1) Rain Today, although the sun is shining I am reflecting on all the reasons that I am grateful for the rain. Some of my reasons are purely selfish... I love the smell outdoors after a good rain. I love the sound of rain! I find it relaxing and soothing. One day I'd love to own a house with a metal roof - even if it is only a metal porch roof. There is a country song about rain. It is somewhat silly, with lyrics about rain making corn, corn making whisky and whisky makes his baby feel a little frisky. Kinda 'corny' (no pun intended) but it does get one thinking about all the things rain does for us. Not only are plants given a drink, but also animals, like the bluebirds I spoke of yesterday.
2) Technology Specifically at this moment I am expressing my gratitude for the internet. The internet has provided me a way to look at things differently and research ways that I can be more "green", eco-savy, however you wish to term it. For instance, not only can I research greener ways to clean my house but also ways that I can be a better steward of what has been provided for me. Freecycle gives me a way to share things I no longer have a need for to others rather than sending to the landfill. The process of expressing my gratitude seems also to be challenging me to be a better steward of not only monetary resourses, but also my time and natural resources.
3) Health of my family.
4) My pets Zena has been part of our family for 8 years. She was a pound puppy that we welcomed to our home. Strangely enough in her own canine way she teaches me to be patient, merciful and forgiving. Merciful because no matter how hard my children tug on her ears or tail she takes it with never a growl only occasionally yelping, Forgiving because when they call her, she will always go back to the children. Lucky was rescued by Dear Hubby from the lattice under our front porch. It seems she was deposited on the side of the road and managed to get herself stuck under our porch. She has taught us unconditional love. DH is her hero!
5)Summer vacation a time to regroup, relax, and spend time with the family. Also a great time to spend with a good book from the library and experience the great outdoors.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
DAY 1 - Bluebird observation
There is a family of bluebirds that nest in a birdhouse that my children made, painted which now resides in our front yard. These bluebirds are working on their second set of hatchlings this summer. I cannot express to you how much joy my daughter (6) and I have experienced watching these birds.
Yesterday I would have told you that I am grateful for the entertainment and the opportunity to show my daughter nature in action. Today however, those bluebirds took on an entirely different meaning for me and I have experienced an higher level of gratitude.
Today while I was watching the birds leave the nest and return with food for the hatchling I was reminded that God is providing for those hatchlings. Not only has He provided them with shelter, but also food. If He provides for them, surely He will and does provide for me! Talk about gratitude!
1) Gratitude for bluebirds - who provided me not only with entertainment, but also a renewed realization that God not only can, but WILL provide ALL my needs.
2) Gratitude for sugar water - this is in keeping with the bluebirds, but I do so adore the hummingbirds who come to feed from my window-mounted feeder. Without the sugar water I would not be able to view these magnificent creatures.
3) Gratitude for a job I love- These days it is not often someone says they love their job, but I can honestly say I ldo love my job. This year will be my second year teaching reading to students who struggle with reading. I am excited to get back to school and have begun counting down the days. (Not the case for my children who are dreading the return to school.)
4) Gratitude for my dear friend who encouraged me to begin this journey. I don't know where it will take me, but I have a feeling it will be an adventure!
5) Gratitude for Dear Hubby - my very best friend who I am still crazy about!! He has supported me through my return to school and on every endeavor that I have ever embarked on. He makes me laugh and will not allow me to take myself too seriously.
So those are my 5 for the day. Look for more tomorrow.
Yesterday I would have told you that I am grateful for the entertainment and the opportunity to show my daughter nature in action. Today however, those bluebirds took on an entirely different meaning for me and I have experienced an higher level of gratitude.
Today while I was watching the birds leave the nest and return with food for the hatchling I was reminded that God is providing for those hatchlings. Not only has He provided them with shelter, but also food. If He provides for them, surely He will and does provide for me! Talk about gratitude!
1) Gratitude for bluebirds - who provided me not only with entertainment, but also a renewed realization that God not only can, but WILL provide ALL my needs.
2) Gratitude for sugar water - this is in keeping with the bluebirds, but I do so adore the hummingbirds who come to feed from my window-mounted feeder. Without the sugar water I would not be able to view these magnificent creatures.
3) Gratitude for a job I love- These days it is not often someone says they love their job, but I can honestly say I ldo love my job. This year will be my second year teaching reading to students who struggle with reading. I am excited to get back to school and have begun counting down the days. (Not the case for my children who are dreading the return to school.)
4) Gratitude for my dear friend who encouraged me to begin this journey. I don't know where it will take me, but I have a feeling it will be an adventure!
5) Gratitude for Dear Hubby - my very best friend who I am still crazy about!! He has supported me through my return to school and on every endeavor that I have ever embarked on. He makes me laugh and will not allow me to take myself too seriously.
So those are my 5 for the day. Look for more tomorrow.
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog! This is a new adventure for me in more than one way. Not only is this my first attempt at a gratitude journal, but it is also my first attempt at any form of blogging. I routinely call myself technologically illiterate, but perhaps I underestimate myself. It may be a bumpy ride, but I am certain it will be an adventure!
I am embarking on this gratitude journey in response to the challenge of a dear friend. My dear friend encouraged me to read a chapter from a devotional text that she was reading. ( I have only a copy of the first chapter, but will gladly reference it in a more formal manner soon.) In the text, the author challenges us to keep a Gratitude journal where 5 things are listed on a daily basis for which we can show gratitude. And so begins my journey...
Please feel free to share your comments and your entries of gratitude.
I am embarking on this gratitude journey in response to the challenge of a dear friend. My dear friend encouraged me to read a chapter from a devotional text that she was reading. ( I have only a copy of the first chapter, but will gladly reference it in a more formal manner soon.) In the text, the author challenges us to keep a Gratitude journal where 5 things are listed on a daily basis for which we can show gratitude. And so begins my journey...
Please feel free to share your comments and your entries of gratitude.
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