Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The Art of Gratitude

I was visiting my friend's blog this morning over at Streams of Living Water and I just loved her post. She listed five things that she is grateful for today.

I'm trying to make sure that my daily outlook on life is a positive one and a grateful one. If I keep up with thoughts of thankfulness than there isn't any room for negative thoughts, right? At least that's the theory behind it.

Anyhow, God loves a grateful heart, so here's a list of the five things that I am thankful for TODAY:

1) I'm grateful that today I am sitting in a beach house overlooking the ocean. No distractions, just a refreshing time for me and my God. I've so enjoyed His presence this week! (I'm here with my hubby and the kids are with relatives.)

2) I'm grateful that we can learn so much from God's creation. (See yesterday's post on Turtle Tuesdays.)

3) I'm thankful for my loving husband. He accepts me as I am, flaws and all, and just loves me with a Godlike love. I'm thankful that he always supports me and encourages me.

4) I'm thankful for my relatives who stepped in when I was feeling stressed out and they just dropped everything to join forces to watch the kids and many animals in order for my hubby and I to get away and find inner peace again.

5) I'm thankful for my children who are sacrificing having their mom and dad there for a few days because they love us enough to know we need this time away in order to be better parents.

We're at #5 already! I have so much more to list, I was just getting started. Ok, maybe I'll have to make this a routine post. Thankful Thursdays..... I like the sound of it. Hey Edie, could you make me a button for that?

I hope you all are thankful for the many good things around you today! I love you all, my readers and encourager's. My life is so much more rich and full of grace because of each of you.

Psalm 67:5 Let the peoples give thanks to You, O God; let all the peoples praise You.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness nor shadow of turning.

14 comments:

Christie Todd said...

Thanks for stopping by. This book has really got me thinking and I hoped that it would inspire others also. God's purpose for me is to overcome fear and encourage others to do the same. I hope I was able to do that today.
Christie Todd

JottinMama said...

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment!!

Yes, mam! I am a type B. But I'm praying that the type A girl starts coming out soon! Thanks so much for your advice! It really encouraged me :)

And I love this post. Thankfulness - such an important part of the journey!

Thanks again! Have a lovely day!

Sweet Blessings,
Kate :)

momstheword said...

What a blessing to have that time with your hubby in such a lovely place....an ocean view...awesome! Have a wonderful time!

Kelly said...

I'm thankful for you. :D

Sharon said...

Wow what a wonderful heart you have, and I see That you are so blessed to be a blessing to others!

Hugggs
Sharon

Tea with Tiffany said...

Please do join the group of Thankful Thursday bloggers. I love expressing my gratitude on my blog. It's become a habit in prayer life too.

Sounds like you are in a beautiful place. The ocean speaks to me every time I visit!

Tea with Tiffany said...

PS Appreciate the quote you shared on my blog. Boy if you see that in me, it's so God. Because I am a former fearful person. I only step out in His strength.

Thank you!

Edie said...

I am very thankful for my bloggy friends. You really are a treasure from God.

Mary Moss said...

Thankful Thursdays! I like the sound of that! What a great way to remember how fortunate we are. I'm thankful I read your blog today:-)

I've tried to be very intentional lately to list my blessings as well. It really does shape how we handle everything life sends our way.

Edie said...

Hi Sonya! I have something for you. Please stop by my blog when you get a chance. :D

Carolee said...

Thank you for stopping into my blog. It took awhile but I am beginning to use what I have instead of wishing for what I don't have. Enjoy, enjoy your time away!!!! It is a Thankful Thursday!

momstheword said...

Hi again! I gave you an award on my blog!

Bonita said...

Ditto what Kelly said!

Cheryl Barker said...

A heart of gratitude makes all the difference, doesn't it, Sonya? Glad you're enjoying a break!