Being Grateful Is A Good Choice - Luke 17:11-19

There is a saying that goes, 'Gratitude turns what we have into enough.' (Ang may pusong pasasalamat, nakikita niya ang lahat ng bagay ay sapat.) These words hold profound meaning (malalim) in our fast-paced and often demanding lives. Today, I stand before you to talk about a quality (katangian) that has the power to transform our outlook, enrich our relationships, and bring us genuine happiness — the power of gratitude.

Let me begin by sharing a personal story. A few years ago, I found myself caught in the whirlwind of everyday stress and worries. It seemed like I was always chasing something more, something better. But then, a chance encounter with an elderly woman changed my perspective entirely. As we sat and talked, she shared her life experiences, her struggles, and the wisdom she had gained along the way. What struck me the most was her unwavering gratitude for even the simplest things — a warm cup of tea, a friendly smile, or a beautiful sunrise. Her gratitude, despite life's hardships, left a lasting impression on me.

Today, I want to delve into the power of gratitude, explore its benefits, and inspire each one of us to embrace a thankful mindset. Whether it's expressing gratitude for the people in our lives, the opportunities we have, or the everyday blessings that often go unnoticed, being thankful has the potential to transform our lives in extraordinary ways.

Before we embark on this journey together, let me share an astounding statistic: Studies have shown that individuals who regularly practice gratitude experience lower levels of stress, enhanced emotional well-being, and stronger relationships. It's remarkable to think that such a simple act can have such a profound impact.

So, let us embark on this exploration of gratitude, its significance, and practical ways to cultivate and express it in our daily lives. By the end of this speech, I hope we will all be inspired to view life through a lens of gratitude, appreciating the beauty and richness it offers.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of discovery and appreciation. Together, let us unlock the power of thankfulness."

Thankfulness Bible Verse

 Luke 17:11-19 says, 

11 See ch. 9:51On the way to Jerusalem [John 4:3, 4]; See Matt. 19:1he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers,17:12 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13 See Lev. 13:45, 46who stood at a distance 13and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14When he saw them he said to them, “Go and ch. 5:14; Lev. 13:2–14:32; Matt. 8:4show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, See ch. 13:13praising God with a loud voice; 16and ch. 5:12; Num. 16:22; [Matt. 26:39]he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was See Matt. 10:5a Samaritan. 17Then Jesus answered, “Were not ver. 12ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18Was no one found to return and See John 9:24give praise to God except this Isa. 66:5foreigner?” 19And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; See Mark 10:52your faith has See Mark 10:52made you well.”

Tagalog:  

11 Umahon si Jesus patungong Jerusalem. Nangyari na siya ay dumaan sa gitna ng Samaria at Galilea.12 Sa kaniyang pagpasok sa isang nayon,sinalubong siya ng sampung lalaking may ketong. Ang mga ito ay nakatayo sa malayo. 13 Nilakasan nila ang kanilang tinig at kanilang sinabi: Guro, kahabagan mo kami.14 Nakita sila ni Jesus. Sinabi niya sa kanila: Humayo kayo at magpakita kayo sa mga saserdote. At nangyari, sa paghayo nila, sila ay nalinis.15 Nang makita ng isa sa kanila na siya ay gumaling, bumalik siya. Sa malakas na tinig, niluwalhati niya ang Diyos. 16 Nagpatirapa siya na nagpapasalamat kay Jesus. Ang lalaking ito ay isang taga-Samaria.17 Sinabi ni Jesus: Hindi ba sampu ang nilinis? Nasaan ang siyam? 18 Ang dayuhan lang bang ito ang bumalik upang magbigay ng kaluwalhatian sa Diyos? 19 Sinabi niya sa kaniya: Bumangon ka at humayo. Pinagaling ka ng iyong pananam­palataya.

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Ang pagkakaroon ng pasasalamat ay mahalaga sa maraming aspekto ng buhay ng isang tao. Narito ang ilang mga mahahalagang dahilan kung bakit mahalaga ang pagkakaroon ng pasasalamat:

1. Kaligayahan: Ang pasasalamat ay nagbibigay ng kasiyahan at kaligayahan sa buhay. Sa pagkilala at pagpapahalaga sa mga biyayang taglay natin, napapalawak ang ating kaligayahan at nagiging mas satispayed tayo sa ating buhay.

2. Emosyonal na Kalusugan: Ang pagkakaroon ng pasasalamat ay nauugnay sa mas mataas na antas ng positibong emosyon at kagalingan sa buhay. Ito ay nagbubunsod ng pagbawas ng stress, depresyon, at pagkabahala, at nagpapalakas ng ating mga relasyon at personal na pag-unlad. Thankfulness Bible Verse

3. Pagpapahalaga sa Mga Iba: Sa pamamagitan ng pasasalamat, ipinapakita natin ang ating pagpapahalaga at pagkilala sa mga taong nagbibigay sa atin ng suporta, kabutihan, at pagmamahal. Ito ay nagpapalakas ng mga ugnayan at nagpapadama sa mga taong nakapaligid sa atin na kanilang pinahahalagahan at minamahal.

4. Pagpapalaganap ng Kabutihan: Ang pagpapakita ng pasasalamat ay nagbibigay ng inspirasyon at motibasyon sa iba na gumawa rin ng mabuti. Kapag nakikita ng iba ang epekto ng kanilang kabutihan sa atin, sila rin ay napapalakas ng loob na ipagpatuloy ang pagiging mabuti at magpakumbaba.

5. Espiritwal na Paglago: Ang pasasalamat ay nagpapalakas ng ating koneksyon sa mga espiritwal na saloobin at paniniwala. Sa pamamagitan ng pagkilala sa biyaya at kabutihan na nagmumula sa isang mas mataas na kapangyarihan, natututo tayong magpasalamat at magtiwala sa buhay. Thankfulness Bible Verse

6. Pagiging Mapagmasid at Nasa Kasalukuyan: Ang pasasalamat ay nagpapakumbaba at nagpapahalaga sa mga simpleng biyayang ating tinatamasa sa kasalukuyan. Ito ay nagbibigay-daan sa atin na maging mapagmasid sa mga magagandang bagay na nagaganap sa ating buhay at makapag-enjoy sa mga maliliit na mga sandali.

Ang pagkakaroon ng pasasalamat ay nagbibigay ng positibong epekto sa ating buhay at sa ating kapaligiran. Ito ay nagpapalakas ng ating pagkatao, nagbubukas ng mga pintuan ng pag-unlad at kaligayahan, at naglalagay sa atin sa isang mas malawak na perspektibo ng buhay. Sa pamamagitan

Thankfulness Bible Verse

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Memorial Weekend: A time to reflect our gratefulness to those who served The Battle of Iwo Jima, fought between the United States and Japan in 1945, was a pivotal moment in the Pacific Theater of World War II. The island of Iwo Jima held great strategic significance for both sides. The United States aimed to capture it to establish airfields, while Japan was determined to defend it at all costs.

The story of the Battle of Iwo Jima is often symbolized by the iconic photograph of six United States Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi, the highest point on the island. This photograph captured a powerful moment of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice.

During the intense battle, countless acts of selfless love and sacrifice were demonstrated by American soldiers. They risked and gave their lives to protect their fellow soldiers, their country, and the ideals of freedom and democracy.

Thankfulness Bible Verse

Illustration of Heroic Act

One specific event from the Battle of Iwo Jima that exemplifies love and sacrifice is the story of Sergeant Darrell S. Cole, a United States Marine Corps officer who demonstrated exceptional bravery and selflessness during the battle.

On February 19, 1945, during the initial assault on Iwo Jima, Sergeant Cole's platoon encountered heavy enemy fire while trying to advance. Despite the intense resistance, Cole fearlessly led his men forward, inspiring them with his courage and determination.

During the fierce fighting, a live grenade was thrown into the midst of Sergeant Cole's platoon. Realizing the imminent danger, he immediately threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the explosion with his own body to shield his comrades from the blast.

Sergeant Cole's selfless act of sacrifice saved the lives of his fellow Marines, but tragically, he lost his own life in the process. His actions embody the essence of John 15:13, as he willingly laid down his life for his friends and comrades.

Sergeant Darrell S. Cole was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States, for his extraordinary valor and sacrifice. His story stands as a testament to the love and sacrifice displayed by many brave men and women during the Battle of Iwo Jima and serves as a powerful illustration of John 15:13 in the context of patriotism and military service.

Thankfulness Bible Verse