“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

We all need two kinds of peace in our lives. We need inner peace with God but we also need peace with others. God addresses both. He tells us what to do to find that peace.

Inner peace is a gift of the Holy Spirit and our thankfulness and faith impacts it.  It’s a choice to focus our mind on Jesus and all He is. Peace is the natural result of that choice.

“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is focused on You because He trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Inner peace hinges on my trust in God. Inner peace is there for the choosing.

The second kind of peace, peace with others, starts with the understanding that God has called us to be peacemakers in our world.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Notice that the call is to be “peacemakers” and not simply “peacekeepers”?

Sometimes “peacekeepers” will do anything just to keep peace. That is not what God is asking of us. He is calling us to be “peacemakers”.

Is there somewhere in your own world where you can help make peace?
Is there an invitation that needs to be extended to smooth over a fractured family relationship?
Is there an apology to be made or a silence to be broken that has stood as a barrier for too long?
Is there an issue that needs to be addressed with loving-kindness?
Is there a boundary that needs to be extended to help make a relationship healthy?

Don’t miss the blessing God promises in your life as you respond to His call to be a peacemaker in your own circle.

We can help bring peace to our world one heart at a time.

Prayer of action:

Lord,

“Make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
and Where there is sadness, joy…
Divine Master;
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen”

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Question: Take a look at the questions above. How is God calling you to be a peacemaker?

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Col: 3:15)

We live in a world that often produces within us the very opposite of peace.  Our stress and busyness is a normal response to the rush and cares of the day. Yet God calls us to something higher. He calls us to peace.

Is peace ruling your heart today? It can. When you and I first believed that Jesus is the Son of God and opened our hearts to receive His forgiveness and power in our lives we were given the gift of God’s peace. Do you recall receiving that peace? It’s a peace that is unexplainable and peace that remains even as life and the news of the day swirl around us.

Yet it’s easy to loose our grasp on that wonderful gift. It’s offered afresh to us every morning as one of His great mercies toward us.

• We need His peace to calm our hearts in challenging days.
• His peace brings health to our minds and our bodies.
• Living with peace in our hearts honors God.
• Our peace helps point others who are looking for peace to God.

His peace is free for the taking. God tells us how. Listen again to the wonderful words of life from His word:

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”

It sounds like it’s a choice. I can let peace rule or I can let peace get buried at the bottom of all those other responses to life. Just how does one go about letting peace rule the heart? God tells us one of the basic steps to walking in peace. He always gives the “how to” when He asks something of us.  Catch the often-overlooked words that this verse ends with: “and be thankful”.

Choosing to look at your day and your circumstances and your life with a heart that is filled with gratitude will open the door to peace. Yes, it’s true.

Life is not perfect anywhere on this planet. There are challenges both large and small that come to each one of us. Each challenge has the potential to rob our peace. Yet as we choose to be thankful to God in the midst of those challenges His peace will begin to rule our hearts.

Yes, it can sound trite especially if you are walking in a deep and challenging place today but the principle is sure. It is foundational to a heart that is ruled with peace. “And be thankful.”

If it feels impossible to be thankful where you stand right now ask God to help you to say “thank you” to Him that He alone can give you peace. Thank Him for His love and His care and His power to lead you today through the maze of your life. He will help you as you choose gratitude today and let peace rule your heart.

Prayer of action:

Father God,

So often my heart finds it easier to see the things that I am not thankful for. Open my eyes and my heart to having a new attitude of gratefulness to You. 

Help me today to enter into each part of my day as doing what is in front of me for You and as one representing You. Help me to be keenly aware of all the places today that I can offer You my thanksgiving as I choose this day to LET Your peace rule my heart. Fill my mind with the things You bring to my life: Your strength, Your power, Your help and Your love. Thank you that You will help me choose well what rules my heart today. I choose Your peace. In the strong name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Questions: What are you thankful for? How can you be more thankful?

“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:14-15, ESV)

Have you ever watched the courtroom shows on TV? Not the reality ones on today, but the older ones where the lawyers discover who really “done it”, and get their wrongly accused client off through their careful sleuthing. The lawyer ends up the hero with everyone applauding, and his client applauding the loudest. I love those shows – good triumphs over evil and justice prevails. Oh, if that was only true in real life, right?

All the people who are called to the stand must raise their right hand and make a vow to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Then they are asked to not only make that vow to the court, but to God as their ultimate judge. Of course, it turns out some of them don’t. Lying to the courts is perjury. Lying to God is worse.

As a child you may have prayed the “now I lay me down to sleep” prayer. It is a prayer of releasing control. Kids are used to someone else controlling their lives. As adults, it is easy to forget that our next breath comes from God, much less our day ahead. What do you vow to God each morning? Do you offer Him your day in thanksgiving that you woke up this morning?

Whatever happens to you today, if you begin it with a thankful vow to God that it will be His, He will be there for you. You may not have a zippy-de-do-dah day, but you will not walk it alone. The Almighty who can see all and knows all will be right by your side, and on your side.

If you are wrongly accused, your Judge will be there to eventually sort out the truth and deliver you. Like on the old courtroom shows, it may have to be revealed slowly, but in the end, people will see your God was at work in your life and give Him the glory.

Until then, our job is twofold. One, we are to wake up each day and thank Him again, then give the day (and ourselves) to Him to use according to His will, knowing that He knows best. We may feel as if we are in a prison cell—trapped by circumstances in our lives, or shackled by hurts when others have done us wrong. But our role throughout it all is to stay put and let someone wiser than us handle the situation. Like the lawyers on TV, our LORD will tell us when we are to speak, and when we must just sit back and bite our tongues as the world watches.

Secondly, if we have done something wrong, we must immediately confess it to Him, or He cannot handle our case. True, we cannot hide anything from God. However, part of trusting God is confessing everything to Him. That also means trusting He will deliver us in the times of need.

God is ultimately our Judge and jury. If we thankfully give each day to Him, the sacrifice His Son made on the cross will prove our innocence before Him, and eventually our peers. But first, any wrongdoing on our part must be voluntarily revealed and we must plead the court’s mercy. Then, justice can prevail in the Judge’s most perfect timing.

Questions: Are you in need of a spiritual lawyer to stand up for you? Will you give the situation to God to handle, knowing in His most perfect timing, justice will prevail?

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Upon awaking, what thoughts rummage through your mind? Before getting out of bed, do you dread the day? Do you awake with a downcast spirit that provokes anxiety? On the other hand, do you arise with a positive, ready to start the day attitude knowing that the Lord is with you?

Typically, the attitude you choose to start with will generally determine the quality of your day. If you decide to harbor a poor, discouraged outlook, chances are you will find neither recourse nor upswing throughout the day. However, if you elect a positive stance at the break of each new morning, more often than not a good day will transpire. In Psalm 118:24 we read, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” How have you been greeting each new day the Lord gives you?

Have you been forfeiting the blessings and good things the Lord desires to bestow upon you in exchange for fretting, dreading, and not trusting in Him who loves you? Do you realize it is impossible for you to embrace and enjoy the present day if you are fussing over what already took place or what might transpire in the days to come?

In Philippians 4:4-7 we read, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When you begin your day in prayer, with rejoicing and thankfulness, and trust in the Lord with all your heart, this opens opportunities for Him to move and work on your behalf. Inwardly, God’s peace will permeate your heart and mind and outwardly, He begins to work on the circumstances that you have entrusted to Him.

At the break of each new day, I often profess out load, “It’s going to be a good day!” Instantly a quiver runs up my core, something good stirs within my heart as I anticipate and look forward to receiving the blessings the Lord has in store. On days that I begin to worry about the outcome of a far off tomorrow, I realize I am not trusting in Him and my gladness in the present day dissipates. I need to cast that care unto the Lord so His joy and peace may continue to dwell within.

If you are fretting the upcoming day, do not let your heart or mind be troubled, turn to God who knows all. Be steadfast in starting each new day with God, a positive mindset, and gladness adorning your heart.

Father, I know that Your promises are new every morning.  Help me to remember that as I’m reaching for the alarm clock.  May the joy of your love be the first thing my mind settles on at the break of day.  Amen.

Questions: Where is your attitude at today? How can you rejoice in the Lord?

Among the early words you teach your tot are “thank you.”

• Live the lesson
  It has been said that we’re always teaching . . . sometimes we use words. Remember to say “thank you” to others, but more importantly live a life of appreciation. Your children are watching their first and most influential teacher!

• Notice nature
  Encourage your child to appreciate the inspiration that surrounds him. Marvel at the power of the wind, the immensity of the ocean, the perfection of a snowflake, the night sky, or the rugged beauty of a mountain range. I’ve reminded my girls of the saying of Goeth, “Nature is the living, visible garment of God.”

• Convert attitude into action
  A small gesture, such as a smile, can lighten the day of the waitress who hands your child a glass of milk or a hug for the teacher is always welcome. When a child empties the dishwasher it is an action of appreciation for home and food. Thankfulness is also expressed through homemade cards and drawings. To appreciate their classroom teachers, my girls and I always made little gifts for them at the holidays.

• Discover dictionary descriptions
  Although we have our own terms to explain thankfulness it helps to see new definitions. Go to the library and see what a variety of dictionaries say about the word. I like what The Webster’s Dictionary says, “Impressed with a sense of kindness received” because it takes the focus off a material possession and puts it on an attitude.

• Gather great quotes
  In researching for this article I found websites that offer all types of quotes. A humorous one about thanks comes from Woody Allen, “I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose.”

• Contrast your family with folks less fortunate
  Help your child see that there are those in your community who aren’t as blessed: families without homes, people who are sad and living alone, or those who must go to food kitchens to eat. When my daughters were young, one of our family traditions was to serve a meal to the homeless. My husband, two daughters, and I spent one evening at a rescue mission every Autumn. After seeing the faces of those accepting a plate of food and their expressions of thanks my daughters quickly appreciated going back home to their safe, cozy bedrooms.

• Make a medley of thankfulness
  Grab a pile of old magazines. Encourage your child to look through the pages and cut out pictures of things they are thankful for. Glue these on one page, overlapping pictures. Soon your child will have a visual reminder of the blessings in his life.

• Pen a poem of thankfulness
  Together with your child, try to write words that rhyme with thanks, gratitude or thankful. This can be a fun, language learning time also.

• Practice gratitude permanently
  Showing thanks and appreciation need not end with this time of year. I believe letter writing is becoming a lost art. Help your child write thank you notes for their Christmas gifts. Preschoolers can dictate to you their gratitude or express thanks by drawing a picture of their appreciation for their gift-giver. Find opportunities during this upcoming year to reinforce your lesson. For more ideas on teaching children about good manners and attitudes visit Manners of the Heart.

As a parent, I hope my children learn to be thankful by the way I live my life before them. After all, as William Bennett said in his book, The Moral Compass, “Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that thankfulness is indeed a virtue.”

© 2002 Brenda Nixon

Take the next step:

Practicing gratitude: We really do need to practice!
6 Ways to develop gratitude

Those who’ve seen Jean Louis Gerome Ferris’ painting commemorating the first Thanksgiving are likely to be misled by the artist’s rendering.

The Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts on Dec. 26, 1620.  Lacking sufficient provisions and shelter for winter, most settlers became ill within weeks.  Ten of the 17 husbands and fathers died with the “first infection,” and of the 17 wives, only three were alive after three months.  By April, more than half of the population had died of disease or famine.  These bleak circumstances were punctuated by other forms of human tragedy.  For example, William Bradford’s wife drowned as they disembarked from the Mayflower, leaving him a widower with a 1-year-old son.

Summer of 1621 brought a welcome reprieve from the harsh environment.  The Wampanoag Indians taught the Pilgrims to plant corn because the wheat they’d brought from England wouldn’t grow in the rocky ground.  The colonists also learned how to hunt and fish in their new surroundings.  Yet that fall, when they gathered for their first Thanksgiving, they were aware that the trials they’d encountered were not over.  In fact, a month later the settlers were restricted to half-rations.  And it was several more years before this small band enjoyed lasting freedom from hunger.

As the Pilgrims grappled with hardship, how were they able to maintain the spirit of gratitude toward God that resulted in the three-day celebration we honor by our Thanksgiving holiday? What can we learn from these forefathers that will help us remain thankful in a modern-day world when discouragement, calamity and heartache invade our lives?

Trust in God’s provision

The Pilgrims cultivated a habit of gratefulness long before they sailed to America’s shores. Traditionally, they set aside days of communal thanksgiving throughout the year to acknowledge God’s mercies and praise Him for His faithfulness.  This religious practice had deeply ingrained an attitude of thankfulness that could not be shaken by life’s events.  Whether expressing gratitude for everyday survival or a situation deemed the special providence of God, their trust in the Lord’s goodness and divine plan allowed them to find solace and strength to face adversity.  They understood that their endeavors were of eternal consequence and drew purpose from the belief that their accomplishments were, according to the Mayflower Compact, “for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith.”

What a contrast this outlook is with that of today’s culture.  In a recent Barna poll, 92 percent of people responded that they are “self-sufficient.”  Another survey revealed that many Americans feel the main purpose in life is personal fulfillment.  Given these perspectives, it’s not surprising that individuals often feel overwhelmed by emptiness and despair when difficulties arise. Counteracting the resulting sense of hopelessness and lack of control may seem a daunting task.

However, we have the same choice that our predecessors had: We can depend entirely on ourselves, or we can turn to the Almighty for help. Knowing that a right spiritual perspective is critical when dealing with painful setbacks, Gov. John Winthrop concluded a message to his fellow settlers with Deuteronomy 30:20. Winthrop said, “For He (the Lord) is our life and our prosperity.” A thankful heart sees each day through the lens of God’s providential care.

Fellowship of support

In addition to being bound together by faith, those who came to this new land were linked by a physical interdependence that is uncommon today.  With few resources, the colonists bore one another’s burdens in a manner that we can only imagine.  In view of this necessity, an essay titled A Christian Model of Charity called on the colonists to “knit together in this work as one man…make one another’s condition our own, rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer together.”  In this way, the writer said, they would “keep the unity of the Spirit.”

This bond of brotherhood was reflected by the more than 50 Pilgrims who attended the first Thanksgiving feast.  The group spanned generations, from toddler Oceanus Hopkins to 53-year-old William Brewster, and hired servants to seamen.

Approximately 90 Wampanoag Indians joined the festivities as well.  Although they differed greatly from the Pilgrims in culture and religious beliefs, they too valued fellowship and hospitality.  Their willingness to share their food and expertise with the new arrivals had helped ensure the Pilgrims’ survival.  Now the Wampanoags participated in the time of rejoicing as the settlers harvested their first crops.

There’s an old saying: “Shared joy is double joy, and shared sorrow half the sorrow.”  Thanksgiving through the centuries has provided unique opportunities to express love and appreciation for others, as well as to come alongside those in need. Even on those occasions when we are hurting, we can find consolation in doing something for others.  Thankfulness is multiplied as we reaffirm our sense of community and bridge our differences through Christ’s love.

The Pilgrim’s gratitude flourished against the ravages of circumstances because they held fast to their belief in a sovereign, loving Creator and found comfort and support in one another.  Whether then or now, in an uncertain world, the relationships we have with God and those around us are enduring reasons to give thanks.

Take the next step:

Being thankful changes who we are
Sharing a verse at Thanksgiving: One family’s tradition

During November, our family often made an acrostic using the word thanksgiving. We’d list things we were thankful for, using words beginning with each letter. When our children became teenagers, words like telephone, summer, and ice cream topped the list. Now with grown children, I exchange a thanksgiving list with my pen pal each year.

But thanksgiving shouldn’t be limited to a season or holiday. God’s Word says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV). Since a thankful heart should be the year-round norm, I’ve used the word thanksliving in this acrostic to share some things I’m thankful for.

T = Talents
I’m thankful for my God-given talents. If I develop them and use them for God’s glory, one day I’ll hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21).

H = Hope
I’m thankful for the hope I have in Christ and the Holy Spirit who spreads hope in my heart. Since I know the God of hope, I can point others to Him, no matter how bleak their circumstances. I often pray Romans 15:13 for others:  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (NIV).

A = Acceptance
Acceptance is a basic human need. As a writer, I’m thankful when editors accept my writing. However, I’m especially grateful that God always accepts me; my worth before Him is not based on my performance or success.

N = News
Although world events may be discouraging, I’m thankful we can always find good news in God’s Word.

K = Kindness
I’m thankful for the many family and friends who express kindness to me in tangible ways. In turn, I want to express caring toward others.

S = Senses
My five senses help me experience life more fully. Beyond my physical senses, I’m thankful to spiritually “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).

L = Life
Life is precious and should never be taken for granted. I’m thankful for each new day.

I = Intelligence
I’m thankful for my intellect which helps me think clearly and make wise decisions.

V = Vision
I appreciate physical vision to enjoy my surroundings and spiritual vision to understand spiritual truths.

I = Imagination
Imagination helps me think creatively. As I pray and seek God, He enables me to imagine no limits and to expect him to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians. 3:20 NIV).

N = New Experiences
I’m thankful for new opportunities to grow and for new relationships that enrich my life.

G = God
God is the greatest treasure and reason to give thanks. I’m most grateful to have a relationship with  Him through Jesus Christ.

Listing what I’m thankful for always lifts my spirit. Besides that, the Bible says God is pleased with a thankful heart:  “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me” (Psalm 50:23 NASB).

Why not make your own thanksliving list? After we thank God for our blessings, we can serve Him from the overflow of our grateful hearts.

Take the next step:

5 Reasons to be thankful right now
Take a lesson: Develop a heart of worship

“It’s my party and I can cry if I want to.” This was my attitude when my husband, a Marine pilot, was deployed over the holidays.

The first few holidays David was deployed, I went back to Canada where my parents live so I wouldn’t have to be by myself. But that became costly and it was too much work dragging four kids on the airplane.

I remember the day I determined to finally spend Christmas at home without running away. I imagined waking up Christmas morning, with my four children tugging on my pajamas, excited to see what was under the tree. Then I felt anxious, knowing I would miss out on what I knew so many other couples were doing… drinking eggnog together, making pancakes, dancing to Christmas music.

And what about David? I knew he was having just as difficult a time. It was just different. What was he eating in Iraq during Thanksgiving? At least I was invited to a friend’s house, no matter how awkward it felt sitting at a formal dining room table with her and her husband. David was probably eating hot dogs and chips, perhaps the candy I sent him. And then he would take a baby wipe and wash his hands afterwards, seeing as there was lack of sinks and water. Of course, he would be imagining what I was doing with our kids, wanting to be home to fry a turkey and make a bon-fire, and just hang out.

As Christmas approached, he was probably looking in his mailbox wondering when a gift would come for him. What about a card? Was anybody back home thinking about him?

A new celebration

After languishing through the holidays during David’s first few deployments, it hit me: Why load the holidays with such expectations? Why not see every day as a holiday, a day of celebration?

I began to sit down with my children and make banners and gifts for their father on a daily basis. I would buy the kids gifts on non-calendar holiday days just to show them I celebrated them all the time. Sometimes, it was the simple things they longed to do… reading a book, or playing Frisbee, making crafts, even sitting down on the couch and watching a movie.

We found creative ways to celebrate, even without Daddy around. Every day became Christmas, in a way. Every day became a day of Thanks, and every day became a day of Love in our home. David would even find ways to celebrate with us by sending handmade cards to each of the kids on a regular basis. One year, I received around seven different Valentine cards in a week. I laughed. He knew.

“Choose life!”

In many ways…we can choose life…living to the fullest, seeing every day as a day of opportunity to celebrate. I have realized it is in all our perspective and how we choose to look at things. I choose life… every day! What about you?

Take the next step:

His deployment changed everything
Join the conversation right now

As church pianist I started to play the introduction for the choir during the morning service. After several measures, I glanced at the keyboard and was so startled that I almost missed a beat. There, on middle D, lay a stunned cockroach flailing its legs. Obviously it had run into the path of my flying fingers.

What could I do? Gritting my teeth, I went on, gingerly trying to avoid middle D, but not always able to do so. (The choir number would be in the Key of D!) Finally, halfway through the first verse I was able to flick the now-deceased roach onto the floor. (Well, that’s one way to kill a roach!)

Some problems we may face are not so easily resolved as a cockroach on a keyboard. They might not be brushed off during the first phase of the situation. We may have to live with them longer than the first verse. But I have learned that if I just keep looking to the Lord for grace and trusting Him with a problem, He takes care of it one way or another.

Sometimes as we pray, He shows us ways to make the situation easier, as I did by avoiding the “middle” D while I played. Sometimes He shows us how to deal with the situation, as I did by flicking that roach to the floor during a whole note in the melody. (Thank heavens for piano “hold” foot pedals!)

Then during or after the resolving of the problem, there’s the cleanup.  After church I went to the rest room and washed my hands off using liquid soap. But in dealing with life’s problems, we may often need a more comprehensive spiritual cleanup.

It may be necessary to ask the Lord to forgive us if we have sinned. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).  We may discover a need to forgive any who have hurt us. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

And let’s never forget the One Who guided and helped us! Let’s thank and praise Him for His help and deliverance.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever” (Psalms 107:1)

Question: Are there problems you’re facing that you haven’t yet brought to the Lord in prayer?

Pleasing God: How to authentically worship God

“Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are Your ways, King of the ages.” (Revelation 15:3b)

A number of years ago I heard that the book of Revelation contained more worship than any other book in the Bible. The concept intrigued me. Instead of studying Revelation in view of the end times, I determined to read the book with the idea of worship forefront in my mind. Writing helps me to absorb things, so the daily copying of verses containing praise or adoration to God became my routine. As page after page of my journal was filled, my heart was drawn to the discipline of daily recounting who God is and all that He has done. This is worship.

When we worship, our attention is turned away from ourselves, or our problems, and is focused on God. I need to spend less time worrying, analyzing or planning. More time should be spent thinking on good things. What better way to do that, than to fix my thoughts on the attributes of our holy, awesome God?

Whenever I read over the words of praise written in Revelation, something happens in my heart. Meditating on God’s power and might strengthens me. Thinking on His holiness and His worthiness creates thankfulness and humility in my heart. Hearing that He is Faithful and True, renews my spirit, helping me not to be afraid.

Let me encourage you to read the book of Revelation in a new light. And as you do, make worship a part of your daily routine.

God, we join with those who sing this song, “Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are Your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear You, O Lord, and bring glory to Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.” (Revelation 15:3, 4)

Questions: How does worshiping God change your outlook? How do you incorporate worship into your daily routine?