Day 18

I am grateful for...


Cell phones.  How did I ever get anywhere before I had my map app?  And I don't think breakfast food ever looked fabulous before Instagram's filters.  I love that thing. #awesome

Forgiveness

It's a tough topic.  We've all got that hurt that no one seems to understand, created by someone that doesn't care.  Family members, co-workers, boyfriends, girlfriends... Why is forgiving so hard?  About six years ago I started listening to a preacher named Joseph Prince.  His teaching on the grace of God made me realize that there's certain things we cannot do in our own strength.  I believe forgiveness, often times, is one of those things. 

I want to encourage you to ask God for His help, His grace today to forgive those who have done you wrong.  Holding onto bitterness will keep you from moving forward in life.  Jesus, who paid the price for all to be forgiven, can help you walk in forgiveness as well. 

<3

Day 17

Today I'm thankful for..

Second chances.  Psalm 23 talks about forever being followed by God's mercy, and boy do I need it.  There's no better feeling than knowing you've done something really stupid, messed up big time, only to find out you've been forgiven. 

Day 16

Today I'm grateful for..


This may sound like a strange thing to appreciate, but I love opening my kitchen cabinet and reaching for one of my favorite mugs.  Tea, coffee, hot chocolate.. whatever I choose, it's nice drinking it out of something I've obtained from a vacation or a Christmas gift, or wherever.  I'm currently working on a collection of Starbucks mugs, their "You Are Here" series.  California's is next on my list!

Day 15

Today I am thankful for...


God's promises.  The devil will always try to convince us that the Bible is a lie, but that is not the case.   I am uncertain about a lot of things in this world, but I am certain that God is faithful to fulfill whatever He has promised.  The very foundation of my hope and peace is in the many things He has written to me.  I am especially thankful for the one I read today, Isaiah 41:10 - God promises to be my help and my strength.  <3

Day 14

Today I'm thankful for...

A reliable car.  I did a lot of driving for work today, and I was grateful to be navigating through traffic in an air conditioned, safe, fairly new vehicle.  Praise God!

Day 13

I am grateful for that awesome feeling you get when it's payyy dayyy... being stuck in traffic and sleep-deprived does not make for a good mood, but the minute my paycheck was in my hands this afternoon, the sun shined a little brighter.  Thank God today for your jobs, whether it's your dream job or not.  Having any job, period, is a blessing.

Day 12

Today I'm grateful I'm a Texan.  "Y'all" will never be removed from my vocabulary, and I will always prefer my Mexican food to that of any other state.  I could elaborate on this further, but I'm super tired.  Sweet dreams, y'all.

Day 11

I am thankful for SHOES today (especially cute ones on sale at the mall).  Yes, I am a woman with a sick shoe addiction, but I was thinking about how often I take having shoes for granted.  I'm thankful I live in a country where I have access to new shoes when I need them.  I'm thankful my feet aren't torn up from having to walk barefoot everywhere.  Shoes are a blessing!

Day 10

Today I am thankful for my neighborhood.  Sounds like a funny thing to appreciate, but it's true.  I managed to catch a nap this afternoon, and the only sounds outside my window were the wind blowing through the trees and the distant, muffled conversations of my neighbors.  I didn't hear the roar of construction equipment or honking horns from rush-hour traffic.  Living in a quiet, peaceful subdivision is a blessing.

Day 9

Coffee is always a good idea.  Well, not really... but I'd like to think so.  Today I was thankful for rest and refreshment in the shelter of a local Starbucks.  My grande cup of delicious was the energy boost I loved/needed to get me through the rest of my busy afternoon.

Day 8

I feel terrible for skipping days!  I'm going to call this Day 8, and let's see if I can't be more consistent this time.

Today I am thankful for my health.  It's been months since the last time I got sick, and that's worth thanking God for.  No virus, no coughing, no weakness.  Praise God!  Have you thanked God for anything yet today?  Being thankful is a habit that must be developed and is sometimes difficult to continue.  Give it another try.  It's always a good idea.

<3

Days 6&7

Yesterday I was thankful for (although I forgot to post it) pets!  I have a betta fish and a pomeranian, both hilarious and entertaining.  I played hide and seek with my pom last night, and she gently bites my fingers when she finds me as if to say, "You've been caught!" 


Today I am thankful I live in America.  I could elaborate on this enough to fill pages, but I'll keep it simple this morning.  I am thankful that I read my Bible without fear of being caught and punished for reading it. I am thankful that the only noise outside my window was birds singing and not explosions or gunfire.  I am thankful for freedom.   God bless America!

Day 5

Today I am thankful for family.  I lost my grandmother two months ago, and watching my family draw close and lean on each other in order to get through this has been amazing.  Who are you thankful for today?

Day 4

This literally happened to me five minutes ago.   Talk about a blessing from God to brighten up my day!  I'm always thankful for extra cash :)

Day 3

I am grateful for clean water. It's easy to take for granted clean, running water that's available to us every single day!

Day 2

Well, I accidentally skipped a day...  I feel very disappointed with myself haha.  Oh well!  So today is Day 2 instead of 3 of my Thankfulness Challenge, and I am thankful for BACON. My dinner salad turned into a game of "eat the lettuce to find the yummy bacon chunks!"  It was great.  Yay bacon.

 

Day 1

I am thankful for FALL WEATHER!  I'm excited for boots and scarves, coffee on cold, gray days and Christmas shopping :)

Dream Big

I found an old journal on my shelf tonight.  I used to scribble in it when spending time with God. There were entries as old as ten years, and I was shocked by the fearless words of a younger me.  There were letters written to God expressing devotion and trust and excitement about His plans for my life.  There were also drawings on every page, a hobby of mine that has recently fallen to the wayside.  I realized it's time to get passionate about the things I love again. 

What's something or someone you love that you haven't been making time for?  What killed your creativity or your passion?  It's time to find it again.  Go after your dreams courageously!


P.S. I have put off starting this blog over and over because I was afraid of not doing it the perfect way.  My wise mother reminded me that waiting for perfection is silly considering there's no perfect human being.  Don't be afraid of imperfection.  JUST DON'T BE AFRAID.  Don't let anything or anyone stop you from pursuing what's in your heart.  Don't hesitate; just go for it. 

Love,
Rachel