Giving Thanks: Five Expressions of Gratitude

My writing prompt for day #2 of the Write Here, Write Now: A 30-Day Journaling Challenge was to give thanks, expressing at least five things I was grateful for. Gratitude was bubbling up inside of me from completing the first day of the challenge and I woke up the next morning with the song, “Every Day Is a Day of Thanksgiving,” resonating in my heart. I sang along with the YouTube video and posted it to my facebook page to bless somebody else.

1. My Church – Apostolic Temple of Jesus Christ awesome music ministry ushered me into a sweet intimacy of high praise and worship with God. The congregation has always been warm and loving towards me, and the Word of God is taught and preached with a high standard and in a straight forward manner. They challenge me to step up higher and live a holy and righteous life in season and out.

2. The Write Here, Write Now: 30 Day Journaling Challenge – That challenge was divinely timed in my season to cultivate and operate in discipline, consistency, and structure. I believe God for greater breakthrough in my writing frequency and finances.

3. My Mom – My mother’s love and support, especially during that time in my faith walk of entrepreneurship, was priceless. She always had my back and afforded me a place of safety and freedom to be and do all that God has purposed and planned for me until her death in 2021.

4. My Salvation – My relationship with God is personal, intimate and empowering. I am learning to trust Him on deeper levels as He is reveals and demonstrates His love, direction, protection and provision. He keeps me and my extended family. I am because He is and I get stronger and better one day at a time.

5. Music and Movement – I am grateful for music, gospel artists and the ability to dance. The music and words feed my soul and lift my spirits. When I sing along and change my posture, I am transported into a place of worship and praise. It is sweet intimacy with my Father, Lord and Savior; my heart overflows with joy in gratitude for a real and tangible connection of oneness with the Source of all there is. I am encouraged within my being on every level, and inspired by the testimony of the artists through song.

(NOTE: Updated in 2023; originally posted in 2012)

Be blessed,

Jo Anne Meekins
Inspired 4 U Publications