We must admit that God owes us nothing. Before we charge God with not caring, we must thank Him for those times when His care is very evident. We are ever surrounded by undeserved blessings. Even in His silence, He blesses us.

Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.

The more you are grateful for what you have the more you will have to be grateful for.

To affirm that God is God is to want to live in a particular way.

Give thanks in all circumstances,'" she quoted. "It doesn't say, 'in pleasant circumstances.' Fleas are part of this place where God has put us." And so we stood between piers of bunks and gave thanks for fleas. But this time I was sure Betsie was wrong.

When we determine in our hearts to be thankful—in all circumstances—we open the door to God's unexpected blessing and provision.

If you don't know the purpose of something, all you can do is misuse it.

We must discern what God calls us to accomplish rather than mindlessly adding on everything presented to us.

I am surprised by how not-adopted the video reply has been. What keeps other people from doing it, I think, is that they think a video comes across as 'I'm cool, look at how many e-mails I get.' That perception doesn't scare me, because I know who I am.

The parable challenges us to clarify and claim our purpose and live it with absolute earnestness. Our ultimate purpose is Jesus Christ: to know Him, allow Him to love us, love Him in response, and love others as He has loved us. Each of us is called to live out that purpose in the unique circumstances and opportunities of our individual lives. That will mean several crucial things:

Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart.

Be grateful for what you have and stop complaining - it bores everybody else, does you no good, and doesn't solve any problems.