Day 4 Thankful July 2013

Running-regular readers know how thankful I am for that. It is my go to stress relief, calorie burner and prayer time. I speak with God, discuss my concerns with Him, beg Him, whine to Him and praise Him and His gifts. Sometimes I go over events to happen in my day, prepare my thoughts for the hours ahead. Sometimes I cover thoughts I have already had, moments already experienced. Most days, mixed in there, I do an assessment of how I feel, how my form feels, how fast or slow I'm going. I also notice the nature around me; little bunnies on the path, animals scurrying for cover, and other people out for their run, walk or bike ride. I enjoy seeing and hearing the birds as they chirp and sing, too. I'm thankful to be able to be running.

Grateful

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Day 3 Thankful July 2013

I am so thankful for my home. We moved into it in May of 2000. We had it built and to see it come up from a muddy hole in the ground to where we sit, now, was a fun process. It's funny perspective. We had signed our contract and they broke ground in November of 1999. It seemed like such a long process of choosing things, trimming items so it fit our budget, waiting for bad weather to subside. I was so anxious to move in. Then once we did, the school district said our daughter would be going to a different elementary school than we thought for kindergarten. I was so frustrated; she would have to be bussed past three other elementary schools to get to her school. I fumed. I called principals, etc. Turned out to be a blessing. My sister in law worked there, and our daughter had a very caring staff at her school. And two years later a school was built just a block from our home. It all worked out fine. I'm thankful for the neighborhood that surrounds our home. We have so many kind neighbors, trees and nature that I love. It's hard to believe we have lived in this home for 13 years.

Day 2 Thankful July 2013

So thankful for my husband and girls. So thankful God put us together as a family to go through this life with. I am so thankful they were "easy" girls thus far, and I hope they continue to be. They live out our values daily. Our home is thankfully filled with laughter, often. My husband causes me to chuckle frequently-with him not at home... mostly. :) So thankful he makes me laugh, works hard for his family and listens when I need him. They are my dearest friends and family in this home.

Thirty Days to a Grateful Heart

Going through some old posts as I cleaned out my google reader. This post about being grateful popped up. I thought about it and think I will try it. I have felt as if my heart could burst these last few days-more than normal. We got our oldest registered for her college classes at her orientation. It was so bittersweet. I am so grateful that she is so ready and so nervous-I'm a worrier. I am sure she will be able to handle it all, but I worry about her safety. I am so grateful for my other daughter who is tackling this adjustment heading to high school well, as well. She started optional conditioning for cross country today and was all smiles. :) My husband is a great supporter and cheerleader-reminding me that it isn't a bad thing to let go a little... Which is really hard.. Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you're going to live your life. -Joel Osteen