Thankful

Thankfulness: is a positive emotion or attitude in acknowledgment 

of a benefit that one has received or will receive.

I have been feeling as if I've not stopped to smell the roses recently. I say that, but in all honesty, I don't think that's 100% accurate. I am learning and growing quite a bit, but I think I've led such a busy life that I've conveniently not stopped to think about the blessings in my life. The Bible says if you want to gain your life, first you must lose it. Our pastor said to the church once, if you are struggling with money, first give some away. In comparing that idea to my life right now...I'm letting what struggles or insecurities I am facing consume my thoughts. So, I've been making efforts to be a blessing to others, not with the intention of gaining blessings in return, but simply to help me recognize the blessings in my life from a greater perspective. Make sense? Well, if not, that's OK. It is helping me. It's amazing what God can do in your heart when you strive to be a selfless servant. I'm not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I can tell that God is starting the process of replacing the pains and hurts in my heart with HUGE amounts of comfort and peace.

I've been reading a book recently. Whew. This book. This book is taking me to a place I never thought I'd go...and I'm certain will continue to walk me down a path I'd never thought I would walk. This book in combination with everything else God is doing is really leaving me yearning for more. I will still admit that I'm scared where He will have me go. I'm working on trusting...

As I am working through this, I was convicted that I was conveniently not taking a moment to appreciate or acknowledge God's blessings. Not making note of these incredible things (in my heart or on paper) concerns me. So it is with that I begin a new blog.

I am notorious for disclaimers. I have just one with this blog:

This is not a blog for boasting. I plan on sharing the blessings of which I'm aware, but the blog itself is for me. The blog is for me to process my thoughts and process and acknowledge the blessings in my life. Thanks in advance for understanding the purpose of this blog.

Thankfulness: is a positive emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive.  Here are a few things of which I am thankful:

1. Humility - I had a bad experience with a blog years ago. Friendships were, maybe not completely lost, but certainly altered because of words chosen in a blog. God has a great way of allowing us to experience the consequences of our choices. Humility has been an ever present lesson in my life.

2. My job - My gosh, there are so many people without jobs, let alone jobs they love. I have been stretched and encouraged to grow so much in the last two months. New opportunities have certainly created a new spark in my life. Additionally, I work with amazing people. These people make me laugh. I am very thankful for this blessing.

3. Challenging people - I feel like my last two weeks of life have been discussion after discussion with people who have challenged me in different ways. Honestly, I'm overwhelmed by the challenges, BUT they are so good for me. I really, really love what truth these people have spoken to me...causing me (in the end hopefully) to be a better person.

A few blessings that don't need discussed:

4. Daffodils that recently bloomed

5. Brad Stevens' example of leadership

6. A husband who excels at cleaning

7. Pictures of a friend's niece's 1st birthday party (Joy on a kid's face is priceless.)

8. Dairy Dream

9. The opportunity to help photograph a wedding (what a fun and inspiring day!)

10. Grace. Period.

"If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to

 be thankful for what he's going to get."

--Frank A. Clark