It is a good and delightful thing to give thanks to the Lord...

I was wondering today if perhaps there are people out there who read my blog and just assume that I post these weekly gratitude lists because I'm just an upbeat, half glass full type person.  Yes, I'm an optimist, but I too battle days when it would be easier to grumble than to be grateful.  I think that's, unfortunately, a common human condition.  (God showed us that clearly in the book of Exodus-no matter how many miracles God did for them, those people were constantly complaining!) The reason I keep a gratitude journal and post my list here each week is twofold.  First of all, the daily discipline of keeping a gratitude journal is my way to fight that human tendency to grumble and complain.  I want to be a person who's first response is gratitude, not grumbling.  That only happens by making gratitude a habit.  Secondly, I want to publicly give thanks for God's blessings in my life.  He deserves my public praise.

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Since 2009 I've been counting my blessings thanks to the prompting of Ann Voskamp.

 I continue to count my thanks

piling up gratitude day by day

in my journal.

(and capturing some of my blessings via my camera or iPhone)

#10,810-#10,834

3-5-18-

-three year old grandson so excited and sweet to give me a "flower"

-bittersweet-the grandkids back home after four days with us-the house is quiet and clean again

-God's provision-He is always faithful!

3-6-18-

-my morning quiet time

-a day of rest after coughing much of the night

-youngest grandson's sweet smile, funny giggles, and chubby baby thighs

3-7-18-

-pink sunrise

-"You're my favorite grown-up, Nana!" 

(my three year old's grandson's respond when I tell him he's my favorite three year old)

-lunch and antiquing with a friend

-a new coffee cup

3-8-18-

-all of today's to-do list done!

-a walk between rain showers

-branches full of buds that the neighbor pruned off their tree

3-9-18-

-a beautiful day for a drive to Kirkland

-our favorite teriyaki eaten by the lake

-a fun Friday date day off and getting out of town

3-10-18-

-a slow lazy morning while my husband is at a conference

-God bringing new relationships into our lives

-enjoying a bit of pampering

-the sunset on the drive home

-the branches on our table all in bloom when we got home

3-11-18-

-wonderful worship and presence of God

-God is at work in us!

-another sunny, warm day

-more getting rid of excess-so freeing!

still following,