Never forget your source....BE GRATEFUL

The Internet is full of wonderful stories ranging from the interesting, hilarious to the downright absurd! However no matter how weird the stories might be, I try to keep an open mind but keep my inner filters working to maximum capacity. Don't want the silly stories taking root in my mind.  I was stunned by the story of a  beauty queen who went back home to thank her mother shortly after being crowned winner of a much coveted beauty crown. 17 year old  Khanittha"Mint" Pheasant  is pictured kneeling before her mother near a row of wheelie bins. She went down and dirty on her knees,crown and all because that was her root-NO SHAME!!

She didn't mind the rubbish or consider that her silk sash or pageant gear and golden heels will get dirty because it was the hands that cleared the dirt that reared reared her-NO SHAME.

I am amazed that the first thing this beautiful lady did was to go back home to appreciate her mother and and not throw a self congratulatory party as many are want to do-HOW SELFLESS AND HUMBLE.
Gratitude simply means thankfulness or appreciation for kindness shown.
Luke 17:11-19, tells how Jesus healed 10 lepers and only one returned to show appreciation. Before the healing they shouted with a loud voice " Jesus, Master, have pity on us". After all is said and done only one returned to show gratitude. If gratitude was not important Jesus would not have made the following statement. " were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner? Then he said to him "Rise and go; your faith has made you well" Luke 17:19. Some bible scholars say the one that gave thanks was made whole.
An African proverb says "a river that forget its source wI'll soon dry up". The Israelites forgot their source in the old testament and became prey to their enemies. People who were once the dread of their enemies later became captives in the land of promise-HOW SAD!
Think back for a moment on the mighty victories God has done for you. Miracles of healing or deliverance from the bondage of sickness or addiction. Did you remember to show gratitude?
Take time today to remember God's faithfulness and how He has seen you through the many stages of your life.
TIPS ON GRATITUDE. 

• Count your blessings.
• Be content.
• Focus right-gratitude puts situations in perspective. It says "it could be worse"
• Never give up on hope.
• Appreciate the little things.
• Celebrate every milestone and small successes. 
• Sometimes it's not about what you don't have but what you do.
• DO not envy- it's not really greener on the other side of the fence.
• Say it-Always show appreciation.
• Gratitude takes the focus off you-its selfless.
• Gratitude enhances relationships.
• Practice attitude daily. It will change your outlook on life and people.

Right now is a good place and time to start. Bring out a journal and start writing.