Monday, May 22, 2017

Thanksgiving as my sacrifice...


Obviously, it's a whole lot easier to praise God and give Him thanks when life is going my way. But, the truth is, while I know, see, and acknowledge that my life is blessed, there are still a lot of areas where I feel stretched thin, a lot of prayers that I've prayed for many years that I've yet to see answers to, a lot of times that I feel overwhelmed with life in our sin-twisted world.  Choosing to offer thanksgiving when I don't feel all the feels is one way I've learned to fight against the encroaching darkness of unbelief, doubt, fear, worry and anxiety.  It's one way that I re-focus my vision and re-set my mind onto God's goodness and faithfulness and steadfastness instead of letting myself drown in discouragement.  Daily taking a few minutes to take note of God's blessings in the midst of my life's messy moments is a respite to my weary soul.

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Since 2009 I've been counting my blessings thanks to the prompting of Ann Voskamp.
 I continue to count my thanks
piling up gratitude day by day
in my journal.
(and capturing some of my blessings via my camera or iPhone)

#9807-#9833

5-15-17-
-a beautiful pheasant strutting around in our backyard
-God's faithful care of us
-peonies full of buds, beautiful irises in full bloom 

5-16-17-
-the way God brings order to a full day
-new sandals for summer!
-dreaming about my trip to Maine with my daughters this summer
-a walk between downpours
-yummy homemade soup
-my hardworking husband

5-17-16-
-the comfort of these words, "Be still and know that I am God" and "God rules over the nations"
-our youngest grandson's delight at seeing his "favorite" cousin
-Papa making a fire in the fire pit and roasting hotdogs with his grandgirlie even though it started to rain

5-18-17-
-hanging out with my oldest granddaughter after school
-praying together with other women
-the daily pregnancy status texts from our youngest daughter who is due any day now

5-19-17-
-our middle daughter's birthday
-the beautiful acapella harmony while singing old hymns
 of our oldest granddaughter's class at grandparent's day at her school
-a fun bbq at our nephew's
-our granddaughters getting to play with their cousins
-getting to see my sister and my new great niece

5-20-17-
-Matthew 11:28
-the way God knits me back together when life's bumps and bruises makes me feel fragmented
-falling asleep early

5-21-17-
-sunny Sunday!
-God's promises to us when we sing over our barrenness (Isaiah 54)
-lunch with our daughter and son-in-law

still following,

8 comments:

  1. My heart continues to open more the more I am intent on giving Him thanks and praise!

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  2. Thanks for the inspiring words.life is full of opposites indeed!

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  3. I love reading your gratitude lists~

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  4. I am thankful for our first grandchild--a little boy, born three weeks ago. Praying for your daughter and new little grandson's safe delivery.

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    Replies
    1. CONGRATULATIONS! Isn't the love for a grandchild so overwhelming and amazing!

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