Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

A popular Christmas song is, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." The song appreciates the blessings of children, friends and provisions. If we take the time to appreciate, every day can be a wonderful day. God has made this world truly beautiful, full of so many wonderful things. God has given us health, family, children, provisions and more (Quran 16:78, 18:46, 3:14, etc.). With blessings comes the responsibility or test to be appreciative and to not turn what we have into idols or distractions that take us away from God. We want to enjoy our money and the things it can buy, our children and the joy they bring, our house and its protection from the elements, and the food that's available for us. And we want to always remember to thank God, as the One who provides all those things that we can delight in. Our remembrance and appreciation of God is most important, and the best "gift" we can give our souls. God tells us that the more we thank Him, the more He gives us. Thank You God!

[Quran 14:7] Your Lord has decreed: "The more you thank Me, the more I give you." But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe.

[Quran 18:46] Money and children are the joys of this life, but the righteous works provide an eternal recompense from your Lord, and a far better hope.

[Quran 64:15] Your money and children are a test, and GOD possesses a great recompense.


References
Christmas morning, https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2010/dec/page1.html
CAPA: Cultivating a Practice of Appreciation, https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2015/jan/page3.html#capa

Peace.