On my vacation, I started rereading Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts. It's one of my favorite books and I figured it was a good time of year to read it again. It's all about learning to be grateful, even in hard times. I highly recommend it. I'm considering starting a gratitude journal, like Ann did, writing down three things every day for which I'm thankful. Voskamp noted in her book that in scripture, giving thanks always preceded the miracle. I wonder what miracles could have happened in my life had I been more thankful.

It's the day before Thanksgiving. Why not start giving thanks early and continue it all year long?

Linda

I Am Thankful

In January, my elderly father-in-law had several mini strokes and came to live with us. Though the move went smoothly, the transition has been difficult for my husband, daughter, and me. It's easy to fall into a mindset of complaining, resenting what is different, and wishing for the way things used to be. I still wage war to maintain a positive attitude many days. But today, I choose to be thankful.

I am thankful that I have a home to provide shelter not only for my family, but for others as well.

I am thankful I have good health and strength to assist others in their needs.

I am thankful to have the privilege to care for a faithful saint, no matter how long or short it may be.

I am thankful for opportunities for God to refine me into pure, sparkling gold through this time.

I am thankful for a husband who is attentive and concerned for me and my needs.

I am thankful for friends who have traveled this path already and who offer much needed support and prayers.

I am thankful that my father-in-law is easy to please and appreciates every act of kindness. His sweet spirit instructs me without saying a word.

I am thankful for Arizona sunshine streaming through my windows in these winter months.

I am thankful for grown children who make me laugh and don't judge me when I fail.

I am thankful for the little dog who nestles close and warm against my leg as I sit on the couch.

I am thankful for a car that gets me out of the house for a break or to attend to necessary errands.

I am thankful for a God who never leaves me or forsakes me.

I am thankful.

I am thankful.

I am thankful.

"Eucharisteo [giving thanks] always precedes the miracle." Ann VosKamp, One Thousand Gifts (Zondervan, 2011, p. 35)

Looking for miracles today and anticipating good gifts from the Giver.

Are you walking through a difficult time? What's one thing for which you can be thankful today?

Linda

Bratitude or Gratitude? by Linda McQuinn Carlblom



We're only a week away from Thanksgiving and everyone's talking about being thankful. It's a good practice, but one we sometimes don't let filter down to our kids. Let's face it--kids can be kinda selfish. Without some intentional guidance they can turn into downright brats. I hate that word! I never called my kids brats and never let anyone else say that about them either. How dare they! But truth is, they sometimes were.
And so am I.
And so are you.
So how do we avoid being brats, whatever our age?
Thankfulness. Gratitude. Living with appreciation for the people in our lives. Even the ones who are tough to tolerate. They teach us patience. Even those less fortunate. They teach us compassion. And especially those we love. They teach us joy.

How can we pass this grateful living on to our children? By pointing out blessings.

"Look at that cute old couple holding hands."
"I'm so thankful for this cold ice cream cone on this hot day."
"That sunshine feels glorious."
"Look how beautiful those flowers are."
"Seeing those kids riding their bikes through the puddles makes me feel happy."
"Look how kind that man is to his dog."
"Thank you for taking your plate to the sink."

Statements like these train your child's eye to see the good in the world. It cultivates appreciation. It transforms bratitude to gratitude. And it makes the world a nicer place for us all.

So go ahead. Start looking for blessings and feel your thankfulness overflow.