Gratitude Journal

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9)

I have found it very helpful to keep an ongoing gratitude journal. I chose 3 to 5 things each day to list that I'm grateful for. It has helped to change my focus of the day for the better. I've challenged many others to to the same as I enjoy reading about the good in life soooo much. If you've decided to take me up on that challenge and make it public, please contact me so I can subscribe to your blog.

November 8, 2007
1. I had a wonderful day of rest yesterday. I only got out of bed to pick the kids up from school, and I wore my pajamas...lol. I was anticipating Lynette's comment, but she never even looked at me. I was glad to be invisible.

2. I found a way to organize my 'to do' list, Bible readings, gratitude journals, and book notes.

3. I made an appointment with a Christian mental health counselor. I'm grateful she could get me in so soon and I'm looking forward to more growth.

November 6, 2007
1. On the way home from picking the kids up from school, we saw a gorgeous deer.

2. I blessed our van with an oil change and vacuuming today. I'm glad it's done and I can quit feeling guilty about neglecting it. :-)

3. Olivia and I had a nice visit at the park today. There was a very strange man there that was crying...wailing actually. His facial features indicated that he is mentally retarded. I looked around to see if he was with a group. Another gentleman approached, told him to quit crying like a baby and led him away. Olivia started to follow. I asked her where she was going, and she said, "I help him". It blessed me to see her heart so tender already to the needs of others. God has blessed me with tender-hearted children. I'm very grateful.

November 3, 2007 - Saturday
1. What a fantastic day! I had lunch with my dad today, and he talked about catching frogs as a kid. I treasure the stories he shares. I had dinner with two of the moms from my moms group at church. I enjoy getting to know them as well.

2. I'm able to check off a few items on my Christmas shopping list thanks to a few really great yardsales. A lady with an ebay business took another job and sold all her merchandise at "get rid of" prices. I found a gorgeous antique glass serving tray at an estate sale for my mother-in-law.

3. I found some interesting books for myself as well. At the estate sale, I bought several of Beth Moore's Bible Studies. I wondered if the owner ever intended for her responses to be read by others. I also found a book about humor being a part of Jesus' character. I'm curious about what this author has to say.

4. The kids bought a game of Monopoly Jr. and we have had a fantastic time playing together. Putting two of the kids in school has been good for us because now I'm ok with having fun with no educational purpose. We just had fun.

5. I had two pretty big chemical exposures today. I'm grateful that what used to put me in bed for days and weeks merely had me staggering around like I was drunk for just a few minutes until I could get into cleaner air.

November 1, 2007- Thursday
1. I'm grateful today that God is working in my life and that I'm not on my own. He gives me purpose and hope.

2. I'm feeling an inner strength that has not been around for quite a while. It's time to tackle some storage areas...to sort, discard, and organize what is left.

3. The mud has dried up at our worksite, making things a lot easier...and cleaner.

4. Our family dentist appointment has encouraged us all to do a better job of brushing and flossing. Heather won the $5 prize of having the cleanest teeth. Mom came in last place!!! I'm determined to not let that happen twice...lol.

October 31, 2007- Wednesday
1. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the little toddlers dressed up in costumes at the library today. I'm wishing we could do it more often than once a year. I also appreciate the mom that brought the baked pumpkin seeds...one of my favorites.

2. Heather brought home a loaf of fresh-from-the-oven bread from her tour of the bakery with her girl scout troop. Soooo yummy! 3. My first attempt ever at making sauerkraut was a success. Mike says it's "the bomb".