I sure hope that your May has kicked off to a good start. The heat is settling in quick around our parts. We've kicked off May with watching our softball girls win the District. Next week we start another round of ball. It's so much fun to watch these girls and especially our girl, Mallory. She plays centerfield. We were so proud of both teams that played against each other. They all, hand in hand gathered together as one of our girls prayed for the game and also for one of our young men that was in a horrific car accident and fighting. His name is Kaden if you can think to lift him up to our Lord. I had the opportunity recently to speak to a group of women at a ladies luncheon event at a local church. Oh we had so much fun. I wished I had gotten pictures of the beautiful decorations. We had a TEA PARTY and we each kept the cup that we drank out of it. Isn't she just lovely? Easter has come and gone but we sure have a great time with family. We gather each...
One Thousand Gifts...
I love what Ann Voskamp says in her book. Do we find joy in the midst of our deadlines, debt, drama, and daily duties? What does a life of gratitude look like when your days are gritty, long, and sometimes dark? What is God providing here and now? A statement made in the cover of the book:
As Voskcamp discovered, in giving thanks for the life she already had, she found the life she'd always wanted.
So my journey with this book began a few months ago and I want to share some things today that I am thankful for...............
There are so many things that I am thankful for but I am learning to be ever so mindful of EVERYTHING to be thankful for...especially those things we take for granite.
The Gardenia's on my bush! I have noticed them blooming and this morning I walked outside to pick a few to put in my car. (love the smell) I was reminded to be thankful for SMELL.
My pond! Our pond is the lowest that I have ever seen it due to the lack of rain. Sometimes it's just ugly looking to be honest. But this pond has served my family well. I cannot tell you the fish we have caught out of this pond. Now we enjoy watching the grands fish. I love to use it as a backdrop for pictures. No matter how ugly it may be it always makes a pretty picture.
Monday morning I walked out to go to work and there sat two ducks in the pond...love that pond and thankful for it.
Awe...and then there is the $20 baby swing! This swing has been a lifesaver at times with the grands and a joy for them. We have already used it for 3 our of 4 grands. Yes, I am thankful for this little cheap swing.
It is just a fern. Matter of fact a $7 cheap one at that. But I have 6 of them on my front porch. Every year my husband buys me ferns and then he carefully tends to them so they will be the highlight of our front porch each summer. Amazing at the beauty God has created for us to enjoy.
The Wishing Well! My daddy made this for me years ago. It has been a nice little focal piece by the pond but that is not what I am thankful for. I am thankful that I have something my dad made for me!
Awe and then there is this little boy in this old wore out frame that I am so thankful for. A little boy that grew up to be a man...and my man at that! So thankful that years ago that God chose him just for me!
Cute
little story I must share about this picture. My motherinlove said that
when she had this picture made of him and saw it was to expensive to
buy. She said she had to choose between spending their grocery money or
buying the picture. She said she knew they could eat with her
mother/fatherinlaw till pay day came around again and she purchased the
picture. SO GLAD SHE DID! Now it sits on a wall for me to enjoy!
What are you thankful for my friend? Each day...just find one thing (though you have many) that you are thankful for... Amazing at the even the little things we can be thankful for if we really want to be THANKFUL!
Hugs and blessings, Cindy
What a blessing to read this post this morning! A whole new perspective on "Thankfulness". LOVE this post. Selena Guest
ReplyDeleteSo very often....way too often....I focus on the "bad stuff" and not all my blessings!! Thanks for the reminder, sweet Lady!
ReplyDeleteI have got to get that book. Everyone I talk to says, It's a great book but hard to really get into! Guess I need to break down and buy it! Nita B
ReplyDeleteAnd...I am so thankful for so much.
Gratitude seems to keep everything in it's proper focus. I appreciate your post today.
ReplyDeleteMy grandparents had a gardenia plant just outside their front door. When we came to visit I was greeted not only by my loving grandparents, but also by the sweet smell of gardenias. I think that is why I enjoy the smell so much. It reminds me of those I love.
Just ordered it for my kindle. Now I know why I came here first this morning. I always know I will get heart felt inspiration from you.
ReplyDeleteI already have so much to be thankful for, but often take the little things for granted. Thanks for sharing about this book.
"what if you woke up today with only the things you gave thanks for yesterday?"--
ReplyDeletethat phrase changed the way i view life:)
i will check out that book, cindy:) tfs!
beautiful pond, and wishing well!
You are truly blessed, Cindy. You have so much to be thankful for. What a precious story about the picture...Christine
ReplyDeleteThere is so many wonderful things in life, thanks for the reminder to appreciate them daily.
ReplyDeleteLovely post! When Amber was diagnosed years ago I learned then to be thankful for each day I had with her on this earth. I have always tried to not take anything for granted. You have much to be thankful for!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Donna
I have to read this book just bits at a time. So much to think on. We have do much to be grateful for!
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~
Hi Cindy!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a book I should read. Full of things to get you thinking about what is important in out everyday life.
My Gardenias just through with their first big bloom of the season. They form a foundation hedge under our windows on the backside of the house.
Have a fun and SAFE Memorial Day Weekend!
xoxo Bunny Jean
Wednesdays Bunny Hop Party!