So much to be grateful for, especially this time of year. Let's talk about ways to be grateful during the Advent and Christmas seasons.

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About our drink: About our gear: We continue reading Christmas poetry. About the Topic: Hierarchy of gratitude:

1. God
2. Our Parents
3. The person that excels in dignity, from whom general favors proceed
4. A benefactor from whom we have received particular and private favors

Summa - the natural order requires that he who has received a favor should, by repaying the favor, turn to his benefactor according to the mode of each.^[1] The grateful person sees reality as it is. Everything as gift. Francis De Sales – Intro to the Devout Life: Of poverty of spirit in the midst of riches. “There is a difference between having poison and being poisoned” Steps to growing in gratitude – Catholic Digest

1. Prayer, prayer, prayer
2. Surround yourself with people who are grateful for life
   1. Attitudes are contagious
   
   
3. Materialism fuels our ingratitude
   1. Before we make purchases (planned or otherwise) say a prayer
   2. Instead of rewarding children with things, reward them with experiences
   
   

1.         Will this gift end up in the trash in a week?

1. Refusing to forgive is a major obstacle to gratitude
   1. Failure to forgive places burdens on our soul
   
   
2. Worry and Anxiety also lead us away from gratitude
   1. “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6-7
   2. There is a direct link between screen time and anxiety
   
   
3. Practice custody of our language
   1. Just like custody of the eyes.  Grumbling or venting does not help, it is a consummation with our interior feelings.  Stop complaining, be happier
   
   
4. Regular confession
   1. Meditate on our Lord’s mercy
   
   
5. Memento Mori
   1. Having Heaven as our context helps us be grateful for everything, especially our trials
   
   

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