Gratitude Day 359

Sat., Nov. 9, 2019

Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

The days of peach iced tea are probably over for a while. With winter arriving quick, early and with a presence, I’m thinking hot chocolate will become a more regular drink.

Last night, Rick was curled up on the couch. Have I ever mentioned that he REALLY dislikes winter? Well, he does.

He was covered up in a blanket and informed me that he has no intention of putting the blanket away until April.

Welcome winter.

So, here’s just a few things that have been whirling around in my life these past few days. Maybe something here will inspire you today!

A new Christmas song. Yes, I’ve seen the cartoons about staying in the right lane. October is for Halloween. November is everything Thanksgiving. And then, December welcomes Christmas.

BUT … I ran across a new Christmas song and REALLY want to share it with you. So, if you prefer no Christmas until after Thanksgiving, skip the next portion. If not, read along.

Grammy-winning artist Chris Tomlin released a new Christmas song called “Christmas Day” the beginning of the month. It’s part of a collection of songs that will be released before Christmas. Tomlin says he loves to create new music to worship Jesus.

Here’s the video. Take a listen. Let me know what you think!

If you are looking for an interesting historical fiction book, try The Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani. The book starts in the 1910’s in Italy and takes the reader on a journey from Italy to the United States through the eyes of an Italian boy named Chiro. He eventually becomes a shoemaker in the United States and marries a young gal he met back in Italy who is also in the U.S.

The story is historically based on the author’s grandparents who were from Italy and both moved to the U.S. I did not realize this until after listening to the book. At the very end, the author was interviewed, and she shared the book’s connection to her grandparents.

As I listened to her story, I wished that I would have asked my grandparents more about their early history. While I know some things, I know there is much more that I could have learned.

If you know a person who has an interesting story to tell, go and listen to them! Drag it out of them. Do not let their interesting stores die because no one keep them as part of family history.

Some days are just better than others. And this is OK. Recently, I had a day when I felt in a funk. Nothing seemed to work right. All the things I wanted to get done just never quite got finished. I haven’t been sleeping well and was tired.

It just was king of a rotten day. When Hubby Rick made a joke at dinner, her did not receive the response he was looking for.

I really try to be a positive person. But let’s be real. It’s nearly impossible to always put on a happy face.

Reality is so much more honest. Give yourself permission to be OK. Embrace it.  Accept it. And move on. There is no advantage for me to stay stuck in a difficult spot. One bad day is not a pattern. It’s an oops.

I’m confident today will be a better day. I know this because I will make sure it will be a better day. I will be inspired by the many ways I can express gratitude in my life. I know that

For perspective even on yucky days, expected or unexpected, I am grateful. 

Lord God – be patient with me when I’m having a yucky day. On these days, please keep me focused on all the goodness in my life rather than being discouraged by the challenges. May we always know that you are with me. Amen.  

Blessings –

Dianne

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