Practicing Gratefulness

It's been a hard summer, but tonight I want to dwell on God's blessings, especially those within the last week. Why?

Because He commands it: "...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Th. 5:18). And because in this difficult season, I can still see his goodness to me. So, here goes:

I am grateful that I was able to help move Hope into her freshman dorm at North Greenville University last Friday. She's got a heart for Jesus and a passion to take the harder path, and I'm proud of her.

I am grateful that the whole family was part of the move! What a fun day--especially since it's Faith and I's Alma mater as well.



I am grateful that I got to enjoy a visit and dinner with my Granny on my way back to the mountain. Dinner consisted of western North Carolina BBQ (i.e., not vinegar based), hushpuppies, and good conversation :)

I am grateful for my parents' quiet and consistent obedience on the mountain and their quiet and consistent love for me.

I am grateful for my roommate--her food experiments (that I get to sample), her wisdom, her perspective on singleness, her encouragement in food/exercise discipline, and even her rants. This week has been a lot of fun. Check her out here :)

I am grateful for 90 calorie Snickers Ice Cream Bars. Sometimes the smallest pleasures mean so much. Especially when you are counting your calories and pushing a stroller around the mall just to get some exercise in!

I am grateful that Faith is coming to spend the night with me tomorrow. Even though she's coming for other reasons, I'm really glad I'll get to see her for a little while. She's become such a disciplined, focused, beautiful young woman and I'm so proud she's my sister. Oh, and she has a fun food blog too.

I could continue, but I'll save those for my prayers tonight. May God bless you with eyes to see His good gifts in the same way....