Diligently consider this...

You most likely already know that I'm a big advocate for journaling. Not only does it keep our thoughts focused and help us process, but journals are SO good to read over on a regular basis. They are PROOF that our Abba Father is hearing and answering prayers, that Jesus is teaching you how to follow Him better, and that Holy Spirit is indeed transforming your life. I think that the neglect to read back over your journals or even just taking time to really reflect on what the Lord's been doing makes it so much harder to grow in your faith. It's a spiritual discipline that is an encouragement to us that God really does notice us. It's what we needs to persevere. :)

Another thing that journaling does is it teaches us to truly follow God's will for us in 1 Thes. 5:16-18.
Rejoice always. Pray continually. Be thankful in all circumstances. 
Everyone knows what holiday is next month. It's a great reason to re-focus your life on thankfulness in ALL circumstances. The Lord has been showing me lately how that is so totally connected to Paul's words in Phil. 4:11--"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstance." We cannot be content without being thankful. The two go hand-in-hand.

Even though it's not November, I wanted to start recording my thankfulness early! Why not, right?? Plus I want to encourage anyone reading this to do the same! For extra motivation, check out Psalm 107. The verses in the photograph are from the very beginning and end of Psalm 107. Check out all the verses in between. They are specific reasons for the Israelites to be thankful for the Lord's constant goodness, His mercy, and His loving-kindness.

So not only does recording reasons to be thankful make us more thankful, it also teaches us to be content in every situation, AND like the verse says, it's what anyone who is wise does. Whoever is wise diligently considers what the Lord has done.
The Dictionary definition of diligent is Marked by persevering, painstaking effort. How diligent are you in considering what the Lord is doing in your life? Make November the month that you re-commit to that and you'll automatically reap a life of thankfulness & contentment! :)