title: Spirituality of Gratitude: The Unexpected Blessings of Thankfulness
author:  Joshua Choonmin Kang 
description: "While many books reveal how gratitude benefits our livesgrateful people have better health and relationships, for exampleKang's approach is quite different. Far from a self-help treatise, this devotional collection of 52 short chapters explores gratitude as a means of understanding God's grace." (Publishers Weekly, May 11, 2015)<br /><br />"While this is a book about cultivating an 'attitude of gratitude,' this isn't a hallmark-y, sentimental book. I appreciated the theological thoughtfulness behind each of these meditations. Kang has a gift for exploring the various circumstances of life and showcasing Gods grace there. We have a lot to be thankful for, whatever our circumstances if only we had eyes to see. Kang has eyes that see the gifts of God for us, and he helps us all to see and understand all that God has for us." (James Matichuk, Thoughts, Prayers & Songs, July 21, 2015)<br /><br />"Kang is a writer of controlled and balanced eloquence, and his heartfelt and intelligent prose here delineates the notion of the acceptance of God's grace with gratitude as an opportunity for understanding of the world and for a richer experience of God's glory. Kang's elegance is something all preachers should study and emulate. A smart, subtle essay in Christian spirituality from a pastor who deserves (and may find) wider renown as a spiritual writer." (Library Journal, July 2015)<br /><br />"Pastor Joshua Choonmin Kang has done it again. If your spirit soared while reading <em>Deep-Rooted in Christ</em>, it will take flight again as you experience <em>Spirituality of Gratitude</em>. . . . This is a book deeply rooted in the personal experience of the author. It should be read and experienced more than once." (Gary W. Moon, executive director, Martin Institute and Dallas Willard Center, Westmont College, author, Apprenticeship with Jesus)<br /><br />"Pastor Joshua Choonmin Kang's slender book is a powerful invitation to wonder, beauty and the mysterious grace of God. Through brokenness we know gratitude. Through our wounds we experience Christ's love and healing power. How do we practice such gratitude? What pries away our armor of self-seeking and lets us be clothed in the Lord's beauty and power? Pastor Kang's lovely wisdom opens us to God's full weight and glory. He invites us to be thankful for a deeply transforming love." (Emilie Griffin, award-winning author, Souls in Full Sail and Green Leaves for Later Years)<br /><br />"Instead of the normative 'stop and smell the roses' approach to gratitude, Pastor Kang shows how brave attitudesaccepting unpleasant circumstances, even embracing isolation and enduring sufferingflow from a life of gratitude and so open the door to blessing." (Jan Johnson, author of Abundant Simplicity and Spiritual Disciplines Companion)<br /><br />"In <em>Spirituality of Gratitude</em>, Pastor Joshua Choonmin Kang explains why dark seasons are necessary for our spiritual formation, then demonstrates the power of gratitude to help us discern and respond to the hidden presence of God. I am grateful for this book. It is a must read for every person committed to a deeper life with God." (Miriam Dixon, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Golden, CO, board member of Renovar)<br /><br />"This book may well become a classic. The 52 brief readings provide devotional thoughts. I savored it slowly, one chapter daily, taking time to reflect; I plan to return to it regularly. I want to grow in gratefulness. 'Gratitude affords the opportunity for problems to become treasures' (p. 30)." (Cathy Walker, Journal of Christian Nursing, December 2015)<br /><br />"Kang, author of 30 books, has a talent for packaging deep insights and quotes into brief essays that, in cultural parlance, 'pack a punch.' The two to three page essays can be read quickly but deserve time for careful thought. The book could be read over a year with one essay per week, read through in its entirety or used as a topical reference to address needs. Recommended for church libraries." (Carolyn Egolf, Congregational Libraries Today, March 2016)
zlib_text: A Rose is a Rose is a Rose
  Talks given from 28/6/76 to 27/7/76
  Darshan Diary
  CHAPTER 1
  28 June 1976 pm in Chuang Tzu Auditorium
  [A sannyasin leaving for the West says: I feel deep gratitude for all that has
  happened to me since I’ve been here.]
  I know.... Much will be happening, much more, and gratitude prepares the
  way. Feel as grateful to existence as possible – for small things, not only for
  great things... just for sheer breathing. We don’t have any claim on
  existence, so whatsoever is given is a gift. If it is not given we don’t have
  any court for appeal.
  So grow more and more in gratitude and thankfulness – not only towards
  me; let it become your very style. Be grateful to everybody.
  If one understands gratitude then one is grateful for things that have been
  done positively. And one even feels grateful for things which could have
  been done negatively. You feel grateful that somebody helped you; this is
  just the beginning. Then you start feeling grateful that somebody has not
  harm