The Life-Changing Power of Giving Thanks
This summer I completed the above embroidery. I took it with me on long trips, and I worked on it when we watched or listened to sermons. I listen better when my hands are busy, it seems.
I’m so happy I was able to complete it in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. It’s such a nice reminder to be thankful.
At the beginning of 2015, I started a gratitude journal. Each day I try to remember to jot down at least five things I’m thankful for. Things like our cozy bed, warm sweaters, clean water to drink, the sound of my children laughing, a hot cup of herb tea, and the pattern the sun makes as it filters through the lace curtains in the room. Writing down what I’m thankful for each day has become a pleasant morning ritual.
And more than that, it has been life-changing.
“Being joyful isn’t what makes you grateful. Being grateful is what makes you joyful.” ~Ann Voskamp
When I’m feeling like everything is going wrong, and I might just slip into the depths of despair, I try to make a conscious effort to look for the blessings. Find the things in my life today that I can thank God for. And there are many! It never fails to lift my spirits.
Do you have running water? Indoor plumbing? Central heat? A family? A healthy body? A home? A vehicle or a bicycle? Eyes that see? Then you’ve got something to be thankful for! Maybe you don’t have any of the things I listed above. Maybe you only have one or two of them. Even when everything seems to be discouraging, I’ve always been able to find something to be thankful for. Even the smallest things can inspire joy and gratitude. A hot shower. Paper to write on. The pleasure of reading a book to a child sitting on my lap. The color of the leaves outside.
“Those who are happiest never did have everything. But rather, they are thankful for everything they do have.” ~Unknown
“Being grateful is what makes you joyful. Gratitude in our circumstances is what changes our circumstances.” ~Ann Voskamp
I’ve definitely found it to be true that when I’m grateful life seems better. Even if it’s really not. It’s my attitude about it that changes.
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
~1 Thessalonians 5:18
If you haven’t tried keeping a gratitude/blessings journal yet, I highly recommend it. It might just change your life! Maybe you’d like to make your own simple blessings journal. Several years ago I shared a tutorial for making one here.
I have been keeping these thoughts in mind for several years now. Sometimes I slip up and forget to be thankful for a while but it is always at those times that things start to fall apart in my life. When I remember to be thankful is when I hear the Lord’s voice most clearly.
I know what you mean, I forget sometimes too. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hi Joy!
A few years ago a friend asked me What if tomorrow you woke up with only the things you thanked God for today, what would you have? It’s a simple question but one I gave a lot of consideration and it has changed my outlook in so many ways. Now that I take the time to thank God for all things and not just the “big stuff” I can see a real difference in my relationship with Him. I love the idea of a gratitude journal as a way of reflecting on what God has done in my life. God bless!
P.S. Love the beautiful embroidery!
Hi Connie! That’s such a great question to consider, isn’t it? It really makes me want to live intentionally and full of gratitude! Thanks for stopping by!
I really like the idea of the Thankfulness / Gratefulness / Blessing journal. I spent a week doing that earlier this year and it was very good, useful, uplifting and encouraging. I am not sure why I did not continue to do so.
Thank you for being part of this link-up with me.
I love my gratitude journal—I'm actually amazed that I've been able to remember to keep up with it regularly! I just keep my journal with my Bible and then I remember to do it first thing. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by, April!
Hi Joy, I loved this post. The embroidery is so beautiful! That is something I have wanted to learn for as long as I can remember … I just haven't pushed myself to do it! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂 I also had a special journal in which to list things I'm thankful for … unfortunately I haven't used it lately – partly because we moved and I'm not exactly sure where it is (!) and partly because I got out of the habit. I look forward to finding it and using it regularly. Thank you so much for participating and co-hostessing 😉 this party!
Thank you, Hannah! It took me awhile to get started with embroidery, but once I tried it I was surprised that it's actually pretty simple and it's fun. Thanks so much for coming up with the idea for the link-up party and for inviting me to participate! 🙂
I love the embroidery you did. Especially how the sun peeks out of the top of the frame. I assume you got it from the Clementine Pattern Company? You did a great job of the photos – it makes me want to buy the kit myself! Timely reminder for me to be thankful even when things don't go as I expect.
Thank you, Margaret! Yes, it came from Clementine pattern company. It's the second embroidery project of theirs that I've done. I highly recommend them!
Here's the other one I did: http://www.artfulhomemaking.com/2015/05/recent-craft-projects.html
Thank you for the timely post. Your embroidery is beautiful…makes me want to get my stitch on! Embroidery is such a fun skill and so satisfying when complete.
Blessings, Sarah from VA
So good to hear from you, Sarah! I agree, embroidery is very fun—after completing a project I find it difficult not to start another one. 🙂 Blessings to you!
Oh…that embroidery is beautiful! It captures autumn perfectly! I tried my hand at cross-stitch year ago, but have never done anything quite like that…Maybe someday! 😉 I really enjoyed reading your post. Your gratitude journal sounds lovely. Lately I've been keeping a "beautiful things" journal, that is basically the same thing. It is amazing how taking time to recognize the blessings that we have can make such a big difference in our lives. 🙂
Thank you so much, Joy! The embroidery is really a lot simpler than it looks! 🙂 It was so nice of you to stop by and leave a comment!
I like your embroidery and your thoughts around it! Thank you so much.
Thank you, Jedidja! ♥
Joy…I loved your embroidery. Beautiful. And I, too, keep a grateful journal. I love counting my blessings and reflecting on God's goodness towards us. Thankful to be co-hosting with you. Have a great week.
Thank you, Naomi! I'm happy to be co-hosting with you also. Hope your week is blessed!
I love posts that remind me to be thankful. Thanks for the link-up!
I always appreciate the reminder also! Thanks so much for stopping by!