I have to be honest, coming up with a topic for this post was a challenge. As I considered a list of topics to write about I couldn’t get past the “thankfulness” theme. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I’m just sooooooooooo excited to enter a season of gratefulness – that I can’t get past this theme.
I’ll share a secret with you: There is great power in an attitude of thankfulness. Life is tough; and through the years, my friends and I have discovered a magic potion.
Who doesn’t love a magic potion?!
In the midst of difficult times, when the light at the end of the tunnel is barely visible (and merely a matter of trust) – thankfulness is a powerful companion. You know those times when friends have no words, when life seems overwhelming and when God is silent?… Counting your blessings confronts the enemy of discouragement and discontentment. It breaks the heaviness of trials, it encourages, and it offers hope in the darkest of times.
Throughout the month of November, I will be posting quotes and excerpts about thankfulness, gratitude and generosity. I encourage you to join me in seeking, discovering and heralding all that we have to be thankful for. You know me, I’ll keep it simple.
This past week I read about gratefulness journalling here at CrystalTwaddle.com. Between you and me, I don’t know why I’ve never started a gratefulness journal before, since I LOVE journalling. As soon as I finished reading Crystal’s post, I was so excited about the idea that I scoured through my bookshelves and found a barely used journal, ripped out the 6 used pages, and dedicated it for my new “Gratefulness Journal.” My enthusiasm leaked onto my husband who joined me in this venture! Imagine what it will be like at the end of the month (or a year) – to look back and read the gazillion things we’ve seen to be grateful for!!
Please join me in starting a gratefulness journal! You can keep it simple and hang a sheet of paper on your fridge for the month of November and write a list over the month – and read it as you celebrate Thanksgiving. How uplifting will it be to see all you have to be thankful for as you gather to celebrate a day set aside to give thanks?!
As we enter in this season of Thankfulness, I am reminded of a verse that “rights my compass.”
If you’re struggling with finding things to be thankful for, let me encourage you to be still. Just sit. And place an empty chair beside you for the Lord. He is personal and intimate, caring and concerned. Seek Him and He WILL be found. If you aren’t sure of who God is and His love for you start with this list that my friend Crystal so beautifully designed – 30 Reasons to Be Thankful. It’s a wonderful reminder of all God is and does for us – daily. Here’s a peek:
In closing – I realize that holidays are difficult for many people. Please reach out. I write because I love to encourage others. I would love to connect with you and it would break my heart to know you are hurting and I missed the opportunity to pray for you and encourage you. You can leave a comment, email me, connect with me on Facebook or join our Open Window Facebook group.
Join me as we turn our hearts towards all that is good and give thanks for more than we can imagine! Start those lists today!!
I’m so grateful for every single one of you!!!!!!
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If you’re a blogger and you’d like to linkup your articles this week please click on the blue button below. Be sure to visit at least two other bloggers and say hello! Let’s use this party to build friendships and encourage one another! Have an amazing week friends!
Michele Morin says
YES! I have Crystal’s image tucked right into my journal, and by Thanksgiving day, I expect to have recorded my 6,000th gift from God. Every year I wonder, “Do I need to keep doing this?”
And so far, the answer has been a great big YES! My heart needs the daily reminder to give thanks.
Char says
6,000! I’m so excited and inspired. I’m sure you love reading your entries from years ago!! I can’t wait for that. Shame on me for not doing this before…
Crystal says
What a sweet surprise to have you share Char! I love the fact that your husband is entering into this season of gratitude with you; an offering God will surely use. My closet once held too many barely used journals, but now it’s exciting to fill one up and know I’ll have another ready and waiting:) Hugs to you friend!
Char says
Thanks for popping in Crystal!! I’m thankful for you my friend!!
Alice Mills says
I like to say that praise and thanksgiving are weapons of mass instruction!
Char says
Love that Alice!!
Debbie Putman says
Love, love, love my Joy Journal, as I call it. Since 2011, I’ve recorded over 21,000 gifts I’m grateful for and filled several journals. Now I record my gifts digitally. Because I can’t always put the beauty and variety of the gift into words, I use a combination of words and pictures. I guarantee you’ll be blessed as you take on this practice.
Char says
Oh! Awesome idea Debbie!! I’m excited to see it grow!! Thanks!
Lisa notes says
We can never be too thankful! Thanks for encouraging us to stay in that mindset, Char.
Kathryn Griffin says
Thank you for hosting! Have a lovely week! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Patrick Weseman says
People say I am weird because I think Thanksgiving is everyday and that is because I am thankful that my friends have invested a little bit of their time in their lives in me. Just the way i think.
Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful week.
Char says
I think every day is a blessing and friends add to that! It’s nice you appreciate your friends Patrick!
Marilyn Lesniak says
Thank you for hosting. I get so much inspiration from your readers. Have a wonderful week!
Lureta says
We are encouraged to give THANKS in all things for this is the will of God. I think a heart of gratitude helps keep us centered on Christ and wards off discontentment.
Char says
i agree Lureta!
sue says
i always say that expressing gratitude empowers us – and women are always talking about being empowered – everyone can do it – you don’t have to be particularly smart, cute, talented or wealthy to give thanks – yet when we do, we dispel our own gloom, give God glory and sets our minds on things above – lots and lots of power. (: great post.
Char says
You’re so right Sue – gratefulness does empower us & gives God glory!
bluecottonmemory says
It is life changing – when we start to notice the blessings he gives us in the daily – the big and little ones!!!!
Cheryl says
A few years, my family started a gratitude jar. The first year, everyone in my family was enthusiastic to fill out slips of paper reflecting their gratitude for each day. The following year, the jar sat in the dining room, accumulating dust, so to speak. One day, as I was cleaning, I decided to read the slips of paper as my family gathered around. I read the notes of gratitude out loud; gratitude came in the small things, “a car that starts each day”; “the opportunity to go to school”; “my friends”; etc. After shedding a few tears, I was reminded how blessed I am.
Char says
That’s precious! What a beautiful reminder! I was thinking we could even have family/guests add to our gratitude journal when they visit on Thanksgiving.