For the Summer we'll be working with the older kids on focusing on GRATITUDE!!!
It can be so easy for kids, and us, to focus on what they DON'T have, what they didn't get, what's NOT going well, what's NOT fair, and on and on it goes. The more we let ourselves, or our kids, practice these negative thought patterns the more and more easily we'll find ourselves and kids slipping into them. Eventually find ourselves in a place where we are really discontent with what we have and feel like NOTING is going well for us.
The hard part is breaking those negative thought patterns and replacing them with positive ones. Ones where even if things aren't going our way we can still see God's blessings in our lives. Slowly we'll start to be able to acknowledge the good gifts He HAS given us and the good things that DO happen to us.
This doesn't mean that life will all of a sudden become sunshine and rainbow but it will help us - and our kids - to be better equipped to walk through tough times and disappointments .
How to Participate in the Challenge
Memorize Bible Verses - see below = one punch
Fill out worksheets at church = one punch
Complete the 30 Day Gratitude Challenge - no cheating - on a day for 30 days = Big Prize
Complete an activity from 20 Ideas to Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude in Your Children . Must have and adult verify the child did the activity = two punches for each activity
Bible Verses about Gratitude
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. — James 1:17
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. — Ephesians 1:16
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. — 1 Chronicles 16:34
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! – Psalm 95:2
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. — Colossians 3:17
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. — Psalm 9:1
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! — Psalm 110:4
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. — Matthew 6:21