Simple Graces

As kids, my siblings and I would fight over the turkey wishbone. It was a treat to offer one end to my sister while I pulled on the other. The wishbone would break and whoever got the biggest portion got to make a wish that was sure to come true.

Tomorrow is another wishbone day. But this year, I won't dive across the table and fight my son or my nephew for it. I'm much too grown up for that...sort of.

This year I have dreams as always, but I am putting the wishes aside to such say THANKS. Thanks, Jesus, for all You've given me.

I ran across a great quote:

Be thankful for the smallest blessing, and you will receive greater. Value the least gifts no less than the greatest, and simple graces as especial favors. If you remember the dignity of the Giver, no gift will seem small or mean, for nothing can be valueless that is given by the Most High God.
Thomas a' Kempis 1380-1471

I am thankful for John and Noah. I am so blessed by my family and friends.

But right now I want to take a moment and be thankful for the simple graces, the little gifts in my life that add to my existence.

A huge bathtub
People magazine
Coffee in the morning
Blueberry Blossom tea at Starbucks
The Colorado Sky
Books, books, books
An author I just discovered that cracks me up - David Sedaris
The Sunday New York Times Crossword
Facebook
My car
New Appliances that work - Yay!
A cell phone I still haven't lost
My condo
Pillows that are not too soft or too hard - Yep Goldilocks pillows!
Panera
Good conversations - the ones that make me think or feel
The absolute joy of creativity and writing
Kleenex
That thing that holds drinks in cars
Candles that smell good but don't overpower
Reading glasses
Dancing with the Stars
Lost
The Academy Awards
AMC weekend matinees that only cost $5
Barnes and Noble
Pain that grows me (um...yea...I am thankful)

Thank you Jesus!

Do you have any you want to add that you are thankful for? I'd love to hear them.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Go ahead...Make your own list!

I am thankful today. It’s not the fourth Thursday in November. No near death experiences that have made me grateful to be alive. I am just thankful.

So today, on the old blog, I am going to make a gratitude list. Hopefully you will get nudged in your heart and make your own. It opens up sunshine in dark skies and gives perspective when you can’t see farther than your own nose.

Here goes:

John’s peace – My husband’s temperament and trust in God come together to form this wonderful rock for me to lean on when my emotional mind twirls in circles.

Noah’s joy – His laughter is the best sound. The best.

Scooby’s loyalty – He likes me, he really likes me! :0)

Summer – the warmth, the sun, the chance to have the windows open all day.

Phil, Lory and Hunter – I get to live near some family. I am blessed.

Perry and fam and Karen and fam – my other sibs are just a call away.

Sarah, my stepdaughter – just cause she is who she is.

JoJo and Nanny – the most consistent givers I have ever met!

My writing friends who guide me, cheer for me and encourage me to write for an
Audience of One.

New friends – Denver friends!

Old friends – San Diego friends.

Lory and the Monday night Beth Moore Bible study – I have learned so much the last 10 weeks or so on how to guard my heart and keep it healthy for God.

Jubilee Fellowship Church and Pastor John Leech – I am so blessed to go to a church that serves up a banquet of spiritual food every week.

Moments of total joy this summer while hanging out with Noah.

Moments that taught me patience and perseverance this summer while
hanging out with Noah.

Good health. YES!

A car that runs.

A big wonderful bathtub.

My laptop.

Creativity and writing.

An agent who is pulling for me!

The joy of just being me.

And of course, not to sound too Sunday School-ish – Jesus! I cannot imagine a life without my Best Friend, my Lord, my Savior, the One who guides, my Rock, my Deliverer, my Redeemer, God of all Grace!

So there you have it! I am thankful.

Did you feel a nudge?

Go ahead and jot down a list and watch your heart grow two sizes bigger.