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Learning to be grateful doesn\u2019t just change how you think<\/strong>; it changes who you are<\/strong>. Your attitude improves<\/strong>, your mood lifts, and you begin to treat others with patience and kindness<\/strong>. When gratitude becomes a part of your daily life, everything starts to shift for the better<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Take a moment to ask yourself: What are you grateful for?<\/strong> We can begin by acknowledging the blessings we often take for granted<\/strong>. Waking up each morning, having food and clean water<\/strong>, or the ability to carry out simple daily tasks<\/strong> are things many of us rarely pause to consider. Yet millions around the world are not so fortunate. Gratitude opens our eyes to see how blessed we truly are<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In Luke 22<\/strong>, we read about the night Jesus sat at the table with His disciples. Knowing He would be crucified the very next day<\/strong>, He still lifted the bread and the wine and gave thanks to God<\/strong>. He was grateful not only for the provisions but also for those final moments shared with His disciples<\/strong>. Even in the face of suffering, gratitude<\/strong> was present.<\/p>\n Did you know that we can even be grateful for our problems? It may sound strange, but think about it: have you ever looked back on a difficult situation<\/strong> and discovered a hidden blessing<\/strong>? Often, it\u2019s only after a problem has passed that we can see how it shaped us, strengthened us, led us<\/strong> somewhere better, or helped us grow in faith.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Throughout the year, many requests were brought to the Altar. Every experience of 2025, whether joyful or challenging, has shaped our spiritual and personal growth<\/strong>. As Romans 8:28<\/strong> reminds us: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God\u2026<\/strong> (Romans 8:28)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n Join us on December 28<\/strong> for the Sunday of Gratitude<\/strong> at The Universal Church<\/strong>. Together, we will give thanks to God for everything<\/strong>. This will be a moment devoted entirely to gratitude, without petitions<\/strong>, preparing us spiritually for the year ahead.<\/p>\n Anyone who wishes to do so can bring a written letter of gratitude to God<\/strong> to place on the Altar. Additionally, everyone is encouraged to express their gratitude in simple ways<\/strong>, whether through words, gestures<\/strong>, or even by sharing a gratitude video on their social media networks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The specific method is not important; what truly matters is the sincere gratitude toward God<\/strong> in taking these steps. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,\u00a0And\u00a0into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him,\u00a0and\u00a0bless His name.<\/strong> (Psalm 100:4)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Join us this Sunday<\/a><\/span> at 10 AM<\/strong> at The Universal Church<\/strong>. Everyone is welcome<\/strong>, regardless of religious beliefs or background. <\/span>Come as you are. <\/span><\/strong>For more information, please call\u00a01-888-332-4141<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>or text\u00a01-888-312-4141<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Recognizing Everyday Blessings<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Gratitude Even in Difficult Moments<\/strong><\/h4>\n
All Things Working Together<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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\nThis year may not have turned out the way you hoped, but there is always something to be grateful for.<\/p>\nAn Invitation: Sunday of Gratitude<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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\n <\/p>\nThe Sunday of Gratitude<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nIf you live in a city without one of our locations<\/strong> or cannot commute due to health reasons<\/strong>, we invite you to join our\u00a0<\/span>Virtual Church<\/strong><\/a><\/span> via Zoom and phone conference<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n