Sunday Morning Reflections -

In the midst of my circumstances I have a heart filled with gratitude today for many things....
a good nights sleep even though hubby was at work all night; friends whom I love and who love me; my sweet (naughty) puppy; our family; the singing birds; cool air after awesome heat yesterday; our old (180 years) house with it's creaky boards; crooked doorways, and slanted floors; sitting in the quietness - and KNOWing that my Gracious Heavenly Father is right here with me!

Can it get any better than this?
Not for me it can't.

Sometimes I dream of having the energy I had as a 40 year old; of being pain free every day; of a brand new, totally finished house; of a not-so-naughty puppy; ...
but those things mean nothing because I have Jesus!
Hallelujah!

HE has been teaching me over the years to develop a heart of gratitude.... what a difference this has made in my life - the way I perceive and view things. How thankful I am that He has changed my heart!

Author Tommy Newberry says "Gratitude is a conviction, a practice, and a discipline. it is an essential nutrient, a kind of spiritual amino acid for human growth, creativity, and joy." He also states that it is "a feeling, a capacity, and a choice."

feeling - sense of joy an dappreciation
capacity - a learned skill of discovery
choice - a conscious, deliberate action to focus on the blessings of life.

Whoa! A CHOICE??????? you might ask.... YES! A CHOICE!!!!!!! You can choose to be grateful - this means you take your focus off of the past or present negative and you focus on the present blessings of your life. What a difference this has made in me and in my life!

This is one of my Life Verses! and it tells me that to think on such thinks is MY Choice! I love it!!!!
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Philippians 4:8

I'll leave you with another quote... from Thomas Meston
"To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything he has given us and he has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of his love. Every moment of existence is a grace for it brings with it immense graces from him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God for the grateful person knows that God is good not by hearsay but by experience and that is what makes all the difference.

As I write and read these words I am thinking of how I can show my gratitude today - I pray you are too.
Here are a few suggestions for you:
- before you go to sleep at night list 5 things you are thankful for - better yet, start a gratitude journal and write them down!
- send a note to a co-worker thanking them for a job well done.
- leave little thank-you notes around the house for family
- write a note of encouragement to someone who would never expect it from you
- at mealtime with family - discuss things each one is grateful for.

And the list goes on!

Praying for HIS rich blessings to fall on you today; and in the midst of LIFE may you find HIS peace and grace, and develop a heart of thankfulness and gratitude.
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie