Word of God. We need to grasp the healing power of Jesus.

The Mind: Fostering Inner Peace

Our mind is immensely powerful, and it can shift our moods, thoughts, and perspectives. Our diets fuel our body and bring clarity to our thoughts. Certain foods can decrease the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Other foods can lower cholesterol or inflammation, maintain sugar levels or stabilize blood pressure.

Health diet food

You must guard your heart and mind from negative thoughts that affect our mood. Stress over a prolonged period can cause sickness and disease. We also must let go of any negative emotions that keep us bound. It is a process of letting go. Everything takes time so give yourself time to forgive and move on.

Jesus will meet you at every need. In what area do you need healing? Stand on His Word for your healing and deliverance. Use your authority to unlock the power of God.

soul and spirit

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2

The Soul: Soaking in the Spirit

Lastly, our soul carries our emotions and personality traits. We must be emotionally healthy as well as physically and spiritually healthy to embrace complete wholeness. It is rooted in the heart. When there is an equilibrium or balance of the body, mind, and soul, your wholeness is in sync which means you are at your highest peak. It’s rare to maintain this balance for a long period of time because life dips and flows. It’s normal to experience highs and lows and we must learn to embrace challenges and obstacles. The natural process of life involves exploring, discovering, learning and growing.

When you do achieve a balance of aligning your physical, mental, and spiritual essence, you will feel a sense of peace within the natural realm. When you can get to a point where external factors do not shift your emotions or mental state and embrace your spiritual awareness within the natural realm, you can release stress, fear, anxiety, anger, or any other negative feeling. Prayer, worship and reading the Word on a consistent basis empowers strength, faith, direction, and wisdom.

musiic voice soul

Actively participating in social activities, engaging in creative expression such as art, writing or music, connecting with nature and giving back to community provides a sense of purpose, however our ultimate purpose in life is to honor and praise God. God designed each one of us for His purpose.

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

1 Corth 6:18-20

Self-expression is also vital to your health. It is not about numbing or bottling up your emotions but becoming authentically oriented to share your true feelings and emotions in a healthy way with others. It’s also having the freedom to be who you are and not suppressing your personality, thoughts or opinions in fear of being rejected by others. It is knowing and understanding right from wrong and having a conscious and a sound mind. All of these components lead to a life of balance and wholeness.


Salvation, Healing and Deliverance Prayer

Lord, thank you for your great sacrifice on the Cross. I repent for my sins. Thank you for washing away all sin from my life. I believe you are the Son of God and that you died and rose again on the third day. I thank you for the gift of eternal life, abundance and healing of my mind, body and spirit. Transform my heart and mind so I will seek you all the days of my life.

I ask that you touch every organ, blood cell, tissue and muscle in my body and cleanse me from all sickness and disease. I pray for your healing power to deliver me from any pain in my body and make it whole again. I bind and rebuke everything that is not according to Your will that is causing me worry and stress. I am healed from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. May I rest in your presence as your healing power flows like a river. I seal this prayer by your precious Blood. In Jesus Name. Amen.

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Additional Scriptures

It is righteous and holy to focus our minds on good not evil. It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones. Prov 3:8

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.

“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” Matt 15:19

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Phil 4:8-9

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to [a]be abased, and I know how to [b]abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through [c]Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:11-13

Healing Scriptures for the Body

Jer 17:14

James 5:14-15

Psalm 6:2

Psalm 103:2-5

Rev 21:4

Exodus 23:25

1 Peter 2:24

Isaiah 53:5

3 john 1:2

Jer 17:4

Matt 10:1

Matt 9:35

Jer 33:6

Psalm 41:3

Prov 17:22

2 Chron 7:14

Psalm 41:1-3

Prov 4:20-22

Psalm 146:8

Isaiah 40:29

Isaiah 40:29

Isaiah 38:16-17

Luke 6:19

Mark 5:34

Psalm 103:2-3

Healing for the Mind

Num 6:24-26

Psalm 23:4

Phil 4:6-7

Psalm 29:11

John 16:33

Psalm 1:2

Joshua 1:8

Isaiah 53:4-5

Isaiah 41:10

Psalm 46:1-2

Psalm 55:22

Psalm 71:20

1 Peter 5:7

Healing for the Soul/Heart

Psalm 147:3

Prov 17:22

John 14:27

Psalm 147:3

Psalm 34:18

James 5:13

Psalm 73:26

Isaiah 57:15

Psalm 51:10

2 Corth 4:8-10

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.