Gratitude: Day THREE

Interesting topic today. Gratitude vs FEAR. Love this journaling prompt. My first thought was the similarity to FAITH vs FEAR as noted in the quotes/scriptures below:

“It is the “eye of faith” spoken of by the prophet Alma (see Alma 5:15–26)—the ability to focus and be steadfast, continually holding fast to true principles, nothing wavering, even when the mist of darkness confronting us is exceedingly great.  … In a household of faith, there is no need to fear or doubt. Choose to live by faith and not fear.” – ELDER KEVIN W. PEARSON – April 2009

“May we all recognize and give thanks for the incomparable gift of life we each enjoy and for the breath that He lends us daily. May we choose to have conviction at the crossroads of life and exercise faith in Jesus Christ. My prayer is that we will live by faith and not by fear.” QUENTIN L. COOK – October 2007

“Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.” D&C 68:6

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  2 Tim 1:7

My conclusion is that
LIVING IN GRATITUDE:
is part of having faith in Jesus Christ…
strengthens our faith…
helps us ‘be of good cheer’…
keeps us grounded in reality (sound mind)…
shows God that we LOVE him…
is powerful…
… only because FAITH increases GRATITUDE (ah-ha!)
which is why it casts away fear.

My loving Father in Heaven blesses me abundantly, which shows me daily that He will stand by me.  Hence… I have no need to be afraid when God is on my side and watching over me.

I’ve always thought that KEEPIN’ IT REAL also means recognizing how abundantly blessed I am even when in the middle of trials. (recognizing blessings = “continually holding fast to true principles” = living in TRUTH)

A bit of randomness (it may not make much sense) … but a good exercise for my wee little brain.