Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. 

Be thankful for the difficult times. 
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for
improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. 

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons. 

Be thankful when you're tired and weary, 
because it means you've made a difference. 

It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

Author Unknown

"There are many things I do not understand in this life, but I am not here to understand everything . . .

Just trusting the One that does knows everything and He will see me every step of the way."

"Our life is full of brokenness - broken
relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. 

How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God's faithful presence in our lives."

Henri Nouwen

Heavenly Father as we come to your Throne of Grace, we humble ourselves to you. We thank you for the blessings that you have bestowed upon us this past year. Father we thank you for the greatest gift you gave mankind and that was your Son Jesus Christ who died upon the cross at Mount Calvary for all of man kinds sins. Father forgive us where we have failed you, there is not one that has not failed you daily in one way or another, forgive us as we are weak in the flesh. Forgive us as a nation Father that has turned Her back upon you, you keep knocking at America's door, but She is not answering or listening to you. Father there will be those that will have an empty chair at the table this year from those that you have called home or one that were killed in the war against terror, comfort those as only you can. May the Comforter be with them during this time and during their healing process. We ask that you place your protective Armor around our Armed Forces, be with their families and watch over them. Lord we ask that you give those traveling; traveling mercies to and fro and that Jesus Christ be their pilot. Heavenly Father we ask that you would soften the hearts of those that are lost and in darkness. Let their mind and heart be receptive of your Word and that they would come to know and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Heavenly Father we ask a special blessing today for our Missionaries where ever they may be, protect them as only you can. Let us remember them in prayer and financial support as they are doing your work though out the world. Lord we know that the greatest missionary field today is the United States and that we would witness to them as to what you have done for us and how you have blessed us. Lord again we thank you for the blessings of a family, the house and home, the food that you have blessed us with and friends. Let us be ever mindful of those less fortunate and to share with them as you have told us in the Holy Bible. Father those that are ill and sick, heal them if it be your will, comfort and bless them as only you can. Be with their doctors and care takers, give them knowledge and understanding that they need. Be with us and watch over us and we ask that you continue to bless us as only you can. We ask all these things in Jesus holy name.
Amen