Tag: religion

Thankful Thursday (episode 8)

Being thankful is difficult sometimes. I missed sharing my gratitude list last week, as I still have been feeling very low. But God has somehow continued to bring to mind things that I can be thankful for.

I may not “feel” grateful, but I am trying to offer praise to God anyhow…and I believe the feeling will come later. So here is my gratitude list from the past two weeks.

  • Roy received good news that his college application fee will be waived and that he has fewer credits to complete than he thought to get his Bachelor’s degree.
  • God providing for all of my needs.
  • I had a nice conversation with a friend who understands what I’m going through.
  • My Hubby did the dishes for me!
  • We played handbells well for Music Appreciation Day at church.
  • Roy and I were able to relax together in the afternoon.
  • The Hubby and I used a gift card to go to Cracker Barrel for dinner! *yum*
  • A good night’s rest.
  • That I have hands to wash dishes with.
  • I got my hair cut and it turned out great. 🙂
  • I accomplished some chores, even though I didn’t feel like it.
  • Roy and I celebrated five years of marriage. ❤
  • We went to a wine tasting and really enjoyed it.
  • We shared a nice time with our families.
  • Safety and fun traveling to Wissahickon Park.
  • My Hubby vacuumed the house for me.
  • The smell of honeysuckle in our backyard.

I hope that everyone is having a good week. And whatever it is you may be going through…know that God’s got you (I tell myself this often). Also, try to find small things to be grateful for (I’m working on this too). ❤

Photo Credit: Crystal Knauss

A Sacrifice of Praise

I’ve been feeling very depressed over the past week or so. I can’t seem to pinpoint exactly what is the cause – I just know that I want to sleep all of the time, that I don’t feel like doing any kind of activities (including writing), and that I’m having a difficult time being grateful.

But does the fact that I’m feeling the way that I do mean that I don’t need to be grateful? I don’t think so.

What I need to do is offer a sacrifice of praise to my Father God (Hebrews 13:15). In this time of difficulty – even more so than when things are going well – it’s important that I focus on the many things that I have to be thankful for. Am I struggling to see the good things? Yes. But I have to believe that God will help me to change my perspective.

What is it that you’re going through that is making it difficult to offer a sacrifice of praise? And will you choose to give praise in the midst of the struggle?

Photo Credit: Ben White

Thankful Thursday (episode 7)

Okay, so you might be thinking, “Today isn’t Thursday!” And I would reply, “You’re right!” 🙂 I forgot to write this post yesterday, so I am a day late. But what really matters is that any (and every) day is a good day to be thankful.

I tried my best this past week to add to my gratitude list using the 5 Minute Journal app, and I did okay! I set reminders for myself using the app so that it would prompt me to record my thoughts. I also made sure the reminders were set for a time I would most likely be free, and this helped. With God’s help, I’m making small steps of progress.

So here is this weeks collection of things that I’m grateful for. Enjoy!

  • A wonderful family that loves me and is always there for me.
  • Supportive friends!
  • A roof to cover our heads from the rain and other weather.
  • That getting my blood work done went well.
  • That we have good health insurance.
  • Having both my Mom and my Grandmom in my life this Mother’s Day.
  • A productive handbell rehearsal.
  • Being able to hold the baby girl of close friends. It felt great! 🙂
  • A glass of cold water when I was thirsty – I often take this for granted!
  • Feeling the cool breeze on my face.
  • A delicious homemade pizza and NCIS with the Hubby.
  • Air conditioning in our home and cars to make the hot weather more manageable.
  • My Hubby’s getting good news regarding finishing his college degree!
  • God’s providing for all of my needs.

That’s all for this week! Thank you for reading. And I’d love to hear what things you are grateful for. Or what tricks you use to keep gratefulness in the forefront of your mind and heart. ❤