Thursday, October 23, 2008

Thankful Thursday

Thursday's will now be dedicated to being thankful -
Thankful Thursday's. - PSALM 107:1 "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."

When I was in AZ my Aunt Melanie gave me a booklet from her church which is a helpful guide for recognizing and claiming our daily blessings. In response I am choosing to concentrate on thankful living.

I want to focus on the blessings in my life not because Thanksgiving is only 36 days away but because I am called to give thanks in everything. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you"

I admit I have failed to live in a thankful mindset the past 5 weeks since the news of my mom's illness. I understand that focusing on the positive rather than painful details is choice that only I can make. And that no matter what happens today, even if I feel uplifted or unraveled, my choice to live thankfully is powerful - it opens up a space to see God in every detail of my life.

So today, I am THANKFUL for:
  • My mom's life.
  • My wonderful husband. For his support, listening ear, shoulder to cry on - and for being an amazing dad to take care of the kiddos during my trips to AZ.
  • For family and friends who have come alongside me. You have been like 'Christ with skin on' to me.
  • A woman from church who asked if she could spend time with my kids this morning and let me do an errand. I went to the salon and got my haircut!
  • M.G. and family who care for our children when I teach voice lessons. The kids love going to their home!
  • For Fall. The colors, the crisp air, the smell of baked apples.

In this season I encourage you to also concentrate on thankful living. And, if you are so led, I'd enjoy hearing why you are thankful.

5 comments:

  1. I am thankful that God has protected us and kept us safe during the last 4 months. This is not the safest place to live, but we have not had any "incidents". I am thankful we can go to Dubai for a few days and get away. I am thankful we can come home at Christmas and be with our families.

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  2. Beautiful reflection my dear niece...in my own life's journey I have found that if we approach each new day as a gift, we naturally recognize the many blessings that are all around us -even when faced with life changing circumstances. Today I'm thankful for our family and the special relationship that I have with you.
    When you think of the word "Choice"
    notice that within that word are the letters...o i c. Translated-Oh I see.
    All my love,
    Aunt Melanie

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  3. I'm thankful for you, dear cousin!!!! I love you!!!!

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  4. I can't wait to see the new haircut! What a treat! LOVE YOU!!

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  5. One of my favorite sayings is "I'm too blessed to be stressed!" I often repeat that to myself throughout the day. I also go on "gratitude walks"! Usually just down the hall at work, but long enough to focus my energy on the wonderful blessings in my life. I am thankful for good friends...who although may be out of our immediate vicinity, are never far from our hearts. You and your family are in my thoughts Ang!

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