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November 10, 2015

30 Days of Gratitude – Day 10:
Express gratitude to someone you met this past year.

C. S. Lewis is quoted as saying, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’” Sometimes friendships form over decades of shared experiences, laughter, and tears. Other times, they happen overnight—when you least expect them but when you most need them.

It’s a perfect day to thank this person for being vulnerable and opening his or her heart to welcome you in as a friend this past year.

“Take time today to call, e-mail, send a card to, or buy a gift for the “new” friend you chose to thank.

” Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10, ESV).
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By Petals from the Basket | November 10, 2015 | Friends, Ideas, Thirty Days of Gratitude |

November 9, 2015

30 Days of Gratitude – Day 9:
Express gratitude to a teen who consistently tries to make good choices.

From 2000–2003 I had the privilege of teaching music to elementary, junior high, and senior high students in the Detroit area. It was during those years that I became more aware of the tough choices teens have to make on a daily basis. I was known by a few of them for frequently asking two questions: 1) Are you being good? 2) Are you making good choices?

When they answered no to either of those questions, we would address the problem and talk it through so I could provide resources and encourage them to make a different choice the next time. And when they answered yes, I was intentional about verbally applauding their right choices. Teens get enough negativity from their peers—and from themselves.

Be a safe place for the teens in your life. Tell them the truth, but be sure to encourage them and thank them for consistently trying to make good choices! It matters.

Take time to send a card to the teen you selected to recognize today.

“Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds” (Psalm 71:17, NIV).
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Do you still need to download your 30 Days of Gratitude Chart? Click on the “Day 9” photo above!
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By Petals from the Basket | November 9, 2015 | Ideas, Life Changes, Thirty Days of Gratitude |

November 8, 2015

30 Days of Gratitude – Day 8:
Express gratitude to a friend who has been a good example to you.

As you prepare for a test, you can often find sample questions to give you an example of the types of questions that will be asked. The result of working through these samples is very similar to the focus for today: one person being an example for another.

1. Having an example prepares you for what’s ahead. A friend who is a good example shares what he or she has learned so that you will be the better for it.

2. Having an example gives you a resource to return to when confusion or uncertainty arise. That good-example friend is there to talk you through it or walk with you through it, using the unchangeable truths from God’s Word as the “answer key.”

3. Having an example doesn’t guarantee success. Your friend may be a good example to you by helping you not just to see that failures happen, but his or her best example may be of how to accept the grace that comes when sin or failure seem to be the “wrong answer” you selected. That person shows you what it looks like to get back up again, even more prepared to face the next success or failure that will be on your path.

A friend like this has the effect of iron sharpening iron, making you a stronger, wiser, better prepared believer, ready to take the tests that face you on your journey, because your friend pointed us to the unfailing truths of God as the correct answer!

Take time today to call, e-mail, send a card to, or buy a gift for the individual you chose to thank for being a good example to you!

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV).
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Do you still need to download your 30 Days of Gratitude Chart? Click on the “Day 8” photo above!
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By Petals from the Basket | November 8, 2015 | Friends, Ideas, Thirty Days of Gratitude |

November 7, 2015

30 Days of Gratitude – Day 7:
Express gratitude to a relative.

Expressing love and gratitude matter in life…and in death. As my father was in what were clearly his final months and weeks, he kept “pulling through,” meaning that his “final days” extended into many months…several times. The uncertainty did not allow for multiple, indefinite-ending trips for many of our family and friends. It was then that I came to treasure the realization that we were all, as I have chosen to say, “current in our expressions of love.” There was nothing that needed to be “settled,” forgiven, or said. Our love was expressed freely and often, and it made accepting my father’s death a natural part of his life…and ours. My heartfelt advice to you today? Stay current in your expressions of love and gratitude.

Take time to call, e-mail, send a card to, or buy a gift for the relative you chose to honor with your thanks today.

” I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers” (Philemon 1:4, NIV).
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Do you still need to download your 30 Days of Gratitude Chart? Click on the “Day 7” photo above!
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By Petals from the Basket | November 7, 2015 | Family, Ideas, Thirty Days of Gratitude |

November 6, 2015

30 Days of Gratitude – Day 6:
Express gratitude to a coworker who willingly assists others.

“More than 60% of employees are not motivated by their employers’ business goals. Less than 15% are satisfied with their jobs. Is this due to a significant lack of appreciation being shown for employees by their company? According to statistics, more than 79% of workers cite a lack of appreciation as the key reason for leaving their jobs. On average, employees expect some form of appreciation to be shown once a week.” —Brandon Gaille

Take time today to send a card to or buy a gift for the helpful coworker you have chosen to thank.

“Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need” (Philippians 2:25, NLT, emphasis mine).
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It’s not too late to join in!
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By Petals from the Basket | November 6, 2015 | Ideas, Thirty Days of Gratitude |