The list

1000.  The number seems taunting at first.  Could I really find 1000 things in my life to be thankful? Some days the thankfulness comes so easy.  Everything is sunshine and daisies. 

·         Watching my five year old play with Barbies

·         Listening to Pandora worship station at work

·         Watching the Passion Conference online

·         Lunch with my daughter

Other days the thanks has to be dug for like a buried treasure.  I know it is there, but I cannot see it at first glance.  It is taking time to be quiet (my word for the year)  and to think of the things that are blessing my heart.

·         Second chances

·         New starts at a fresh week

·         Letting go of resentment

·         Feeling better after being ill

This counting has been a healing balm to my spirit.  A healing that I did not realize that I needed. 

I recently finished reading Kisses from Katie and as I read of her life in Uganda, and the lives of those where she lives I realize that I have so much.  So stinking much to be thankful for yet sometimes I choose ingratitude.  Counting continually reminds me of the Giver of all good gifts.  The little journal that sits on the end table waiting for me to add gifts to it beckons me to add to the list.  Once I start the list grows and grows.   But I have to choose to start.  Consider joining Ann with her January list to get you started. 

A mini-revival

 Image http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/homegrown_hospitality/

I love formulas.  Not necessarily the mathematical sort but the “if X  then Y” sort.  If I do this then this will happen.  If my attitude is this then the outcome will be such.  I love the idea that there is predictability.  Control.  I am fooling myself.

I live in a home with six other people.  As much as I would like it to be different, I have no control over them.  Yes, I can make consequences, but I cannot control.  And I really don’t think it is in their or my best interest if I do the controlling anyways.  But at times I want to know the outcome.  If I teach gratitude my children will be grateful.  If I value cleanliness my children will pick up after themselves.  If I make them well balanced meals my family will be healthy.  If my children see me value church and the Lord they will also.  If I pray enough in the morning I will have a blessed day.  If I am nice enough then my relationships will all go well (for me). 

What I do have control over is me.  My attitude, my response, my actions.  And that. Is. It.

I feel my Spirit is in a sort of revival.  I have a new desire for Scripture memory.  For journaling during quiet time.  A hunger to know more of Him.  To encourage others.  To give grace frivolously.  Because if grace is undeserved then why shouldn’t it be given frivolously?  I want to receive that kind from Him.  And I want to give that to others.

Word for 2012

Quiet

What are my hopes for 2012?

Quiet.

Quiet my mouth.  Be careful what I say and use the KNT (Kind Necessary True) rule.  So much of my opinion is really not needed nor does it do any good in encouraging others.   I want to give grace frivolously.   This video was very convicting to my heart.  How much grace is enough?  I guess that depends on whether you are giving or recieving.

Quiet my spirit.  My life is busy.   That is not going to change.  What I am learning is that I can quiet my spirit no matter where I am or what is going on.  It is my choice.  It happens inside my heart and peace envelopes.  I have been practicing this lately and what a difference it makes.  I have to say I have also failed miserably at times and that is OK too.  I will just keep practicing because it brings a beautiful peace.

“Be still and know that I AM God.”

I have really enjoyed this Christmas break.  I have checked so many things off my to-do list.  I have spent time listening to music, crafting, reading, sewing, and drawing.  All those things make me slow down, think and process.  I need to do that more.  It is healthy for all involved.

 Time with God needs to be a priority.  Quality time to journal.  Time to meditate on His Word.  I am taking the challenge to memorize and meditate on the book Colossians.  I am fearful that I will fail and give up but I am going to start and I am going to try.   

Quiet my appetites.  Appetites for things that are not good for me. Foods that are of no benefit and eaten too often.   Appetites for things that are not needed yet desired.  Appetites for stuff that 6 months from now will end up at Goodwill or broken.  Appetites to surf Pinterest aimlessly just because it is endless and the next great find might be just a click away.  Appetite to surf Facebook for a bit of information that I really don’t need to know that will only feed my appetite for judgment. 

Quiet.

Happy New Year!  May 2012 bring you many blessings.