Alayo magazine - Fall 2020

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ISSUE 02| FALL 2020

ALAYO GRATITUDE IS A MUST

THE ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE Practical steps and benefits of giving thanks

YOUR GRATITUDE TOOLKIT Devotionals and more to keep your heart grateful

FIELD NOTES ON GRATITUDE Readers share what keeps them grateful

ALAYO HEAD COOK & BOTTLE WASHER SPELLING & GRAMMAR POLICE SANTA'S HELPERS

Tracey-Ann Wisdom Keresa Arnold Shauna-gay Case Miguel Barrett

Contact: writtenbytracey@gmail.com For more content, visit: Tracey - writtenbytracey.com Shauna - homeschoolmomja.com

I give thanks for your endless, steadfast love; your mercies that are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness, o Lord!

CONTENTS

07

THE GRATITUDE LIFESTYLE Times are challenging, but there's always something to be thankful for. Shauna-gay Case explores how to actively be grateful in your everyday life.

06

ON MY MIND

10

FIRST YOU PLANT A SEED

11

GIVE THANKS

13

FIELD NOTES ON GRATITUDE

16

SAY THANK YOU

19

THE GRATITUDE PLAYLIST

Editor's note

Miguel Barrett shares poetry inspired by our theme.

Devotionals, books and more to help you focus on gratitude Readers share what they're most thankful for in 2020 Affirmations and biblical confessions to say out loud Songs to keep your spirit thankful

ALAYO MAGAZINEÂ | 4

ON MY MIND

Hello friend, I hope you and yours have been managing well during these truly bizarre and unpredictable times.

We're coming to the end of 2020 and this is usually the season in which many people pause to reflect and give thanks as they begin to look towards the new year. It's been tough going for most of us over the past few months and there are no signs of things returning to normal any time soon. In the midst of so many crushing losses, spiraling crises, real fear and burning anger in our own spheres and around the world, it's so easy to forget that good things are still happening. It's easy to forget that there are still reasons to give thanks.

The Bible admonishes us in 1 Thessalonians 5: 18 to give thanks in all circumstances. Every single situation. It seems impossible, doesn't it? Ridiculous, even. How am I supposed to be thankful when my life seems to be falling apart around me and my whole world is caving in? What is there to be grateful for when I can't pay my bills and people around me are suffering and there's nothing anyone can do to help?

It's just not possible!

Is it, though? I don't think so. If it were actually impossible, we wouldn't have been told to do it. I'm not saying it's easy, or even that it's easy for me to do.

Maintaining a heart of gratitude in the worst of life's circumstances is so, so hard. You want to cry, complain, lash out, harden your heart. The only thing you can see is the difficulty and unfairness of your situation. It's natural and you're allowed to feel your

feelings. If that's where you are right now (and you haven't already rolled your eyes and closed the link), don't get mad or beat yourself up. I just want you to understand that there's another perspective you can consider.

For one thing, you're alive. That's enough reason to be thankful, because once you have life, you can always figure out a solution.

Several studies have shown that there are many practical benefits to having a grateful spirit, from reducing aggression to improving your sleep. It also 'sparks joy' and who couldn't use some of that in their lives right now?

From the Bible, we also see where expressing gratitude brings about wholeness. If you're not familiar with the story of Jesus and the 10 lepers, check out Luke 17:11-19. All 10 men were healed but only one returned to give thanks. Jesus told him his faith made him whole. This suggests he benefitted in a way the other nine did not. I'm sure they were thankful, too. But it matters that you say it.

Expressing thanks also multiplies your blessings, as you can see from Matthew 14:13-21. Again, who wouldn't want more good things and good news in their lives?

With this issue, I want to challenge you to shift your perspective just a little. Our main story, The Gratitude Lifestyle, explores more of the benefits of being thankful and our contributor, Shauna-gay Case, also shares some practical tips to help you become more actively grateful. As usual, there are also resource pages with tools that can help you.

If you're an 'old hand' at this gratitude thing, I want to encourage you to continue. Bring someone along with you so they can experience the benefits, too.

Our next issue will be in January, so until then, do all you can to take care of yourself. I don't know what the holiday season will look like this year, but I hope you still find a way and a reason to celebrate.

God bless you!

ALAYO MAGAZINEÂ | 5

Tracey aka Alayo

Gratitude THE

LIFESTYLE

How to develop life-changing habits of gratitude BY

SHAUNA-GAY

CASE

Some things nowadays can sound oh, so cliché. We are tempted to doubt their authenticity and effectiveness. Truth is, lots of sayings and habits are momentary trends that will pass away without adding any lasting value to our lives.

YOLO, they say—you only live once. Happy was I to see that one die. The 'attitude of gratitude,' though, gets my vote for longevity. The benefits of discovering, developing and living out a life that is gratitude-filled are endless and its effects can be far-reaching, transcending one person's lifespan.

Simply put, this can build up our legacy here on earth and I would recommend it as an essential element of a fulfilling life.

Why gratitude?

Cultivating gratitude is a powerful way to transform your life.

We live in a world fraught with problems and endless distractions and every single one of us can relate on some level to the overwhelm of it all. I first set an intention to pursue a gratitude-filled life back in 2014 as a new year’s resolution to simply complain less. I needed to shift my focus from my problems to a positive mindset. I was craving joy.

Can I tell you? Absolutely the best decision!

Just as you cannot forget something you’ve truly learnt, once you step over into a lifestyle of gratitude, it sticks with you forever. You begin to see through different lenses and joy becomes much more tangible.

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Psychologists gratitude:

cite

several

benefits

of

practicing

It gives happiness that lasts. The mind is a powerful thing. Rewiring it to focus on positive things will inevitably lead to mental fortitude and joy.

It enhances our self-esteem. The positive outlook will show us those things about ourselves that are awesome. Every single one of us possess awesome qualities. This kind of gratitude-laced introspection can only boost your confidence and self-image.

It makes us more patient. Now, how hard is it to develop this particular fruit of the Spirit? We need all the help we can get in this department, so if no other reason appeals to you so far, this should do it.

It promotes good sleep. Yes, please!

It improves your relationships. Your focus will shift from seeing the flaws in a person to appreciating the ways they add value to your life.

Gratitude influences us to improve our self-care. It will help you appreciate and care for your own mind, body and spirit. For instance, many who practice gratitude inevitably start exercising.

It is a tonic for your mental health. Depression, be gone! Debilitating negative thoughts cannot thrive within the soul of one focused on being grateful.

As with a fruit-bearing tree though—developing the positive mindset that intentional gratitude births within you—the seed of gratitude will take a little time to grow.

Tips to cultivate gratitude Cultivating gratitude requires intentionality. I’m not sure if you can just simply rely on willpower, but for me, I needed practical habits to help me follow through.

Here are the go-to gratitude practices that I have done over the years: Gratitude journaling I highly recommend this. You can simply list those things that you are grateful for each day. The list can be as long as time and your memory permits. If, however, you are intimidated by the thought of journaling, you can start off slow and just list three things. Starting off small will go a long way in making it a sustainable habit and then, a lifestyle.

Gratitude (prayer) walks This is a favourite of mine. Unlike daily journaling, this one is a little more arbitrary. As the name suggests, you go for a walk, just a simple walk in nature to clear your head—but with a twist. On your walk, you speak out what it is that you are grateful for. You speak it out into the atmosphere.

Gratitude walking like I do goes even further as well.

This kind of practice is reserved for expressing gratitude in faith. That's why I often call this one a prayer walk. Here, we give thanks for things we want, not for what we already have (though this would be perfectly fine). See, it's a real faith-building kind of activity. Activating it with word-sound-power. It is best to get as detailed as possible, too. Allow yourself to employ as many senses as you can. What will the desired thing look, feel, sound, maybe even taste like?

How happy will you feel? How will others around you react to this fulfilled dream? And then, go right ahead and give thanks for it, all of it.

So, say you are believing for a new car. You don’t just say, “I give thanks for my brand new car.” Nope! You say, “I am thankful for my awesome, brand new, red 2021 Audi S8 with its sleek, leather interior. I love the new rims on it, too!” Or as I often say, “Thank you Lord for XYZ” or “Thank you God for blessing me with XYZ.” Activate your faith! Strengthen that faith muscle. I am persuaded that God actually relishes these bold pronouncements. And don’t forget to be as detailed as possible. Really picture it, see yourself with this thing and give thanks for that future blessing in the present.

Gratitude jars This is a really cute idea a treasured friend of mine shared a few years ago. She encouraged me to buy a glass jar and write out what I am grateful for to keep in the jar each week. Keeping this up will mean 52 strips of paper at the end of the year. I recall the joy at the end of the year when my family and I go through this jar. It makes for quite a gratitude-filled, nostalgic review. No matter what, every week will have a highlight and for that, we ought to be grateful.

"Once you step over into a lifestyle of gratitude, it sticks with you forever."

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Spreading the gratitude-joy So now, the natural progression of gratitude is sharing.

For all three tips, you can have your children tag along.

Having them participate and letting them get front row seats to the wonderful transformation in your life will be so edifying for them. It will help to ground them and will give them fulfilment as well. My kids look forward to filling the gratitude jars so much that they become my reminders. Getting them to journal just one thing they are grateful for each day is a great way to get them to cultivate a helpful habit.

As a bonus too, should you miss out on any of the ones mentioned, you can share a warm moment with them each night before bed by asking them what they are grateful for from that day.

Get your spouse involved as well. Gratitude walks can become an awesome bonding activity. Besides, this is a really simple way to get some alone time and you get to both feed your spirits and get a breather together.

You can get your close friend to join you in this, too.

Whichever option you choose, that person can become your accountability partner.

May we all live gratitude-filled lives!

"As with a fruit-bearing tree, the seed of gratitude will take a little time to grow."

ALAYO MAGAZINEÂ | 9

First You Plant A Seed One deep breath for salvation The unsung cure of patience For broken hearts that push shards through your chest Piercing bones and armoured flesh For thoughts that won’t sit still This is the prescribed pill One moment as small as a mustard seed That must be guarded from weeds And free-spirited pests For whom destruction is known best Press this moment with your thumb in soft soil That embraces the failings and fears Trapped in your warm tears Like the bosom of a loving mother Who holds you tight until the world around you disappears Before this moment there were seasons that brought rain And those seasons will come again But with this moment now planted You’re ready to grow come what may.

- Miguel Barrett ALAYO MAGAZINE | 10

GIVE THANKS WITH A GRATEFUL HEART 21 DAYS TO CULTIVATE A GRATEFUL HEART

by Megan Lacefield | elevateHim Ministry

Gratitude is contagious and as you practice living thankfully, you give others permission to be thankful too. You will take the next 21 days to celebrate the good things in your life, shift your focus from what you think is missing in your life to the blessings that are right in front of you and share the faithfulness of God with those around you.

THE POWER OF A THANKFUL HEART

by Reinhard Bonnke | Christ For All Nations

In an age of casual entitlement, God still encourages us to move in the opposite spirit — a spirit of thanksgiving. And while the holiday memorializes a historical event, what God desires is a thankful heart. This seven-day study examines the anatomy of an attitude of gratitude.

GRACE & GRATITUDE: LIVE FULLY IN HIS GRACE

by Shanna Noel | DaySpring

God has made many promises to you, and He intends to keep every single one. But in today's world, it's easy to forget God's goodness and grace. This 7-day devotional will help you remember His abundant grace and blessings through devotional content, God’s Word, and a reflective daily prayer.

ALAYO MAGAZINE | 11

THE LITTLE BOOK OF GRATITUDE

by Robert A. Emmons

Gratitude is the simple, scientifically proven way to increase happiness and encourage greater joy, love, peace, and optimism into our lives.

Through easy practices such as keeping a daily gratitude journal, writing letters of thanks, and meditating on the good we have received, we can improve our health and wellbeing, enhance our relationships, encourage healthy sleep, and heighten feelings of connectedness.

CHOOSING GRATITUDE: YOUR JOURNEY TO JOY

by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

Gratitude is a choice. If we fail to choose it, by default we choose ingratitude. And once allowed into the heart, ingratitude does not come by itself, but with other seedy companions that only succeed in stealing joy.

Derived from a popular Revive Our Hearts radio series, the book challenges and equips the reader to live a life of intention, a life based on thankfulness for the freedom Christ has provided and for the blessings of others.

THE GRATITUDE PODCAST

by Georgian Benta

Most of us have to make a conscious effort to be grateful.

Benta's goal with this podcast is to inspire those of us that find it harder to be grateful, to choose to live a life filled with gratefulness or at least to get a boost of this amazing feeling when things don’t seem to go the right way.

ALAYO MAGAZINEÂ | 12

Field Notes on Gratitude

2020 has brought a lot of pain, stress and angst for many people, but there are still reasons to give thanks. See what some of our readers had to share.

ALAYO MAGAZINEÂ | 13

I've remained thankful amidst many uncertainties of 2020.

The most significant of things being: introspection, the power of planning and the consistent love and support of my husband, family and friends.

- Ceceil McConnell-Rhoden Over the last couple of years, I've 2020 has been quite the year, but amidst it all, there is so much to be grateful for. I'm happy I got to witness so many of my friends' beautiful babies celebrate their first year of life on this earth. A wonderful reminer of how there can be beauty and joy even when things seem perpetually dark and sad. I'm also so very thankful that my immediate family and friends are all alive and well.

- Javene Skyers I'm grateful for life and health. I'm thankful for the fact that I still have an income in the midst of the pandemic. I'm thankful for my new business and the escape it provides so I can channel my worry, anxiety and doubts into my craft.

- Tiphany LaBeach

been intentionally #countingmyblessings, using journalling as my way of maintaining an #attitudeofgratitude.

I'll admit I stopped for a while during this 'COVID climate'—and hey, I still slip occasionally—but I always find my way back! Focusing on the good in my life? Being able to spend time with family, less commuting (YES!), friends who check in, daily meals and so much more... That keeps me going while we face this global crisis.

- Jheanell Morgan

Despite the life-changing turmoil which erupted at the first quarter of 2020, I’ve continued to look for the silver lining amid the lingering uncertainty. I mean...who knew a global pandemic would hit not long after we said ‘Happy New Year.’

Nonetheless, I’m most thankful for the ability to still have a source of income, the support from close friends and family, and the situational push to try new things now that quarantine and curfew have become the norm. The latter has been a blessing in disguise, as it’s allowed for the revelation of a new side of me I didn’t even know existed.

- Shanae Bennett

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Often times our own light goes out and needs to be rekindled by the spark from another person. The innocence and naivete topped with the vibrancy and wittiness of a loud-mouthed young child lit a flame in my soul that can never be put out.

That child makes me value the simplicity of life and the power of gratitude. Amidst chaos and confusion and in a world seemingly like a jungle, her laughter resonates with my soul and I have a thousand reasons to be thankful. It has never been a more trying time in life but my little one gives me reasons to smile and sing praises unto the Most High. I have never been more thankful to be alive, to be healthy and strong to share such immeasurable joy with one small person.

- Kimara Caballero

I've come to realise that in life, every emotion or any decision, most times, it boils down to me—it's a choice I make to be happy despite what's thrown at me.

Even in the face of death, I try to generate strength from it. The Bible lets us know that in EVERYTHING we should give thanks.

I'm in the medical field and I've gone into the COVID war. I was among the few chosen to go to Montego Bay when the airports reopened to do testing for imported cases. I'm grateful for such an opportunity. It was favour also, as I got a job placement because of the boldness and courage I showed. What has really kept me going is that mindset. I believe that if everybody understands that life is all about the mind, things can actually get better. Our minds have a lot of power.

Don't give up. Don't get depressed. Use this opportunity to learn new skills, check your inner self. Bring out something you never thought you had within you.

- Dr. Ovie Kupa

Early on in the pandemic I saw this meme that said, "I'm not adding my 2020 birthday to my age because I didn't use it." And I agreed. Mostly because my birthday was in April, when the lockdown had just started, and I was forced to cancel my birthday trip. Even though it was funny and light-hearted, it wasn't exactly positive.

As the pandemic continued, and continued, and continued, I started to think: what if 2020 is an opportunity for us to slow down and focus on the things we take for granted? The things we often overlook on our quest for big plans and big gains? It required a shift in perspective, but I became very intentional about recognizing opportunities for gratitude. I started to see gratitude in everyday things, such as having supportive friends and family, those lazy days when I can sleep in late, recognizing growth and selfdiscovery as I spend more quiet times with myself, and the wonderful, amazing possibilities for the future. If you're not sure where to start, look around you and start with the little things.

- Keresa Arnold

ALAYO MAGAZINEÂ | 15

Take a deep breath.

Hold it for a second or two.

Exhale.

Place your hand on your chest.

Feel the rhythm of your heart beating.

You are alive!

That, my friend, is enough to be thankful for.

But there's more.

Look around.

Take inventory of the blessings that surround you.

You might be surprised at some of the ones you take for granted or overlook.

Look up.

Don't forget to tell the Lord how grateful you are for his abundant grace.

Share the love.

Let someone know you're grateful for their presence in your life.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

PSALM 107:1 (GNT)

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 (NIV)

Thank You - Lt. Stitchie

Thankful - Mary Mary

Thank You Lord for Your Blessings - Bill & Gloria Gaither

Give Thanks - Don Moen

Gratitude - Brandon Lake

Thank You - Steffany Gretzinger and Chandler Moore

Everything - Lauren Daigle

Thank You For The Many Things You've Done - Betty Wright

Grateful - Rita Ora

Thank You - Dido

Thank Your for Being A Friend - Andrew Gold

Mama Prayed - Agent Sasco ft. Glacia Robinson

Thank You Mama - Sizzla

Toast - Koffee

Photo by Jeff Dunham on Unsplash

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash