When my book, Pawz and Pray was first released in 2020, I found myself battling a relentless cold. As the days dragged on and my symptoms persisted, I couldn’t shake off the discouragement weighing me down.
Sitting on the sofa, surrounded by tissues and plagued by congestion, coughs, and a pounding sinus headache, I felt miserable. My dogs were snuggled close, offering what help they could. Their presence is always a welcome comfort! Their healing paws offered me hope amid the pain.
As I glanced at the coffee table, my eyes landed on my own book, Pawz and Pray. With a heavy sigh, I reached for it, flipping through its pages until I found the story titled, “Thank You, Lord.” Reading those words, I was reminded that gratitude is often one of the most powerful antidotes to sadness and discouragement.
Allow me to share an excerpt:
“There’s so much to be grateful for! But sometimes, our mind is on other things, like our pain. When life is tough, I don’t always “feel” grateful (at first). Tears have a funny way of clouding my ability to see a God’s blessings. But if I persist in giving thanks despite my circumstances, the feelings typically follow. Sometimes, when I find myself drenched in tears, I begin thanking God for whatever is closest to me, like the box of tissues or my cup of tea. I might give thanks for the honey in the tea, and then the bees that worked so hard to produce the honey, and one grateful thought leads to another paving the way to a deep sense of joy and gratitude for all God’s wondrous blessings.”
(Excerpt from Pawz & Pray, page 54)
It took over a month to start feeling better. It sure wasn’t easy. I was tested to the core, physically and spiritually. Thankfully, a heart of gratitude helped me to overcome discouragement and I’m here to pass on the blessing!
If you’re battling illness or facing any kind of emotional or physical pain right now, I want to encourage you: try giving thanks.
Even in the midst of life’s toughest moments, God’s blessings are still there, waiting to be recognized. Start with one thing you’re grateful for, and then another, and another… You’ll be surprised how counting your blessings lifts your spirits. And when your spirit is uplifted, it often has a positive effect on your body too. Hang in there, dear friends.
No matter what happens, always be thankful.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
#PawzandPrayBook
For information on Pawz & Pray or to order click here.
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
—Numbers 6:24-26
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”
About Pawz and Pray Devotional for Dog Lovers
Are you tired of running? Is your heart heavy with care? This revised edition of Pawz & Pray will inspire comfort and calm, and joyful living with sweet stories of hope, inspiring reflections, scriptures, prayers, and quotes. If you’d like to draw closer to God, and happen to have a sweet spot for dogs, this book is for you! It also makes a great gift for your dog lover friends.
“Leila’s book has been a true inspiration to me. It makes you focus on what’s really important in life!”— Holly Cornwell, Editor 2007 – 2014, The Royal Spaniels [Read more reviews]
Watch our latest Pawz & Pray book trailer!
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