Overwhelming Gratitude

We received a Christmas card, on Christmas Eve, from Dear Friends, who I have known since I was a little girl.  It was so nice to hear from them, but most of all, the handwritten note is what meant so much to me.  She had gotten our Christmas photo card in the mail showing our many Blessings.  She told me that she is currently reading a book called "364 Days of Thanksgiving".  It's a devotional, and the goal of the Author is to spur "overwhelming gratitude, which leads to overwhelming generosity".  The secret, he says, to overwhelming gratitude is :  open your eyes.  My Friend said:  "You two have done that and your faces show it.  "Godliness with contentment is great gain."  God is good!"  It meant so much to me to have someone who knew me in my childhood/teenage years, and knows my struggle with depression, see in my eyes and face, that we are grateful and content.  I truly am!  I couldn't ask for more.  Well, OK, I'd gladly have my depression taken away....but other than that....Life is Good!  We are so blessed!  We have each other, our new home, and our precious Mookie boy, but most of all, we have a Savior who will never leave us!  I've found that my contentment comes from God and from realizing His many blessings to me.  Of course it took me years of hard times to be able to get to this point, but I am truly content.  God has Blessed us!  I pray that you can find contentment in your life, and are able to see your Blessings, even in the midst of hard times.  Life is tough, but God is Faithful! :-)

Merry Christmas! :-)

Gratitude For God's Gifts of Love to Me - Week 7

My Year of Thanks

May 1st - May 7th, 2015

 

May 1st

1. Mexican food and a nice walk with Carey.
2. I got to deliver clothes to Debbie for Tyler, from Carey's boys.
3. My Husband had beautiful, bright and cheery flowers waiting for me when I got home.

May 2nd

1. Seeing my Sister Pam graduate with her Masters Degree.
2. Warm weather.
3. Being "Heiman Strong" with Family and eating at Red Lobster.

May 3rd

1. Free Rise & Roll donuts at Church.
2. Technology - being able to make video messages for my Nieces/Nephews.
3. Blueberries (my favorite) were on sale at Meijer.

May 4th

1. A day off work and at home - all to myself.
2. Being the first person to let my friend April know she won Pulse FM's Makeover Monday.
3. Thankful my BIL lives close to a great hospital (Froedert) with Sarcoma Specialists. We don't have any here in South Bend.

May 5th

1. Wonderful, encouraging words from my Friend Carolyn, reaffirming how far I have come and that she is proud of me.
2. Scott & Debbie received lots of good news today! No more lovenox shots and soon no more PICC line!
3. I remembered to make my coffee this morning! :-)

May 6th

1. The weather was nice enough for me to walk outside today! :-)
2. I got a voicemail message from my sweet friend Mary, even though I missed her call.
3. The wonderful and inspiring blog post I read from Jason Tippetts about a 1st since his wife's passing.

May 7th

1. Electricity - I take it for granted often.
2. That we can afford to eat out when the electricity is out.
3. Living close to work - especially when I'm running late for work.



Gratitude For God's Gifts of Love to Me - Week 6

My Year of Thanks!

April 24th - April 30th, 2015

 

April 24th

1. I'm Thankful my BIL's 1st Chemo Treatment went well.
2. I'm Thankful I woke up to a beautiful new pic of my Sister and her Family on FB.
3. I'm Thankful my wonderful Husband cleaned the Apartment Tonight.

April 25th

1. I'm Thankful I got to spend time with Family at my Cousin Katie's Bridal Shower.
2. I'm Thankful my car is ready for my drive to Wisconsin.
3. I'm Thankful for napping in the Afternoon.

April 26th

1. I'm Thankful for a great, comforting, and applicable Church Service.
2. I'm Thankful for yummy Jasmine's Favorite rice dish that I got to eat at Aladdins for Lunch.
3. I'm Thankful I achieved 990 Lifetime Miles with my Fitbit - I've walked the entire length of New Zealand.

April 27th

1. I'm Thankful for a great counseling session with the best Counselor Ever!  He told me I was doing really well!  I needed this validation!
2. I'm Thankful I had a productive day at work.
3. I'm Thankful my Hubby got gas for me so the car is all set for my trip to Wisconsin Tomorrow Evening.

April 28th

1. I'm Thankful I had a safe drive to Wisconsin.
2. I'm Thankful I got to see Chuck and Carey.
3. I'm Thankful that I am off work for the next 6 days - a much needed break.

April 29th

1. I'm Thankful I got to help my Sister with daycare, got to pick things up at the Store for her.
2. I'm Thankful I got to go to Culver's with my Sister and my Nieces and Nephews for their School Fundraiser.
3. I'm Thankful for Laughter in the van this Evening, coming from all 6 of us.

April 30th

1. I'm Thankful that my BIL Scott got to see his girls participate in their track meet Today.
2. I'm Thankful that Starbucks gave me another caramel macchiato for free, after I spilled my Sister's drink in the car.
3. I'm Thankful for Quality time alone with my Nieces and Nephews this Evening.

 

Gratitude For God's Gifts of Love to Me - Week 5

My Year of Thanks!

April 17th - April 23rd, 2015

 

April 17th

1. Thankful for the opportunity to serve Debbie & Scott by creating/running the CaringBridge Website for them.
2. Thankful for a nice walk with my Husband to enjoy the warm weather.
3. Thankful I made it thru the work week after a hard, emotional week in my personal life.

April 18th

1. Thankful for the beauty of nature which we enjoyed at Pokagon State Park Today.
2. Thankful for a delicious meal at Caruso's.
3. Thankful I was 2 lbs down after a rough week.  This was a huge scale and non-scale victory!

April 19th

1. Safe travels home from Angola.
2. Thankful for a bit of relaxation at a coffee shop in Angola.
3. Thankful for free Breakfast at our Hotel.

April 20th

1. I'm So, So Grateful that the Cardioversion worked to get my BIL's heart back into rhythm.
2. Thankful for the technology of texting.  It's a lot easier keeping updated when far away from loved ones.
3. The Blessing of Friends Praying on our behalf.

April 21st

1. I was able to focus better at work Today.
2. I head an Awesome song on the way home from work that excited and comforted me.
3. I'm thankful my Sister's Family has a huge support system both near and far.

April 22nd

1. I'm thankful that I have a Husband who cooks every night. What a Godsend!
2. I'm thankful said Husband set up an oil change appointment so the car is ready for my drive to WI on my days off next week.
3. I'm thankful the snow melted.

April 23rd

1. "The Hardest Peace", A book written by Kara Tippetts - I read half of it this Evening.
2. Meijer MPerks - Helps to save money.
3. Medicine which helps even out my chemical imbalances.





Gratitude For God's Gifts of Love to Me - Week 4

My Year of Thanks!

April 10th - April 16th, 2015

 

Not Gonna Lie!  This was an incredibly hard week to stay grateful!  April 9th we found out that my Brother-in-Law very likely had cancer.  Then on April 15th, we found out he has a very rare form of Sarcoma cancer.  At times I went for days without writing down the 3 things I was grateful for each day.  The important thing, is that I went back and actually wrote 3 things down for each day I missed. I started my "Year of Thankfulness" on March 20th.  Little did I know at that time, how challenging, yet important it would be for me to continue to be grateful, regardless of the circumstances in my life or in the lives of those I love, and no matter how "down" I felt.  God is Good!  All the Time! 

April 10th

1. Cookie Butter
2. Decaf Coffee
3. The Weekend - After a Very Long Week.

April 11th

1. Natural Vitamin D - NOT in the form of a pill!
2. My "baby" Sister Debbie.
3. My 2.4 lb weight loss.

April 12th

1. Shawn Holtgren - He's a great Friend & Encourager to us - Oh, he Married us too!! ;-)
2. The fact that I don't need bifocals.....yet!
3. Great Vision Insurance.

April 13th

1. Weight Watchers low point, yummy ice cream treats.
2. Two hours of Overtime.
3. Sunshine.

April 14th

1. I got our taxes done/filed.
2. We owed less in taxes than we did last year.
3. My Sunrise Simulator.

April 15th

1. My Awesome Friend Mary
2. My Awesome Friend Alice
3. My Awesome Cousin Chad

April 16th

1. My Co-Worker Beth coming back to work, and lightening my work load.
2. "Oh my God, He will not delay, my refuge and strength, Always!" - Great Lyrics from a song that was on the Radio during my drive home from work. Very timely lyrics!
3. Dinner with a Great Friend - We encouraged each other.  What a Blessing!



Gratitude For God's Gifts of Love to Me - Week 3

My Year of Thanks!

April 3rd - April 9th, 2015

 

"The days when it's hardest to be Thankful, are the days when it's most important to be Thankful."

~Me
 

 

April 3rd

 

1. The Greatest Love Story of All - Jesus dying to give us Eternal Life.
2. Greek Yogurt Whips - It's like having dessert - Yummo!
3. Money to buy the groceries - Blessed!  

 

April 4th

 

1. The gift of WW Meetings - For FREE.
2. The gift of green grass.
3. The Free Fitbit I have that motivates me to keep active.

 

April 5th

 

1. The Resurrection - Oh Happy Day!  Thank you Jesus!
2. My Nephew Joey.
3. A delicious Dinner of stuffed chicken breast made by my Sister - Mashed Potatoes too!  Yummo!

 

April 6th

 

1. My Pillow - Can't sleep without it.
2. The great participation in my 4th Annual Walking Challenge.
3. Freshly cut cantaloupe - Yummy!

 

April 7th

 

1. That God has taught me to take responsibility for my life - It's so much more empowering this way!
2. The cart and stool that "closes the kitchen" and keeps me from eating overnight.
3. The walking path at work - so I can get my steps in even if it's cold and rainy outside.

 

April 8th

 

1. My Spring energy - Even after working 2 hours of OT, walking, and doing yoga - I'm not completely exhausted!
2. Flavored drops - They help me drink the water my body needs.
3. My Spoonk acupressure mat - It helps me relax and fall asleep, eases my stress/anxiety levels, and relieves tension in my upper back/shoulders.

 

April 9th

 

1. Kelly - My dear "Mom" in the Milwaukee area. 
2. Jen - My wonderful friend who comes to my Wednesday Night Small Group.
3. Hope - Given to me thru Christ! No Matter what struggles we go thru, God is there, and everything will be OK.

 

Gratitude For God's Gifts of Love to Me - Week 2

My Year of Thanks!

March 27th - April 2nd, 2015

 

  

March 27th

1. Starbucks - A place to splurge & treat ourselves to yummy goodness every now & then.
2. A paid day off of work - not everyone gets those.
3. Clear weather for our drive to the land of cheese.

March 28th

1. Weight Watchers - It truly has changed our lives and our relationships with food.
2. Budget Cinemas - Where 6 of us could see "Annie" for $12.00.
3. The Blessing of Quality Time with Lexi, Hannah, Tyler, & Myles, our thoughtful & extremely grateful Nieces & Nephews.

March 29th

1. My St. Marcus Friends who still treat me like a part of their Church Family.
2. A safe & uneventful drive home from the Land of Cheese.
3. My heating pad, which helps to relax me & help me fall asleep.

March 30th

1. My Packer Blanket that my Mom made me for our Wedding Shower - it keeps me warm.
2. My "Sister" Sarah - We haven't met in person, but she is a positive influence in my life and I knew her Dad, so I know she's a Strong & Good Person.
3. My Friend Kathy who thought of me when she found a steal deal on rubber stamps, and bought them not knowing if I would want them or not, and was going to return them if I didn't want them.  I do want them! :-)

March 31st

1. The Flylady, who taught me that anyone can do anything for 15 minutes.  I set my timer for 15 minutes to start a seemingly overwhelming task, and in 15 minutes, it's done
2. Pandora - So I can listen to Christian Contemporary Music/80's Music/Etc - all day at work.
3. Longer days - Today was the last day I used my light box for the Season!

April 1st

1. For being outside Today with no coat, with short sleeves, and NOT being Cold!  That hasn't happened since September of last Year!
2. My Small Group Ladies, and how Real, and Open, and Honest we can be with each other.
3. Pulse FM on my TV - Positive, Uplifting, Encouraging Music!

April 2nd

1. I'm Thankful for the Perfect work hours for my body clock - 9:45am - 6:00pm.
2. Electricity - Where would I be without indoor light in the evenings?
3. Indoor Plumbing - Can you tell I'm not a camper?

 

                                                                                                            

Gratitude For God's Gifts of Love to Me - Week 1

My Year of Thanks!

March 20th - March 26, 2015

 

 

March 20th

1. My Godson & Nephew Gregory
2. Spring/New Beginnings
3. Laughter

March 21st

1. Sunshine
2. My working legs
3. My Determined Mom who is a Fighter

March 22nd

1. Healthy, comfort food Mac & Cheese
2. God's Amazing Grace for Me
3. Strength to lose and maintain weight even thru depression

March 23rd

1. Incredible Health Insurance
2. My Wonderful Husband
3. Eucalyptus Spearmint Scented Stress Relief Candle (very relaxing)

March 24th

1. A warm place to live
2. Music that touches my heart and soul
3. The opportunity to work overtime

March 25th

1. My positive and encouraging Friend Holly - We've been Friends for 7 Years!
2. A relaxing evening in the apartment, all by myself (breaking out in song here)
3. My pretty recliner which helps me relax

March 26th

1. Hot showers in the Morning
2. Coffee!  Nuff said!
3. The peaceful sound of birds chirping when I walk out of the apartment in the Morning

My Year of Thankfulness Starts Tomorrow!

The Small Group That I Facilitate every other Wednesday Evening started a Study by Ann Voskamp last Evening.  It is a Study based on her book "One Thousand Gifts - A Dare To LIVE FULLY Right Where you Are."  She encourages us to make a "Gift List" to count the ways Jesus Loves Us.  Tonight I decided that I am going to write down 3 things each day that I am Thankful for.  What better time to start this than when I am in the middle of a depressive episode!  "There is hope and transformative power in counting our blessings and naming the good gifts of God--because we encounter the power of God Himself in our lives.  If you want to discover the rhythms of grace, joy, and true thankfulness, count the gifts God has given and the ones He is giving you at this very moment."

 

I love the quote below!  Wow!  I never thought of it this way before, but it makes perfect sense.  If I'm afraid, then I'm really fearing that He doesn't love me.  His love never ends, it's just my thought patterns change.

 



I can't think of a more perfect day than the first day of Spring (March 20th, 2015), to start my Year of Thankfulness.  I will write down 3 things each day (yes that will come to 1,095 things I'm Thankful for when March 19th, 2016 arrives, but can we ever be TOO Thankful?), that I am Thankful for.  Once a week I will write a blog (at the end of the week) discussing the 21 things I am Thankful for that week.

I am SO Excited to start this Journey and to Study this Book with my Small Group Friends.

I may have depression, but I won't let depression have me!

"God is Good and I am Always Loved" ~ Ann Voskamp