The Gift of Gratitude

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 9:1)

This year, y'all. It had some of the most unbelievable highest of highs and some of the lowest lows, too.

But overall, just wow.

Earlier this year, I started something new.

I had purchased the cutest little pink planner (complete with a tassle & all), prior to switching from a paper planning to using Google Cal (game changer, y'all. For someone who used a paper planner consistently for almost 20 years, that's big!)

I didn't want it to go to waste and got creative. The planner became a gratitude journal.

At the Creative at Heart Conference, Nancy Ray spoke about the discipline of gratitude. (Great phrase, is it not)? And that's exactly what happened for me over this past year (and maybe, will become part of your 2020 and beyond!).

Each day, I listed 3 things I was thankful for. And did it every day this past year. And it was one of the best things I did. You are filled with joy twice to treasure what happened in the moment and as you reflect back on it.

"What you focus on expands, and when you focus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it." - Oprah

There was a point in the spring where I was outlining my 3 items for the day and noticed how many more pages were to come. And I was so totally overcome my the love of God. I knew,

without a doubt, that He was going to faithfully include sweet joys every single day for the rest of the year. He can do more than we ask or imagine.

If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

Friend.. what if you lived with that mindset? Resting in the fact that God will show you so much love, not just over this year but ALWAYS. All you need to do is look for it.

One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. (Psalm 145:4-7)