and I'm thankful for...

"We ought to give thanks for all fortune: it is good, because it is good, if bad, because it works in us patience, humility and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country" --C.S. Lewis

there is truly so much to be thankful for. i was a little discouraged as i looked over previous posts, and reviewed the direction of my journal entries over the past couple of months, only to find that i have been quite the negative person. i in no way purpose to view life in a glass half empty sort of way, nor do i see myself as someone who dwells in the turmoil of life rather than the joys. i do however, stand convicted. my heart has been far from joy and gratitude. i cannot blame circumstances. circumstances don't determine my feelings and responses. i always have the ability to choose how i will respond/deal with what befalls me, or what i walk into.

thanksgiving reminds us to be grateful, to give thanks. i think we tend to get really general with our thanks, but this year i want to get really specific about it, so as not to gloss over anything. for the next 24 hours or so, with my journal close by, i'm gonna get specific about my gratitude. i think the results will shift those overall negative feelings that have seemed to encompass my thinking and living.

God, guide hearts to You this Thanksgiving. May we remember that we are, all we have that is good and wonderful, is from and of You! You deserve the gratitude and praise. May our hearts beat, may our bodies live, and our souls yearn to offer you praise and thanks!